Dark mode in TikTok not only reduces the load on the eyes when using in the evening, but also saves battery power on the body. AMOLED-However, the official version of the application is not always correctly synchronized with the system settings. MIUI, This is why users face problems: the theme is reset after a reboot, works only in individual sections or is not in the menu at all. In this article, we will analyze all current ways to activate a black theme - from standard to hidden, including bypassing restrictions for older versions of the application and firmware.
Xiaomi is actively modifying Android through the MIUI shell, which sometimes conflicts with the logic of third-party applications. For example, in TikTok versions below 28.5.0, dark mode could only be enabled through system settings, not from the app menu. We tested all methods on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra devices with the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 - the results are summarized in the comparison table below.
Why doesnβt TikTok have a dark theme button?
If your app does not have a theme switch in the settings, the reasons may be as follows:
- π± An outdated version of TikTok.The dark mode feature appeared in version 24.3.0 (March 2023), but only works stably from 28.5.0+.
- π Conflict with MIUI. Xiaomi shell can block system settings of themes for individual applications through battery and performance β Nutrition management.
- π Regional restrictions: In some countries (e.g. India, Pakistan) the feature is disabled at the TikTok server level.
- π οΈ Modified firmware, customized. ROM (For example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS may not have system hooks for dark themes.
Before you start setting up, check the app version: open TikTok, tap on the avatar β Settings and privacy β About the program. If the version is below 28.5.0, update the app via Google Play or download APK from the official website tiktok.com/download.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable version below 14.0.5 is possible when you switch themes through system settings.We recommend that you pre-clear the application cache (Settings) β Annexes β TikTok β Warehouse β Clear the cache).
Method 1: Enable via TikTok settings (official method)
The easiest way is to use the built-in switch in the app, which is available in current versions of TikTok and syncs with the MIUI system theme:
- Open TikTok and tap on the profile icon in the lower right corner.
- Choose. βοΈ Settings and privacy.
- Scroll down to the Content and Activity Settings section.
- Tap Dark Mode and select one of the options: Light β standard theme; Dark β forced black background; As in the system β synchronization with MIUI settings.
If Dark Mode is not on the menu, your version of the app is outdated or installed through a third-party source (such as APKMirror), in which case try to update or use alternative methods from the following sections.
Update TikTok to Version 28.5.0+
Clear the app's cache
Check the system settings of MIUI
Disable battery optimization for TikTok-->
Method 2: Forced activation via MIUI settings
The MIUI shell allows you to force dark mode on all applications, including TikTok, even if they do not support this feature natively.
- Open the smartphone settings.
- Go to Screen β Dark Mode (on some devices, the path may be different: Display β Screen Style).
- Activate the Dark Mode switch.
- Tap the Dark Mode Settings (or Schedule).
- Select Forced Apply to Third Apps and turn on the slider.
Then restart TikTok. If the background is still light, try it again:
- Go back to Settings β Applications β Application Management β TikTok.
- Select Permits β Additional authorizations.
- Enable System Settings Change (if available).
| Xiaomi model | MIUI version | Support for the Forced Dark Regime | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 14.0.8+ | Yes. | It's stable, bug-free. |
| POCO F5 | 14.0.6 | Partially. | Some elements remain bright. |
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | 15.0.2 | Yes. | Reboot is required after switching on |
| Redmi 10A | 13.0.5 | No. | Function is not available in firmware |
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) Forced dark mode can lead to visual artifacts in the TikTok interface - black blocks in place of white text. In this case, we recommend using Method 3 (via the developer).
Method 3: Enable through Developer Mode (for power users)
If standard methods don't work, you can try activating dark mode through Developer Settings, which requires caution, as incorrect settings can lead to system failures.
Steps:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will receive a notification "You became a developer").
Settings β Additional β Developer Parameters
Forced to turn on the dark mode
Override force-dark
Reset the device.
Important: On some MIUI firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), this setting may conflict with system themes, causing the screen to flicker. If graphical glitches appear after turning on, return the setting to its original state.
What if after turning on the developer mode TikTok began to lag?
Method 4: Use of third-party applications (alternative method)
If none of the above methods worked, you can use third-party utilities to force the inclusion of a dark theme.
- π§ Dark Mode for All Apps (requires root): Download the app from Google Play. Provide root access (if the device is rooted). Select TikTok from the app list and activate dark mode.
- π¨ Substratum + Andromeda (for custom firmware): Install Substratum and the Andromeda plugin. Download a TikTok-enabled theme (like Swift Dark). Apply the theme via Substratum.
- π₯οΈ ADB-command (no root): adb shell cmd uimode night yes This command forcibly turns on the system-level dark mode. ADB and the debugging on USB (Developer parameters β Debugging by USB).
β οΈ Note: Apps like Dark Mode for All Apps can collect data about your activity. Check Google Play permissions and user reviews before installing. Alternatively, use open-source solutions like Hide My Applist (requires Xposed Framework).
π‘
If you use MIUI 15 on Xiaomi 14 or later, try turning Super Dark Mode on to Settings β Screen. β Dark mode. β This option of depth black (up to #000000) works better with the AMOLED-screens and can improve display in TikTok.
Method 5: Manual editing of configuration files (for advanced ones)
This method is suitable for users with root rights or custom recovery (TWRP).It allows you to manually change the display settings of TikTok, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to the collapse of the application.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Cross the path: /data/data/com.zhiliaoapp.musically/shared_prefs/
- Find the sp.xml file and open it in the text editor.
- Add or change the line: <string name="dark_mode">true</string>
- Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---).
- Restart TikTok.
If a sp.xml file is missing, it can be created manually with the specified content.This method works on most versions of TikTok, but after updating the application, the settings can be reset.
π‘
Editing configuration files is the most radical way, but it's 100% on root devices, but you'll have to repeat the process after each TikTok update.
Problem Solving: What to do if the black theme doesnβt work?
If after all the manipulations, the dark mode in TikTok did not appear, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Dark mode is turned on, but resets after rebooting | Optimizing the battery for TikTok | Turn off optimization in Settings β Battery β Battery Optimization β TikTok β Without Limits |
| Black background but white text (unreadable) | Conflict with the compulsory regime in MIUI | Disable Forced Apply to Third Applications in Dark Mode Settings |
| No "Dark Mode" option in TikTok settings | Obsolete version or regional restrictions | Update the app or use a VPN to change region (e.g., to the U.S.) |
| The app crashes after turning on a dark theme | Incompatibility with modified firmware | Install the original firmware or roll back to the old version of TikTok |
If the problem persists, try the following algorithm:
- Delete TikTok and clear all associated data (Settings β Apps β TikTok β Delete).
- Reboot your smartphone.
- Install the latest version of TikTok from the official website (not through Google Play).
- Before the first launch, activate the dark mode in MIUI.
- Launch the app and check the theme settings.