How to completely uninstall the Themes app on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways (including hidden)

Themes app on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is often a source of annoyance: it takes up space in memory, consumes traffic in the background and obsessively offers to download new designs. Despite the fact that it is system software from MIUI, it can be removed — completely or partially disable. In this article, we will discuss all working methods for Redmi 8 (including Redmi 8A and Redmi 8T models) relevant for MIUI 12-14 firmware.

It's important to understand that standard deletion through the app menu won't work here -- Xiaomi blocks uninstallation of system services. But there are workarounds, from simple shutdown to deep deletion through ADB or even editing firmware files. We'll look at the options without and with root rights, and also warn about the possible consequences of each method. If you're willing to get rid of intrusive notifications and free up memory, read on.

Why can’t the Themes app be removed in the standard way?

The Themes app (com.android.themes or com.miui.themes) is a system component of MIUI, which means that:

• 🔒 It is protected from accidental removal - in the Settings menu → The “Delete” button app is simply missing.
• 📦 His files are integrated into the section /system, which is available only for reading by default.
• ⚙️ It is linked to other services. MIUI (For example, “Security” or “Cloud” so rough removal can cause crashes.

Xiaomi also uses the app to monetize, which distributes paid themes, fonts and wallpaper, so it has no interest in making it easy for users to get rid of, but there are legal ways to get around those restrictions, which will be discussed below.

⚠️ Warning: Complete removal of system applications may disrupt the operation MIUI, Especially if you're using branded features like "Super Wallpaper" or "Dynamic Themes." Backup your data before you do anything!

Method 1: Disabling the application (without deleting)

If you don't have to completely remove an application, you just have to stop it and hide the notifications, it's the safest method, it doesn't require root rights, and it's suitable for all versions of MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type "Themes"** (or Themes in English firmware).

After that:

• 🛑 The app will stop launching and sending notifications.
• 📵 The icon will disappear from the menu (but will remain in the list of system applications).
• 🔄 Updates for it will stop downloading.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 13-14 Option Disable may be blocked. In this case, try the method with ADB (see below).

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If the live wallpaper stops working after Tem is turned off, return the settings back. Some MIUI features depend on this application!

Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method allows you to uninstall the app without getting root rights.This is Google's official tool, but requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from Google website).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further.

If the command is successful, you will see a Success message.The application will be removed only for your user (without affecting system files).

• ⚠️ After resetting settings or updating MIUI The app could come back.

Method 3: Removal with root rights (for power users)

If you have root rights (e.g., through Magisk), you can delete Themes forever, including all associated files, which is a method that maximizes the effect, but requires caution.

Deletion options:

Example of removal via Termux:

1. Install Termux from F-Droid (not from Google Play!).
2. Enter commands in order: su rm -rf /system/priv-app/Themes rm -rf /system/app/Themes rm -rf /data/app/com.miui.themes*
3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting system files manually can result in a "bootloop" (locked boot). TWRP Or OrangeFox!

Method 4: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If other methods have failed, and getting rid of the Tem is vital, you can do a hard reset and then block the application installation, which is radical but effective.

How it works:

1. Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose Delete all data and confirm.
4. After rebooting, do not connect to Mi-account or recover data from the cloud!
5. Immediately after setting up your phone, turn off “Themes”** via ADB (see Method 2).

Advantages of the method:

• 🧹 Complete "purity" of the system without unnecessary applications.
• 🚀 Opt-out of synchronization with Mi-account (which also reduces unnecessary services).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of all data in the absence of a backup.
• ⏳ Long-term phone setup from scratch».

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Hard reset is the only way to guarantee that you will remove all traces of Tem without root rights, but requires a complete reinstallation of all applications.

Method 5: Use custom firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you’re willing to go beyond just uninstalling one app, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or Havoc-OS) will fix the problem once and for all.

What you need to know:

• 🔓 Requires unlocking the bootloader (officially via Mi Unlock Tool).
• 📱 Certain functions MIUI (For example, “Dual Apps” or “Game Turbo” may disappear.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 Higher productivity (no background processes) MIUI).
• 🆕 Regular security updates from the community.
• 🎨 Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Recommended Firmware for Redmi 8:

What should I do if there are problems after removal?

Removing system applications sometimes has unexpected consequences, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

• 🎨 Wallpapers or themes disappeared: Reason: Resources related to Themes removed** Solution: install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher) and use wallpapers from Google Wallpapers.

If the phone stops turning on, try to go to Power + Vol Up and run Wipe Data. In extreme cases, you will need to flash it through Fastboot.

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Before experimenting with system files, check if your Redmi 8 model has patches ready on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums. Often users have already solved these problems!

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing "Tem" on Redmi 8