How to return the factory theme to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 4 working methods

Changed the theme of the design on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, but the new shell was too bright, uncomfortable or just bored? to return the native factory theme MIUI in several ways, from simple selection in settings to a complete reset system. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including hidden features and tools for power users.

The main problem when returning a standard theme is the non-obvious paths in the MIUI menu, especially if you are using custom firmware or a global version of the software. We will describe each step in detail, indicate possible errors (for example, why the theme does not apply after a reboot), and give recommendations for backing up data before changes.

Note: on the Redmi Note 9 (models M2003J15SC/M2003J15SG), the process may vary depending on the version of MIUI. This article provides current screenshots for MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS), but if your smartphone is running on older firmware – use alternative methods from the last section.

1. Return the theme through standard MIUI settings

The fastest way is to return a factory theme through a built-in theme menu, which works on all official Redmi Note 9 firmware and does not require superuser rights.

Open the Topic app (the desktop brush icon). If it's not available, check the Tools folder or search the system (guest down the screen → type "Themes").

• 📱 Go to the My Themes tab (bottom of the screen).
• 🔍 Scroll down to the Systems or Default section.
• 🎨 Find a topic called Standard, MIUI Default or Basic (name depends on the version of the software).
• 💾 Click Apply and Confirm the Action.

If a standard theme is not listed, try updating the theme base: open Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click on the build number several times. Once the “You’re a developer” notification appears, go back to Themes and check the Updates section.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may reset desktop wallpaper and lock screen after applying a standard theme. To avoid this, save your favorite images in the folder beforehand. DCIM → Wallpapers.

2. Reset theme settings through the hidden menu

If a standard theme is not displayed in the list or is not applied, use the hidden reset menu, which will work even on modified firmware where the Topic section is removed.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Special Opportunities.
2. Activate the Minimum Animation option (this will temporarily simplify the interface).
3. Return to the main Settings menu and go to About Phone → All specs.
4. Click 7 times on the MIUI version bar until the message “Unlocked additional settings” appears.
5. Now open Settings → System → Additional → Reset theme settings.

Once reset, the phone will reboot and the factory theme will be applied. If the theme settings reset point is missing, move on to the next method.

Save wallpaper and badges

Write down the current display settings (font size, contrast)

Check the space (needs at least 500 MB)

Disable the lock screen password (simplify login after reboot)-->

3. Custom Theme Removal via MIUI Cleaner

Sometimes custom themes conflict with standard themes, blocking their application, in which case the built-in MIUI Cleaner tool will help.

How to clear the cache with:

• 🧹 Open the Security app (Icon with shield).
• 🔍 Go to Optimization. → Deep cleaning.
• 📁 Select the Cash Topic (or Other Files) → Topics).
• 🗑️ Click Clean and confirm the action.

After cleaning the cache, restart your phone and try to re-apply the standard theme through the Topics menu. If the problem persists, proceed to the ADB method.

4. Theme return via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods didn’t work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires connecting your phone to your PC and enabling debugging mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. On your phone, activate Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times press) → go back to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the Redmi Note 9 to your PC and type in the command line:

adb devices

(A device with a serial number must appear).

adb shell pm clear com.android.themes

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

adb reboot

After the reboot, you'll use a standard theme, and if the commands don't work, try the alternative.

adb shell settings put secure default_theme_config 0

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They can reset not only the theme, but also the location of the icons on the desktop. If you have a unique app layout set up, take screenshots of the screens in advance.

5. Full reset of the phone (last resort)

If none of these methods worked, the last resort is hard reset, which will return the Redmi Note 9 to its factory state, including the standard theme, but will remove all the data from the internal memory.

How to reset:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings.
• 📱 Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Resetting Settings!).
• 🔐 Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
• ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-15 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will turn on with the MIUI factory theme. To recover data, use a backup from the Mi Cloud or local backup.

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Before reset, remove the microSD card, if it is installed, and in some cases, the reset may format it.

6. Alternative methods for custom firmware

If your Redmi Note 9 runs on unofficial firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu), standard methods may not work.

• 📦 Check it out. MIUI Recovery via Fastboot (instructions on xiaomi.eu).
• 🔧 Use it. TWRP install theme.apk stock-stack.
• 🎨 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that ignores themes MIUI.

Fastboot will require an unlocked bootloader. Instructions for unlocking the Redmi Note 9 can be found on Xiaomi's official website (Unlock Bootloader section).

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On custom firmware, the standard MIUI theme may be absent in principle - in this case, the only way out is to return to official software or use a third-party launcher.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When returning a standard theme, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 Theme does not apply after selection: Clear the application cache Themes in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔄 After the reboot, the theme resets: Turn off automatic theme updates in Settings → Topics → Settings → Auto-update.
• 📱 No “Themes” section in settings: Install the app MIUI Theme Editor from APKCombo.
• 🔒 Requested root when resetting: Use the method with ADB (section 4) or return to the official firmware.

If the theme is still not returned after all the manipulations, check the integrity of the system files.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Check for updates.
3. If an update is available, install it (this can restore deleted system theme files).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions