Xiaomi Redmi 9 factory-wired MIUI It offers a limited choice of fonts in standard settings, but many users want to personalize the device by installing unique headsets, from minimalist Sans Serif to decorative handwriting. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of installing fonts on Redmi. 9 (including Redmi models 9A/9C/9T), particularity MIUI 12β14 manufacturer's limitations.
It's important to understand that the process is different from installing fonts on Samsung or Google Pixel, there's no built-in font manager, and system files are protected from direct editing, but you can get around these restrictions in legal ways without hacking the system or losing warranty. We tested all the methods on firmware. V12.5.2.0.RJCMIXM (Android 10) and V14.0.4.0.TJCRUXM (Android 13 β the results are shown in the comparative table below.
If you are a beginner, start with the easiest way to do this. MIUI Themes (Section 2) Experienced users will be able to use the method ADB (Section 4, which allows you to install fonts even on locked devices, and for those who are ready for experiments, consider installing through Magisk (section 5), but warn: this requires unlocking the bootloader and voids the warranty.
1.Preparation: Which fonts supports Redmi 9
Before you start installing, you need to understand which font formats are compatible with Redmi 9. MIUI recognizes the following types of files:
- π.ttf is the standard TrueType format, supported by all versions. MIUI.
- π.otf - OpenType, works on MIUI 13+ (Older versions may not be displayed).
- π«.woff/.woff2 β Web fonts, not suitable for installation on Android.
- π.ttc β TrueType font collections require pre-decompression.
It is also important to consider font encoding. To properly display Cyrillic, choose a headset that supports Unicode (for example, Roboto, Open Sans, PT The Latin-only fonts (for example, many decorative options) will replace Russian symbols with squares or question marks when installed.
β οΈ Attention: Fonts with a license OFL (Open Font Licenses are free to use, but commercial headsets (such as Helvetica Neue or Futura) require the purchase of a license even for personal use.
| Typeface format | Support for MIUI | Whether conversion is required | Examples of compatible fonts |
|---|---|---|---|
| .ttf | β All versions. | β No. | Arial, Times New Roman, Noto Sans |
| .otf | β MIUI 13+ | β οΈ Sometimes, for MIUI 12) | Garamond, Baskerville |
| .ttc | β All versions. | β Yeah (unpacking) | Microsoft YaHei (Chinese font) |
| .woff | β No. | β No point. | β |
Where to download fonts for Redmi 9?
- π Google Fonts is a free library with an open license.
- π¨ DaFont - a large selection of decorative fonts (check the license!).
- π± MIUI Themes β Official Themes with Fonts (requires Xiaomi account).
2. Method 1: Installation of font through MIUI Themes (without root)
The safest and easiest method is to use the built-in Topics app (MIUI It doesn't require unlocking the bootloader or the superuser rights, but it has a limitation: only fonts approved by Xiaomi are available. MIUI and not reset after updates.
Algorithm of action:
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on the home screen).
- Go to the Font section (may be called Font in English firmware).
- Select your favorite font from the list and click Apply.
- Confirm the change in the pop-up window.
If there are few options in the list, update the themes base:
- π Click on the update icon in the upper right corner of the Topics app.
- π In the search bar, type font or font β this will show all available options.
- π If fonts donβt load, check your internet connection or change region in your Xiaomi account (some themes are only available in China).
β οΈ Note: After changing the font through MIUI Themes: Some system applications (like Camera or Phone) may display text incorrectly, due to Xiaomi's restrictions on custom headsets, the solution is to return the standard font or use the method from the top of the line. ADB (section).
Download the official Themes app from the Mi App Store|
Register a Xiaomi account (if not done)|
Connect to Wi-Fi (downloading themes consumes traffic)|
Free 100-200 MB of memory (fonts are cached)
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Advantages of the method:
- β Does not require root rights or unlock the bootloader.
- β Font applies to all system and third-party applications.
- β It is easy to return a standard font in two clicks.
Disadvantages:
- β Limited choice of fonts (about 20-30 variants).
- β Some fonts are paid (require purchases through Mi Coins).
- β After resetting the settings, the font is reset to standard.
π‘
MIUI Themes is the only official way to change the font without risking losing warranty or data.
Method 2: Manual installation via file manager (for unlocked devices)
If your Redmi 9 is unlocked (custom recavers type installed) TWRP), You can replace system fonts manually, and this method gives you complete control over the headsets, but you need to be careful, because an error can lead to a bootloop).
You'll need:
- π± Unlocked loader and installed TWRP.
- πΎ Backup of the current firmware (do backup via Nandroid Backup in the TWRP).
- π Font in.ttf format (for example, Roboto-Medium.ttf).
- π§ Root Explorer (Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
Step-by-step:
- Download the archive with fonts (for example, with XDA Developers) or prepare your.ttf file.
- Rename the font according to system requirements: Roboto-Regular.ttf β NotoSansCJK-Regular.ttf Roboto-Bold.ttf β NotoSansCJK-Bold.ttf Note: Names must match the original system fonts, otherwise MIUI I don't recognize them.
- Copy files into a folder /system/fonts/ through the file manager with root rights, replacing the originals.
- Change the access rights to 644 (readable for all, record only for the owner).
- Reset the device.
β οΈ Note: If after rebooting the screen turned black or artifacts of text appeared, then the font is incompatible with the text. MIUI. Restore the original files from the backup via TWRP or re-flash the device.
Where to find system fonts to replace?
- π In a file. /system/fonts/ on your device (make a copy before changing!).
- π In the firmware for Redmi 9 (download the official Fastboot) ROM From Xiaomi and unpack the archive).
What to do if the font is not used?
Method 3: Install the font through ADB (rootless, but with debugging)
The method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to install fonts without unlocking the bootloader, but requires the inclusion of debugging on USB And it's a computer connection. It works on the Redmi 9S. MIUI 12-14 and does not violate the warranty, as it does not make changes to the system partition.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed drivers ADB.
- π± Included Debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings β For developers).
- π Font in.ttf format (maximum size β 10 MB).
- π Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid connection issues).
Instructions:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive in any folder on your PC.
- Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your phone.
- Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Linux/macOS) file ADB and execute: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
- Copy the font to the download folder on your phone: adb push C:\fonts\MyFont.ttf /sdcard/Download/ (replace the path with the current one).
- Set the font as system: adb shell "su" -c 'cp /sdcard/Download/MyFont.ttf /system/fonts/'" adb shell "su -c 'chmod 644 /system/fonts/MyFont.ttf'" Note: Some firmware will require temporary root through adb shell (use adb root before copying).
- Reboot the device: adb reboot
If the font did not apply after the reboot, try to clear the cache of system fonts:
adb shell "pm clear com.android.fonts"β οΈ Attention: MIUI 14 with Android 13 Xiaomi has tightened the check system files. ADB the device starts to slow down or crash applications, execute the command: adb shell "cmd overlay list" and remove conflicting overlays (if any) with the command adb shell "cmd overlay disable [name overlay]".
π‘
Before use ADB Check if the debugging is blocked in Settings β Additionally. β For developers β Disable permissions USB. If the option is active, the font will not be installed.
5. Method 4: Installation via Magisk (for advanced users)
If you are ready for radical changes, the Magisk module allows you to install fonts without restrictions. MIUI. This method requires:
- π Unlocked loader.
- π± Installed by Magisk (version 25.2)+).
- π οΈ FontManager or iFont (available in Magisk repository).
Step-by-step:
- Install Magisk Manager and check root status β Superuser).
- Download the FontManager module from XDA Developers or through Magisk Repo.
- Install the module through Magisk β Modules β Install from storage.
- Reset the device.
- After the reboot, open the FontManager app (will appear in the menu) and select a font from the list or upload your.ttf file.
Advantages of the method:
- β Full freedom of choice of fonts (including animated and colored ones).
- β Ability to create font profiles for different applications.
- β Automatic backup of original fonts.
Risks:
- β Cancellation of warranty (unlocking the bootloader is fixed by Xiaomi).
- β Some banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) can block work on rooted devices.
- β Error in installing a module can lead to bootloop.
How to hide root from banking applications?
6. How to return the standard font to Redmi 9
If after experimenting with fonts the text became unreadable or system errors occurred, you can return the original settings in several ways:
- π Through MIUI Themes: Open the Themes app, select the Fonts section and click on Default.
- π± Resetting settings: Go to Settings β The phone. β Reset settings and select Reset all settings (app data will be saved).
- π₯οΈ Through ADB: Follow the command: adb shell "cmd overlay disable [name overlay font]" To find the name of the overlay, use: adb shell "cmd overlay list" | grep font"
- π§ Through TWRP: Restore the backup folder. /system/fonts/ or re-flash the device.
β οΈ Note: If you lose text in system notifications or menus after changing the font, it means that the font does not support Unicode. Restore the original files from firmware or download the font with Cyrillic support (for example, Noto Sans or DejaVu Sans).
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
When you install fonts on Redmi 9, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The font is not used after rebooting | Lack of file rights or incorrect name | Check the rights (chmod 644) and the matching of names with system fonts |
| Text is displayed in squares | The font does not support Cyrillic. | Download a font with Unicode support (e.g. Roboto) |
| Apps fly out after changing font | Conflict with overlays MIUI | Clear the app cache or disable overlays via ADB |
| The method does not work ADB (read-only file system) | MIUI block the entry /system | Use temporary root via adb shell su or Magisk |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π Version MIUI β on certain firmware (for example, MIUI Global Stable: Changes to system files blocked.
- π Status of the loader - on blocked devices methods with ADB or manual replacement of fonts does not work.
- π¦ Font integrity β download the file again, it may be corrupted.