How to install a theme Xiaomi: 5 working ways + solving errors

Installing a new theme on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the easiest ways to radically change the look of a device without root rights or complex manipulation. However, even in this process, there are nuances: from the limitations of MIUI on free themes to compatibility problems on older models like the Redmi Note 8 Pro or the new flagships of the Xiaomi 14 series. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install themes from the official MIUI Themes store to manually downloading.mtz files via ADB, and also explain how to bypass regional locks and avoid the “It can not be applied” error.

It's important to understand that customization is based on the firmware version. For example, on MIUI 14 and later, some themes require a Mi Account subscription, and on HyperOS (which replaced MIUI in 2026), the theme algorithm has changed. We tested all the methods on current versions of the software and put together working solutions even for devices with a locked bootloader. If you want to not just change the wallpaper, but completely transform icons, fonts and animations, read on.

1.Official way: MIUI Themes store

Xiaomi’s most secure and recommended method is to use a built-in theme store, which is available on all MIUI or HyperOS devices, but has regional and firmware restrictions.

1. Open the Topic app (the desktop brush icon) if it's not available, check the Tools folder or search the system.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account, and without that, many topics will not be available for download.
3. In the Recommended or Popular section, select your favorite theme and click Apply.
4. Wait for the download (theme weight varies from 5 to 50 MB) and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Redmi) K70 Pro) some of the themes from the old store MIUI In this case, the system will suggest alternatives or return the error "This topic is incompatible with your version." MIUI".

• ✅ Pros: Safe, does not require root rights, automatic themes updates.
• ❌ Cons: Limited choice of free themes, regional locks (e.g. in Europe, some Asian themes are hidden).
• 💡 Lifehack: To see more topics, change your account region to India or Indonesia under the Mi Account settings.

2. Manual installation of themes through.mtz files

If the official store does not have a suitable theme or it is paid, you can install it manually from a file with the.mtz extension. This method works on all versions of MIUI and HyperOS, but requires preliminary preparation.

Where to download.mtz files:

• 🌐 Official resources: themes.xiaomi.com (needed) VPN for certain regions).
• 📱 Telegram channels: @MIUIThemes, @XiaomiThemes (There are Russian-language chat rooms).
• 💾 Forums: 4PDA, XDA Developers (part of Xiaomi Themes).

Installation instructions:

1. Download the.mtz file to your phone (for example, to the Downloads folder).
2. Open the Topics → My Themes → Import (or Local on newer versions).
3. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
4. After applying the theme, restart the device (this is mandatory for the correct operation of icons and fonts).

Download.mtz file from a verified source

Check the version. MIUI/HyperOS In Settings → The phone.

Free up at least 100 MB of memory

Disable VPN (can block imports)

Backup the current theme (Settings → Themes → Export)

-->

⚠️ Note: HyperOS may have a "Failure to apply the theme due to resource incompatibility" error when importing themes via.mtz, which means that the theme is intended for the older version. MIUI. Decision:

1. Check the firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. 2. Download the theme designed for your version (for example, HyperOS 1.0 will fit themes marked OS23+). 3. If the theme still does not install, try renaming the file to theme.mtz (sometimes helps).

Installation of themes through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on the Xiaomi 13T Pro with HyperOS), you can apply the theme through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge, but bypasses many limitations.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔗.Theme mtz file, renamed theme.mtz and placed in the platform-tools folder on the PC.

Step-by-step:

adb push theme.mtz /sdcard/MIUI/theme/


adb shell am broadcast -a miui.intent.action.CHANGE_THEME --ez extra_pkg_name com.android.theme.default




adb shell am broadcast -a miui.intent.action.CHANGE_THEME --es extra_pkg_name /sdcard/MIUI/theme/theme.mtz

After the commands are executed, the theme should be applied automatically.

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Open the Themes → My Themes app and select the downloaded theme manually.

💡

If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers or using other drivers USB-cable (preferably original).

4.Using third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If you don't like the limitations of MIUI, you can install a third-party launcher and customize the interface through it, which doesn't change the system themes, but allows you to customize:

• 🎨 Icons (Play Market Packs or Icon Pack Studios).
• 🖼️ Wallpaper and widgets (applications like KWGT or UCCW).
• 🔄 Animations and gestures (Nova Launcher has transition speed settings).

How to set up:

1. Install a launcher (like Nova Launcher).
2. Download your favorite icon pack (such as Whicons or Delta).
3. In the launcher settings, select the Icon Style → apply the downloaded pack.
4. For wallpapers, use WallpapersCraft or Backdrops with support 4K-permitting.

⚠️ Note: Some launchers on HyperOS (for example, POCO Launcher) may conflict with system animations. If you have lags after installing the launcher, turn off Windows animation in the developer settings (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → The scale of window animation: off.).

5. Solving common errors when installing themes

Even when following instructions, users often face problems, and we've collected the most common bugs and their solutions that are relevant for MIUI 14 and HyperOS in 2026:

• 🚫 "Theme cannot be used Reason: Theme is for a different version MIUI Solution: Check compatibility in the theme description or use ADB.
• 🔄 Theme applies, but icons don't change Reason: Conflict with installed launcher or shell Solution: Return to standard launcher (Settings) → Annexes → By default. → Launcher).
• 📱 After updating MIUI Reset theme Reason: System reset in major update Solution: Export theme before update (Tables) → My subjects. → Exports).
• 🔒 "Subscription is required for this topic" Reason: Limit Mi Account for premium themes.Solution: Use alternative sources (e.g..mtz files from Telegram).

6. Top.-5 theme for Xiaomi 2026 year (compatible)

We tested dozens of themes across devices and selected the best options that work consistently even on HyperOS:

💡 Tip: Before installing any topic, check the reviews on its page in the store or forum. Some topics may contain ads or change system settings (for example, font size or animations).

💡

On HyperOS, top-rated (4.5+) themes are usually optimized better and less likely to cause errors.

7 How to Create Your Theme for Xiaomi

If you don't like any of the themes you've got, you can create your own.

• 🖥️ Programme MIUI Theme Editor (Official Tool from Xiaomi).
• 🎨 Set of icons in format PNG (size 192×192 px).
• 📝 Knowledge of basic markings XML font-and-color setting.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install MIUI Theme Editor on PC.
2. Import a theme template (File → New Project).
3. Replace icons, wallpapers and fonts in the corresponding folders (drawable, font).
4. Export the project to.mtz file (Build → Export Theme).
5. Transfer the file to your phone and install through Themes → Import.

⚠️ Note: When creating themes for HyperOS, use the templates marked OS23+. Old templates for MIUI 12 may incorrectly display interface elements (e.g., notification panel).

FAQ: Frequent questions on topics on Xiaomi