How to install Xiaomi theme on another phone: a detailed guide

Modern smartphone users are looking to maximize user experience, and the MIUI ecosystem offers some of the deepest tools to do so. However, there is often a desire to use the beautiful and functional design created for Xiaomi on devices from other brands such as Samsung, Honor or Realme. This process is not always obvious, since standard theme files are closed format, but there are proven methods to circumvent restrictions.

Before you start modifying your system, it is important to understand that installing third-party design elements can carry certain risks to the stability of the shell. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to implement the HyperOS style or older versions. MIUI You'll learn about the official tools, the features of the official tools. APK-Manual installation of files and methods through system directories.

To do this successfully, you'll need a stable Internet connection and a little free time, and we'll look at both simple methods for beginners and more sophisticated options for advanced users who want to gain full control over the visual style of their gadget, and the willingness to experiment is a key factor in success in customization.

Features of the MIUI theme format and compatibility

Shell themes files MIUI They have the.mtz extension, which is a proprietary format developed by the company's engineers, and unlike standard Android resource packages, these files contain not just pictures, but complex ones. XML-configurations, animation scripts, and specific paths to system icons, which is why simply installing a file on a pure Android or OneUI shell without preparation often leads to nothing.

The main difficulty is that the Themes system service, which is responsible for applying the design, is by default absent from devices from other manufacturers. APK-If you have a file on this service, it may not work properly with the system fonts or the lock screen, and differences in screen resolutions and pixel density can also cause the interface elements to shift.

⚠️ Attention: Installation of system services MIUI On third-party devices, you can have confluences in your settings menu and instability. Always back up your data before experimenting.

There are several levels of compatibility that determine how deeply a theme can integrate into your phone. Some themes only affect icons and wallpaper, while others try to change the look of the multitasking menu or control panel. Understanding these differences will help avoid frustration if the theme you choose doesn't apply fully.

Preparation of the device and necessary tools

Before you start the interface modification process, you need to prepare the work environment and make sure that all the required components are available. Without proper preparation, you are at high risk of getting a “broken” interface or cyclic reboot of the launcher. First, check the version of the Android operating system, as older versions of the themes may not be supported on Android 13 or 14.

You will need to download and install a dedicated file manager with system folder permissions if you plan to use the manual installation method, and you will also need to have a reliable source of downloading themes, since there are many modified and insecure files on the Internet.

Special attention should be paid to the source of the file download. The official Xiaomi theme store is not available directly on other phones, so you will have to use third-party repositories or other devices. APK-System application files. Make sure that the security settings allow you to install applications from unknown sources for your file manager.

Method of installation through the official application Themes

The safest and easiest way to try to implement the Xiaomi style is to install the official Themes app. APK-This method doesn't require root rights, but it doesn't work on all devices, and it depends on the version of Android. First you have to find the current version. APK-Themes application file (usually com.android.thememanager).

Once you download the installer, run it and follow the instructions on the screen. If the system issues a warning about a potentially dangerous application, this is the standard reaction to installing system components outside the Play Market Store. You will need to confirm the installation manually in the window that appears.

Once installed, launch the app and log in to your Mi Account if required to log in. Searching inside the app can find thousands of themes, but their application can be blocked by checking the region. In the application settings, you can often change the region to "India" or "Indonesia", which sometimes helps to bypass restrictions.

Using third-party launchers to simulate MIUI

If direct installation of system themes is impossible or causes errors, a great alternative is to use third-party launchers that completely copy the visual style. MIUI. This is the most stable method, as the launcher works like a regular application and does not interfere with Android system files. MIUI Launcher or its modifications.

To get started, find and install the selected launcher from Google Play Market or a trusted APK source. Once installed, the system will suggest setting up a new main menu, selecting default icons, and setting up gestures. This process will take a few minutes, but the result will be safe for the system.

Third-party launchers allow themes to be set in a format adapted to the launcher engine rather than the system, which means you can change icons, watch widgets and wallpapers while maintaining high performance, but system menus, notification curtains and settings menus will remain standard for your phone.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, the “always-on screen” function» (AOD) Xiaomi’s specific gestures may not work properly or may not be available at all.

Many users combine this method with icon package installation, and you can download a MIUI-style icon package and apply it through the launcher settings, which gives you flexibility: today you are Xiaomi-style, and tomorrow you can switch to Material You or iOS without having to manipulate the system.

Manual installation of themes through the file system

For advanced users who want to use a.mtz file on a device without official support, there is a method of manual file swaps, which requires the rights of a superuser (Root) and a file manager with access to the root of the system, such as Root Explorer or MiXplorer.

The method is to place the theme file in the hidden system directory /data/system/theme/ or /MIUI/theme/. After copying the file, you need to change its attributes or rename it so that the system recognizes it the next time you start the theme service.

adb shell


su




cp /sdcard/Download/my_theme.mtz /data/system/theme/data/




chmod 644 /data/system/theme/data/my_theme.mtz

Once you have done the copying, you have to restart the device or force the Theme process to stop through the application settings, and if done correctly, the theme should appear on the list of available applications, but there is a high risk that the theme will be partially applied or cause graphic artifacts.

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Save the original system theme files before replacing them. Copy the original theme folder to a safe place on the cloud disk so that you can quickly restore the original state in the event of a failure.

Solving problems and application errors

In the process of customization, users often face a number of typical problems, such as a black screen, no icons or a cyclic reboot of the interface. If after applying the theme, the screen turned black, but the phone is working, try pressing the button combination to call the task manager or use the voice assistant to start settings.