How to permanently remove the app “Themes” on Xiaomi smartphones: all working ways

The Themes app on Xiaomi smartphones is often a source of annoyance: it takes up space in memory, consumes traffic for background updates and constantly offers to change the design. Despite the fact that MIUI does not allow you to remove it with standard means (like most system applications), there are workarounds – from simple disabling to complete removal with ADB or custom firmware.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove the Theme app on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (including the models of 2023-2026 on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS).

• 🔹 Disable the app without root rights (safe, but does not free up memory).
• 🔹 Remove through ADB (requires PC and debugging USB).
• 🔹 Block updates so that they don’t come back.
• 🔹 Remove Forever with Magisk or Custom Recavery (TWRP).

Warning: some methods can lead to loss of warranty or unstable system operation. If you are not sure about your actions, use only the first two methods (disconnection and ADB).

1. Why the Themes app cannot be removed in the standard way

The Themes app (com.android.themes or com.miui.themes) is included in the MIUI System Services list.

Xiaomi does not provide the option of uninstallation, as the application is integrated into the mechanisms of change of system design (fonts, icons, wallpaper), however, it can be deactivated, frozen or removed using ADB or root rights.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12), the Themes app is associated with miui.system. its removal may disrupt the notification center or the Quick Settings Panel.

Method 1: Disabling the application (without deleting)

The safest method is to disable the application through settings, which will not free up memory, but will stop it working and updating:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type “Themes”** (or Themes).
3. Click on the app and select Disable (or Remove Updates if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• ✅ The icon will disappear from the app menu.
• ✅ Background processes and notifications will stop.
• ❌ Memory will not be released (app files will remain in the system).

💡

If the “Disable” button is inactive, try removing all app updates first, then try again.

3. Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

To completely remove the system application, you will need to debug over USB and the ADB command. This method works on most Xiaomi devices (including the POCO F5, Redmi K60) and does not require root rights.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to activate the developer mode, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
4. Remove the Themes app by command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.themes If it doesn't work, try: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.themes
5. Reboot the phone.

USB| debugging enabled

Installed by ADB Tools on PC|

Phone connected in file transfer mode (MTP) |

Connection with Adb Devices Team-->

What to do if the team is not working?

• 🔄 Reconnect. USB-Cable and repeat adb devices.
• 🔧 Check if the antivirus is blocking. ADB.
• 📱 Some firmware (HyperOS) requires first to disable the application in the settings, then use it. ADB.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI The Themes app can recover. To avoid this, block its updates (see Section 5).

Method 3: Magisk Removal (for rooted devices)

If your Xiaomi has Magisk installed (root rights), you can remove Themes using the App Systemizer module or manually through Root Explorer.

Method 1: Magisk Module

1. Install the App Systemizer module through Magisk Manager.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Open App Systemizer, search for “Themes”** (com.miui.themes) and select Uninstall.

Method 2: Manually using Root Explorer

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/Themes or /system/app/Themes.
3. Delete Themes.apk and Themes.odex files (if any).
4. Clear the cache to /data/data/com.miui.themes.
5. Reset the device.

💡

Use Magisk only if you are confident in your actions. Incorrect deletion of system files can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device.

Method 4: Blocking Application Updates

Even after removing the Themes via ADB or Magisk, the app can return after the MIUI update. To avoid this, block its updates:

Method 1: Through Google Play Settings

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Find the "Themes" app**.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and uncheck the checkmark with Auto Update.

Method 2: Through ADB (for system updates)

MIUI updates system applications through com.xiaomi.miui.updateservice. To block the "Tem" update, do:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.miui.updateservice

Method 3: Through hosts file (for advanced)

Add lines to /system/etc/hosts (root required) to block update domains:

127.0.0.1 themes.miui.com


127.0.0.1 update.miui.com

Method 5: Removal via TWRP (for power users)

If your Xiaomi has a custom TWRP recap, you can remove Themes directly from the system partition.This method is risky and recommended only to those who have previously worked with TWRP.

Instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Find folders: /system/priv-app/Themes /system/app/Themes /data/app/com.miui.themes-

"Themami"**

Wipe → Cache

⚠️ Note: Delete system files in TWRP This can lead to bootloop. Before you do it, back up through the bootloop. TWRP → Backup!

7.Alternatives: How to Hide “Themes” Without Deleting

If deleting seems risky, you can simply hide the app:

• 📁 Hide the icon: Use launchers like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher where you can hide applications.
• 🚫 Block notifications: In the application settings, turn off Show notifications.
• 🔒 Limit data: In Settings → Annexes → Topics → Mobile data turn off background traffic.

Advantages:

• ✅ No risk to the system.
• ✅ You can return the application at any time.
• ❌ Does not release memory and does not stop background processes.

8. Frequent Questions (FAQ)