How to reduce the font in SMS on Xiaomi: from system settings to hidden chips MIUI

Type size in SMS-Xiaomi smartphones often cause discomfort: too large letters occupy the entire screen, interfering with the perception of dialogue, and small text causes eye strain. Unlike standard messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram, where the text scale is configured in two clicks, the system application Messages on the Internet. MIUI But the problem is solvable, and not one way.

In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of reducing the font in SMS on Xiaomi, from the basic settings of the system to the little-known tricks with ADB and third-party applications. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI (from 12 to 14) and smartphone models โ€“ from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 13. If you are tired of giant letters in dialogue or, on the contrary, want to make the text more compact for ease of reading, here you will find a solution for your task.

1. Change font size through MIUI system settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI tools to zoom text, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones, but has a limitation: it changes the font size throughout the system, not just in SMS. If you like it, follow the instructions:

  1. Open the Settings โ†’ Screen.
  2. Select Text Size (or Text Size in older versions of MIUI).
  3. Move the slider to the left to reduce the font, the minimum value is 80% of the standard.
  4. Click Ready and confirm the changes.

โš ๏ธ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 If, after zooming in, the layout in other applications can be lost. If, after reducing the font in Messages, the text in Chrome or Instagram has become unreadable, return the slider 100% and try alternative methods from this article.

Check the current version of MIUI (Settings โ†’ About Phone)

Take a screenshot of the current screen settings

Make sure in Settings โ†’ Special. features โ†’ Font size is not activated separate mode

Restart your smartphone after changes for correct use-->

This method is universal, but not perfect: it affects all applications, not just SMS. If you need to reduce the font only in messages, read on.

2.Use of MIUI design themes to adjust font

MIUI allows you to set custom themes that can include your own fonts, some themes are specifically optimized for compact text display.

  1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
  2. In the search bar, type a small font or compact font request.
  3. Choose your favorite topic (pay attention to ratings and reviews: ๐Ÿ”น Minimal UI โ€” minimalist theme with reduced font. ๐Ÿ”น Compact Text โ€“ Specialized on compact text in messages. ๐Ÿ”น Dark Mode Small is a dark theme with small print.

Apply

โš ๏ธ Note: Not all topics work well with the latest versions MIUI 14. if, after the application of the subject in SMS The font has not changed, and the interface began to glittle โ€“ return the standard theme in the settings.

System settings

MIUI themes

Third-party annexes

ADB-team

None of the above.-->

The advantage of this method is the ability to fine-tune the appearance, including the color scheme and style of the icons, but the dependence on third-party themes means that after the MIUI update, they may stop working.

Third-party SMS-type-tune

If the built-in Messages app doesn't suit, you can use alternatives from Google Play. Most of them allow you to flexibly adjust font size, notification style, and even color schemes.

AnnexType settingPlusesCons
Textra SMS10pt to 30pt, separately for incoming/outgoingFast, free, support for themesAdvertising in the free version
QKSMSSlider 80%-150%, custom fontsOpen source, without advertisingLess intuitive interface
Pulse SMSFixed sizes (S/M/L), color themesSynchronization between devicesFees paid

To transfer SMS from a standard application to a new one:

  1. Install the selected messenger from Google Play.
  2. At the first start, allow access to messages and contacts.
  3. In the new application settings, find the item Import Messages (or Data Transfer).
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen. Some models (Redmi 9, POCO X3) may require manual port confirmation.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before removing the standard Messages application, make sure that the new application correctly accepts SMS. Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) can send service messages only to the system messenger.

Important: On smartphones with MIUI 13+ third-hand SMS-The system can continue to duplicate notifications in the standard messenger. To disable this, go to Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Communications โ†’ Notifications and deactivate the option to Show notifications.

4. editing configuration files via ADB (for advanced)

If none of the previous methods worked, you can manually change the font settings in the system files. ADB-commands, but gives maximum control, suitable only for users with unlocked bootloader or root rights.

Instructions:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your computer (you can download from the official website of Android Developers).
  2. Activate USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI Version (click 7 times), then go back to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For Developers โ†’ Debugging on USB.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command in the terminal: adb shell settings put system font_scale 0.85 Here. 0.85 โ€” scale ratio (can be specified from 0.8 before 1.3).
  4. Reset the device.
What if the ADB canโ€™t see the device?
1. Check if Xiaomi drivers are installed USB Drivers on PC. 2. Try another one USB-cable (original from charging may not support data transfer). 3. In the developer settings, activate Debugging by USB (security settings) and confirm PC permission. 4. Switch the connection mode from Charging to File Transfer (MTP).

โš ๏ธ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures if you change the parameter. font_scale The interface is unreadable, return the value to 1.0 Same team, some firmware (MIUI EU or custom builds) this method may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

5. Hidden developer settings for fine-tuning

MIUI has hidden parameters that allow you to control the display of text more precisely, and they are not officially documented, but they work on most devices:

  1. Activate Developer Mode (as in the previous section).
  2. Go to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For developers.
  3. Find the points: ๐Ÿ”ง Minimum width (set the minimum width) 360dp compact-display). ๐Ÿ”ง Screen density (default 480, reducing the value will make the entire interface smaller). ๐Ÿ”ง Windows animation (does not affect the font, but speeds up the interface).

After the changes, restart the device.

These parameters affect DPI (pixels per inch), which indirectly reduces the font size.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Redmi Note 11: density 440, minimum width 380dp.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi 12 Pro: 460 density, minimum width 390dp.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ POCO X4 Pro: density 420, minimum width 370dp.

๐Ÿ’ก

Changing the DPI affects all interface elements, not just the font. If the icons or buttons become too small after setting up, return the standard values.

6. Features for different versions of MIUI and models

MIUI firmware is regularly updated, and the methods of font customization may vary, and the following are current data for popular versions and devices:

MIUI version / ModelWorking methodsLimitations
MIUI 14 (all models)System settings, themes, ADBThere is no separate font setting for SMS
MIUI 12.5 (Redmi 9, POCO M3)System settings, third-party applicationsADB may require root
MIUI EU (Castom Firmware)All methods, including editing build.propRisk of loss of guarantee
Xiaomi 13 UltraTopics, ADB, Developer SettingsSystem settings of the font are limited

On devices with MIUI for POCO (e.g., POCO F4 GT), the option Improved Message Read Mode is sometimes available, which reduces the font in dialogs, but only activates when dark theme is turned on.

If your model is not listed in the table, check the version of MIUI in Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI Version. To clarify the compatibility of a particular method, write the version in the comments - we will complete the article.

7. Alternative solutions: from screen enlargement to resetting settings

If none of these methods worked, consider these options:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset screen settings: Go to Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Reset the screen settings. This will return the standard display settings, but will not affect personal data.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Full screen: Some applications (e.g. Google Messages) can enable immersive mode through the developer settings (Settings) โ†’ For developers โ†’ Full screen mode).
  • ๐Ÿ” Checking for updates: In new versions MIUI Sometimes they add separate settings to SMS. Update the firmware in Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Updating the system.

๐Ÿ’ก

On smartphones with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) Reducing font in a dark theme visually increases battery life by reducing pixel backlight.

If the problem persists, it may be due to a firmware error, in which case:

  1. Clean the Messages app cache (Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management โ†’ Messages โ†’ Clear the cache).
  2. Remove app updates (if it has been updated through Google Play).
  3. Reinstall the firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (for power users only).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up the font in SMS on Xiaomi

Can you reduce the font only in SMS without affecting other applications?
In the standard Messages app, there is no such function. Alternatives: Use third-party messengers (Textra, QKSMS). Set theme with small print (not always working) on some firmware (MIUI EU) file can be edited system_fonts.xml manually (requires root).
After changing the font through ADB, the text became blurry. How do I fix it?
This is due to incorrect scaling. Return the standard value with the command: adb shell settings put system font_scale 1.0 If the blur is left, try: Change the screen density in the developer settings to the standard one (480). Reboot the device. Clear the system launcher cache (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Launcher โ†’ Clear the cache).
My Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn't have text size in the settings. What do I do?
On older versions of MIUI (up to 12), this item may be called: Open Settings โ†’ Screen โ†’ Text Scale. If that's not the case, try the Settings path โ†’ Additional โ†’ Font. On MIUI 11 and below, you may need to activate the developer mode to access the font settings. If nothing helps, use ADB or third-party apps.
Will resetting screen settings delete my SMS?
No, resetting screen settings only affects display parameters (brightness, font, scale). Your messages, contacts and files will remain intact. However, for reliability, we recommend backing up: Open Messages โ†’ โ‹ฎ (menu) โ†’ Settings โ†’ Backup. Choose to backup and save the file to Mi Cloud or memory card.
Can I change the font in SMS to Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, there are ways to avoid ADB and PC: Use system font settings (affects all applications); Set a small font theme through the Themes app; go to a third-party messenger (Textra, QKSMS); some models have a change in the density of the screen in the developer settings; if you want to set up accurately for SMS only, it is difficult to do without a computer.