Installation of custom themes in format.MTZ β One of the most popular ways to personalize the interface on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones POCO. Although the official Mi Theme Store offers thousands of options, many users prefer to install unique themes from third-party developers. MTZ (Mi Theme Zip contains all the necessary resources for a complete change in the design of the system, but its installation requires additional actions.
In this article, we will discuss all the current installation methods. MTZ-on modern Xiaomi devices, including models on MIUI 14/15 And HyperOS, we'll bypass common errors like "Failed theme" or "File corrupted" and we'll also tell you how to back up your current design. ADB, It works even on blocked downloaders and does not require root rights.
What's the format MTZ And why is he better? APK?
Files with extension.MTZ (Mi Theme Zip is an archive that contains all the elements of design for the MIUI/HyperOS: Icons, wallpapers, fonts, animations, even system notification sounds, as opposed to themes in format. APK, which are installed as separate applications, MTZ It is integrated directly into the system menu, which allows:
- π Switch between several topics instantly without rebooting.
- π± Maintaining original functions MIUI (For example, dark mode or adaptive icons).
- π οΈ Manually edit the theme through Mi Theme Editor (weβll talk about it below).
- π« Avoid conflicts with system updates (unlike the system updates) APK-People who often βflyβ after an update).
But MTZ There are also disadvantages: installation requires bypassing some of Xiaomi's restrictions, and not all themes support the latest firmware versions. MIUI 12 may not display correctly on HyperOS due to changes in system file structure.
β οΈ Attention: Installing themes from unverified sources may contain malicious code. MTZ-files from trusted forums (XDA Developers, 4PDA) or official repositories of developers.
Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before installation
Before you start installing a theme, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid mistakes like βCannot import themeβ or βFile is not supportedβ:
- Check the version. MIUI/HyperOS: Go to Settings. β About the phone and write down the firmware version. The theme should be compatible with your version. MIUI 13 It may not work on HyperOS. 1.0.
- Put the debugging on. USB: Go to Settings. β The phone. β Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on this item to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings. β Additionally. β For developers and enable debugging by USB.
- Install Mi Theme Editor (optional): This is the official theme editing app from Xiaomi. Download it from Google Play or AppGallery (for devices without Google services).
- Download. MTZ-File: We recommend using verified sources: π XDA Developers (part of Xiaomi Themes). π 4PDA (collection-theme MTZ). π MIUI Themes (catalogue with preview).
Download MTZ-file from a verified source
Check the compatibility of the theme with the version MIUI/HyperOS
Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings
Install Mi Theme Editor (optional)
Backup your current theme (see section below)
-->
If you are planning to set up a topic through ADB, You can download Google's Platform Tools and unpack them on your computer. MTZ-file-and-smartphone.
Method 1: Installation with Mi Theme Editor (without PC)
Itβs the easiest method that doesnβt require a computer connection.It works on most Xiaomi devices, but may not be supported on some regional firmware (e.g., itβs not supported on most Xiaomi devices, MIUI Global Stable sometimes blocks imports MTZ).
Step-by-step:
- Open Mi Theme Editor: Launch the app and click on the icon "+" in the lower right corner. Select "Import theme".
- Choose. MTZ-File: Go to the folder where the downloaded file is saved (usually Downloads or Downloads) and tap it. If the file doesn't show up, check the extension -- it should be.MTZ, not.ZIP or.APK.
- Confirm import: The app will show a preview of the theme. Click "Import" and wait for the process to be completed (may take up to a time). 1-2 minute).
- Apply the subject: After import go to Settings β Topics, find your theme in the list and click "Apply".
π‘
If the theme was imported but not applied, try restarting your smartphone. MIUI Requires restart to correctly display new elements.
Method 2: Installation through ADB (It works on locked devices)
method ADB (Android Debug Bridge is suitable for devices where Mi Theme Editor does not work or is missing, the advantage of this method is that it does not require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, but you need a computer with Platform Tools installed.
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC: Use the original USB-On your phone, select File Transfer Mode (not Charging").
- Open the command line: On your computer, go to the folder with Platform Tools, press Shift. + right mouse button and select "Open PowerShell window here" (or cmd for Windows 10 and below).
- Check Connection: Enter the command: Adb devices If the device appears in the list (e.g, 1234abcd If you don't, check the drivers or reconnect the cable.
- Copy. MTZ-File to Device: Use the command (replace the path to file.mtz with the real path): adb push C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\theme.mtz /sdcard/
- Enter the command to import: adb shell am start -n com.android.theme.iconpack/.ThemePreviewActivity -d file:///sdcard/theme.mtz The phone will open a preview - click "Apply".
If some elements (such as icons or fonts) havenβt changed after applying the theme, try:
- π Reset the device.
- π οΈ Clear the app cache Themes in the settings.
- π Make sure the theme is compatible with your version MIUI/HyperOS.
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
Method 3: Manual copying through file manager (for experienced)
This method is suitable for users who are willing to work with system folders. It requires root rights or access to hidden directories through the system. MT Manager or Root Explorer without root, you can try using it. ADB Copying files, but it is more difficult.
Step-by-step:
- Copy. MTZ-File to System Folder: The Way to Those: /data/system/theme/. If theme is not available, create it manually. imported_theme.mtz.
- Change access rights: Set 644 (rw-r)--r--) for file and 755 (rwxr-xr-x) for folder.
- Reboot the device: After the reboot, the theme will appear in the list of available in Settings β Topics.
β οΈ Warning: Incorrectly changing system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before actions, make a backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.
If you donβt have root, but you have an unlocked bootloader, you can use Magisk and the module. MIUI Theme Manager for simplified import MTZ. The module automatically copies the themes to the desired folder and configures the rights.
Installation errors MTZ-how and how to fix them
Even if you follow instructions correctly, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Failed to import the subject | Version incompatibility MIUI/HyperOS file-break. | Download the theme for your firmware version. Check the checksum (MD5) file. |
| File not supported | The file is renamed or has an incorrect extension. | Rename the file to theme.mtz (no spaces). |
| Theme applies, but icons donβt change | Conflict with launcher or cache. | Clear the Themes and Launcher cache in the app settings. |
| ADB: device not found | Drivers are not installed or debugging is not included. | Install the drivers. ADB Check the developerβs settings. |
| Theme flies after update MIUI | System reset theme on upgrade. | Save a backup copy of the theme (see the next section). |
If none of these methods worked, try:
- π Set theme through the Recovery (TWRP) using special zip files (for example, MTZ_Flasher.zip).
- π± Reset the Topic settings to standard in Settings β Annexes β Application management β Topics β Warehouse β Clear the data.
- π Contact the theme developer on the forum where you downloaded it (maybe you need a patch for your model).
Mi Theme Editor (no PC)
ADB (via computer)
Manual copying (with root)
Another way.-->
How to create a backup of the current theme
Before experimenting with custom themes, it is recommended to keep the current design, which will help quickly return the standard look if the new theme does not work properly.
Method 1: Through Mi Theme Editor
- Open Mi Theme Editor and select My Themes.
- Find the current theme (usually called "Default" or "System").
- Click on three dots in the corner and select "Export".
- Save the file to a safe place (such as a cloud or PC).
Method 2: Through ADB (skilled)
Use the command to create a dump of the current theme:
adb shell cp -r /data/system/theme/ /sdcard/Backup/Theme_Backup/The files can be restored if necessary.
Method 3: Manual backup of system files
If you have root, copy the following folders:
- /data/system/theme/ β user-themed.
- /system/media/theme/default/ β system resources.
Use Root Explorer or ADB with superuser rights.
π‘
A backup copy of the theme takes up little space (usually a small one). 5-20 MB), but saves hours on interface repair after a crash.
Where to download quality MTZ-Topics for Xiaomi in 2026
The choice of source for downloading topics is critical: unverified files may contain viruses or spyware. MIUI 14/15 hyperos:
- π XDA Developers is the largest forum with independent themes. [MTZ] And check the reviews.
- π 4PDA β Russian-speaking community with a large base of themes for Redmi and POCO.
- π MIUI Themes β a catalog with a preview and filters according to the firmware version.
- π± Telegram channels: @miuithemes β daily updates to topics. @xiaomithemes β exclusive MTZ.
When choosing a topic, pay attention to:
- π Version MIUI/HyperOS (specified in the subject description).
- π± Model of the device (some themes are optimized for specific smartphones, for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12).
- β Rating and reviews (avoid topics with bug complaints).
- π¨ Preview (check if you like icons, fonts and wallpaper).
If you want to create your own theme, use Mi Theme Editor or Wanam Xposed (for advanced customization).
- πΌοΈ Wallpaper and color schemes.
- π± Application icons (a package of icons in.png format is required).
- π€ Fonts (supported by.ttf and.otf).
- π΅ Notification and alarm sounds.