How to completely remove the Themes app on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Themes (or Themes in Russian) – a standard shell component MIUI, which many users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They want to delete. Not only does it take up space in memory, it also regularly consumes traffic to download updates to themes, displays annoying notifications, and can conflict with other launchers. Unfortunately, simply clicking "Delete" in the application menu is often not available - the system blocks the uninstallation of system components. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including hidden settings, ADB-teams and radical methods like resetting to factory parameters.

It's important to understand: MIUI It actively resists removing system applications, and even after a successful uninstallation, Themes can recover from another firmware update. MIUI 12.5, 13 and 14 (including Redmi Note 11 Pro)+, Xiaomi 12T and POCO F4) — The results are summarized in the compatibility table below. If you're willing to sacrifice the warranty or the functionality of the shell, some of the ways will require unlocking the bootloader and root rights.

Why Themes App Cannot Be Deleted in the Standard Way

Unlike third-party programs from Google Play, Themes is part of the firmware. MIUI It's like a system application:

• 🔒 Removal protection: Android blocks system uninstallation APK free-standing.
• 🔄 Auto-Recovery: After a firmware update, the app may return.
• 📦 Integration with the shell: Themes manages wallpaper, icons and fonts – its removal can disrupt the work MIUI.
• 🛡️ Xiaomi policy: Manufacturer deliberately restricts users to maintain uniformity of interface.

On devices with MIUI Global or MIUI Europe (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite or Redmi) K50) The application can be partially "detoxified" through settings, but complete removal will require one of the methods described below, POCO X5 Pro) after removal of Themes, the wallpaper change function through the standard menu stops working.

⚠️ Attention: Removal of system applications can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone, errors when updating the firmware or even a “brick” (breakdown of the software part). Before experimenting, back up your data and make sure you have access to recovery tools (like Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool).

Method 1: Disabling Themes application without deleting

If you are simply hampered by notifications or background traffic consumption, you can deactivate the app without completely removing it.This method does not require root rights and is suitable for most models, including the Redmi 10, Xiaomi 11T newer devices.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type "Themes" (or "Themes" for Russian firmware).
3. Click on the app, then select Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is not available).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• ✅ The app will stop running and show notifications.
• ✅ Disappear from the menu and list of recently used programs.
• ❌ Change themes and wallpapers through standard settings MIUI will not be available.

Make sure the app disappears from the menu

Check for no notifications from Themes

Testing the wallpaper change through the gallery (may not work)

View battery consumption in settings (should decrease)-->

This is reversible: to return functionality, you just need to turn the application back on in the settings, but after updating the firmware, Themes can automatically activate - you have to repeat the procedure.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

Tool. ADB (Android Debug Bridge allows you to delete system applications without obtaining superuser rights. The method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires a connection to a computer and enable debugging on the device. USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate debugging on USB: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times until the message “You became a developer” appears → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB (insert)
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in the dialog box on your phone.
3. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
5. Execute the command to remove Themes: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.themes Some firmware may require an alternative package: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.themes

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

• ✅ Themes will disappear from the menu and will stop updating.
• ✅ Shell functions MIUI They will remain functional (except for changing the subject).
• ❌ After resetting the settings or updating the firmware, the application may return.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro with a MIUI 14) ADB-If after the command the screen starts twitching or the animation of transitions disappears, return the application with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.themes

Disabled through settings

Used ADB.

Get rooted and removed manually

I've tried nothing.

Another method-->

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

Getting root rights gives you full access to system files, allowing you to physically delete them. APK-Themes file and associated data. This is the most radical method and requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 📱 Established custom recaveri (TWRP or similar).
• 🛠️ Knowledge of working with Magisk or SuperSU.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk and get root rights.
2. Download a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Go to the folder. /system/priv-app/Themes or /system/app/Themes (The path may differ depending on the firmware).
4. Delete the files: Themes.apk Themes.odex (if any)
5. Clear the cache and application data in /data/data/com.android.themes.
6. Reset the device.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ The application is deleted permanently, even after firmware updates (if you do not reset).
• ✅ Free up to 50-100 MB of system memory.

Risks:

• ❌ Disruption of work MIUI (The functionality of changing wallpaper or fonts may disappear).
• ❌ Loss of warranty (unlocking the bootloader will void the official Xiaomi warranty).
• ❌ Possible errors in future firmware updates.

Method 4: Reset to factory settings with Themes disabled

If previous methods failed or caused a crash, you can try resetting your smartphone to factory settings with the Themes update pre-disabled.This method is suitable for devices where the application is restored after each firmware update.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Themes and click Remove Updates.
2. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and disable automatic update.
3. Perform reset: Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset settings
4. After the reboot, do not connect to the Internet and immediately disable Themes via settings (as in Method 1).

This method helps to “zero” the state of the application, but has disadvantages:

• ❌ All user data (photos, contacts, messages) are deleted).
• ❌ Reconfiguration of the device is required.
• ❌ Does not guarantee permanent deletion – when connected to the Internet Themes can update.

💡

Before reset, save a list of installed apps using App Backup & Restore or manually export data through Settings. → Google → Backup. This will speed up recovery from reset.

Method 5: Use custom firmware (for advanced)

If you are willing to give up completely MIUI, You can install custom firmware based on Android (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS), in such firmware, the Themes application is absent by default, and the interface is close to “pure” Android.

What will be required:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 📱 Compatible firmware for your model (check on forums) XDA Developers or 4PDA).
• 🛠️ Established custom recaveri (TWRP).

Advantages:

• ✅ Complete absence of Themes and other unnecessary Xiaomi system applications.
• ✅ Faster and stable operation of the system.
• ✅ Regular security updates from the community.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of function MIUI (Game Turbo, Second Space, and Quick Ball).
• ❌ Risk of “brick” when incorrect installation.
• ❌ No official support (guarantee cancelled).

Popular firmware for Xiaomi devices:

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires experience and can lead to loss IMEI, dead-chamber NFC. Before the procedure, be sure to check the user reviews of your model on thematic forums.

How to prevent the recurrence of Themes

Even after successful removal, the application can return after the firmware update.

• 🔕 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update (disable)
• 📵 Block the Internet for Themes (if the application is left in the system): → Annexes → Themes → Data data → Background traffic (disable)
• 🔧 Use Magisk modules to block system installation APK (For example, Universal GMS Doze or App Systemizer).
• 🛡️ Install updates manually, pre-removing unnecessary components from the firmware using MIUI System Ad Remover.

If you use ADB For deletion, you can create a script to automatically execute a command after each update:

@echo off


adb wait-for-device




adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.themes




adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.themes




pause

Save this code to a file with the.bat extension and run it after the firmware update.

💡

The most reliable way to get rid of Themes forever is to install custom firmware without components MIUI. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and voids the warranty.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When removing Themes, users often face problems, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If after manipulation with Themes, the smartphone began to work unstable (for example, errors appear com.android.systemui), return the application with the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.themes

Or restore the backup copy through TWRP.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions