Dark mode in TikTok not only reduces the load on the eyes, but also saves battery power on the eyes. AMOLED-But many users face a problem: when you turn on the system dark theme in the smartphone. MIUI The app stays bright. What's the reason and how to fix it?
In this article, you will find 4 proven methods for activating the dark interface in TikTok on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices, including bypassing application restrictions. We will also discuss why some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro) have a dark theme that does not work properly and how to fix it without root rights.
Spoiler: Since TikTok 32.1.0 (March 2026), developers have removed the forced system settings, so that dark mode is now only enabled through the hidden menu of the app.
Before you start, make sure your smartphone runs MIUI 14/15 or Android 12+. On older versions (e.g. MIUI 12.5), some methods may not work.
1. Method: through the system theme settings MIUI
The most obvious, but not always working, method is synchronizing TikTokβs dark mode with Xiaomiβs system settings.
Open Settings β Screen β Dark Mode and activate the switch. If TikTok hasn't changed, restart the app (close it in the multitasking menu and reopen it).
- β It works on: Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5 s MIUI 14+
- β Not working on: old models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) and forced light versions of TikTok (e.g. in some regions)
- π Extra: Try to enable Auto Mode (on schedule) and set the time from 00:00 to 23:59 β this sometimes works as a βcrutch"
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially global ones) do not transmit the system dark mode to TikTok due to the limitations of Google Play Services. β2 or β3.
If the interface is still light after these manipulations, move on to the next method β it will work in 90% of cases.
Method: forced inclusion through "Developer Mode"
This method requires activation of hidden Android features, but does not need root rights.
Step 1: Activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version and tap it 7 times in a row, and a notification will appear "You became a developer!"
Step 2: Go back to the main Settings menu, find a new Developer section and open it. Scroll down to the App block and turn on the option:
Forced to use a dark theme (Force Dark)Step 3: Reboot your smartphone and open TikTok. The app should automatically switch to dark mode. If that doesn't happen, clear the TikTok cache in Settings β Apps β App Management β TikTok β Clear the cache.
Activate Developer Mode |Enable "Force Dark" in Settings |Reboot Phone |Elecate TikTok-->
β οΈ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi K40) Force Dark can trigger graphic artifacts in other applications, and if you see bugs, turn it off and use the method. β3.
This method works even on TikTok Lite and modified versions of the application, but it has a disadvantage: some interface elements (such as Like or Comment buttons) may not display correctly.
3. Method: through TikTok account settings (hidden menu)
Since March 2026, TikTok has added a hidden dark theme option that doesnβt depend on system settings to find it:
Step 1: Open TikTok and tap the profile icon (bottom right). then click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner to open the menu.
Step 2: Scroll down to Settings and Privacy β Content and Activity Settings β Dark Mode. Here you will see three options:
- π Follow the system settings (by default)
- π Always dark (recommended)
- βοΈ Always bright.
Select Always Dark and restart the app. If you don't have that option, upgrade TikTok to the latest version on Google Play or via APKMirror.
π‘
If there is no Dark Mode section, try changing your account region to the US or Europe in your profile settings, sometimes unlocking hidden options.
| Xiaomi model | MIUI version | Does the way work? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14 Pro | 14.0.5+ | β Yes. | No bugs. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 14.0.3 | β Yes. | Cache cleanup required |
| POCO F5 | 14.0.6 | β οΈ Partially. | Some elements remain bright. |
| Redmi 10A | 12.5.8 | β No. | It takes a way. β2 or β4 |
4. Method: Use of third-party themes (MIUI Themes)
If none of the previous methods worked, you can apply a custom theme through the official Themes app from Xiaomi, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU).
Step 1: Download and install a dark mode theme for TikTok.
Step 2: Apply the theme through the Topic app (Settings β Personalization β Themes). After applying, restart your phone.
Step 3: Open TikTok, the interface should go dark. If some elements are still light, try the combination from the method. β2 (Force Dark) and Custom Themes.
Where to download secure themes for MIUI?
β οΈ Attention: Custom themes may cause system animations to reset or conflict with other applications.Before installing, back up through Settings β Memory. β Backup.
5. Problem solving: Why doesn't the dark topic work?
If none of these methods helped, check the following points:
Problem 1: TikTok is outdated. Update the app to the latest version on Google Play or download APK from the official website. The minimum supported version for a dark theme is 30.8.0 (November 2023).
Problem 2: Regional restrictions. In some countries (e.g. India, Indonesia), TikTok is blocking the dark mode.
- π Use it. VPN (ProtonVPN or Warp with a connection to the United States or Europe
- π± Change the TikTok account region in your profile settings
Problem 3: Conflict with other applications: Some programs (like Blue Light Filter or Night Mode Enabler) can block the dark theme from being displayed correctly, and turn them off temporarily and check the result.
Issue 4: Cache Error. Clear TikTok data through Settings β Apps β TikTok β Clear the data. Attention: this will delete all unsaved drafts and account settings!
Through system settings MIUI|Force Dark's Forced Force Dark|Hidden menu on TikTok|Castomy theme|Nothing helped.-->
6. Alternative methods for advanced users
If you are willing to take drastic measures, here are two additional options:
Method A: Use ADB-commands (requires PC and debugging by USB).
adb shell settings put secure ui_night_mode 2This command is forced to turn on the dark mode at the Android level. Once executed, restart the phone.
Method B: Modified APKs. Forums like XDA or 4PDA have patched versions of TikTok with a dark theme always on, such as TikTok Black Mod. Risk: these versions can violate community rules and lead to account bans.
π‘
Modified APKs are a last resort, they can contain malicious code or lead to account lockdown, use only verified sources and at your own risk.
For most users, the first three are enough, and if you're not sure about your skills, don't experiment with ADB or custom firmware.