How to bring the classic MIUI interface back to Xiaomi: 3 working ways

Modern versions of Xiaomi’s MIUI are often criticized for over-animation, advertising, and radical design changes. Many users are nostalgic for the classic MIUI 8-11 interface, which was more minimal, menu-ready, and lacked intrusive elements. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to bring back the system’s familiar look, from official themes to manual patching of system files.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of installing a classic theme on Xiaomi, including:

• 🎨 Official application of topics through the themes MIUI (rootless)
• 📱 Installation APK classic-run (MIUI 10/11)
• 🔧 Manual editing of system files through ADB (advanced)
• ⚠️ Possible risks and how to avoid them

Each method is suitable for different MIUI versions (from MIUI 12 to HyperOS) and user training levels, and choose the best option based on your smartphone model and willingness to experiment.

1. Method: Official MIUI themes (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Themes app. Xiaomi stores many classic styles in its database, including imitations of older versions of MIUI. This method does not require superuser rights and is suitable for all models on MIUI 12+ and HyperOS.

How it works:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Classic tab or type in search queries: 🔍 MIUI 10 or MIUI 11 🔍 Retro or Old School 🔍 Minimal or Flat Design

Apply

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all interface elements will change (for example, the notification bar and settings often remain new).
• ❌ Some topics may contain advertising or paid items.
• ❌ Widgets and system applications (Camera, Phone) do not change.

💡

If the theme is not available, try changing the region in your Mi Account. For example, the themes for MIUI Global and MIUI China are different.

2. Method: Installation of APK Classic Launchers

For a deeper change in the interface can be installed APK-file-file MIUI 10/11. This method allows you to return the usual menu of apps, icons and animations, but requires permission to install from unknown sources.

Step-by-step:

Download the launcher APK (e.g. MIUI Launcher 10.4.1.8) from a trusted source |Allow APK installation in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications | Backup the current launcher (optional) |Reboot the smartphone after installation

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Where to download APK:

Important: Installing third-party launchers can lead to:

• 🔄 Conflicts with system updates (launcher may be reset).
• 🚫 Failure of certain gestures (e.g. swipe up for menus).
• ⚠️ Loss of HyperOS functions (if you use a new firmware).

Method 3: Manual editing of system files (ADB)

For high-risk users, there is a method of direct editing system files via ADB. This allows you to change the theme at the framework-res.apk and other system components level, but requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights (or temporary access via ADB).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools and Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 Smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap; then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (for some models).

The main commands to replace themes:

adb pull /system/framework/framework-res.apk # Download the current file

Edit the file in HEX- editor (e.g., replace the icon colors)



adb push framework-res.apk /system/framework/ # Download back




adb reboot

💡

Changing system files can lead to bootloop. Always backup TWRP before experimenting!

An alternative method is to use Magisk modules for themes, for example, the MIUI Classic Theme module automatically applies the MIUI 10 style after installation through Magisk Manager.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS editing framework-res.apk Mi Account and Xiaomi Cloud services can be disrupted.Switch off data synchronization before you start.

4. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your smartphone model, MIUI version and risk-taking. Below is a table with the pros and cons of each option:

Selection recommendations:

• 📱 If you have a Redmi Note 10/11 or POCO X3 on MIUI 13 → Try the official themes or APK launcher.
• 🔧 For Xiaomi. 12/13 HyperOS → It is better to use Magisk modules (less risky than the one used). ADB).
• ⚠️ On flagships (Xiaomi 14, Mix Fold) avoid editing system files – high risk of losing the warranty.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you install a classic theme, users encounter common errors, and here's how to fix them:

Problem 1: After applying the theme, the app icons became blurry.

• 🔹 Solution: Install icon packs via Nova Launcher or Icon Pack Studio.
• 🔹 Reason: Old topics MIUI optimized for permission 1080p, New smartphones often have 1440p or 4K.

Problem 2: Launcher takes off after MIUI update.

⚠️ Note: If you have installed APK launcher MIUI 10. MIUI 14, after the system update, it will be reset.To avoid this, disable the automatic update to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.

Problem 3: The navigational gestures are not working.

• 🔹 Solution: Switch to navigation buttons in Settings → Display. → Navigation panel.
• 🔹 Reason: Older launchers don't support gestures MIUI 12+.

Problem 4: After editing framework-res.apk, the phone doesn’t turn on.

• 🔹 Solution: Boot in TWRP and restore the backup or re-flash. framework-res.apk stock-stack.
• 🔹 Prevention: Always check the hash amount of the file after editing (md5sum framework-res.apk).

6.Alternatives: How to bring the interface closer to the classic without risks

If you do not fit radical methods, you can partially return the usual look MIUI using safe settings:

Set up animations:

• 🔧 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Remove animations (or install) 0.5x C Developer settings).
• 🎯 This will remove the annoying transitions characteristic of new versions.

Installation of a third-party launcher:

• 📱 Try Nova Launcher or Lawnchair with settings under the MIUI 10: 🔹 Turn on the grid. 5×6 (old-fashioned). 🔹 Set up the icon pack MIUI 10 Icon Pack. 🔹 Turn off Google Discover on the home screen.

3. Use of themes for icons and wallpaper:

• 🎨 In the Topic app, select: 🔹 Wallpaper: Minimal Wallpapers or Gradient. 🔹 Icons: Flat Icons or MIUI 9 Style.

Disconnection of unnecessary elements:

• ❌ Remove Advertising in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Triple point → Show recommendations.
• ❌ Disable Mi Video, Mi Music and other unnecessary services ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.video

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions