Themes app on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is often a source of irritation: it takes up space in memory, consumes battery power and constantly suggests changing the design. Despite the fact that it is system software, it can be disabled or removed without root rights - and we will tell you how to do it as safely as possible.
In this article you will find the most relevant methods for MIUI 12/13/14 HyperOS, including hidden settings, ADB-Teams and alternative solutions for different models – from Redmi Note 10 Xiaomi 14 Pro. Important: Some methods require caution, so read warnings carefully before action.
Why the “Themes” app is bothering users
The com.miui.themes system application is responsible for changing wallpaper, icons and overall interface design, but it has several critical flaws:
- 🔒 Limitations MIUI: Inability to completely remove without root rights on most devices.
According to statistics from Xiaomi Community, more than 60% of MIUI users have tried to disable or uninstall the app at least once, and only 15% do so correctly – the rest face errors or returns after updates.
Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without deleting)
The safest method is to deactivate the application, not remove it completely, which will prevent background activity and notifications, but will retain the ability to return functionality if necessary.
Instructions for MIUI 14 and HyperOS:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, enter Themes (or Themes for English firmware).
- Select the com.miui.themes app.
- Click Disable (or Force Stop + Disable in English).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
Make a backup copy of important data
Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)
Close all background applications
Connect your phone to charge (recommended)
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⚠️ Note: After disabling, you will not be able to change themes through the standard menu, but wallpaper and fonts will remain available through Settings → Screen, on some devices (POCO F5, Redmi K60) This method may not work completely - the application will restart after restarting.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)
For users willing to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to uninstall the app completely.This method works on 80% of Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+ and does not require unlocking the bootloader.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
- 📱 USB-cable (original)
- 🔧 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools
- 🔒 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB)
Step-by-step:
adb devices
adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.themesIf the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.themes| Team team. | Action. | The result |
|---|---|---|
| pm uninstall -k --user 0 | Complete removal for the current user | The application will disappear from the system, but will remain in the firmware |
| pm disable-user --user 0 | Uninstallation without deletion | The app will not work, but will remain on the list. |
| pm clear | Clearing the data | Remove cache and settings, but not the app itself |
⚠️ Note: HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14) may require an additional command to reset rights:
adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job💡
If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers through the Mi Flash Tool or using Google’s portable version of Platform Tools.
Method 3: Remove with Magisk (for rooted devices)
If you have root rights, the process is simplified, you can use the Magisk module or manual deletion through the file manager.
Instructions for Magisk:
- Install Magisk Manager and check the root rights status.
- Download the Universal Themes Debloater module from the Magisk repository.
- Install the module through Magisk → Modules → Install from storage.
- Reset the device.
For manual removal:
- Open Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with root access.
- Go to /system/priv-app/Themes or /system/app/Themes.
- Delete the Themes folder or rename it to Themes.bak.
- Clear the cache to /data/data/com.miui.themes.
⚠️ Note: On some devices (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi Note 12) system removal APK This can lead to bootloop. Before you do something, back up through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.
What if the launcher stopped working after removing themes?
Method 4: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)
If no method has worked, and the app comes back after updates, then the radical solution is hard reset, which will remove all data from the device, so use it only as a last resort.
How to do the reset correctly:
- Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
- Disable your Mi Account (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data and confirm.
After discharge:
- 📱 Do not restore data from backup MIUI — This will bring back the Topics app».
- 🔧 Disable automatic update of system applications (Settings) immediately → Annexes → Auto-update).
- 🛡️ Install an alternative launcher before your first internet connection.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) A reset may return the firmware to the factory version, which will result in the loss of all updates. → The phone.
Method 5: Alternative solutions (if you can’t delete)
If deletion or disabling is not possible, consider these options:
- 🎨 Third-party launchers: Install Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Niagara Launcher – these allow you to customize the interface without system themes.
- 🔕 Blocking Notifications: Go to Settings → Notifications → Topics and turn off all alerts.
- 📵 Background Limitation: In the Application Settings (Settings) → Annexes → Topics → Battery) select Limit background activity.
- 🔄 Updates rolled back: If problems started after the update MIUI, Try to revert to the previous version via Fastboot.
For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra), there is another trick: you can hide the app from the menu without removing it.
- Hold the “Theme” icon on the home screen.
- Choose to Remove (actually, it is a concealment).
- Confirm the action.
💡
Third-party launchers not only replace the functionality of system themes, but also often run faster and consume less battery than a standard MIUI Launcher.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make critical mistakes when trying to delete "Themes," and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Deletion without backup | Data loss or bootloop | Always backup with TWRP or Mi Cloud |
| Use of informal ADB-instruction | Locking the device or resetting settings | Check the commands on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums |
| Removal on devices with a blocked loader | Error adb: error: failed to copy | Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-15 days) |
| Update MIUI after removing themes | Application Return and Possible Interface Errors | Turn off automatic update in Settings → About Phone → System Update |
Especially careful should be the owners of devices with anti-rollback protection (Anti-Rollback), such as Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi K40. Incorrect manipulation of system files can lead to a “brick”** (inoperable device).
If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to use safe methods (disable via settings or block notifications) or contact the Xiaomi service center.