How to Include a Black Theme on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Modern. OLED-Xiaomi smartphone screens save battery power and reduce eye strain when using the device at night. Dark Mode is becoming the de facto standard for comfortable interaction with the interface MIUI Many users are looking for ways to activate this mode to extend the autonomy of the gadget or simply change the visual style of the system beyond recognition.

In this article, we’ll break down all the available methods, from standard shell settings to deep modification of system files.You’ll learn why some apps stay white even after mode is turned on and how to fix it. Xiaomi provides flexible personalization tools that are often hidden from the eyes of the average user, but their proper use opens up new possibilities.

Whether you own the flagship 13 Pro or the budget Redmi Note, the setup principles are similar in many ways. However, there are nuances that depend on the Android version and regional firmware. We will cover all aspects to make your smartphone look stylish and work efficiently.

Standard Dark Mode activation via settings

The easiest and safest way to switch the interface to dark mode is to use the built-in features of the system. In the shells of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and the new HyperOS, this parameter is prominently displayed, and first you need to unlock the device and go to the main settings menu.

Find a section that might be called a Screen or a Display. Depending on the firmware version, the Dark Mode switch can be right there or placed in the Topics subsection inside the screen settings. Once the slider is activated, the system instantly redraws all the interface elements supported, making the background black and the text light.

It is important to note that standard inclusion does not affect all applications. System utilities such as Explorer, Settings and Gallery obey this rule without problems. However, third-party software such as browsers or instant messengers can ignore the system command if their own settings do not select the appropriate design.

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Use the Dark Mode scheduler to turn on automatically at sunset and off at dawn – this will save you time and battery power.

If you want the theme to change automatically depending on the time of day, look for the Schedule feature, which allows you to set specific hours or tie the change of design to sunrise and sunset using the device's geolocation.

Using the β€œThemes” application for deep customization

In the Xiaomi ecosystem, the Themes app plays a key role, allowing you not only to change wallpaper, but also completely transform icons, fonts and system colors. To include a black theme at a deeper level, go to this application through the settings or find it on your desktop.

At the bottom of the app screen is the Profile tab (a human icon). Click on it to see the design management menu. Here you will find the Topic item where all the designs you have installed are stored. Choose a theme marked Dark or just a black preview to activate it.

  • πŸŒ‘ Official themes: The catalog has a section "Dark themes", where you can find verified designs from Xiaomi designers.
  • 🎨 Third-party development: Custom themes often contain more aggressive blackouts, affecting even those elements that the standard mode ignores.
  • βš™οΈ System components: Some themes only change icons, others completely redraw the settings menu and notification curtain.

When you install a new theme, the system can only suggest certain components. Be careful when choosing: if you want to change only colors, do not use the theme completely, so as not to bring down the usual desktop layout.

πŸ“Š What aspect of the interface is most important to you in a dark topic?
Black depth
Readability of text
Automation
Battery savings

Configure third-party applications in dark mode

Often times, the system is darkened, but your favorite apps are bright white, and you can see that MIUI and HyperOS have a mechanism for forcing dark themes on individual programs, and this is especially true for older applications that don't have their own Dark Mode support.

To set this up, go to Settings β†’ Additional Settings β†’ Special Options. In the list that opens, look for the Dark Mode section (sometimes hidden inside the menu with a tether in the corner of the screen). Here you will see a list of all the apps installed.

Activate the switch against the desired application. The system will try to invert the colors of the program interface. It should be understood that this method is software emulation and may not work correctly: some buttons may become unreadable, and images may lose contrast.

⚠️ Warning: Forcing a dark theme to be included in banking applications can cause errors in displaying password fields or security codes.

For most popular social networks and instant messengers, it is better to use their built-in settings, usually located in the Makeup or Chats section within the application itself, which ensures that all interface elements work correctly.

Comparison of methods of dimming the interface

Users often wonder what the most effective design method is. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which depend on the purpose of using the smartphone. Below is a table that helps you choose the best option for your situation.

MethodImpact on the batteryCompatibilityDifficulty
Dark Mode SystemsHigh (on OLED)PartialLow.
A third-party topicAverage.Complete (visually)Medium
Compulsory regimeLow.Unstable.Tall.
Engineering Menu (ADB)Maximum.GlobalVery high.

As you can see from the table, the standard method is the middle ground between usability and functionality, but for owners of AMOLED devices, even partial dimming gives a noticeable increase in operating time.

If you use IPS-The screen, which for the budget models of Redmi, the visual difference in energy consumption will be minimal, since in such screens the backlight works constantly regardless of the color of the pixels.

β˜‘οΈ Checking before installing the themes

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Advanced Methods: ADB and Hidden Settings

For power users who aren’t afraid to experiment, there are ways to activate a black theme at the system level through USB debugging, which allows you to enable Force Dark for all applications at once, bypassing standard restrictions.

To start, activate the developer mode. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version). After the message "You became a developer" appears, go back to the main settings menu and open Additional settings β†’ For developers.

Find and enable Debugging by USB. Connect your smartphone to your computer and install ADB utilities. The following command is used to activate a global dark theme:

adb shell cmd overlay enable --package android android.theme.customization.darken_enabled

This team implements an overlay that forces the system to render the interface in dark colors where possible, but be prepared for the fact that some elements may look broken or have artifacts.

What if the sound is lost after ADB commands?
If you lose a sound or image after making system changes, try rebooting your device to Safe Mode, press the off button, then (hold) the Turn off icon on the screen, and if that doesn't work, you'll need to reset through Recovery.

⚠️ Note: Making changes through ADB Before executing commands, make sure you understand their operation and are ready to roll back changes.

The FAQ on the Dark Theme

Users often face typical problems during the setup process, and here are the answers to the most popular questions to help them quickly resolve the difficulties.

Why is the black theme not working on WhatsApp or Telegram?
These apps have their own design settings. Go to the settings of the messenger itself, find the "Chats" or "Design" section and select "Dark." Xiaomi's system settings are not always a priority for third-party software.
Does a dark theme affect smartphone performance?
On current Snapdragon and MediaTek processors, the impact on performance is imperceptible, but rendering complex gradients in dark mode can minimize the load on the GPU in very old device models.
Can you make a completely black background?
Yes, if you have. OLED-Use themes marked with a screen"AMOLED" Or "Pure Black." They actually turn off the pixels, giving you the perfect black color and the maximum energy savings.
How to get it back if the topic is crooked?
Go to the Themes app β†’ Profile β†’ Themes and select the standard Theme Untitled (Default) if the interface does not respond, reboot the device by pressing the power button.
Why is it difficult to see photos in the gallery?
This is a feature of some theme implementations. Try changing the theme to another or turn off the dark mode only for the Gallery app through the special features settings, if this option is available in your version of MIUI.

Getting your visual style right isn’t just a matter of beauty, it’s also about eye health and battery life. Experiment with themes, adjust schedules, and strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Your Xiaomi is able to look exactly the way you want it to.

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The main secret of the perfect black theme is the combination of the system Dark Mode and high-quality black theme. AMOLED-themes from the store, which gives maximum contrast and saving charge.