Transfer of Xiaomi brand design to Huawei devices is a task that worries many users who are used to a minimalist interface. MIUI and wanting to diversify the strict EMUI. Although both firmwares are built on Android, their architecture and customization approach are fundamentally different. In this article, we will understand whether it is possible to legally or semi-legally integrate elements of Xiaomi themes into Huawei, what tools will be needed for this, and what pitfalls await beginners.
It is important to understand: complete replacement of the theme with all functions MIUI Huawei is technically impossible without deep system modifications (which can lead to loss of warranty and stability), but there are workarounds, from the use of launchers to manually transferring individual elements through the network. ADB or thematic APK. We will look at all the current methods, including their pros, cons and requirements for the Android version.
If you're willing to experiment, let's do it, but first check if your Huawei model is suitable for this kind of manipulation.
Why Xiaomi Themes Are Not Compatible With Huawei
The main problem lies in proprietary shells: MIUI and EMUI Xiaomi themes are packages with the extension.mtz, which are installed through the system application Themes and change:
- 🎨 Icons (including adaptive for different resolutions)
- 📱 Wallpaper and block animations
- 🔄 Color schemes (including dark mode)
- 📱 System fonts and notification styles
Huawei’s themes are.hwt and are decompressed into a closed folder. /system/media/theme, And that's restricted even to users with root rights, EMUI Does not support dynamic third-party themes without Huawei’s digital signature, making direct porting of.mtz files meaningless.
Another obstacle is Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), lock-in APK Even if you download the Xiaomi Themes app, it will either not launch or it will not be able to implement changes due to the lack of compatibility with the Xiaomi Themes app. EMUI.
⚠️ Note: Attempting to replace system files EMUI manually (e.g. through TWRP) This will result in bootloop on 90% of Huawei devices due to DM-Verity integrity verification.
Method 1: Using launchers with Xiaomi themes support
The safest and most reversible method is to install a third-party launcher that emulates the interface. MIUI. Such launchers do not require root rights and work on top of them. EMUI, substitute:
- 📱 Main screen (including gestures and animations)
- 🔍 Application menu (with support for folders and widgets)
- 🎨 Icons (you can import packs from Xiaomi)
- 🔄 Transitions between screens (effects) MIUI 14)
The best options for Huawei:
| Launcher | Support for Xiaomi Themes | Android is required | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI Launcher (port) | ✅ Full (icons, widgets, animations) | 8.0+ | Unstable on EMUI 12+, no support HMS |
| Hyperion Launcher | ✅ Partial (Icons and Wallpaper Only) | 9.0+ | Paid topics, no Russian language |
| Before Launcher | ✅ Icons + wallpaper | 7.0+ | Limited Customization, Advertising |
| XOS Launcher (from Infinix) | ❌ No (but similar style) | 8.0+ | Not original. MIUI-design |
For installation:
- Download. APK Launcher with APKMirror (check the version for your Android).
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
- Install the launcher and select it as the main one in Settings → Applications → By default.
- Download Xiaomi themes in.mtz format (for example, from the official website) and import them through the launcher settings.
Download APK from a verified source
Check out the Android version (minimum 7.0)
Disable battery optimization for launcher
Make a backup copy of wallpaper and widgets-->
If the launcher is unstable, try disabling Huawei Optimizer in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Assembly number (stamp 7 times) → Developer options → Turn off optimization MIUI).
Method 2: Manual installation of the subjects through ADB (advanced)
This method is suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights. It allows you to transfer individual elements of Xiaomi themes (icons, wallpaper, fonts) to the user. EMUI, But it doesn't guarantee full compatibility:
- 🖥️ Computer with ADB and Fastboot
- 📱 Unlocked bootloader on Huawei
- 🔧 Root rights (via Magisk)
- 📁 The archive with the theme Xiaomi in.mtz format
Steps:
- Unpack the.mtz file through MtzExplorer. You need folders: icons/ # Icons wallpapers/ # Wallpaper. fonts/ # Fonts
- Connect Huawei to your PC and execute the commands: Adb push icons/ /sdcard/MIUI_Theme/icons/ adb push wallpapers/ /sdcard/MIUI_Theme/wallpapers/
- Install Swift Installer (requires root) and apply icons from the folder /sdcard/MIUI_Theme/icons/.
- Use it for wallpaper. ADB: adb shell su -c "cp /sdcard/MIUI_Theme/wallpapers/* /data/system/users/0/wallpaper/"
⚠️ Attention: On Huawei with EMUI 13+ The path to the wallpaper may be different. Check the current path through the adb shell ls. /data/system/users/0/. Incorrect copying of files will lead to resetting of wallpaper after rebooting.
Critical: Do not replace system fonts (/system/fonts/) No backup! On Huawei! P40 Pro and newer, this causes a SystemUI crash requiring flashing.
How to check the compatibility of the theme before installing?
Method 3: Install custom firmware with elements MIUI
For enthusiasts who are ready to take risks, there is an opportunity to flash custom firmware based on Android with ported elements. MIUI. For example, Havoc-OS or Pixel Experience with patches for Huawei allows you to use the software:
- 🎨 Install.mtz themes via Substratum or OmniSwitch
- 📱 Use the launcher MIUI systemic
- 🔄 Apply animations and sounds from Xiaomi
However, this method has serious limitations:
| Huawei Model | Supported firmware | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Huawei P30 Pro | Havoc-OS, LineageOS 19 | The camera is not working (no Kirin 980 drivers) |
| Huawei Mate 20 X | Pixel Experience 12 | Lack of support 5G, Bluetooth bugs |
| Huawei Nova 5T | ArrowOS 13 | Instable operation of sensors |
Firmware instructions:
- Unlock bootloader through the official Huawei website (code is worth it) ~$50).
- Install. TWRP For your model (check compatibility at twrp.me).
- Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
- Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery in the TWRP: adb sideload havoc-os.zip adb sideload open_gapps-arm64-11.0-pico.zip
- After installation, activate root via Magisk and install MIUI Theme Manager from XDA.
Yeah, I'm willing to risk it.
Only if you have 100% stability.
I'll try the second phone.
No, there's too much risk.-->
Addressing common mistakes
Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
1. MIUI not installed or departed
- 🔹 Check out the Android version: launchers for MIUI 14 require Android 12+.
- 🔹 Turn off Battery Optimization for launcher in Huawei settings.
- 🔹 Install Ivy Launcher as an alternative – it supports importing.mtz-theme.
2. icons are displayed in low resolution
- 🔹 Use Icon Pack Studio to convert icons to EMUI.
- 🔹 Check what's in the file. icons/ have permission files 192×192 px.
3.After applying the themes through ADB squatting
- 🔹 Restore a backup copy from /data/system/users/0/wallpaper_originals/.
- 🔹 Restart the device – sometimes EMUI Restores default wallpaper automatically.
4. firmware is not loaded (bootloop)
- 🔹 Check that the firmware is compatible with your Huawei model (for example, Kirin 990 does not support firmware for Snapdragon).
- 🔹 Go through the stock. EMUI via eRecovery (hold Volume Up) + Power when booting).
adb shell pm clear com.android.systemui
This will bring back standard widgets without losing data.-->
Compatibility of Xiaomi themes with Huawei models
Not all Xiaomi themes are correctly displayed on Huawei due to differences in screen resolution and color profile support.
| Xiaomi theme | Compatibility with EMUI | Problems | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Matter | ✅ Partially (icons, wallpaper) | No dark regime applied. | Use Swift Dark for Forced Dark Mode |
| Pitch Black | ✅ Complete. | No. | — |
| iOS 16 Style | ❌ No (font conflict) EMUI) | Crashing SystemUI | Remove through ADB: |
| Crystal Clear | ✅ Icons and wallpaper | Animations don't work | Disable in the launcher settings |
| MIUI 14 Default | ⚠️ Partially (requires root) | Not all icons are displayed | Add the missing ones manually through Icon Pack Studio |
To check compatibility before installation:
- Download the theme in.mtz format.
- Rename the extension to.zip and unpack.
- Check the files in the folder preview/ — If they are displayed correctly on your Huawei, the theme is likely to fit.
Alternatives: How to Get Style MIUI risk-free
If the methods described above seem too complex or risky, consider alternative ways to bring Huawei’s interface closer to Xiaomi.
1. Applications for customization
- 🎨 Hex Installer – allows you to apply themes at the overlay level (requires root).
- 📱 KWGT — widget-style MIUI (for example, MIUI KWGT).
- 🔄 Good Lock (for Huawei) GMS) — Theme Park module emulates some elements MIUI.
2. Wallpaper and icons by hand
- Download the wallpaper. MIUI High-resolution with Pixelstalk.
- Use Lawnicons for Xiaomi style icons.
3. Sounds and animations
- 🔊 Download the sounds MIUI (alarms, notifications and set through Settings → Sound.
- 🎬 Use SystemUI Tuner (requires root) for animations).
💡
If you only need a visual style MIUI without deep changes, the launcher combination + KWGT + The icons will give 80% of the desired result without risk to the system.