How to bring back the classic MIUI theme to Xiaomi: 5 working ways (including hidden ones)

The new MIUI version isn't popular: the redesign, the awkward layout of the elements, and the extra animations are forcing users to look for ways to bring the interface back to life, especially after global updates like MIUI 14 or HyperOS, where the manufacturer radically redesigned the visual part, but the good news is that the classic theme can be restored — and it doesn't always require deep technical knowledge.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from simple settings to flashing the device. It is important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or even losing the warranty, so first assess the risks. If you are the owner of a Xiaomi 11T, Redmi Note 10 Pro or older model, the chances of success are higher – for new devices (for example, Xiaomi 14) options may be less due to the limitations of the manufacturer.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Model of your device (in Settings) → The telephone depends on the availability of the means.
• 🔄 Current version MIUI/HyperOS — Some methods work only on specific firmware.
• 🔒 bootloader status. If it's locked, some of the instructions will be unavailable without unlocking.

1. Method for lazy: enabling "Classic Mode" in settings

The easiest method is to activate the hidden option in system settings, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-14, but can be disabled in HyperOS.

What to do:

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Scroll down and find System Style (on some firmware - Themes).
3. Choose Classic Mode or MIUI 11 Style (name depends on version).
4. Reset the device.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

• 🔍 Enter the search for settings query classic or old ui.
• 📌 On some firmware, the option is hidden in Settings → Additionally. → Functions laboratory.

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If the interface has not changed after the reboot, clear the theme app cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60) This is the way it most often doesn't work. The manufacturer has removed support for the classic mode in the new firmware.

2. rollback through the "Themes" app: the official method

Xiaomi allows you to install third-party themes, including imitations of older versions of MIUI. This method does not require root rights, but has limitations:

• 🎨 The appearance will change only partially (badges, fonts, wallpapers).
• ⚙️ System menus (such as Settings or Notification Panel) will remain new.
• 📥 Some topics may contain advertising or paid items.

Instructions:

1. Open the Themes app (if not, download it from Google Play).
2. Type MIUI 11, MIUI 12 Classic or Old MIUI.
3. Select your favorite theme and click Apply.
4. For full effect, also install classic wallpaper and fonts (available in the same app).

Popular themes for rollbacks:

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI To avoid this, save it in My themes (heart icon in the Topics app).

3. reset to factory settings with choice of MIUI version

If your device supported the classic interface on the previous firmware, you can try rolling back through the reset.

• 📦 The device previously had an older version installed. MIUI.
• 🔄 In the recovery settings, a firmware selection is available.

Step-by-step:

1. Make a backup of the data in Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Reset settings.
3. Select Reset to factory settings, but don't confirm immediately.
4. On some devices, the option to select the firmware version will appear – specify the one where the classic interface was (for example, MIUI 12.5).
5. Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

Save your contacts in Google Account | Copy photos/video on PC | Record passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts | Make sure your battery is >50%-->

On devices with a locked bootloader (most new models), this method will not work – the system will automatically install the latest version of MIUI.

4 Manual update to old firmware (for advanced)

If the previous methods didn't work, you just have to manually flash the device, which is the most reliable, but also the most risky way.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).
• 📄 Firmware (Fastboot) ROM) The necessary version from the official website of Xiaomi.

How to unlock the bootloader:

1. Apply for unlocking via en.miui.com/unlock (you will need a Mi Account linked to your device).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
3. Follow the instructions of the program. Usually, it takes 72-168 hours to unlock.

How to flash the old version:

1. Download the Fastboot ROM version from the miuidownload website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and connect the phone in Fastboot mode.
4. Press Refresh, then Flash, and it takes 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Note: Firmware unofficial or modified ROM (For example, xiaomi.eu may result in a Mi Account being blocked or lost. IMEI. Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi website.

5.Use of ADB-commands to change the interface (without firmware)

For devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights, there is a way to change system settings through ADB. This will not return MIUI completely, but will allow:

• 📱 Remove new animations and transitions.
• 🔧 Bring back the old style of the notification panel.
• 🎯 Change the density of the screen (DPI) more compactly.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global miui_optimize_anim 0 It'll shut down the new animations.
3. To return the old notification bar, use: adb shell settings put global miui_use_new_notification_panel 0
4. Reset the device.

Additional commands:

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ADB-commands do not change system files, so the risk of "bricking" the device is minimal. MIUI They'll have to reuse them.

Installation of custom firmware: the last method

If none of these things work, you have to install custom firmware like Xiaomi.eu, LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

• 🆕 Full control of the interface (you can choose the Android version and style) MIUI).
• 🚀 Lack of advertising and unnecessary services Xiaomi.
• 🔧 Regular security updates.

But there are downsides:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader was unlocked).
• 📵 Possible problems with the camera, NFC or wireless charging (depending on firmware).
• 🔄 Need for manual updates.

How to install xiaomi.eu (the closest to the classic MIUI firmware):

1. Unlock the bootloader (see section 4).
2. Download the firmware from the site xiaomi.eu (choose the version for your model!).
3. Go to Recovery Mode (Put Volume Up + Power).
4. Select Install → specify the downloaded file → confirm the installation.
5. After restarting, perform a data reset (Wipe Data).

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Before installing custom firmware, check the stability reviews for your model on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forum.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or Poco) M4 Pro) unlocking the bootloader is more difficult due to manufacturer restrictions. In some cases, you will need authorization through a Xiaomi account with a high level of trust.

FAQ: Frequent questions about returning the classic MIUI