How to return the default theme to Xiaomi Redmi: 5 working methods

We changed the theme to our Xiaomi Redmi, but it was too bright, uncomfortable or just bored? You can return the standard MIUI theme in a few minutes without complex manipulations and the risk of damage to the system. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways from a basic reset through settings to restore through your Mi Account and even forced reinstallation of themes through ADB.

It’s important to understand that the process differs depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS) and the smartphone model. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the path to the theme settings may differ from the Redmi 9A. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will be suitable for most Redmi devices released after 2018.

Why the topic does not return to the standard: common reasons

Before you start resetting, it is worth figuring out why the topic does not change back automatically.

• 🔄 Cash, please: MIUI Stores the design data in the cache, and sometimes they get stuck even after changing the topic.
• 📱 Update errors: If the theme is installed through APK-file or third-party store (e.g. GetThemes), it could damage system files.
• 🔒 Mi Account Limitations: Some firmware will block the reset of themes if the device is tied to a restricted account (e.g., a corporate account).
• 🛠️ Custom firmware: On informal builds (for example, Xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience) standard themes may not be available at all.

If you’ve recently upgraded MIUI to a new version (like MIUI 13 on HyperOS), some themes may conflict with the new interface, in which case only a full reset will help – but this is an extreme method to resort to if other methods do not work.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk or TWRP Resetting themes through standard settings can lead to a bootloop (loop reboot).In this case, first remove all Magisk modules associated with the design.

Method 1: Reset theme through MIUI settings (the easiest one)

This method works on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with official firmware (including HyperOS).+:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush and palette).
2. Go to My Themes section (the tab at the bottom of the screen).
3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Reset to standard.
4. Confirm the action, wait for the interface to restart (usually takes 10–30 seconds).

If there is no reset to standard, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Screen style.
2. Select a MIUI Standard Theme (may be called Default or Basic).
3. Save the changes and restart the device.

Check the updates to the Themes app in Google Play

Clear the cache of the "Themes" application in the settings

Reboot your smartphone

Try another method from the article-->

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 for Redmi K40), the standard theme may be called Mi Fan Festival or Global. If you're not sure, choose one where the classic blue MIUI color with white icons is seen in preview.

Method 2: Recovery with Mi Account (if the topic is missing)

If a standard theme is missing or unselectable, try syncing settings through your Mi Account account, which only works if you’ve previously used a standard theme on that device:

1. Open the Settings. → Xiaomi Account (or Mi Account).
2. Make sure you are logged in. If not, log in to your account.
3. Go to Data Sync and turn on the slider opposite the Topic.
4. Click Sync Now and wait for the process to be completed.
5. Go back to the Topics app and check if a standard theme has appeared.

If synchronization doesn’t help, try a forced reset:

1. In the Topics app, click on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
2. Select Settings → Restore the default settings.
3. Confirm the action with a password from Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Redmi Note 13), the themes synced via Mi Account may not work properly if the smartphone was purchased in another region (e.g. global firmware version on a Chinese device.

Method 3: Cleaning the cache and data of the "Themes" application

If the theme is not reset due to a damaged cache, forced cleaning will help, and this method is safe and does not delete user data:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Themes (or Theme Manager) and open it.
3. Press Warehouse and select Clear Cache.
4. Go back and click Clear Data (this will delete all downloaded themes, but return the standard one).
5. Reset the device.

Once you reboot, open the Themes app, which should automatically download the standard design. If that doesn't happen, try manually selecting a Default theme in the My Themes section.

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If the Themes app starts to give an error after cleaning the data, reinstall it through Settings → Apps → Topics → Remove updates. This will return the factory version of the program.

Method 4: Resetting settings to factory (last resort)

If none of the previous methods worked, you will have to reset your settings completely, and this will delete all data from your device, including photos, messages and installed apps, so back up first:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data (or Factory Reset).
3. Enter the password from the device and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-15 minutes).

Once reset, the smartphone will reboot with factory settings, including the standard MIUI theme.This method is guaranteed to work on all Redmi models, but it is only worth using as a last resort.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, resetting settings can lead to blocking FRP (Factory Reset Protection: To avoid this, unplug Mi Account in your account settings before resetting.

Method 5: Forced installation of a standard theme through ADB (for advanced)

This method is suitable for users who are familiar with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to manually set a standard theme even if it is not listed, requires a computer and enabled debugging over USB:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes ADB).
2. On your smartphone, enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder and type:

adb shell pm clear com.android.themes


adb shell am start -n com.android.themes/.activity.ThemeManagerActivity

After completing the commands, the Topic app will restart and the standard theme should appear in the list. If that doesn't happen, try the additional command:

adb shell settings put secure theme_default 1

This method works on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, but may not work on custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS).

Through the settings of the "Themes" app

Synchronization with Mi Account

Clearing the cache

Reset to factory settings

ADB-team

Nothing helped.-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to return a standard theme, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔴 "Topics" emits "Cannot download" error: Check the Internet connection and turn off VPN. If the error persists, clear the application cache (see Method 3).
• 🔴 Standard theme missing from the list: This may be due to regional restrictions.Try changing region in Mi Account to India or Global.
• 🔴 After resetting the topic, there were elements of the old one (fonts, icons): This is a bug. MIUI. Restart the device or apply the theme manually through Settings → Display. → Screen style.
• 🔴 The Themes app does not open: Remove the app updates in Settings → Annexes → Topics → Remove updates.

If you are using a third-party launcher (like a Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher), resetting the MIUI theme will not affect the design, in which case the launcher settings should be reset separately.

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Before you manipulate the themes, check if the device has Magisk design-changing modules (such as MiuiThemeEditor or Substratum) that can block standard settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions