How to disable the Themes app on Xiaomi Redmi: the full guide

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face intrusive MIUI or HyperOS shell functionality that aggressively promotes visual change. The Themes system app doesn't just change the wallpaper, it's deeply integrated into the interface, consuming resources and displaying ads even on a locked screen. Many users are looking for ways to limit its activity to return the device to performance and minimalism.

Simply removing this component from the standard menu is not possible, as it is critical to the interface. However, there are proven methods to “freeze” its work, disable automatic updates and remove banner ads. In this article, we will discuss safe ways to neutralize the system application without risking turning the phone into a “brick”.

Before proceeding with radical measures, it is important to understand that complete removal requires root rights or use. ADB-We're going to focus on methods that don't violate warranty or require complex flashing, but effectively solve the problem of intrusive service.

Why do I need to disable the system application Topics

The main reason users are trying to deactivate this service is because of advertising, and even if you don't use the new designs, the application's background processes can load banner ads into the notification curtain, onto the lock screen, and into the desktop folders, which is not only annoying, but also irritating traffic and battery power.

The second important aspect is privacy and performance. Themes app constantly collects data about your preferences and sends reports to Xiaomi servers. It also takes up space in RAM, which is especially noticeable on Redmi budget models with a small amount of RAM. Disabling the service frees up resources for more important tasks.

Finally, many enthusiasts prefer to use third-party launchers such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which are incompatible with the deep interface changes made by the MIUI theme. In such cases, the background operation of a standard application can cause conflicts, leading to desktop “outs” or incorrect display of widgets.

⚠️ Note: Complete removal of system components through ADB It is recommended to use the method of forced stop or disable advertising if you are not sure of your actions.

Disabling Advertising and Auto Updates in Settings

The safest and easiest way to reduce the activity of an application is to turn off its ability to receive data from the Internet, without access to the network, the service will not be able to download new topics, update or display relevant advertising, this can be done through the standard application management menu.

To start, you need to go to the advanced settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the Themes app on the list. If it's difficult to find, search the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.

Once you have access to the app, look for "Other permissions" or "Other permissions," and we're interested in accessing the network, and turn off the sliders for "WLAN" and "Mobile Internet," and now the app is isolated from the outside world.

You should also turn off notifications so that the service doesn't remind you of itself. In the same menu, look for "Notifications" and uncheck "Allow Notifications" to remove pop-ups with suggestions to download new wallpaper.

Using ADB to force a service stop

If you don't want to just restrict network access, you can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool, which allows you to send commands to the system directly from the computer, forcibly stopping processes that don't stop in the usual way, which requires a PC and a USB cable.

First, you need to activate the developer mode on your Xiaomi. Go to Settings → About the phone and quickly press 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI» or "Version" OS». After you have signed “You became a developer” go back to the main settings menu.

Now go to Additional Settings → For developers. Find and activate the USB Debugging switch. Connect your smartphone to your computer and start the command prompt with administrator permissions. Enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

The phone will be asked to allow debugging — click OK. You can then execute a command to stop the theme pack. Note that the packet name may vary depending on the firmware region (Global, China, Russia).

Once the command is executed, the process will stop. If you want to prevent it from automatically starting after the restart, you will need a more complex command to hide the component, but this already carries risks to the stability of the system.

Removing updates and resetting to factory version

Often, intrusive advertising and bug issues arise after updating the Themes app through the GetApps store or Google Play. The system version that comes with firmware is usually more stable and less aggressive in terms of monetization.

To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Themes. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Delete Updates.” The system will warn that the application will be replaced by the factory version. Confirm the action.

After that, it is recommended to immediately clear the application data.Click the Clean button and select Clear All.This will remove the cache, temporary files and settings that may have been changed by the updated version.The phone can "think" a little, restoring the standard look.

💡

Returning to the factory version of the application is the safest way to get rid of bugs of new updates without losing the functionality of the system.

How to change the theme of design without a system application

Many users are afraid to turn off the Themes app, thinking they will be left with a boring standard interface. However, modern versions of Android and the MIUI shell allow you to change the look in other ways, without resorting to the heavyweight Xiaomi service.

You can use third-party launchers that completely replace the desktop. Popular options like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher give you much more freedom in setting up grids, icons and animations. Once you install such a launcher, the dependence on the system themizer disappears.

To change icons and fonts, you can use specialized applications from Google Play, such as zLaunchers or iFont. They work independently of the theme module system and often have a richer library of free content. This allows you to personalize Redmi without the involvement of an intrusive service.

Possible problems after disconnection and their solution

Even with a neat shutdown, nuances can occur, such as some system widgets that depend on the theme engine may stop updating or disappear from the desktop, usually with Music or Horoscope widgets that are embedded in the shell.

In rare cases, if you used ADB commands to hide the packet, the phone may go into a cyclic bootloop after a reboot. If this happens, you need to boot into Recovery mode (pressing the power and volume button) and perform a Wipe Data reset, which will delete all personal files.

If you can't change wallpaper through a standard gallery, just install any wallpaper installation app from the Play Market, it will intercept this feature, and it may also stop working with the "Second Space" or "One Hand Mode" function if they are rigidly tied to the theme components in your version of the software.

⚠️ Warning: If the widget lock screen stopped working after the app was turned off, the only way to get it back is to turn the app back on in the settings or reset your phone settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)