Can I install a Samsung theme on Xiaomi and why?
Xiaomi smartphone owners often envy the design of the interface of Samsung One UI β And it's got its smooth animations, its handy gestures and its stylish icons, but can you bring that experience to devices with a smarter mindset? MIUI The answer is yes, but with reservations, there's no way to replace the firmware completely, but there are legal ways to mimic the look of Samsung without rooting and risking a phone bricking.
In this article we will analyze three proven methods: installation of custom launcher, manual tuning of those through the MIUI Themes and the use of third-party icon apps, each with pros and cons, from complete interface transformation to partial changes, and it's important to understand that no one way will make your Redmi or your own. POCO 100% identical to the Galaxy S23, The visual difference is minimal.
Before you start, consider that some features (like DeX Mode or Bixby) remain Samsung exclusive, but you will get:
- π¨ Icons in the style of One UI adaptive
- π± Navigation gestures like on Galaxy (swipe up for home, back)
- π Wallpaper and fonts identical to Samsung stock themes
- β‘ Speed without lag (if properly set up)
Method 1: Installation of Samsung Launcher (One) UI Launcher on Xiaomi
The most radical method is to install the official launcher from Samsung through the APK. It's available for download on third-party resources (e.g. APKMirror), but there are nuances. First, not all versions are compatible with the software. MIUI. Second, some features (like Samsung Health widgets) won't work:
- π The exact location of icons and folders, like on the Galaxy
- π Animations of opening / closing applications
- π Samsung Free Search Bar (can be turned off)
Installation instructions:
- Download the latest version of One UI Home from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror).
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β Applications β Special Access Rights.
- Install. APK and choose One. UI Launcher as the default launcher in application settings.
- Restart the phone β now the interface will be as similar as Samsung.
Make a backup of current settings|Download APK site-verified|Disable the antivirus during installation|Check the vacant space (minimum 200 MB)|Restart the phone after installation-->
Important point: the launcher may conflict with the MIUI Optimization (system optimization in the background). If you notice lags, turn it off in Settings. β The phone. β Version. MIUI (tap 7 times according to version, then turn on Advanced settings and deactivate optimization).
What won't work in One UI Launcher on Xiaomi?
β οΈ Note: Some versions of One UI Launcher can cause increased battery consumption due to background activity of Samsung services. If you notice a fast discharge, check the energy saving settings in Settings β Battery and add launcher to exceptions.
Method 2: Manually recreate the Samsung theme through MIUI Themes
If you think it's risky to install a launcher, you can go another way, by hand, by putting together a theme from the elements that are available.
- π¨ One-style wallpaper UI (You can download themes.samsung.com)
- π± Iconpac (such as Samsung One) UI Icons from Play Market)
- π€ Fonts (SamsungOne or Roboto with similar parameters)
Step-by-step:
- Install an icon pack (e.g. One) UI Icon Pack) and apply it to the launcher settings (Long tap on the desktop) β Icon style).
- Download Samsung wallpaper in your screen resolution (for example, 2400Γ1080 For the Redmi Note 12) and install through the Gallery β Set as wallpaper.
- Change the font to Settings β Screen. β If you don't have the right type, download SamsungOne.ttf and install it through the MIUI Themes (requires a root or Magisk patch).
- Set up navigation gestures in Settings β System system β Gestures by selecting the "Swipe Up" scheme (like on the Galaxy).
| Interface element | How to set up on Xiaomi | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Icons | Install icon packs through Play Market | Not all icons will be replaced (system applications) |
| Wallpaper. | Download from Samsung Themes and apply manually | No dynamic wallpaper (only static) |
| Fonts | Download.ttf and install via MIUI Themes | Requires a root or Magisk patch for unofficial fonts |
| Gestures | Include in Settings β System β Gestures | There is no double swipe gesture for multitasking. |
For full immersion, you can install Samsung-style widgets (for example, One). UI Clock or Samsung Weather. These can also be found in the Play Market, but note: they may conflict with system widgets. MIUI.
π‘
If some icons remain standard after applying the icon, try using the Nova Launcher launcher β it allows you to manually assign icons for each application.
Method 3: Using themes from the store MIUI Themes (free option)
Not everyone knows, but in the official store. MIUI Themes has several themes stylized to Samsung One UI. They're not going to be 100% similar, but the phone will look different visually, and the main advantage is that you don't have to download anything from third-party sites, and you don't have to download anything from third-party sites, and you don't have to risk viruses.
How to find topics like this:
- Open the Themes app on your Xiaomi.
- In the search box, enter the queries: Samsung, One UI, Galaxy or S23.
- View the results β look for high-ranking topics (4.5)+ stars) and a large number of downloads.
- Use your favorite theme and restart your phone.
Examples of popular topics:
- π [One UI 5.0] β imitate Android design 13 Galaxy S22
- π± Samsung S23 Theme β copies icons and wallpaper flagship of 2023
- β‘ One UI Dark is a dark theme in the style of Samsung AMOLED-optimization
β οΈ Attention: Free Themes from MIUI Themes often contain ads in widgets or a limited set of icons. If you care about the cleanliness of the interface, prepare to buy premium versions (costs from 50 to 200 rubles).
After applying the topic, check:
- Transition animations work (sometimes they are turned off due to optimization) MIUI).
- Have you lost your brightness settings (some themes change the display profile).
- Whether the colors of the system elements (such as volume sliders) are Samsung style.
π‘
Topics from MIUI Themes is the safest way, but they are limited by functionality. MIUI. For a complete interface transformation, it is better to combine this method with manual adjustment of icons and wallpapers.
Comparison of methods: which way to choose?
Each of these three methods has its pros and cons, and to make it easier to choose, we've compiled a comparison table.
| Criteria | One UI Launcher | Manual setting | Topics from MIUI Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complexity of installation | Medium (need to be downloaded) APK) | High (requires search of resources) | Low (all in one appendix) |
| Similarities to Samsung | 90% | 70-80% | 50-60% |
| Impact on productivity | May brake (background processes) | Minimum | Absent. |
| Cost | Free of charge. | Free (or buying icon packs) | Free/Paid (Premium Themes) |
| Compatibility with updates | Could break after the update. MIUI | It doesn't depend on updates. | It's stable. |
Our advice:
- If you want the most similarity and are willing to sacrifice stability, choose One. UI Launcher.
- If performance and minimal risk are important, combine manual customization with themes from the MIUI Themes.
- If you do not want to mess with settings - limit yourself to ready-made themes from the store.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When installing Samsung themes on Xiaomi, users encounter common errors, and we have collected the most common ways to fix them:
1. Samsung launcher does not install or depart
- πΉ Check the processor architecture of your phone. UI Launcher optimized for Exynos/Snapdragon, a on MediaTek (e.g. Helio) G96) may work unstablely.
- πΉ Install an older version of the launcher (for example, 13.1.01.10 instead of 14.0.0.21).
- πΉ Turn it off. MIUI Optimization (instruction above).
2. icons do not change or are displayed incorrectly
- πΉ Use Nova Launcher or Lawnchair β they are better supported by custom icons.
- πΉ Clear the launcher cache in Settings β Annexes β Application management β [Your launcher] β Clear the cache.
- πΉ Check if the iconpac supports your screen resolution (for example, for POCO F5 s 2400Γ1080 I need icons in 192Γ192 px).
3. Theme from MIUI Themes is knocked down after rebooting
- πΉ It's a bug. MIUI. Solution: After applying the theme, go to Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI, tap 7 times according to version, then in Advanced settings disable Auto-optimization themes.
- πΉ Re-install the theme and select Apply without optimization (if there is one).
4.Navigation gestures don't work the way they do on Samsung
- πΉ V MIUI There is no full support for One gestures. UI. Alternatively, install Fluid Navigation Gestures from Play Market and customize custom swipes.
- πΉ Turn off gesture prompts in Settings β System system β Gestures β Customizing gestures β this will remove annoying highlights.
π‘
If you lose your weather or watch widgets after changing the theme, reinstall them through Play Market. MIUI conflict with custom themes.
Security: How to avoid damaging your phone?
Any manipulation of system files or installation of third-party files APK There are risks. To minimize them, follow the rules:
1. Check the download sources
- πΉ Download launchers and themes only from trusted sites: APKMirror, XDA Developers or Official Developers MIUI Themes Store.
- πΉ Avoid files with.exe or.zip extensions β they may contain viruses.
- πΉ Before installing, check the hash of the file (for example, via VirusTotal).
2. Make a backup before the changes
- πΉ Save the current theme: Settings β Topics β My subjects. β Keep current.
- πΉ Make a backup of the data through Settings β The phone. β Backup.
- πΉ Write down the current screen settings (brightness, color profile) β they may get lost.
3. Watch for screen resolution
- πΉ Wallpaper and icons should match the resolution of your display:
- πΉ To check the permission, use the Screen Test application.
β οΈ Warning: If after installing the theme, the phone starts to overheat or discharge quickly, return the standard launcher and check the background processes in Settings β Battery. β Battery use. Often the fault is com.sec.android.app.launcher, which continues to work even after the One is removed. UI Launcher.