How to update the theme Xiaomi Redmi: 5 working ways + mistake-making

Changing the interface design on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is one of the easiest ways to refresh the look of the device without installing custom firmware. Themes don’t automatically update, load errors occur, and some elements remain standard even after a new theme is applied. In this article, we’ll discuss all the current ways to update themes on Redmi (including models on the new theme). MIUI 14/15 HyperOS and others, and how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if the theme “flys” after a reboot.

We will pay special attention to alternative methods – installing themes through.mtz files, using third-party launchers and manually updating system systems. APK. If you’ve ever seen a message saying “This theme is incompatible with your device” or “I couldn’t apply the theme,” here’s a solution.

Note: Instructions are valid for all modern Redmi (from Redmi Note) 10 redmi K70), However, some steps may differ depending on the version. MIUI/HyperOS and regional firmware.

1. Standard method: updating themes through MIUI Themes

Official theme store MIUI Themes is the easiest way to change the design of the interface, but many users don't know that the themes are updated, like any other application:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).

2. Go to the tab "My topics" (or "Management» → «My Themes in New Versions of HyperOS).

3. Find the theme you want to update and click on the three dots next to its title.

4 If an update is available, the "Update" option will appear. If not, the topic is already relevant.

⚠️ Note: In some regional firmware (e.g. Russia or India), the theme store may be limited, in which case updates come less often or not at all. VPN (More in the section on errors).

• 🔄 Auto Update: Enable Auto Update (if available) in the theme settings to avoid manually following new items.
• 📥 Cash: If the theme doesn’t update, clear the Themes app cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 🌍 Region: Themes for global (Global) and Chinese (China) firmware may differ. MIUI corresponds to the region of the store.

If the standard method didn’t work, go to the alternative methods below.

2 Manual update via.mtz files

.mtz files are archives of topics for MIUI, And this is a method that can be installed manually:

• The topic is not available in your area.
• You want to use a custom theme from third-party developers;
• The official update is stuck on the old version.

How to install/update a theme through.mtz:

1. Download the.mtz theme file from a trusted source (e.g., official Chinese portal or thematic forums like the one in China). XDA Developers).
2. Put the file in the folder. MIUI/theme In the interior, create it if it is not).
3. Open the "Themes" appendix» → «My subjects» → «Import" (or "Local" to HyperOS).
4. Select the downloaded file and apply the theme.

⚠️ Note: Some.mtz files may contain viruses or may not work properly with your version. MIUI. Before installing, check the file through VirusTotal and read the reviews on the topic on the forums.

Download.mtz from the official source|Check the file for viruses|Create a folder. MIUI/theme|Make a backup of the current theme (export to Settings) → Topics)|Restart the phone after use

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If some elements (such as icons or fonts) have not changed after applying the theme, it means that the theme is partially incompatible with your version. MIUI. The solution is to find an alternative theme or edit.mtz manually (for advanced users).

3. Update through APK shop-room

The Theme Store itself is a regular one. APK-It's an application that can also be manually updated:

• In your area, the theme store is shut down or cut down.
• The application gives errors when loading themes;
• You want to access Chinese themes on global firmware.

Instructions for updating APK:

1. Download the latest version APK Theme Store from APKCombo or APKMirror (Look for the site «MIUI Themes»).
2. Remove the current version of the Themes app (if possible) or simply install the downloaded one. APK top-up.
3. At the first start, you may need to reset application data (in Settings). → Annexes).

Important: Installation APK from unverified sources can lead to data leakage or blocking of your Mi Account. Use only official mirrors and check hash files.

After updating APK You may need to re-authorize your Mi Account. If the themes still don’t load, try changing the region in your account settings (e.g., “China”) or using the same. VPN.

Standard store. MIUI Themes|Manual.mtz setup|Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex)|Update APK manually|Don't update themes.-->

4.Use of third-party launchers

If you don’t like the restrictions MIUI Themes, you can completely replace the standard launcher with an alternative one (for example, Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher:

• Set topics without restrictions on the region;
• Use icons and widgets from third-party developers;
• To set up animations and gestures that are not available in MIUI.

How to update the theme through a third-party launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Download a theme or icon pack (for example, on the XDA or Google Play).
3. Apply the theme in the launcher settings (usually under “Look & Feel” or “Theme”).

⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers may conflict with system services MIUI, If after installing the launcher, lags or spontaneous reboots begin, return to the standard launcher via Settings. → Home screen.

The advantage of this method is complete freedom of customization, but there are also disadvantages:

• ❌ Not all system elements (such as notification panel) will change;
• ❌ Some topics may require root access;
• ❌ Theme updates depend on launcher developers, not Xiaomi.

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If after installing a third-party launcher, weather or calendar widgets are missing, add them manually through a long press on the desktop. → «Widgets».

5. Solving errors when updating topics

Even with the right actions, Redmi users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

1. "This theme is incompatible with your device"

Reason: Theme is for a different version MIUI smartphone-model.

Decision:

• Check the version. MIUI In Settings → About the phone and download a theme compatible with your firmware.
• If the theme is custom, edit the description.ini file inside the.mtz archive (knowledge required) XML).

2. "Can't download the theme. Check the network connection."

Reason: Region restrictions or Xiaomi blocking.

Decision:

• Use it. VPN servers in China or India (regions with full access to topics).
• Clear the cache and data of the “Themes” application in the settings.
• Try downloading the theme through your browser in.mtz format and installing it manually.

3. the subject is not fully applied (for example, icons do not change)

Reason: Conflict with system settings or launcher.

Decision:

• Restart the device – sometimes changes are applied after the reboot.
• Enable the option “Forced Themes” in the developer settings (how to enable – see below).
• If you use a third-party launcher, go back to the standard and repeat the application of the theme.

4.After the update MIUI theme flies to standard

Reason: Resetting launcher settings in a major system update.

Decision:

6. HyperOS Theme Update: What Has Changed

With the release of HyperOS (replacement) MIUI And the way things work on Xiaomi's new devices has changed:

✅ Pluses:

• More smooth animation when changing themes;
• Support for dynamic topics (changing depending on the time of day);
• Improved compatibility with third-party icon packs.

❌ Cons:

• Some old.mtz themes don’t work.
• The theme store is now integrated into the “Design Settings” (rather than a separate app).
• Theme updates come less frequently due to system optimization.

How to update themes on HyperOS:

1. Open Settings → Personalization → Topics.
2. Click on “Update” in the upper right corner (if the button is active).
3. For manual installation, use.mtz files, but put them in a folder. HyperOS/theme (instead MIUI/theme).

Critical note: On HyperOS, some topics may conflict with system services, causing overheating or accelerated battery drain. If the theme starts to warm up, return the standard design.

7. Alternative methods: ADB and custom firmware

If none of the above methods work, radical measures remain: they require technical skills and can lead to loss of warranty or device brib, so use them at your own risk.

1. Installation of themes through ADB

Some topics require root rights or installation through ADB. Example of a team for the enforcement of the topic:

adb shell am start -n com.android.themes/.activity.ThemePreviewActivity -d file:///sdcard/MIUI/theme/your_theme.mtz

Where your_theme.mtz — name of your subject file.

2. Custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience)

Firmware from third-party developers often include:

• Extended theme store without regional restrictions;
• Support for Google themes (e.g. Material You)
• Ability to set topics at system level (including notification panel).

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which erases all data and can lead to blocking the Mi Account if you do not do the right thing. XDA Developers.

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Custom firmware gives maximum freedom of customization, but require unlocking the bootloader and carry risks to the security of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating themes on Redmi