Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017-2018, but even today many users are faced with the problem: how to turn on a dark theme on this model? Unlike modern flagships, where the night mode is activated in two clicks, on Redmi 5 with MIUI 9/10/11 the process can seem confusing, especially if you updated the firmware informally or bought a phone with a Russified “custom” build.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can turn on a dark theme, from standard settings to hidden features for developers, and why night mode may not work even after activation is right, and how to fix it, and at the end, you’ll find an FAQ with answers to frequent questions and useful life hacks for Redmi 5 owners.
Verification of MIUI Version: Why is it Important?
Before you try to turn on a dark theme, be sure to check the MIUI version on your Redmi 5.
- 📱 MIUI 9 – Dark theme is not out of the box, but it can be activated through Developer Settings or third-party launchers.
- 🌙 MIUI 10 – basic night mode support, but only for system applications.
- 🔄 MIUI 11+ — Full dark theme with contrast settings and schedule.
To find out my version:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Scroll down to the MIUI version.
- Remember or take pictures of numbers (e.g. MIUI Global 10.2.3).
Important: Some custom firmware (e.g., third-party developers) may have different paths to customize themes, and if you see non-standard menu items, you probably have an informal build.
2. Standard method: through display settings
If your Redmi 5 has MIUI 10 or later installed, try turning on the dark theme through the standard menu:
- Go to Settings → Screen (or Display).
- Select Dark Theme (in some versions – Night mode).
- Activate the switch to the position VL.
- If necessary, set the Schedule (automatic turn on with sunset / time).
If there is no Dark Subject item:
- ⚙️ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔍 Check if the item is hidden in additional settings (sometimes it is in Settings). → Additionally. → Special facilities).
Check the version of MIUI| Update the firmware if necessary | Battery Charge > 30% |Close all background applications-->
What if the theme is turned on but not working? Sometimes system applications (like Settings or Phone) remain light. This is a bug of older versions of MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: If the dark theme is turned on, the screen is flashing or artifacts appear, this is a sign that the current firmware is incompatible with the graphics driver. MIUI.
3. Hidden method: through the developer settings
On Redmi 5 with MIUI 9, there is no standard dark theme switch, but it can be forced-activated via the developer menu.
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You became a developer!").
Settings
Additionally.
For developers
Force Dark Mode
Forced dark regime
Reboot the phone.
This method will make all applications (including third-party ones) appear in dark colors, but there are nuances:
- 🎨 Some interface elements may look incorrect (e.g. white text on a light background).
- 🔄 After updating MIUI tuning may reset.
- ⚡ Some applications (e.g. banking) ignore this mode for security reasons.
What is Force Dark Mode?
Alternative: If Force Dark Mode is not on the menu, try typing this command through ADB (PC required):
adb shell settings put secure ui_night_mode 2Third-party launchers: if system methods do not work
If none of the above methods worked, install an alternative launcher with support for dark theme.
| Launcher | Support for a dark topic | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | ✅ Full (including icons) | Flexible configuration of gestures, folders, animations | Premium version for some functions |
| Lawnchair | ✅ Yes (free of charge) | Lightweight, based on Pixel Launcher | Fewer customization options |
| Microsoft Launcher | ✅ Yes. | Integration with Windows, cloud backup | Data collection for Microsoft |
| POCO Launcher | ✅ Yes, from Xiaomi) | Optimized for weak devices | Rare updates |
How to install and configure:
- Download the launcher from Google Play (or APK with APKMirror if the Play Market is not working).
- After installation, click Home and select the new launcher as the main one.
- In the launcher settings, find the Themes or Appearance section and activate the dark mode.
💡
If system applications (such as Settings) remain light after installing the launcher, install the Pitch Black theme from the MIUI theme store (if available).
5 MIUI Topics: How to Download and Apply Dark Design
MIUI has a built-in theme store where you can find completely dark designs for the interface.
- Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
- Go to the Popular section or search for dark.
- Choose a dark theme you like (e.g. Dark Mode, AMOLED Black).
- Click Apply and confirm the download.
Challenges and solutions:
- 💰 Some topics are paid (cost) ~1–3$). Free Alternatives: Dark Night, Pure Black.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI Theme may be reset – keep it in My themes.
- ⚠️ Some of the themes only change wallpaper and icons, not system menus.
Where to download themes if the MIUI store is not working?
- 🌍 Official website: themes.mi.com (requires a Xiaomi account).
- 📱 Telegram channels: @MIUIThemes, @XiaomiThemes.
- 💾 APK-Topics files: search at miuithemes.com.
💡
Using themes from third-party sources can disrupt system applications. Always back up before installing (.mtz files).
6. Problem solving: why isn't the dark topic included?
If you have completed all the steps, but the night mode has not worked, check these points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No "Dark Topic" in the settings | Old version of MIUI or custom firmware | Update the software or install the launcher |
| The theme is included, but resets after rebooting | Miui.ThemeManager is a failure | Clear the app cache Topics in Settings → Apps |
| Apps remain bright | The app does not support dark theme | Use Force Dark Mode or update the app |
| The screen flashes when the dark theme is turned on | Conflict of graphic drivers | Reverse to the old version of MIUI or reset the settings |
Common user errors:
- 🔋 Trying to turn on a dark theme with a discharged battery (<30%) — it could cause disruption.
- 📱 Install themes that are incompatible with Redmi screen resolution 5 (720×1440).
- 🔄 Do not restart the phone after applying the tones or changes in the Developer Settings.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to warm up or discharge quickly after turning on the dark theme, it may be due to a graphics rendering error. Return the light theme and check the phone for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes).
7 Additional settings: fine-tuning the dark theme
If you managed to turn on the night mode but it doesn’t work perfectly, try these tweaks:
- 🌓 Schedule setting: Automatic turn on with sunset: Settings → Screen. → Dark subject. → Schedule → Sunset before sunrise. Hand clock: set a fixed time (e.g. 22:00 to 7:00).
- 🎨 Contrast: In some themes, you can adjust the saturation of black through Settings → Screen. → Colors of the display.
- 🔍 Application Exceptions: Developer Settings can specify applications for which the dark theme does not apply.
For advanced users: If you use Redmi 5 with an unlocked bootloader, you can install Magisk and the Dark Mode Enabler module for more flexible customization.
- ⚠️ Backup of data (risk of brick).
- 🔧 Established TWRP Recovery.
- 📥 Downloaded module with XDA Developers.