How to Include Dark Theme on Xiaomi Redmi 4A: Official and Hidden Ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4A β€” One of the most popular budget smartphones 2017 But the owners often face a problem: in the standard firmware. MIUI 8-9 There's no built-in dark theme function, but the dark mode not only reduces the strain on the eyes in the evening, but also prolongs battery life. 8-12% by reducing energy consumption AMOLED-The screen (although the Redmi has a 4A matrix IPS, The effect is still noticeable).

In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to include dark themes, from official updates to workarounds using third-party apps and hidden settings. Importantly, the methods vary depending on the version of MIUI and the firmware modifications (global, Chinese, custom). If your Redmi 4A runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow or 7.1 Nougat, you’ll find a solution here.

Verification of the MIUI version and preparation of the smartphone

Before you turn on a dark theme, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi 4A supports this feature.

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Find the lines MIUI version and Android version.
  3. Compare the data with the table below.
MIUI versionAndroid versionSupporting a dark topicIncluding
MIUI 8-96.0-7.1❌ No.App side or custom firmware
MIUI 107.1⚠️ Partially (only in some assemblies)Hidden settings or Magisk patch
MIUI 11-127.1 (port)βœ… Yes.Through the display settings

If you have a MIUI 8 or 9, there's no official way to turn on the dark theme, you'll have to use workarounds. For a MIUI 10+, the odds are higher, but you'll need manual intervention.

⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulation of system settings, back up your data. on Redmi 4A This can be done through settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup or using the Mi Mover app.

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI installed on your Redmi 4A?
MIUI 8
MIUI 9
MIUI 10
MIUI 11/12
I don't know.

Method 1: Enabling a dark theme through settings (MIUI 10-12)

If your Xiaomi Redmi 4A runs on MIUI 10 or later (even if it’s an unofficial port), try the standard method:

  1. Open the Settings β†’ Screen.
  2. Select Dark Mode (or Dark Theme in some builds).
  3. Activate the switch. If it's not there, move on to the next one.

On some custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), dark theme is enabled via Settings β†’ System β†’ Additional β†’ Dark Theme. If there is no item, check for firmware updates.

Check the MIUI version in the settings

Update the firmware to the latest available version

Make a backup copy of important data

Charge your phone at least 50%-->

Method 2: Use themes from the Mi Theme Store

Even if your version of MIUI doesn’t have a built-in dark theme, you can install it through the official Mi Theme Store app, which works on MIUI 8-12, but requires an internet connection.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“± Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
  • πŸ” In the search bar, enter dark or dark.
  • 🎨 Choose your favorite theme (for example, Dark Mode, AMOLED Black or Night Theme).
  • πŸ“₯ Click Download, then Apply.

Note that some themes only change wallpaper and icons, not the interface of system applications. For full dark mode, look for themes marked Full Dark or System-wide.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4A s MIUI 8 After applying a dark theme, display artifacts may appear in some menus (e.g. Settings or Calls) due to limitations of the old shell version, the solution is to reset the theme to a standard one or use third-party apps.

How do you get back to the standard theme?
If the dark theme doesn’t show up correctly, return the standard view: 1. Open Themes β†’ My Themes. 2. Select default or Standard. 3. Click Apply and restart your phone.

Method 3: Forced Entry Through ADB (for Advanced)

If you're Redmi. 4A work MIUI 10+, But the dark theme is hidden, and it can be activated through ADB-This method requires a computer and basic knowledge of working with Android Debug Bridge.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI Version until the notification appears You became a developer.

USB debugging

Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers

adb shell settings put secure ui_night_mode 2

Reset the device.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell settings put global force_dark 1

This command forcibly turns on dark mode for all applications, but can cause incorrect display in some programs.

πŸ’‘

If, after the execution, ADB-If you have a dark theme, check if your settings have reset after the reboot, try repeating the command or use the Night Mode Enabler app from Google Play.

Method 4: Third-party applications for dark mode

If none of the previous methods worked, the option is left with the use of third-party utilities. For Xiaomi Redmi 4A, the following applications will suit:

AnnexTypePlusesCons
Night Mode EnablerSystem patch.It works without root, lightweight.Requires ADB, can be dropped
Dark Mode for All AppsoverlayNo need for root, customizable filterDeteriorating productivity, not a full topic
Substratum + AndromedaTopics with rootFull customization, MIUI supportNeed root rights, complex setup

The most common option is Night Mode Enabler.

  • πŸ“± Install the app from Google Play.
  • πŸ”§ Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb -d shell pm grant com.urbansoftnightmodeenabler android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
  • πŸŒ™ Launch the app and activate the dark mode.

For a full dark root theme, use Substratum:

  • πŸ“± Install Substratum and Andromeda (for root-free work).
  • 🎨 Download Swift Dark or PitchBlack theme.
  • πŸ”§ Apply the theme through the Overlay Manager.

⚠️ Note: When using Substratum on Redmi 4A s MIUI 8 possible interface freezes or reboots. Before using them, make a backup copy through TWRP (if established).

Method 5: Install custom firmware with a dark theme

If you want a full-fledged dark theme with system-level support, consider reflashing Redmi 4A to custom firmware.

  • πŸ”„ LineageOS 14.1/15.1 β€” stable firmware with dark mode in settings.
  • πŸ”„ Pixel Experience – a port of pure Android with night mode.
  • πŸ”„ MIUI 11/12 Port – unofficial assemblies with a dark theme.

Installation process:

  1. Unlock bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account and wait 7-30 days).
  2. Install custom TWRP recavators for Redmi 4A (version 3.3.1+).
  3. Download the firmware (for example, from XDA Developers) and transfer it to your phone.
  4. In TWRP, run Wipe β†’ Format Data, then run the firmware.

Once installed, the dark theme will be available in Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Dark Mode. However, note that custom firmware may have bugs (e.g., a broken camera module or sensor issues).

πŸ’‘

Installing custom firmware is the only way to get a full-fledged dark theme on Redmi 4A with MIUI 8-9, but requires unlocking the bootloader and risking loss of warranty.

Solving the Dark Theme Problems on Redmi 4A

If you have encountered errors after turning on the dark mode, use these tips:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Dark theme resets after rebootingADB-The team is not saved in the settingsUse Tasker to automatically apply commands when you start
White elements in system applicationsIncomplete Dark Theme Support in MIUI 8-9Install the MiuiDarkModeFix patch through Magisk
Screen flickering when the topic is includedConflict with the energy-saving regimeTurn off the battery β†’ Power saving mode

If a dark theme doesn’t work properly in specific apps (like WhatsApp or Chrome), check their settings – many programs have their own night mode, independent of the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dark topic on Redmi 4A

❓ Can I turn on a dark theme on Redmi? 4A rootless?
Yes, but with limitations. On MIUI 8-9, you can use dark themes from the Mi Theme Store or the Night Mode Enabler app (requires ADB). On MIUI 10+, the dark theme is enabled through settings, but can be hidden - it can be activated through ADB without root.
❓ Why some apps remain light after turning on a dark theme?
This is because MIUI 8-9 does not support system-level dark mode, and applications that are not adapted for dark topics (like Settings or Contacts) will remain light, so you can use custom firmware or overlay themes through Substratum.
❓ How to roll back changes when dark topics are not working properly?
The method of rollback depends on the method of inclusion: If used ADB β€” Adb shell settings put secure ui_night_mode 1 If you used a theme from the Mi Theme Store, return the standard theme to the Theme app. If you installed custom firmware, roll back through the theme. TWRP (if there's a backup).
❓ Does a dark theme affect Redmi's autonomy? 4A?
On the Redmi. 4A s IPS-The screen effect is minimal (increase in autonomy) ~5-8%), Because the backlight works regardless of the color of the pixels, but the dark theme reduces the load on the backlight. GPU And when you render the interface, it's indirectly cost-saving, and you can see the greatest effect when you use it. AMOLED-The ones (such as Pure Black) that turn off black pixels.
❓ Can I turn on automatic dark theme switching on schedule?
On MIUI 8-9, there is no such feature. On MIUI 10+, you can use Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Dark Mode Schedule. Alternatively, the Tasker app with the SecureTask plugin, which will turn on / off the dark theme over time via ADB.