How to install a theme on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways + error solving

Why Xiaomi themes aren’t just pictures on the screen

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are famous for their flexibility in personalization, from icons to lock animations. But many users are limited to standard wallpaper, unaware that the themes change the entire visual logic of the system: fonts, color schemes, notification styles and even sounds. For example, the Dark Mode Pro theme does not just darken the interface, but repaints system applications into a single palette, which you can not do manually.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install themes, from the official Mi Themes store to manually download.mtz files through the file manager. We will focus on common errors like “Failed to apply the theme” on the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5, and explain why some themes require unlocking the bootloader. If you want to turn your Xiaomi into a unique device, read on.

Method 1: Official Mi Themes Store (the safest)

The Mi Themes app is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, and offers thousands of free and paid themes, tested for compatibility, to install the theme through it:

📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
🔍 Enter the title of the topic in search or select a category (for example, "AMOLED" dark-themed).
👆 Click on your favorite topic. → Apply (for free) or buy (for paid).
⚙️ Wait for download (theme weight varies from 2 to 50 MB) and confirm the application.

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) after upgrading to MIUI 15 theme store can disappear from the menu:

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Find the Topics in the list and turn on the display.

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If the theme doesn’t apply, check if you have a regional ROM (e.g. EEA or Russia) and some topics are blocked by geolocation.

Method 2: Install themes through.mtz files (for advanced ones)

.mtz files are archives of themes that can be downloaded from third-party sources (e.g. MiuiThemes or XDA Developers).

🌍 You want a topic that is not available in your area.
🎨 You need customization deeper than the official store offers.
📱 You. POCO Black Shark with limited selection of themes.

Installation instructions:

Download the.mtz file to your phone (for example, via your browser).
Open Files → Downloads and find the downloaded file.
Slip on it → the system will offer to open through the Topics.
Confirm installation and application.

Downloaded from a verified source (virus risk!)

Compatible with your version of MIUI (as indicated in the theme description)

File weight is less than 100 MB (suspiciously large files may be malicious)

Backup of the current theme is made (Settings → Themes → My themes → Save)

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⚠️ Note: Third-party themes may contain banner ads or collect data. Check the reviews on the forum where you downloaded the file before installing. For example, topics called iOS 17 Style often replace system fonts with unreadable ones.

Method 3: Themes via ADB (for unlocked bootloader)

If you unlocked the bootloader on your Xiaomi, you can install themes via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

🔓 Devices with custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
🛠️ Restore themes after resetting settings.
🎭 Applications of topics not supported by standard methods.

Instructions:

Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap to unlock the developer menu).
Download the.mtz file on your PC and place it in the adb folder.
Execute the command: adb push theme_name.mtz /sdcard/MIUI/theme/
Reboot your phone and apply the theme through Settings → Themes.

What if the ADB can’t see the device?

1. Install the latest Xiaomi drivers from the official website. 2. Check if the "Charge Only" mode is enabled in the notification curtain - switch to "File Transfer". 3. Try another one. USB-4. in the command line, execute adb kill-server, then adb start-server.

Method 4: Topics through Magisk (root access)

If you have root rights (obtained through Magisk), you can install themes systemically, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

📵 Devices with MIUI for POCO (where the store is remote).
🔒 Blocked corporate smartphones.
🛡️ Firmware without supporting themes (for example, MIUI Lite).

Procedure:

Install the MiuiThemeEditor module via Magisk Manager.
Download the.mtz file and place it in /sdcard/Magisk/Themes/.
Restart your phone and select a theme in the module settings.

Official store Mi Themes| Files.mtz|ADB|Magisk (root)| I don't install themes-->

⚠️ Note: Magisk use may lead to:

🚫 Loss of warranty (if you don't hide root via MagiskHide).
🔄 Unstable banking applications (due to SafetyNet triggers).
🔴 Mistakes in OTA-Updates (resolved by disabling modules before updating).

Method 5: Themes through third-party launchers (no root)

If you do not need a complete repainting of the system, but only a change in icons and wallpaper, you can use alternative launchers such as:

🎨 Nova Launcher (supports.apk icons).
🖼️ Microsoft Launcher (Windows integration and cloud themes).
🌈 Action Launcher (Adaptive Icons and Gestures).

How to set up:

Install a launcher from Google Play.
Download icons (such as Whicons or Delta) in.apk format.
In the launcher settings, select Icon Themes → Apply Iconpac.

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The side launchers do not change the system fonts and animations - only the appearance of the desktop and folders.

Table: Compatibility of themes with MIUI versions

MIUI version	Support for.mtz	Official store	ADB-method	Notes
MIUI 12/12.5	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	Requires manual cleaning of the cache after installation
MIUI 13	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes (with geo-restrictions)	✅ Yes.	Some themes block animations
MIUI 14	✅ Yes.	❌ No. EEA-region)	✅ Yes.	.mtz themes may not use fonts
MIUI 15 (Beta)	⚠️ Partially.	✅ Yes.	❌ No (lockdown) ADB)	Requires a rollback to a stable version

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even if you set them up properly, they may not apply. Here are the most common problems and solutions:

🔄 "Topic Not Applicable": Clear the Topic Application Cache (Settings) → Annexes → Topics → Warehouse → If it doesn't work, reboot your phone.
🚫 "This theme is incompatible with your device: Check the version MIUI In Settings → Some of themes only work on Xiaomi (not on the phone). POCO/Redmi) or require a specific firmware (e.g. China) ROM).
📱 "Icons haven’t changed”: Reset the launcher settings: pinch the empty space on the desktop → Home screen settings → Drop it.
🔒 "Failed to load theme (network error)": Use VPN servers in Singapore or India – some topics are blocked IP.

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If you've lost notifications after you've applied the theme, check the settings for No sound in the curtain. Some themes reset sound profiles.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I install a theme on Xiaomi without the internet?

Yes, if you already have a.mtz file downloaded. Transfer it to your phone via USB or Bluetooth, then open it through Files → Themes. The official Mi Themes store requires a network connection.

Why did the theme drop after the MIUI update?

For major updates (e.g., MIUI 13 to 14), the system resets custom themes to standard. To return to the same view: Save the current theme in Settings → Themes → My themes. After updating, reuse it from the saved ones. If the theme has disappeared from the list, download it again.

How to remove the established topic?

Go to Settings → Themes → My Themes, select an unnecessary theme and click Remove. To clean it completely: Clear the Topic app cache. Delete /MIUI/theme/ through the file manager (requires root).

Can I create my own theme for Xiaomi?

Yes, with tools like MIUI Theme Editor (requires a PC) or online builders, you can post in the official store: Register as a developer on Xiaomi Community. Moderate (theme must not infringe copyright); Pay a posting fee (for paid themes); Free themes can be distributed through forums (XDA, 4PDA).

Why are some topics paid?

Theme developers spend time designing, testing on different devices and support. Paid themes usually include: Unique animations (such as unlock effects); complete reworking of system icons (including Settings and Phone); Technical support (updates when changing MIUI); The average price is 50-300 rubles. Beware of "free" versions of paid themes on third-party sites - they may contain malware.