How to Include a Dark Theme on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: All Ways (2026)

Why does the dark theme on Redmi 5 Plus work differently than it does on the new Xiaomi?

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed vince) was released in 2018 with MIUI 9 based on Android 7.1 Nougat. Back then, dark mode was more an experimental feature than a full-fledged feature - its implementation was radically different from modern versions. Today, owners of this device face two key problems:

First, the original firmware does not have a dark theme in its default settings, which requires activation through hidden menus or third-party utilities. Second, even after it is turned on, it does not work for all system applications (for example, Settings and Phone often remain light), due to the limitations of Android 7.1 and early versions of the MIUI shell, where dark mode was implemented through overlays rather than at the API level.

In this article, we’ll discuss 4 working ways to enable a dark theme on Redmi 5 Plus, from standard (for updated firmware) to alternative (for stock MIUI 9), and learn how to fix display bugs and why some interface elements still remain white.

Method 1: Standard Enablement through Settings (MIUI 10 and later)

If your Redmi 5 Plus is running MIUI 10 or higher (for example, after manually upgrading to MIUI 12), the dark theme is already built into the system, but hidden in an unobvious place.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to Screen → Dark Mode (on some firmware, the path may differ: Additional settings → Display).
3. Activate the Dark Theme switch. The system will suggest restarting the device, agree.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 11/12 After turning on a dark theme, some elements (such as the notification bar or keyboard) may not display correctly. API In older versions of Android, the solution is to install MIUI 12.5+ or 3 (below).

Update your firmware to the latest available version for Redmi 5 Plus| Backup data (settings → additional → backup)| Battery charge must be at least 30% | Turn off energy saving mode (can block theme changes)

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Method 2: Hidden Developer Menu (for MIUI 9)

On stock MIUI 9 (Android 7.1), the dark theme is not in the user interface, but it can be enabled through the developer menu, a method that requires care, as improper actions can lead to system failures.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on MIUI Version 7 times in a row until the notification “You became a developer” appears.

Now, turn on the dark topic:

1. Return to Settings → Additional settings → For developers.
2. Find the option Simulation of display → Forced to enable a dark theme (or Override force-dark in English firmware).
3. Select the value On and restart the phone.

🔹 What does this method do:

• ✅ Works without root rights and third-party applications.
• ✅ It affects most system applications (except Settings»).
• ❌ Does not affect third-party programs (only system programs).
• ❌ May cause artifacts in some menus (e.g. white text on a white background).

Method 3: Third-party applications (universal method)

If the first two methods didn’t work or you want more flexibility, use specialized utilities that work on any version of MIUI and allow you to customize dark mode for specific applications.

The best apps for Redmi 5 Plus:

📌 Instructions for Night Mode Enabler:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Start it and give permission to Overlay over other applications (required!).
3. Activate the Enable Night Mode switch.
4. In the Apps section, select the apps you want to apply dark mode for (e.g. Settings, Phone).
5. Reboot the phone.

💡

If some apps start to slow down after installing Night Mode Enabler, add them to the exception list in the utility settings. Also turn off the option "Force dark mode for all apps" - it may conflict with some programs.

Method 4: Customization through TWRP and Magisk (for advanced)

This method is suitable for those who are ready to unlock the bootloader and install custom software, it gives maximum control over the interface, but requires technical skills.

🔧 What's the matter:

• 📱 Unlocked bootloader on Redmi 5 Plus (instructions: official Xiaomi website).
• 🖥️ Established custom recovery TWRP (Version for Vince: twrp.me).
• 🔄 Magisk Module for Root Rights Management.
• 🎨 Dark module for MIUI (for example, MIUI Dark Mode Fix from Magisk repository).

🛠️ Step-by-step instruction:

1. Install TWRP via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
2. In TWRP, file Magisk-v26.4.zip.
3. Download the module. MIUI_Dark_Mode_Fix.zip Install it with Magisk Manager.
4. Restart the phone. Dark theme will apply to all system and most third-party applications.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom software resets the warranty and can result in the device being locked if the process is disrupted. 5 Plus with unlocked bootloader also stops working Widevine L1 (no HD into Netflix/Disney+).

Standard settings MIUI|Developer Menu |Third-party apps (no root)|Castomization via TWRP/Root|Not yet decided

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Problem Solving: Why Does Dark Theme Work Wrong?

Even after successfully enabling a dark theme on Redmi 5 Plus, users often encounter bugs, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

🔍 Diagnostics of trouble:

1. Check out the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. If it's MIUI 9, upgrading to MIUI 12.5 (via Xiaomi Firmware Updater) will solve most of the problems.
2. Make sure that the Developer Option is disabled GPU-Acceleration – it may conflict with a dark topic.
3. If bugs only appear in a particular app (like WhatsApp), upgrade to the latest version or reinstall it.

💡

On Redmi 5 Plus, a dark theme will never work perfectly due to hardware limitations (the Adreno 509 video chip and Android 7.1). The most you can achieve is 80-90% of the interface coverage. Full dark mode requires an upgrade to an Android 10+ smartphone.

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

The choice of method depends on your firmware, willingness to experiment and technical skills.

💡 Recommendation:

• 📱 If you MIUI 12.5+ — Use the standard settings (method 1).
• 🔧 If the firmware MIUI 9/10 — Try the Night Mode Enabler (the method) 3).
• 🛠️ If you are ready for experiments - customization through TWRP (method (4) will give the best result.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dark topic on Redmi 5 Plus