Install third-party themes on Xiaomi: 5 working ways with instructions

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are famous for their personalization flexibility, but a standard set of themes quickly gets bored. Third-party themes open up access to thousands of unique designs, from minimalist icons to full interface redesign. However, the process isn’t always obvious: MIUI limits the downloading of uncertified themes, and some methods require unlocking a bootloader or using ADB.

In this guide, we will look at all the current ways to install custom themes on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices in 2026, from official methods through MIUI Themes to manually installing.mtz files and circumventing regional restrictions. Special attention will be paid to security: improper actions can lead to blocking the Mi Account or the device’s “brick” when manipulating system files. If you are a beginner, start with the first two methods – they do not require technical skills.

1.Official method: installing themes through MIUI Themes

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI Themes store, which works on all devices with global or Chinese MIUI firmware, but has restrictions by region and shell version.

To set the topic officially:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
• 🔍 Type the title of the topic in the search box or select a category (for example, "Dark" or "Dark" or "Dark "AMOLED").
• 👆 Click on your favorite topic and select Apply. Some topics require payment — they are tagged with a price tag.
• ⚙️ Reboot the device for full use (optional, but recommended).

⚠️ Note: On devices with European firmware (EEA) Theme shop may be shut down due to politics GDPR. In this case, use VPN You can go to India or Indonesia to access the full directory, and some topics require permission to access files, only to trusted developers.

2. Installation of themes through MTZ-files without root)

If the theme is not available in the official store, it can be installed manually through a file with the.mtz extension, which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14, but requires preliminary preparation.

Instructions:

1. Download. MTZ-file from a trusted source (e.g. miuithemes.com or Telegram threads of topics) Avoid files with suspicious names (e.g., file names, super_premium_theme_v5.mtz.exe — It's a virus!).
2. Transfer the file to the device memory (for example, to the Download folder).
3. Set the topic: 📂 Open the files. → Find the downloaded.mtz. 👆 Press the file. → Choose Apply the Topic. ⚙️ If the option is inactive, go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Permits and enable Installation of Unknown Themes.

⚠️ Note: Some.mtz files contain hidden advertising modules or modify system fonts without the possibility of rollback, 4PDA). If after applying the theme, the device began to slow down - reset the themes to Settings → Topics → My subjects. → Reset.

3. Unlock the bootloader to install custom themes

On devices with a locked bootloader (most new Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO), some themes may not install or work properly. Bootloader unlock solves this problem, but voids the warranty and erases all data from the device.

Step-by-step:

1. Link the Mi Account: 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account. ☁️ Turn on sync and confirm the phone number/email.
2. Apply for unblocking: 🌐 Go to the official unblocking site. 📝 Fill out the form (required) IMEI The device that can be recognized by command *#06#). ⏳ Wait. SMS with confirmation (usually 3-7 days).

Unlock the loader

• 🖥️ Download Mi Unlock Tool on PC.
• 📱 Turn your phone to Fastboot (switch off) → clamp down on power. + Loudness down).
• 🔗 Connect your device to your PC and follow the instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Attention: After unlocking the loader:

• 🚫 The device will not pass the SafetyNet check (problems with banking applications, Google Pay).
• 🔄 Updates MIUI Will be delayed (manual installation required).
• 🛡️ It is recommended to immediately install custom recovery (TWRP) backup.

4. Installation of themes through ADB (for power users)

If the theme is not installed in a standard way, you can apply it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires the developer mode and USB debugging on, but does not need root rights.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the device: 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI Press 7 times to activate Developer Mode. ⚙️ Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
2. Connect to the PC: 🖥️ Download. ADB Tools and unpack into a folder. 📱 Connect your phone to the PC by USB (Select the File Transfer Mode). 🔍 Open the command line in the folder with ADB and type: adb devices If the device is displayed - drivers installed correctly.

Set the topic.

• 📁 Place the.mtz file in the Download folder on your phone.
• 🔧 Enter the command (replace). theme_name.mtz The name of your file: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d file:///sdcard/Download/theme_name.mtz -t application/x-miui-mtz

⚠️ Note: If, after installing the topic through ADB The device has started to reboot, which means that the theme is incompatible with your version. MIUI. Restore the standard theme by the team:

adb shell cmd overlay reset default

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Before use ADB check integrity MTZ-utility MTZ Validator.It'll show you if there's malicious code or incompatible elements in the file.

5. Installation of themes on custom firmware devices (TWRP)

If your Xiaomi has custom firmware installed (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or xiaomi.eu), the installation process is different. These firmware often doesn’t support.mtz format, but allows you to install themes through Substratum or Overlay Manager.

Algorithm of action:

• 📥 Install Substratum Theme Engine from Magisk or OMG Theme Manager.
• 🎨 Download a compatible theme (.apk or.zip formats) from the site XDA Developers.
• ⚙️ Apply the theme through the theme manager and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi.eu firmware, some themes may conflict with system applications (e.g. Mi Home or Mi Fit). TWRP:

1. 📱 Download to recovery (turn off) → clamp down on power. + Loudness up).
2. 💾 Choose Backup → System + Data.
3. 🔄 Save the backup on SD-card.

6. Solving common errors when installing themes

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and the table below is the most common errors and their solutions:

If your problem is not listed in the table, check the error logs through ADB Logcat:

adb logcat | grep -i "theme"

7.Where to Download Safe Themes for Xiaomi

Not all sources are equally reliable, but here are proven platforms with minimal risk of viruses and ads.

• 🌍 MIUI Themes – the largest database of themes with ratings and reviews.
• 🤖 Telegram channels (e.g, @miuithemes or @xiathemes) — topical collections.
• 🛠️ XDA Developers – themes for custom firmware and patches.
• 🇨🇳 Official Chinese theme store (requires a Mi Account with a linked number).

⚠️ Attention: Avoid websites that offer:

• 🚫.apk themes asking you to include Unknown sources (Trojan risk).
• 🚫 "Premium themes for suspiciously low price (often containing hidden advertising).
• 🚫 Files with.exe or.zip extension that require PC decompression.

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Before installing any theme, check it is compatible with your Xiaomi model and MIUI version. For example, the theme for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (MIUI 13) may not work on the Xiaomi 12T (MIUI 14).

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing themes