You can change the standard interface design on Xiaomi Redmi in a few minutes — just install a new theme from the official MIUI Themes store or download a third-party package. However, not all users know that in addition to basic themes, there are hundreds of free and paid options in the system, and there is the ability to install custom themes through.mtz files. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including bypassing regional restrictions and solving typical errors like “Theme is not supported” or “failed to apply.”
It's important to understand that the process of installing themes on Redmi depends on the version of MIUI (12/13/14), the firmware region (Global/EU/China) and even the smartphone model. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with MIUI 14, an extended catalog of themes is available, whereas on budget models like the Redmi A2, the choice may be limited. We tested all methods on current firmware in 2026 and collected working solutions from official to alternative ones.
1. Installation of themes through the official MIUI Themes store
The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in theme store, which is available on all Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones with official firmware, but there are nuances: the theme catalog may vary depending on the region, for example, in the global version of MIUI Global, the choice is more modest than in the Chinese (MIUI China).
To open a theme store:
- 📱 Press and hold your finger on the empty seat of the main screen.
- 🎨 In the menu that appears, select “Themes” (or “Themes»).
- 🔍 In the bottom panel, tap on the icon “Theme Store” (or “Theme Store»).
The store has themes that are categorized as Popular, New, Minimalism, Dark, AMOLED, and more. Free themes are marked with a green "Free" tag, paid ones with a price tag. Once you select a theme, click "Apply" and the system automatically downloads and activates it. The entire process takes 10 to 30 seconds.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models with firmware MIUI In Russia, the theme store may be disabled due to sanctions restrictions, in which case use the.mtz file method (Section 3).
2. How to download and install a theme in.mtz format
If the official store is not available or there is no theme you like, you can install a custom theme through the.mtz file. This format is supported by all versions of MIUI, but requires manual download and installation.
- 🌐 Official website themes.mi.com (you need a Mi Account with the Chinese region).
- 📥 Telegram channels, like, @MIUIThemes or @XiaomiThemes.
- 💾 Forums XDA Developers or 4PDA (theme section).
Installation instructions:
- Download the theme file with the.mtz extension to your smartphone.
- Move it to the MIUI/theme folder (create it manually if it is not available).
- Open the “Themes” app → “My Topics” → “Import.”
- Select the downloaded file and click "Apply".
Download the file only from verified sources
Check compatibility with the MIUI version
Create a backup copy of the current theme
Do not interrupt the application process-->
If the topic does not apply, check:
- 🔄 Compatibility with your version MIUI (specified in the subject description).
- 📂 The correct path to the file (should be in the /MIUI/theme/).
- 🔒 No blocking of third-party themes installation (some firmwares need to enable “Unknown Sources” in security settings).
3. Solving errors in setting themes
The most common problems and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Subject not supported | Incompatible with MIUI version or model | Download theme version for your firmware or use the MIUI Theme Editor patch |
| I failed to apply the topic. | A damaged file or insufficient memory | Reboot the phone, clear the cache of the “Themes” application, download the file again |
| The store doesn't open. | Regional restrictions or blockages | Change your Mi Account region to China or use a VPN |
| The topic is not fully applied | Conflict with other modifications (e.g. Magisk patches) | Reverse changes to Magisk or reset theme settings to standard |
Critical information: Some themes require a developer signature on MIUI 14+ firmware. If a "Signature is incorrect" error appears when installing.mtz, use the MIUI Theme Signer utility (available on GitHub) to re-sign the file.
How to get around the restriction on the installation of themes in MIUI for Russia?
4. Installation of themes through ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don't work, you can apply the theme through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting a smartphone to a PC, the advantage of which is bypassing most of the limitations of MIUI.
Step-by-step:
- Enable “USB Debugging” in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times) → Additional → For Developers).
- Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
- Download and unpack Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).
- Place the.mtz theme file in the platform-tools folder and rename it to theme.mtz.
- Open the command line in this folder and execute: adb push theme.mtz /sdcard/MIUI/theme/ adb shell am start -n com.android.themes/.activity.ThemePreviewActivity
Once the commands are executed, the theme will appear in the My Themes section and be ready to use, which works even on blocked firmware, but requires caution - the wrong ADB commands can disrupt the system.
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Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will allow you to restore the system in the event of a failure.
5.The Best Sources for Downloading Themes on Redmi
In addition to the official store, there are proven sites with quality themes:
| Source | Type of theme | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| themes.mi.com | Officially | Security, regular updates | Requires a Chinese account for full access |
| Telegram channel MIUI Themes | Castomy, portraits | Great choice, frequent additions | Risk of incompatibility with new MIUI |
| XDA Developers | Modified, AOD-themes | Themes with unique design | A complex installation for beginners |
| 4PDA (MIUI section) | Russian-language topics | Adapted for global firmware | Registration on the forum is required |
When downloading themes from third-party sources, pay attention to:
- 📌 Version MIUI, for which the topic is intended (e.g., “Only for the purpose of MIUI 14»).
- 🔏 Reviews from other users (avoid bug complaints).
- 📅 Post Date (old themes may not support new features).
6. How to Create Your Theme for Xiaomi Redmi
If you don't find a suitable theme, you can create it yourself using the official MIUI Theme Editor tool.
- 🎨 Color palette of the interface.
- 📱 Icons of applications and system utilities.
- 🖼️ Background images for the main screen and lock.
- 🔊 Notification and alarm sounds.
To get started:
- Download MIUI Theme Editor from the official website.
- Connect Redmi to your PC and import the standard theme as a template.
- Edit elements (e.g., replace icons through File → Import Resources).
- Export the finished theme to.mtz format and install it on your phone.
The finished theme can be published in the MIUI Themes store (a developer account will be required) or shared with other users through forums. For inspiration, study the work of top designers in the Ranking section of the official store.
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Creating themes requires knowing the basics of the design and structure of MIUI. Start by editing pre-made templates before developing the theme from scratch.
7.Optimizing performance after the topic change
New themes, especially with animation and complex elements, can impact Redmi's performance.
- 🔄 Reboot your phone after applying the theme – this will clear the system cache.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache of the “Themes” application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Clear the cache).
- 🔋 Turn off animation in the developer settings (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Animation. = Off.).
- 📉 Use light themes without transparent elements on budget models (Redmi) 10A, Redmi 9C).
If after changing the topic, the phone began to warm or discharge quickly, check:
- 🔋 Battery consumption in Settings → Battery – some themes increase the load on GPU.
- 📊 Use of memory in Settings → The phone. → Status of the system.
- 🔄 Processor temperature (applications such as: CPU Monitor).
⚠️ Attention: Dynamic wallpaper themes (e.g., Earth & Moon) can consume up to 15% extra battery life per day. AMOLED-screens (Redmi) K50 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Use dark themes to save energy.