Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are famous for their deep customization of the interface, from icons to animations. But the standard MIUI Themes store often limits the choice to regional locks or no current collections. In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to install themes on Xiaomi in 2026, from official methods to bypassing restrictions through APKs and third-party launchers.
It is important to understand that the process differs depending on the version of MIUI (12/13/14) and the device model. For example, the global firmware Redmi Note 12 may not work the method that is successfully used on Xiaomi 13 Ultra with the Chinese version of the software.
1.Official method: installing themes through MIUI Themes
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in theme store, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices on current versions of MIUI (12 and above), the main limitation is regional locks: in some countries (for example, in Russia), some themes may not be available.
To set the topic officially:
- 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
- 🔍 In the Recommended or Categories section, select your favorite topic.
- 📥 Click Apply – the system will automatically download and install all elements (icons, wallpaper, fonts).
- ⚙️ For fine-tuning, go to Settings. → Display. → System style.
An important point of 2026: in MIUI 14.0.5+ The signature checks are added, so some third-party APK-files may not be installed without root rights. If the theme does not apply, try clearing the theme app cache in the settings or restarting the device.
2. Installation of themes through APK-Files (bypassing regional restrictions)
If the theme is not available in the official store, it can be downloaded in.mtz (MIUI theme archive) or.apk (installation package), which requires pre-prepared devices, as by default MIUI blocks the installation of themes from unknown sources.
Step-by-step:
- Download the theme file (.mtz or.apk) from trusted sources (e.g. XiaomiThemes or MIUI Poland).
- Move the file to the MIUI/theme folder on the internal drive (create it manually if it is not available).
- Open the Themes app, go to My Themes → Import and select the downloaded file.
- Confirm the installation and apply the theme.
If the theme is.apk, install it as a regular application, but pre-enable Installation permission from unknown sources for the file manager in the security settings.
Download.mtz or.apk from official source
Create a MIUI/theme folder on your internal drive
Installation from unknown sources
Reboot the device after installation-->
⚠️ Note:.apk themes may contain malicious code. Check the file through VirusTotal before installing it and review forum reviews (e.g., forum reviews, 4PDA or XDA Developers.This is especially true for topics with unofficial Chinese resources.
3. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Hyperion, Lawnchair)
If you want more than a MIUI theme, but a complete interface redesign, consider installing an alternative launcher.
- 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports customization of icons, gestures and animations.
- 🎨 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi devices and offers built-in themes.
- 🚀 Lawnchair – lightweight launcher with support for adaptive icons.
To apply the theme through the launcher:
- Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
- Download an icon pack or theme (for example, on Play Market or Icon Pack Studio).
- In the launcher settings, select Themes → Apply the icon package.
- Customize widgets and wallpaper manually (in MIUI, they are not synced automatically).
The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can combine elements from different topics. The disadvantage is that some MIUI features (for example, quick settings in the curtain) will remain unchanged.
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If MIUI widgets (such as weather or pedometer) disappear after installing the launcher, restart the device or return to the standard launcher via Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher.
4. Manual editing of system files (for advanced users)
This method is only suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and root rights, and allows you to install themes that are not officially supported, but requires knowledge of ADB commands and work with system folders.
Algorithm of action:
- Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
- Connect the device to the PC and open the ADB terminal.
- Copy the theme file (.mtz) to the system folder: adb push theme.mtz /data/system/theme/
- Change the access rights: adb shell chmod 644 /data/system/theme/theme.mtz
- Restart the device and apply the theme through the standard menu.
This method is risky: wrong actions can lead to a bootloop.We recommend you to back up beforehand via TWRP.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and above the system folder /data/system/theme/ DM-Verity can be protected, and modifications will require disabling the check through the Magisk module (e.g., Disable DM-Verity).
5. Install themes through Mi Account (synchronization between devices)
A little-known feature of MIUI is synchronizing themes between devices through a Mi Account.This is convenient if you want to transfer settings from one Xiaomi smartphone to another.
How it works:
- 🔄 On the first device, apply the theme you want and make sure that sync is enabled in Settings. → Mi Account → Synchronization.
- 📱 On the second device, log in to the same Mi Account.
- 🔗 Open the Topics app and go to My Topics → Synchronized.
- 📥 Select a topic from the list and apply it.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ Not all theme elements are synchronized (e.g. wallpaper or fonts may reset).
- ❌ A stable internet connection is required.
- ❌ On devices with different versions MIUI Possible display errors.
Why are some elements of the topic not synchronized?
6. Solving common errors when installing themes
Even when following instructions, users face problems, and we'll look at common mistakes and how to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| I failed to apply the topic. | A damaged.mtz file or incompatibility with the MIUI version | Download the theme again or check its compatibility on the forum |
| Theme applies partially (e.g. only icons) | Launcher restrictions or conflict with other topics | Reset the theme by default and reset the installation |
| 404 error when downloading from MIUI Themes | Regional restrictions or server lockdown | Use a VPN with India or China |
| Themes app flies out | A damaged cache or conflict with an update | Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Themes → Storage |
If none of the methods worked, try resetting the theme settings to the standard:
- Go to Settings → Display → System Style.
- Select Reset to a standard theme.
- Reset the device.
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Before installing any theme, check it is compatible with your version of MIUI. For example, the themes for MIUI 12 may not work on MIUI 14 due to changes in the system file structure.