Where to download themes for Xiaomi: official and third-party sources

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users the flexibility to customize the interface. One key element of personalization is the themes that change icons, fonts, animations and even system sounds. However, not everyone knows where to find quality themes without risking viruses or disrupting the device.

In this article, we will discuss the only legal way to download themes through the official MIUI store, as well as examine proven third-party resources for power users, learn how to distinguish secure files from fake ones, what formats are supported (.mtz,.apk), and how to install them correctly without losing warranty, pay special attention to the risks of using pirated themes and how to avoid blocking your Mi Account account.

Official MIUI Theme Store: Pros and Limitations

The main and most secure source of themes for Xiaomi is the built-in MIUI Themes store, available through the Themes app (brush icon on the desktop), which features thousands of free and paid designs that have been moderated by the company, all themes automatically adapt to your firmware version and device model.

To open a store, follow a simple sequence:

• 📱 Open the Themes app on the main screen.
• 🔍 Go to the Online tab (or Online in the global version).
• 🌐 If the store is not loading, check your internet connection and Mi Account region (some themes are only available in China).
• 💰 To buy paid themes, you will need to tie a bank card or use Mi Credits.

Unfortunately, the official store has drawbacks: a limited range for global versions of MIUI (in the Chinese version of themes 3-5 times more), regional locks (some designs are visible only to users from Asia),

as well as periodic bugs with the use of themes on custom firmware such as Xiaomi.EU.

⚠️ Warning: If after installing the theme from the official store, the device began to brake or overheat, reset the settings through Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Reset theme settings. This will remove all user styles, but save data.

Third-party sites: where to look for unique themes for Xiaomi

For those who lack standard choice, there are third-party platforms with extended collections of themes. It is important to understand that downloading.mtz files from unverified resources can lead to viruses, spyware or even blocking Mi Account for using pirated content.

• 🌍 MIUI Themes is the largest database of topics with user ratings and virus-checking files. POCO Launcher and HyperOS.
• 🛡️ XDA Developers – a forum for enthusiasts who share exclusive themes (see Xiaomi Themes & Apps).
• 🎨 Telegram channel "MIUI Themes is a closed community with manual content moderation.

Before downloading, be sure to check the date of publication of the theme (current versions of MIUI are updated every 1-2 months), reviews of other users (especially about compatibility with your model),

As well as the hash amount of the file (it can be compared with the original through services such as VirusTotal).

How to install a theme from a.mtz file on Xiaomi

If you downloaded a.mtz theme from a third party, you need to install it manually. This process is different from automatic installation from a formal store and requires several rules to be followed. First, make sure the file is for your version of MIUI (you can find it in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version). Second, some themes may conflict with Google Play Services, so it is recommended to make a backup before installing.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the.mtz file to your device (preferably to the Download folder).
2. Open the Topics app and go to Profile → Local (or Offline).
3. Click Import and select the downloaded file.
4. After importing the theme will appear in the list of local – click on it and select Apply.
5. If the theme does not apply, restart the device or clear the theme app cache through Settings → Apps.

Download the file from a verified source only

Check compatibility with the MIUI version

Make a backup of current settings

Close background applications before installation

Restart the phone after use-->

⚠️ Attention: Installing themes from unverified.mtz files can cause wallpaper reset, widgets to disappear, or even a cyclical reboot of the device. If after applying the theme, the phone stopped responding to touch, reset using Recovery Mode (press Power). + Volume Up with the phone turned off).

Topics for POCO Launcher and HyperOS: Features

POCO-branded devices and smartphones on the new HyperOS shell (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70) have their own nuances when working with themes. POCO Launcher supports only a part of the functions of the standard MIUI, so many themes may not display correctly, for example, only icons will change, and fonts and animations will remain standard.

For HyperOS, the situation is even more complicated: due to dramatic changes in the system architecture, most of the themes created for MIUI 12-14 will not work. The developers promise to add customization support in future updates, but at the time of 2026, the choice of topics for HyperOS is extremely limited. If you want to try, look for files marked HyperOS-compatible on XDA Developers or in specialized telegram chats.

For owners of the POCO F5, POCO X6 Pro and other models with POCO Launcher, there is a workaround:

You can install the standard MIUI launcher through Settings → Home screen → Home screen style → Standard.

This will give you access to full themes, but it will take away some of the POCO chips (like App Drawer).

Risks of using pirated themes and how to avoid them

One of the main problems when downloading themes from unverified sources is malware masquerading as harmless.mtz files. Attackers often embed themes: keyboard spies (steal passwords), cryptocurrency miners (load the processor),

Or even Trojans that give you remote access to the device.

According to Kaspersky, in 2023, one in five Android theme files contained hidden threats.

To minimize the risks, follow the following rules:

• 🔍 Check files via VirusTotal before installation.
• 🛡️ Use antivirus with download scanning function (for example, Malwarebytes or Bitdefender).
• 🔒 Do not set up topics that require ROOT-rights or authorizations of access SMS/contact.
• 📛 Check the digital signature of the file: official topics MIUI Xiaomi Inc. Certified..

Another danger is blocking Mi Account. Xiaomi is actively fighting piracy and can block an account for using unlicensed topics, especially if they are unpacked from paid packages. Restoring access after a block is difficult: you will need to contact the support with proof of purchase of the device (check, warranty card).

💡

If you downloaded a theme but are in doubt about its security, open the.mtz file through a text editor (like Notepad++). The file should start with the MIUI Theme header and version. If you see unreadable code or dex/apk mentions instead, this is a sure sign of malware.

How to Create Your Theme for Xiaomi: A Brief Guide

If you don’t like the solution, you can create your own theme for the MIUI. This will require: PC with Windows/macOS, programme MIUI Theme Editor (Official Tool from Xiaomi),

basic skills of working with graphic editors (for example, Photoshop or GIMP).

The process of creating the topic includes the following stages:

1. Download and install MIUI Theme Editor (only available for the Chinese version of the site – use a VPN).
2. Select a template (e.g. Full Theme for full customization or Icon Pack for icons only).
3. Import your images for icons, wallpaper, interface elements. The resolution of icons should be 192×192 px, wallpaper - at least 1080×2340 px.
4. Export the project to a.mtz file and upload it to the device.

The finished theme can be published in the official MIUI store (after moderation) or shared with friends. note that the publication will require a Chinese Mi Account account and proof of identity. Alternatively, post the topic on MIUI-Themes.com or XDA, where moderation is less strict.

💡

Creating themes from scratch takes a lot of time, but allows you to get a unique design: Start with simple elements (icons, wallpaper), and then move on to complex ones (animations, system fonts).

Frequent problems with topics and their solutions

Even after successful theme installation, users often encounter bugs, and consider the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If none of the solutions worked, try rolling the theme back to the standard:

Open the Topic app.

Go to Profile. → My subjects,

Find a standard theme (usually called Default or Basic)

and apply it.

After that, the device should be restarted.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions