Installing custom themes in.mtz format is one of the most popular ways to personalize Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones. POCO. These files allow you to change not only wallpaper and icons, but also system fonts, animations, notification style and even sound effects. However, standard Themes from Xiaomi often restrict users: many of them are not the only ones that can be used. MTZ-Themes do not undergo moderation in the official store, and some require manual installation through recovery or ADB.
In this guide, we will discuss three proven installation methods (including bypassing locks on newer versions). MIUI), We will tell you how to avoid errors like Parse error or Theme corrupted, and give you recommendations on how to choose compatible themes for your model. Special attention will be paid to security β improper installation can lead to data loss or soft-brick (cyclical reboot) if the theme conflicts with system files.
What is it? MTZ-Themes and Why You Can't Find Them in the Store
.mtz files are archives of themes created by users or designers for the purpose of MIUI. They contain:
- π¨ Graphic elements: icons, wallpaper, statusbar styles;
- π€ Fonts and text styles (including system dialogues);
- π Sound circuits: notification melodies, alarm clocks, keyboards;
- βοΈ System modifications: transition animations, style of drop-down menus.
The main reason why many people MTZ-Topics are not available in the official store Themes - hard moderation Xiaomi:
- π« Topics with pirated content (brand logos, copyright materials);
- π« Modifications that change system files (risk of unstable operation);
- π« Themes for outdated versions MIUI (below 12.5);
- π« Content since 18+ materials or provocative images.
In addition, Xiaomi restricts the downloading of themes from third-party sources on new devices (for example, Xiaomi). 13/14 or Redmi Note 12), You can get around this by manually installing or patching system files, and we'll talk about that later.
Method 1: Installation MTZ through the standard "Themes" application (without root)
This is the easiest method, but it doesn't work on all devices. Xiaomi blocks the download of unsigned themes on new models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Xiaomi 13 Pro). POCO F5), But on older smartphones (up to) MIUI 12) or after the firmware rollback, this method may work.
Step-by-step:
- Download the.mtz theme file from a trusted source (e.g. miui-themes.com or ZThemes).
- Move the file to the MIUI/theme folder on the internal drive (create it if it is not available).
- Open the Topics β My Themes β Import.
- Select the downloaded.mtz file and confirm the installation.
If you have a Parse error or Theme corrupted error after import, try:
- π Rename the file (remove the Cyrillic alphabet and spaces);
- π₯ Download the theme again (maybe the file is corrupted);
- π± Reboot your smartphone and try again.
βοΈ Preparation for installation MTZ via the Topics app
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ HyperOS and this method often fails due to blocking unsigned themes. In this case, go to Method 2 (via the "Systems") TWRP).
Method 2: Installation through TWRP (wire-stitch)
If your smartphone has an unlocked bootloader and installed custom recovery (TWRP), You can post a topic like ZIP-This method is suitable for all versions. MIUI, including MIUI 14 and HyperOS, but requires caution β incorrect firmware can lead to data loss or soft-brick.
What you need:
- π± Smartphone with unlocked loader and TWRP;
- π§ Theme file in.mtz format (you need to convert to.zip);
- πΎ Backup of data (in case of failure).
Instructions:
- Rename the theme file from.mtz to.zip (e.g. theme.mtz) β theme.zip).
- Copy the file to internal memory or SD-map.
- Boot in. TWRP (turn off the smartphone β clamp down on power. + Loudness up).
- V TWRP Choose Install β Find the.zip file. β run through.
- After the firmware, run the Wipe Dalvik/Cache and reboot.
| Xiaomi model | Compatibility with TWRP | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | β Complete. | Low (with proper firmware) |
| Xiaomi 12/13 | β οΈ Partial (you need to look for relevant) TWRP) | Medium (soft-brick risk) |
| POCO F4/F5 | β Complete. | Low. |
| Xiaomi 14 | β Limited (new type of section) | High (possible loss of data) |
β οΈ Note: Firmware through those TWRP On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14) it can cause system failure. Before installing, check the theme compatibility with your version of firmware on forums 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu.
π‘
If after firmware theme smartphone loads into infinite animation, download in the TWRP and delete the theme file from the folder /data/system/theme/.
Method 3: Installation via Mi Theme Editor (for advanced users)
Mi Theme Editor allows you to edit and install.mtz themes without any need for a TWRP, but requires root rights or ADB-This method is suitable for devices where the installation is blocked through the standard application Topics.
How to determine:
- Download Mi Theme Editor (available on GitHub).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable debugging USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times press β Additionally. β For developers).
- Run Mi Theme Editor on PC and select the.mtz file.
- Click Install Theme and follow the instructions (confirmation on your smartphone is required).
If you have a Failed to copy file error, do:
adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
cp /sdcard/theme.mtz /data/system/theme/imported/
chmod 644 /data/system/theme/imported/theme.mtz
rebootThis method works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, but requires knowledge of the teams. ADB. To simplify the process, you can use scripts from the MIUI-Theme-Installer repository.
What if Mi Theme Editor canβt see the device?
Solving common errors when installing MTZ-themes
Even when installed correctly, users are faced with errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Parse error | A damaged file or incompatibility with a version MIUI | Download the topic again or check the version MIUI |
| Theme corrupted | File modified or incomplete | Check the hash amount of the file (MD5) |
| Installation failed (in TWRP) | Wrong format ZIP or missing folder /theme | Reconvert. MTZ into ZIP And check the structure of the archive. |
| The theme does not apply after rebooting | Conflict with other modifications (Magisk, Xposed) | Disable Magisk modules and re-install |
If the theme is installed after the smartphone starts to brake or overheat, most likely, the theme conflicts with the system animations.
- Remove the theme through Settings β Topics β My subjects.
- Clear the theme app cache (Settings β Apps β Application Management β Themes β Clear the cache).
- If the problem persists, reset settings through Settings. β Additionally. β Resetting settings (without deleting data).
π‘
Before installation, any MTZ-Check its compatibility with your version. MIUI. Topics for MIUI 12 may not work on the MIUI 14 due to changes in system file structure.
Where to download safe MTZ-themes
Xiaomiβs official Themes store contains a limited set of themes, so users are looking for alternative sources. However, many sites distribute malicious files or themes with advertising modules.
- π miui-themes.ru - Russian catalog with moderation;
- π ZThemes β an international database with ratings;
- π Xiaomi.eu Forum β Community Topics;
- π¦ Telegram channels (e.g, @miuithemes).
Signs of an unsafe topic:
- π¨ The file weighs less than 1MB (maybe it contains only ads);
- π¨ Require root rights for installation;
- π¨ The name contains words like Premium, VIP or;
- π¨ The file is decompressed into folders with executable scripts (.sh,.bat).
Before downloading, check the reviews on the topic in the forums and use an antivirus (such as VirusTotal) to scan the file.
Compatibility MTZ-themes MIUI hyperos
With the exit. MIUI 13 and Xiaomi's HyperOS changed the structure of system files, causing many older themes to stop working:
| MIUI/HyperOS version | Support MTZ-then | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 11 and below | β Complete. | No restrictions. |
| MIUI 12 β 12.5 | β Full (signed) | Blocking unsigned themes |
| MIUI 13 β 14 | β οΈ Partial | Manual installation or patch required |
| HyperOS (2026) | β Limited. | Only official topics are working. |
There is no stable method for installing.mtz theme for HyperOS yet, but developers are working on workarounds.
If youβre using HyperOS and want to personalize the interface, consider alternatives:
- π¨ Iconpaca via Nova Launcher;
- π¨ KWGT-screen-widget;
- π¨ Substratum/Andromeda (root).