How to Update Your Theme on Xiaomi: 5 Ways to Get a MIUI 12-14

Updating themes on Xiaomi smartphones isn’t just a way to refresh the look of the device, but an opportunity to get new features, bug fixes and improved performance. Many users face challenges when trying to update themes through standard methods: the app MIUI Themes may not show the latest versions, but manual installation APK-Files often lead to compatibility errors. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update themes on Xiaomi, including hidden features. MIUI bypassing regional restrictions.

It is important to understand that the process of updating themes depends on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14), the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.) and even the firmware region (global, Chinese, European). Some themes are only available for specific regions, while others require manual installation through ADB or third-party launchers. We will look at all the nuances so that you can choose the best method for your device.

1. Update themes through the standard MIUI Themes app

The easiest and safest way to update themes on Xiaomi is to use the built-in MIUI Themes app, which is pre-installed on all devices with MIUI firmware and allows you to download official themes from Xiaomi developers and third-party designers. However, this method has limitations: not all themes are available for all regions, and updates can be delayed by 1-2 weeks.

To update the theme through MIUI Themes:

📱 Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on the home screen or in the app menu).
🔍 Go to the section My topics → Choose an active topic.
🔄 If you have an update available, you'll see an Update button. Press it and wait until it's done.
🌐 To find new topics, use the Recommended or Top tab.

If the Update button is not active, it may mean that:

🚫 You already have the latest version of the theme installed.
🌍 Theme is not available in your area (for example, some Chinese themes are hidden for global firmware).
🔧 Annex MIUI Themes hasn’t been updated in a while (check out the updates in Google Play or App Store).

⚠️ Note: When updating topics through MIUI Themes is a problem that some users have encountered, "Can't download theme," because of the limitations of Xiaomi servers for certain regions. VPN Connected to Hong Kong or Singapore.

📊 How often do you change your topic on Xiaomi?

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when you buy a phone

Never changed.

Manual installation of those through APK-file

If the standard update doesn’t work or you want to install a theme that isn’t in the MIUI Themes, you can use it. APK-This method is suitable for power users, as it requires the activation of the developer mode and permission to install applications from unknown sources. XDA Developers.

Step-by-step:

Download. APK-Theme file from a verified source (e.g, MIUI Themes Official or XDA). Avoid sites with suspicious domains (.xyz,.top).
Allow installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser (or File Manager). Activate the Toggle Install Unknown Applications.

Install APK.

Files by Google

Mi File Manager

Apply the subject

Open MIUI Themes → My Theme → Find a new topic in the list.
Click Apply and confirm the changes.

Download APK from official source | Check the hash amount of the file (optional) | Enable installation from unknown sources | Make a backup of the current theme |Reboot the phone after installation-->

Important: Some APK themes require a specific version of MIUI. For example, MIUI 14 themes may not work on MIUI 12. Before installing, check compatibility in the file description. If you have errors after using the theme (for example, "Theme Not Supported"), try:

🔄 Reset the device.
📲 Remove the app cache MIUI Themes in settings.
🔧 Remove the theme to standard and repeat the installation.

What to do if the APK is not installed?

If an APK error appears when you install the Application Not Installed, the reasons may be: 1. Incompatible version of MIUI is a theme designed for a different firmware. 2. The damaged file is downloaded again and check the APK hash amount (e.g., via Hash Droid). 3. Conflict with the current theme - return the standard theme before installing a new one. 4. Region restrictions - some APKs are blocked on global firmware. The solution is to change the device region via Settings → Additional → Region (requires Reboot).

Update themes through ADB (for advanced users)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable for setting topics that do not want to be applied through standard methods.

🔒 The topic is blocked for your region.
🛠️ Forced updates to system themes are required.
📦 You need to install a theme from custom firmware (for example, xiaomi.eu).

This method will require:

🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
📱 Developer mode enabled and debugging by USB smartphone.
📁 Theme file in.mtz format (can be extracted from the file) APK or download separately).

Instructions:

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
Execute the command to copy the theme file to the device: adb push theme_file.mtz /sdcard/MIUI/theme/
Apply the topic through MIUI Themes or Team: Adb shell am start -n com.android.themes/.activity.ThemePreviewActivity -e theme_path /sdcard/MIUI/theme/theme_file.mtz

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI Do not delete system files through themes ADB, If you are not sure about their purpose, also avoid commands such as adb shell rm. -rf /system/... — It could damage the firmware.

💡

If the theme doesn’t appear in the list after applying it through ADB, try clearing the MIUI Themes app data and restarting the device. Sometimes it helps to re-copy the.mtz file to /sdcard/MIUI/theme/ folder.

Updating themes through third-party launchers (Nova, Hyperion)

If you don’t like the limitations of Xiaomi’s standard launcher, you can use third-party shells like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher.They let you install themes in.apk or.klwp format (for Kustom Live Wallpaper), bypassing the limitations of MIUI Themes. This method is suitable for users who want a full customization of the interface.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

🎨 Support for themes from third-party developers (for example, from the Play Store or Telegram channels).
🔧 Flexible settings of icons, fonts and animations.
🌍 There are no regional restrictions (unlike the MIUI Themes).

How to update the theme with Nova Launcher:

Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
Download the theme in.apk format (e.g. Whicons, Delta Icon Pack).
Install. APK-theme file and apply it in the launcher settings: Long press on the desktop → Settings → Style and badges → select the set theme.

For dynamic themes (Kustom):

Install KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker.
Import theme file (.klwp) through the app menu.
Use as wallpaper and set up interaction with the launcher.

Launcher	Supported theme formats	Advantages	Deficiencies
Nova Launcher	.apk (icon packs), .kwgt	Maximum customization, gesture support	Premium version for some functions
Hyperion Launcher	.apk,.mtz (partially)	Optimized for Xiaomi, lightweight	Less than compared to Nova.
Poco Launcher	.apk (icons only)	Minimalist design, quick work	Limited theme settings

Updating System Themes Through Recovery (TWRP)

For users with an unlocked bootloader and installed custom recovery (TWRP) Available method of updating themes through firmware ZIP-This method is suitable for installing modified themes that modify system files (e.g, MIUI Mix Themes or DarkNess Reborn).

Important: This method requires:

🔓 Unlocked loader (official instruction).
📦 Established TWRP Recovery.
📄 Backup of the current firmware (Nandroid backup).

Instructions:

Download. ZIP-Theme file from a verified source (e.g, XDA).
Reboot to TWRP (keep Power + Volume up when the phone is off).
Press Install. → choose ZIP-topic-file → confirm installation.
After completion, select Reboot System.

⚠️ Attention: Installation ZIP-thereafter TWRP This can cause a bootloop ( looped reboot) if the file is intended for another version. MIUI Always check compatibility in the theme description and backup before installing.

💡

Use it. ZIP-Themes only if you are sure they are compatible with your version MIUI. In case of failure, restore the backup through TWRP Or reflash the device via Fastboot.

6. Solving problems when updating topics

Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi users often encounter errors when updating themes.

Mistake.	Possible cause	Decision
"Can't upload the subject."	Regional restrictions or problems with Xiaomi servers	Use a VPN (Hong Kong/Singapore) or download APK manually
"Theme is not supported."	Incompatibility of MIUI version or device model	Check the theme requirements in the description or install through ADB
Theme applies, but elements are displayed incorrectly	Conflict with current topic or launcher	Return the standard theme, clear the MIUI Themes cache and re-install
After the update, icons or fonts disappeared	Misfunction of MIUI Themes or Launcher	Restart the device or reinstall the theme

If none of these methods worked, try:

🔄 Reset the settings to the themes: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics.Push Warehouse. → Clear the data.
📡 Update MIUI Themes via Google Play or APKMirror.
🔧 Install custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) where more is available.

7. Where to Download Topics for Xiaomi

Official and unofficial sources of topics for Xiaomi:

🌐 Officially: MIUI Themes Store (requires registration in Mi Account). MIUI Themes on the device.
🛠️ Third-party: MIUI Themes Official (APK and MTZ file). XDA Developers (modified themes) Telegram channels: @MIUIThemes, @XiaomiThemes.
🎨 For launchers: Google Play (Icon Packs). DeviantArt (unique themes for the game) KLWP).

When downloading topics from unofficial sources:

🔍 Check the reviews and file rating.
🛡️ Use an antivirus (such as VirusTotal) to check APK.
📌 Pay attention to the version. MIUI, topical.

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating themes on Xiaomi

Can I update the theme to Xiaomi without the Internet?

Yeah, if you're already on the run. APK or MTZ-To do this, copy the file to the device via USB Or Bluetooth. APK as a normal app or place it MTZ folder /sdcard/MIUI/theme/. Apply the topic through MIUI System themes (e.g. Dark Mode) require an update MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Why did some topics stop working after the MIUI update?

This is due to changes in the structure of MIUI system files. Theme developers do not always have time to adapt their products to new firmware versions. Solutions: Check for an updated version of the theme on the author's website. Reverse to a standard theme and try to apply another. If the topic is critical, consider rolling back to the previous version of MIUI (not recommended for the main use).

How to transfer themes from one Xiaomi to another?

You can transfer themes between Xiaomi devices in the following ways: APK/MTZ-Files: Copy theme files (.apk or.mtz) from one device to another via USB, Bluetooth or cloud storage. Install/apply them on your new smartphone. MIUI Themes: Use the Mi Mover app (pre-installed on Xiaomi) to port data, including themes. or manually copy the folder /sdcard/MIUI/theme/ Important: Themes may not work if devices are on different versions. MIUI.

Can I create my own theme for Xiaomi?

Yes, Xiaomi provides custom themes tools: MIUI Theme Editor (official designer app available on request from MIUI Themes Store); third-party tools: Kustom Live Wallpaper (for dynamic themes); Theme Factory (for creating icons and wallpaper); the finished theme can be downloaded from MIUI Themes Store for public access (developer registration is required).

Why are some themes paid and how do you get them for free?

Official store MIUI Themes includes both free and paid themes. Paid themes usually offer: Unique design from professional artists; additional customization elements (animations, sounds); support from the developer (updates, bug fixes). You can get them for free: 🎁 Through promotions and sweepstakes in official Xiaomi communities (for example, in the Telegram channel) MIUI Russia). 🔍 Find it. APK-Theme file on forums (for example, XDA or 4PDA), But it can be illegal and unsafe. 🛠️ Use modified versions of themes (risk of infringement of license) Warning: the use of pirated themes may lead to the blocking of the Mi Account or security problems (viruses, spyware).