How to install a third-party theme on Xiaomi: 3 working ways in 2026

The standard MIUI themes on Xiaomi smartphones are not popular with all users. Monoton icons, a limited palette of colors and template wallpapers quickly become boring, especially if you are used to customization. Fortunately, the system allows you to install third-party themes — both official from the MIUI Themes store and custom.mtz format created by enthusiasts. But here are the nuances: since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has tightened restrictions, and in recent versions, completely removed the ability to download themes from third-party sources without additional manipulation.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to install custom themes on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones in 2026 – from simple import through a standard app to manual mounting through ADB. You’ll learn how to bypass regional restrictions, what to do with the “Theme can’t be applied” error, and why some interface elements may not change even after a successful installation.

Before you start, remember that modifying system files is always risky. Mistakes can cause MIUI malfunctions or even a device to crash. If you're a beginner, start with official themes from the store, and back up your data for experimenting with custom solutions.

📊 What version? MIUI you use?
MIUI 14
MIUI 13
MIUI 12 or older
HyperOS
I don't know.

1. Method 1: Install official themes from MIUI Themes

The safest and easiest method is to download the theme from the official MIUI Themes store.It is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices regardless of the firmware region. The main drawback is that the choice is limited, and many themes are paid (although there are free options).

To find a theme store:

  1. Open the “Themes” app (icon with a brush on your desktop).
  2. Go to the tab "Online" (or "Online" in global firmware).
  3. Use search or browse categories ("Popular", "New", "Minimalism", etc.).

If the theme store is missing or if it gives an error "Service is not available in your area", try the following steps:

  • 🌍 Change the firmware region through Settings → Additionally. → Region (select India or Global).
  • 🔄 Update the Themes app via Google Play or APKMirror.
  • 📱 Install a patch to unlock the store (such as a module) MIUI Themes Unlocker for Magisk).

After downloading the theme, click "Apply" and the system will automatically apply new wallpapers, icons, fonts and animations. Please note that some elements (such as notification icons or screen lock style) may not change - this is a feature of MIUI, not a bug.

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If the theme is not fully applied, try restarting your smartphone or clearing the theme app cache in the settings.

2. Method 2: Manual installation of themes in.mtz format

.mtz files are custom themes archives created by users on forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA, and their main advantage is a unique design that is not available in the official store, but you will need an unlocked bootloader or access to ADB to install.

Where to download.mtz topics:

  • 📱 Official Chinese theme portal (you need a Mi Account with a Chinese number tied).
  • 🛠️ Forum XDA Developers (part of Xiaomi Themes).
  • 💬 Telegram channels and chats dedicated to customization MIUI (for example, @miuithemes).

To install.mtz without ADB:

  1. Download the theme file to your smartphone (for example, in the Downloads folder).
  2. Open the Topics app and go to My Topics → Import.
  3. Select the downloaded.mtz file and confirm the installation.

If the Import button is missing or inactive, your firmware will block third-party themes from being installed, and this will help with the method through ADB (described in the next section) or installing a patch through Magisk.

Why is MIUI blocking the.mtz installation?
Since MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has introduced signature verification to prevent the installation of potentially dangerous files, which involves cases where malicious actors have disguised malware as topics, circumventing this restriction requiring superuser rights or exploiting system vulnerabilities.

Method 3: Install themes through ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, then installing it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is suitable for firmware with a locked bootloader, but requires connecting the smartphone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
  • 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
  • 📁.mtz theme file, renamed theme.mtz and placed in the platform-tools folder on PC.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB and select the File Transfer mode.
  2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\platform-tools
  3. Check the device connection: Adb devices (the serial number of your Xiaomi should be displayed).
  4. Copy the theme to the system folder: adb push theme.mtz /sdcard/MIUI/theme/
  5. Apply the theme through ADB: adb shell am start -n com.android.themes/.module.ThemeManagerActivity

Once the commands are executed, the theme will appear in the list of available topics in the application. If there is a file to copy error, make sure that the /MIUI/theme/ folder exists (you can create it manually through the file manager if necessary).

USB debugging enabled

Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC

Theme.mtz file is located in the platform-tools folder.

Smartphone connected in the mode "File transfer"-->

4. Solving common mistakes

When installing third-party themes, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Mistake: "The subject cannot be applied"

  • 🔧 Reason: Theme is incompatible with version MIUI or firmware region.
  • 🛠️ Solution: Check which version is for MIUI theme is intended (for example, MIUI 14 CN not fit for MIUI 14 Global) Try to set a universal theme or change the region of the system.

Mistake: "File corrupted"

  • 🔧 Reason:.mtz file not downloaded or modified by antivirus.
  • 🛠️ Solution: Re-download the theme, disable the antivirus for installation time. Check the checksum of the file (if it is listed on the download site).

Problem: The topic is not fully applied

  • 🔧 Reason: B MIUI Some elements (such as base launcher icons or notification panel style) are blocked for change.
  • 🛠️ Solution: Use an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) or install a patch through Magisk (module) MIUI Full Themes Enabler).

Mistake: "Inadequate rights"

  • 🔧 Reason: Firmware blocks installation of third-party themes without superuser rights.
  • 🛠️ Solution: Unlock the bootloader and get root rights, or use ADB-method described above.

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If the theme isn’t installed through a standard app, try the ADB method first – it works even on blocked firmware without root.

5. Unlock the bootloader and complete customization

For the most advanced users who want full control over the theme of the design, the only option is to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

  • 🎨 Install themes without restrictions (including changing system icons and fonts).
  • 🔧 Use Magisk modules for deep customization (e.g. Substratum or LSPosed).
  • 📱 Update MIUI free of fixed themes.

However, this method has serious disadvantages:

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings, voids the warranty, and can lead to Mi Account issues (e.g. locking an account when trying to unlock). on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) The process of unlocking takes up to 720 hours of waiting!

If you do, follow the official instructions from Xiaomi:

  1. Apply for unblocking through the Mi Unlock website.
  2. Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the device is off).
  3. Start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.

Once unlocked, you can install custom recovery (TWRP) and flash modified theme-enabled firmware, but remember: this is an irreversible process, and it will be difficult to get the device back to its original state.

6. Alternative methods of customization without the

If installing third-party themes seems too difficult or risky, consider alternative ways to change the appearance of MIUI:

1. Use of alternative launchers

  • 📱 Nova Launcher – allows you to change icons, animations and desktop style.

2. Changing icons through pacas

Install a pack of icons (like Whicons or Delta) from Google Play and apply it through the launcher settings. Most packs cost between 50 and 300 rubles, but there are free options as well.

3.Configure via MIUI Control Center

In the latest versions of MIUI, it became possible to customize the notification panel and control panel:

  1. Go to Settings. → Control panel.
  2. Click "Tile settings" and drag the desired items.
  3. Change the transparency and style through “Additional settings”.

Annexes for overlays

Programs like Hex Installer or Substratum (requires root) allow themes to be overlayed on top of the system interface without replacing the firmware, but they can conflict with MIUI, so back up before using.

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To change fonts without root, use the iFont app – it supports most Xiaomi devices and allows you to install custom fonts through overlays.

7. Compatibility of themes with different versions of MIUI

Not all themes are universal, many are designed for specific MIUI versions or regions, and the table below shows the compatibility of popular themes with current firmware:

Format of the topicMIUI 14 (Global)MIUI 14 (China)HyperOSNeed root?
.mtz (standard)❌ No.✅ Yes.❌ No.❌ No.
.mtz (modified)✅ Yes. ADB)✅ Yes.✅ Yes (via Magisk)❌ No.
Official themes from the store✅ Yes.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.❌ No.
Topics for Substratum✅ Yes.✅ Yes.⚠️ Partially.✅ Yes.
Topics for Hex Installer✅ Yes.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.❌ No.

Important: Since HyperOS, Xiaomi has completely abandoned support for.mtz formats for global firmware. The only way to install a custom theme on HyperOS is to use Magisk modules or alternative launchers.

If you are not sure about compatibility, check the information about the topic on the site where you download it. Usually, authors indicate supported versions of MIUI and device models.

8.Security: How to avoid viruses

By downloading themes from third-party sources, you risk picking up malware. Here's how to minimize the risks:

  • 🛡️ Check the source. Only download themes from trusted forums (XDA, 4PDA) or official repositories.
  • 🔍 Use an antivirus. Before installing, scan the.mtz file via VirusTotal or Dr.Web.
  • 📌 If you're a lot of people complaining about "slowdowns" or "advertising," you better stop installing it.
  • 🔒 Don't give unknown applications superuser rights. Even if the theme requires root to install, make sure the author is reliable.

⚠️ Note: Some themes contain hidden scripts that can collect data about your device or display ads.If after installing the theme, you notice suspicious activity (for example, spontaneously opening a browser or sending a message). SMS), Remove it immediately and scan your smartphone for viruses.

If you downloaded a theme from an unknown source and it behaves strangely, return the standard theme:

  1. Open the Themes app.
  2. Go to "My Themes" and select "Standard" or "Default".
  3. Reset the device.

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Never install themes that require you to disable Mi Account protection or enter a password from your Xiaomi account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing themes on Xiaomi

Can I install a theme on Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, if your firmware supports importing.mtz through the standard Themes app. To do this, download the theme file to your smartphone, open Themes → My Themes → Import and select the downloaded file. If there is no Import button, use the method with ADB or unlock the bootloader.
Why did the icons not change after the theme was installed?
In MIUI, system icons (e.g., Phone, Contacts, Settings) often remain unchanged. This is a system limitation. To change them, use an alternative launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher) that supports icon packs or install custom firmware.
How to return a standard theme if the custom theme broke the interface?
Open the Themes app, go to My Themes, and select Standard or Default. If the interface doesn't respond, restart your smartphone in Safe Mode (press the power button → long tap on Turn off → Reboot Safe Mode) and remove the theme from there.
Do topics work with MIUI on POCO-smartphone?
Yes, POCO uses the same MIUI framework, so all of the methods described apply to them, except for HyperOS models (e.g. POCO F6), where.mtz support is limited.
Can you transfer themes from one Xiaomi to another?
Yes, if both devices run on the same version of MIUI. Copy the.mtz file from the first smartphone (it is stored in the /MIUI/theme/ folder) to the second and import it through the Themes app. Note that on different models some elements (for example, lock wallpaper) may not display correctly.