Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often seek to personalize the look of their device by installing unique interface designs. However, the choice in the official store of themes can be limited or paid, while friends or third-party resources can find truly unique and high-quality designs. A natural question arises: how to quickly and safely transfer an already downloaded or purchased design file from one device to another, so as not to waste money and time again.
The process of transferring files to.mtz themes is very different from the usual transfer of photos or documents. Standard copying methods often do not lead to the desired result, since the MIUI or HyperOS system requires special registration of the file in the theme manager. In this article, we will discuss in detail all working methods of transfer, including the use of proprietary utilities and system functions, which many users do not even know.
We will look not only at the technical aspects of data transfer, but also at the nuances of compatibility between different versions of the operating system, you will learn why a simple transfer via the messenger may not work, and how to properly activate the transferred file so that it will appear correctly on the screen of the new smartphone.
Features of MIUI and HyperOS theme files
Xiaomi device theme files are special archives with the.mtz extension that contain graphic elements, fonts, sounds and system icons. The structure of these files is rigidly tied to the shell version, so the theme created for MIUI 12 may not work correctly or at all on HyperOS without prior adaptation.
If you try to simply copy a file to another phone, the system will not see it as an installable theme, but only scans certain directories and databases that record new designs, which is why the transfer process requires sequential actions that go beyond the usual file copying.
⚠️ Note: Using topics from unverified sources can lead to unstable system operation or appearance of interface bugs. Always check author rating and comments before installing third-party files.
Topics downloaded from the Chinese region may contain elements that are not supported in the global firmware version, such as specific widgets or animations, and display conflicts may arise when transferring such files between smartphones with different regions (e.g. Global and China).
Where are the files stored in the system?
Preparation of devices for data transmission
Before you start direct file transfer, you need to make sure that both smartphones are ready for this process. On the sender device, the theme must be pre-downloaded from the store or downloaded from an external source. On the receiving device, it is advisable to free up space and make sure that the security version does not block the installation of applications from unknown sources if the file is transmitted through the browser.
It is important to check for free space in memory: high-quality themes with high detail and live wallpaper can take up from 50 to 200 MB of disk space. If the memory is full, the installation process may fail or the system will work slowly.
- 📱 Make sure that both smartphones are Bluetooth enabled or connected to the same Wi-Fi network for fast transfer.
- 📂 Check for a.mtz theme file in the file manager on the sender’s device.
- 🔋 Charge both devices to a minimum. 30-40%, Avoid sudden shutdowns during heavy graphics use.
If you’re transferring a theme from an old smartphone to Android 10 to a new one with Android 14, some interface elements may not be compatible due to changes in the system’s code, in which case the system may offer a simplified version of the theme or automatically disable problematic components.
Using the Mi Mover app for migration
The most reliable and official way to port data, including topics, is to use the built-in Mi Mover tool, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and allows you to transfer data over a high-speed local connection without using the Internet.
On the old smartphone, select the role "Sender" and on the new one, "Receiver." QR-If you have a code or manual connection through an access point, the devices will create a secure communication channel, and in the data selection menu, you need to go to the System settings or Other Data section, where the topic item is often hidden. If there is no separate item, the topics can be transferred as part of the system’s shared data.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
The main advantage of this method is that Mi Mover automatically logs the transferred themes into the system of the new phone, you do not have to manually search for files and activate them. However, it is worth remembering that this method is best suited for a complete migration from one phone to another, rather than for transferring one specific topic.
⚠️ Note: When you transfer old themes via Mi Mover, you can overwrite the current settings of the new phone.
Transfer themes via ShareMe and Bluetooth
If you only need to forward one particular theme file, using Mi Mover can be redundant, and in this case, the ShareMe app (formerly known as Mi Drop) comes to the rescue, allowing you to transfer files of any type at high speed. Find the theme file in the file manager, click "Send" and select the target device from the list.
The alternative is classic Bluetooth. Although the transfer speed is lower, this method is universal and does not require the installation of additional applications. Once a file is received on a new device, it is usually stored in the Bluetooth or Downloads folder.
The key is to do this, and once the.mtz file is in the memory of the new phone, the system may not suggest that you install it right away, but you need to open the file manager yourself, find the downloaded file and click on it, and the Theme Manager will start and ask you to apply the design.
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If the file does not open after transfer, try renaming it by removing the extra characters from the name, or moving it to the root folder of internal memory for easy search.
Sometimes, when transferring via third-party messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), the file extension may change or be added, for example,.mtz.txt. In this case, you need to rename the file, returning the original.mtz extension, so that the system recognizes it as a topic.
Sync with Mi Cloud and Xiaomi account
The most elegant solution for users of the Xiaomi ecosystem is sync through the Mi Cloud service. If you are signed in to the same Mi Account on both devices, your purchases and downloads from the theme store can be accessed automatically.
User profiles often store download history. Go to Profile → Topics (or History) to find previously downloaded designs. If the theme was purchased for money, it is guaranteed to be re-uploaded for free on any device linked to your account.
| Method of transmission | Speed. | Automatic installation | Demands the Internet. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | Yes. | No. |
| ShareMe / Wi-Fi | Very high. | No (file launch needed) | No. |
| Bluetooth | Low. | No. | No. |
| Mi Cloud | Depends on the network. | Yeah (on download) | Yes. |
Using the cloud also allows you to back up custom themes you created or downloaded from third-party resources if you add them to the collection beforehand, eliminating the need to store files manually and search for them when you change devices.
Solution: Topics do not apply or disappear
Often, users are faced with a situation where the transferred theme is partially applied: the icons change, and the wallpaper remains standard, or vice versa. This indicates a conflict of versions or damage to the file during transfer. First of all, try to delete the theme and download it again, making sure that the file is intact.
If a theme disappears after a reboot, it may not have passed the system security check. HyperOS and newer versions of MIUI strictly monitor the signature of files, in which case you may need to use a special theme loader (Theme Editor) to re-sign the file, but this is already an advanced level of modification.
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If the theme doesn’t apply, try first applying a standard theme, restarting your phone, and then re-activating the downloaded design.
Another reason could be a crowded theme manager cache. Cleaning up the theme app’s data in the app settings can solve the problem of displaying and applying new files. Don’t be afraid to clear the cache – your purchased themes are tied to your account and won’t disappear.