How to return the application “Themes” on the smartphone Xiaomi: from standard methods to hidden features

Themes is one of the key systems in MIUI firmware that allows you to personalize your smartphone interface, from wallpaper and icons to fonts and animations. However, many users of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO face the problem of its disappearance — whether it is after a system update, a failed removal or a shell failure. Unlike most stock applications, returning Themes with standard methods is not always possible: its absence can block access to proprietary MIUI features, such as superwalls or dynamic themes.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to restore an application, from official (via Settings and Google Play) to technical (installing APK, rolling back updates or resetting to factory settings). Particular attention will be paid to the hidden features of MIUI 14/15, which allow you to return the Themes without losing data, as well as nuances for devices with an unlocked bootloader. If you have already tried to reinstall the application through the store, but it does not appear on the menu, here you will find solutions for such cases.

Why the app “Themes” on Xiaomi is missing

The disappearance of the “Themes” app** is most often due to one of the following reasons:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: New firmware versions may drop system applications or hide them due to changes in Xiaomi policy (e.g., in the company’s own system). MIUI 14 for European regions, "Themes" are sometimes replaced by Wallpaper Carousel).
• 🗑️ Manual removal: Users often delete the app through Settings → Applications, considering it unnecessary, unaware that it is a system component.
• 🛠️ Factory reset: After a hard reset, some system applications may not recover automatically.
• 📱 Regional restrictions: On devices with global firmware (Global) ROM) «Topics are sometimes hidden due to licensing agreements (e.g. in India or the EU).
• 🔧 System modifications: Installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or root rights can disrupt the work of stock applications.

It is important to note that on some models (such as the Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the Themes app is integrated into Settings → Wallpaper and themes and does not appear as a separate item in the menu. Before trying to restore, check if it is hidden in the All Apps section (swipe up the screen and click Show All).

⚠️ Note: If you have removed the "Subjects" through ADB Or root rights, standard recovery methods may not work, and this may require flashing the device or installing it. APK manually placed in the system section.

Method 1: Recovery through MIUI's "Settings"

The easiest method is to check if the application is hidden in the system settings, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-15 and does not require an Internet connection.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
3. In the search box, type “Themes”** (or “Themes” for the English version).

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU), Themes can be hidden in Settings → Wallpaper and Themes. Try opening this section — if it is available, then the application is not removed, but simply integrated into the system.

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If the search for the apps doesn't show "Themes," try typing in English, "Themes." Some firmware has dual-named system applications.

Method 2: Reinstall via Google Play

The official Themes app is available on Google Play, but it can only be installed if two conditions are met:

• 📱 The device is running on global firmware (Global) ROM), Not in Chinese (China). ROM).
• 🔄 The app was manually removed, not hidden by the system.

Instructions:

1. Open Google Play and search for “MIUI Themes”** (or click on a direct link).

If the app is installed but does not appear on the menu, try:

• Clear the Google Play cache in Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Memory → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The Themes app is installed from the Mi App Store, not Google Play. APK From third-party sources, it can lead to synchronization errors with Xiaomi servers.

Method 3: Installation APK-hand-file

If the previous methods did not work, you can install "Themes"** APK-This method is suitable for devices with Global ROM China ROM, but requires caution: unofficial sources may distribute modified or outdated versions.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the APK of the Themes app from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror) and make sure the version matches your firmware (MIUI 14/15).
2. Before installation, enable permission to install from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser (or File Manager) → Install unknown applications → Allow
3. Install the APK and restart the device.

If the application does not open after installation or if it gives an error “Application not installed”, the reasons may be as follows:

Method 4: Recovery through resetting settings

If the Themes are lost after a system crash or failed update, a factory reset can bring back all stock applications, a method that should be used as a last resort, as it deletes all user data.

Instructions:

Save important data (photos, contacts, messages) to the cloud or PC

Write down the username and password from your Mi Account account

Check the battery charge (at least 50%)

Turn off your Google account (if factory FRP protection is enabled)

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1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Network Resettings!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After discharge:

• 🔧 If the “topics” are still missing, try the method with APK Or contact Xiaomi Support.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, resetting may result in relocking the bootloader, in which case you will need to re-unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

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Setting resets are the most reliable way to return stock applications, but it deletes all data. Use it only if other methods have not worked.

Method 5: Manual recovery via ADB (for advanced users)

If you're familiar with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can try to restore "Themes" through the command line, which is suitable for devices with root rights or unlocked bootloader.

Instructions:

1. Install. ADB-pc-tool.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer and enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the line, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
3. Open the command prompt (CMD) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is detected.
4. Follow the command to recover "Tem": adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.themes
5. Reset the device.

If the command doesn’t work, try reinstalling the app via ADB:

adb install path/to/themes.apk

For root-right devices, you can also try copying the APK to the system section:

adb push themes.apk /system/priv-app/Themes/


adb shell chmod 644 /system/priv-app/Themes/themes.apk

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If the app doesn’t appear after ADB commands, check if it is blocked by MIUI policies. To do this, type in the adb shell dumpsys package com.android.themes and find the line “hidden” or “disabled”.

What to do if nothing helps

If none of the methods returned the Themes app, consider the following options:

• 🔄 Device flashing: Install the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
• 📞 Support: Write to Xiaomi Support by specifying the device model and version MIUI.
• 🛠️ Use of alternatives: If Themes are critically important but cannot be restored, try third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) that support themes.

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro), the functionality of the "Theme" is partially duplicated in Settings → Screen → Wallpaper and Style. Check this section - you may not need to restore the application itself.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the restoration of “Tem” on Xiaomi