Thematic design is one of the key features of MIUI firmware, which allows you to radically change the appearance of a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone without having to install custom firmware. However, not all users know how to download and apply themes correctly, especially if the desired design is not available in the official store. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard methods through the Theme app to installing third-party.mtz files from proven resources.
It is important to understand that the process of downloading themes depends on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, European) and regional restrictions. For example, in some countries, some topics may be blocked due to licensing agreements, and we will also explain how to circumvent these restrictions legally and without risking the security of the device.
1.Official method: Themes app in MIUI
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Themes app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices and contains thousands of free and paid designs that have been moderated by the company.
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on the home screen or in the app menu).
- Go to the Recommended or Top tab to view popular options.
- Select your favorite theme and click Apply - the system will automatically download and install it.
If the desired theme is not displayed, try:
- 🔍 Update theme app via Google Play or MIUI App Store.
- 🌐 Changing the region of your Mi Account (for example, India or Russia) will expand your directory.
- 📱 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the app cache blocks the display of new themes.
⚠️ Note: Some themes in the store require payment through Mi Coins. Before buying, check reviews - there are cases when the design for the preview does not correspond to the actual design.
2. Downloading themes through APK-Files (for experienced users)
If the official store doesn't have a theme, you can manually install it through a.mtz file, which is suitable for users with unlocked bootloader or root rights, but works on standard devices (with restrictions).
First, download the.mtz file from the verified resource.
- 📌 MIUI Themes – the largest database of themes with ratings and screenshots.
- 📌 Telegram channels (e.g, MIUI Themes Collection).
- 📌 XDA Developers – there are often exclusive designs.
After downloading:
- Place the.mtz file in the /MIUI/theme/ folder on the smartphone’s internal memory (create it if it’s not available).
- Open the Topics app → My subjects. → Imports.
- Select the downloaded file and apply the theme.
⚠️ Attention: Topics from unverified sources may contain malicious code. Always download files from reputation sites and check them with antivirus (for example, VirusTotal).
Download the topic from a verified resource|Check the file for viruses|Create a folder. /MIUI/theme/|Make a backup copy of the current theme-->
Install themes through ADB (for advanced users)
If standard.mtz importing doesn’t work (for example, on Chinese firmware), you can apply the theme through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and enabling USB debugging.
Instructions:
- Download and install Platform Tools on your computer.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, allow debugging and execute the command: adb devices (should display your device).
- Copy the.mtz file to the system folder: adb push theme.mtz /sdcard/MIUI/theme/
- Apply the theme through the Themes app as usual.
If the theme doesn’t show up, try restarting the device or clearing the theme app cache (Settings → Apps → Application Management → Themes → Clear the cache).
What to do if the topic is not applied?
Topics for specific Xiaomi models: nuances of compatibility
Not all themes are universal, some are designed specifically for certain smartphone lines.
- 📱 Topics for Xiaomi 13/14 You may not support older models (Redmi Note) 8).
- 🎨 Designs with animation (Super Wallpapers) require MIUI 12.5+.
- 🔋 Themes with modified battery icons only work on the AOD-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro).
Check compatibility in the theme description before downloading. If you use custom firmware (such as Xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience), some design elements may not display correctly.
| Xiaomi model | Supported theme types | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Standard, AOD, icons | No support for Super Wallpapers |
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | All types, including animation | Requires MIUI 14+ |
| POCO F4/F5 | Standard, dark topics | Limited catalogue in global firmware |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | Adaptive for tablets | Not all themes are optimized for the big screen |
5. How to download paid themes for free (legal ways)
Many premium themes in the store are between 50 and 500 Mi Coins, however there are legal ways to get them for free:
- 🎁 Promotions: Follow the handouts in official Xiaomi groups in Telegram or VKontakte.
- 🏆 Competitions: Participate in competitions to create themes on the official website - winners get free access.
- 🔄 Exchange: In forums (e.g, 4PDA) Users often share purchased themes in exchange for reviews.
Important: Using hacked accounts or Mi Coins generators leads to the device being locked. Xiaomi is actively fighting fraud and restoring access can take up to 30 days.
💡
If you like a paid theme but don’t want to buy it, try a similar free design, for example, instead of Dark Matter Pro (200 Mi Coins), download Dark Mode Free, which is visually similar.
6. Solving problems when downloading and installing themes
Frequent mistakes and their solutions:
- 🚫 Failed to apply the theme error: Clear the theme app cache or reinstall it through Settings → Annexes.
- 🔄 Theme resets after rebooting: It's a bug MIUI 13/14. Helps rollback to the previous version of firmware or reset settings.
- 📱 Downloaded.mtz files do not show: Check the path to the folder (should be) /MIUI/theme/, not /Download/).
- 🔒 Change the region in the Mi Account to India or Russia.
If the problem is not solved, try:
- Install the theme via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required).
- Use alternative launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher) that support third-party themes.
💡
Before installing themes from unverified sources, always back up your current design through Settings → Themes → Backup.
7.Alternative methods of customization without
If you don’t like standard MIUI themes, consider other options for changing the look:
- 🎨 Iconpaks: Apps like X Icon Changer or Whicons let you change icons without changing the theme.
- 🖼️ Wallpaper and AOD: V MIUI 14 has a built-in wallpaper editor with paralax effects.
- 📱 Previous articleCastom Launchers: Hyperion Launcher or Before Launcher completely replace the interface MIUI.
- 🔧 Magisk modules: For example, MIUI Bliss adds new design settings.
The advantage of these methods is that they do not depend on the limitations of the Themes store and work even on locked devices.