Why Xiaomi users want themes like Samsung?
Xiaomi’s MIUI and Samsung’s One UI are two of the most popular Android shells, but each has its own fans. Many owners of Redmi, Poco or Xiaomi smartphones dream of getting the look and functionality of the flagship Galaxy S23 or Galaxy A54. The reasons are different: some like the minimalist design of One UI, some – the convenience of gestures, and some just want a variety.
Fortunately, you can transform MIUI into Samsung without root rights and complex manipulations. Just pick the right themes, launchers, icons and widgets. In this article, we will explore everything from standard Xiaomi tools to third-party applications that will turn your Redmi Note 12 into a visual copy of the Galaxy S24.
But there's a nuance: not all One UI elements can be 100% replicated, like Samsung's proprietary features like DeX or Edge Panels, and there's a minimum of difference in appearance if we follow our guidelines.
Method 1: Samsung-style MIUI themes
The easiest method is to use the built-in themes from Xiaomi's official store, some of which mimic the design of One UI, especially when it comes to color schemes and icons. Here's how to do this:
- Open the “Themes” app (the brush icon on your desktop).
- Go to the popular section or for you.
- In the search bar, enter the requests: 🔍 «Samsung – sometimes come across themes with a direct mention of the brand. 🔍 «One UI» — rare but do not meet. 🔍 «Galaxy or «S23» — flagman. 🔍 «Minimalism or Dark Theme – to find similar style options.
Samsung
- 🎨 Color palette (in One) UI pastel-coloured).
- 📱 Shape of icons (square with rounded corners).
- 🖼️ Wallpaper (abstract or gradient background images).
☑️ Set up a launcher under One UI
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 and later, some launchers may conflict with system services (e.g, MIUI If you start lagging after installing the launcher, turn off optimization in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times to unlock).
Method 3: Icons and wallpapers – details that create an effect
Even with a standard MIUI launcher, you can get close to the Samsung look if you pick up the icons and wallpaper right.
- 📱 Icons: Samsung One UI Icons (Play Market) - official pack from the community. Galaxy Icons (look at XDA Developers – requires manual installation through Icon Pack Studio. Whicons – minimalist icons similar to One UI.
- 🖼️ Wallpaper: Official wallpaper Samsung - download from the Samsung gallery (select permission under your screen). WallpapersCraft - search for tags "Galaxy", "One" UI», «Samsung.Zedge - there's a wallpaper section for Samsung (filter by resolution) FHD+ or QHD+).
To apply the icons:
- Download the icon pack from the Play Market.
- Open a launcher (like Nova or Lawnchair).
- Go to Settings → Appearance → Icons.
- Choose the downloaded pack.
- Apply the changes – the icons will change on all screens.
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If icons have not changed for some apps, manually press and hold the icon → select “Change” → “Icon” → find the one you need in the pack.
For wallpaper:
- Download your favorite image (preferably in your screen resolution).
- Open the Settings → Wallpaper.
- Select My Wallpaper and upload the file.
- Set up the scaling (in One UI, wallpaper is usually stretched with a slight blur at the edges).
Method 4: Widgets and system elements – the final touches
Widgets are what makes One UI stand out from other shells. Branded weather, watch and notification widgets have a unique design. Here's how to play them on Xiaomi:
- ⏰ Watch widget: Install KWGT Kustom Widget Maker (Play Market) Download the Samsung Clock template from the section KWGT → Society → Search for "Galaxy Clock." Customize the colors to your theme.
- ☁️ Weather widget: Use Overdrop or Weather & Widget with One settings UI. Choose the “Minimalistic” or “Samsung-like” display style».
- 📱 Notification Panel: Install Good Lock (requires Samsung Account, but there are workarounds for Xiaomi) or use Material You themes in the app. MIUI 13/14, curtain-style.
For full effect, adjust:
- 🔊 System sounds – download Samsung Ringtones from Play Market.
- 📶 Network indicators - in MIUI They can be changed through settings. → Display. → Indicator Style (select Points or Minimalist»).
- 🔋 Charging animation – Install Battery Style to simulate Galaxy style.
How to install Good Lock on Xiaomi?
Method 5: Rooting and Deep Customization (for Advanced)
If you want a complete transformation with Samsung proprietary features (like Edge Lighting or DeX), you’ll need to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware.
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions for 4PDA).
- Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
- Sweep through the custom firmware: 📱 Havoc OS Pixel Experience – Support for One Themes UI. 📱 One UI Port – unofficial builds of Samsung for Xiaomi (look for the XDA or Telegram channels).
Magisk
- One UI Icons is a complete replacement for system icons.
- Samsung Edge Lighting – The effects of screen lighting.
⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may contain bugs (e.g., non-functioning) NFC Before installation, backup through the camera. TWRP Check out the reviews for your model (Redmi Note 11, Poco) X5 etc.).
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Rooting voids Xiaomi’s warranty and can result in a brick device, and only use this method if you are confident in your skills.
Comparison: What can and can not be reproduced on Xiaomi
Even with maximum customization, some of the features of One UI will remain unavailable. Here's what's realistic and what's not:
| Element One UI | Maybe Xiaomi? | How to implement | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon design | ✅ Yes. | Iconpaca + launcher | Some system icons (such as curtains) will not change. |
| Wallpaper and animation | ✅ Yes. | Wallpaper from the Samsung gallery + launcher with animations | Animations can slow down on weak chips (e.g. Snapdragon 6xx) |
| Widgets (clock, weather) | ✅ Partially. | KWGT + templates for Samsung | No integration with system data (e.g. calendar) |
| Notification panel | ⚠️ Limitedly. | Good Lock or Material You Themes | No branded switches (e.g. Device Care) |
| Edge Lighting (screen illumination) | ✅ Yes (with rue) | Magisk-module Edge Lighting | It does not work on all models (depending on the display drivers) |
| DeX (Desktop Mode) | ❌ No. | Alternatives: Second Screen or Samsung DeX on PC (Samsung only) | There is no full replacement. |
| Bixby and Branded Services | ❌ No. | Analogues: Google Assistant | No integration with Samsung equipment |