Theme wallpaper and interface styles are a key element of Xiaomi’s smartphone customization. Premium themes offer unique designs, animations and color schemes that make your phone stand out among the standard solutions. However, not all users are willing to pay for them in the official Themes store. There are several ways to access paid themes for free or at minimal cost, from legal promotions to third-party workarounds.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of downloading premium themes to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including models on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS. Particular attention will be paid to security: what risks are unofficial sources, how to avoid viruses and not lose warranty. You will also find solutions to typical problems - from installation errors to the disappearance of themes after the system update.
Official ways to get a premium theme
The most reliable way is to buy themes through the built-in Themes store, but even here there are nuances that can help you save money or access exclusive designs.
1.Buying through MIUI Themes Store
- 💳 Payment by card or MI Coins: Most premium themes are between 50 and 300 MI Coins (≈ 0.5–3$). Prices depend on the complexity of the design and the popularity of the author.
- 🎁 Free handouts: Xiaomi periodically holds promotions where premium themes are free for 24-48 hours.
- 📱 Subscription MIUI+: Owners of devices with MIUI+ (Xiaomi 13 Ultra gets access to exclusive themes as part of its subscription.
2. Free themes from partners
Some premium themes are distributed through brand collaborations, such as the POCO F5 from McLaren or Disney’s Redmi Note 12 Pro+ themes:
- 🎮 Through the game events in Mi Game Center (awards for the passage of quests).
- 📦 Complete with branded accessories (cases, headphones).
- 📢 According to promo codes distributed in official communities Xiaomi on Facebook or Telegram.
⚠️ Warning: Buy themes only through the official Themes store.Side-side sites offering "free premium themes" for registration often spread fraudulent schemes or malware.
Informal methods: risks and instructions
If you don’t want to pay for themes, alternative sources are available, but these methods require caution: they can violate Xiaomi’s rules and lead to account lockdown or security issues.
1. Downloading themes through APK-file
Many premium themes are posted on forums (such as XDA Developers or 4PDA) as.mtz files to install:
- Download the.mtz file from a trusted source.
- Move it to the MIUI/theme folder on the phone’s internal memory.
- Open the Themes app, go to Local → Import and select the downloaded file.
2.Using modified versions of MIUI Themes
Some enthusiasts create patches for the Themes app that unlock all premium features, such as a modified version of MIUI Themes 15.1.2.0 that allows you to:
- 🔓 Download any topics without paying.
- 🎨 Apply elements from different themes (mix of icons, fonts, wallpapers).
- 🔄 Avoid regional restrictions (access to topics from other countries).
⚠️ Attention: Installation of modified APK This can result in the blocking of Mi Account if the system detects changes in system files.
How to check APK pre-installing viruses?
Step-by-step: installing themes through ADB
For advanced users, there is a method of installing themes through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or root rights, but works on some models without root.
Requirements:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times press) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Download the.mtz theme file and place it in the platform-tools folder (where ADB is installed).
- Open the command line in this folder and execute: adb push name themes.mtz /sdcard/MIUI/theme/ adb shell am broadcast -a miui.intent.action.CHANGE_THEME --ez extra_pkg com.android.themes.default
- Reboot your phone and apply the theme through Settings → Themes.
☑️ Preparation for installation through ADB
Solving the problem of setting themes
Even when following instructions, users encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Theme does not apply after installation | Conflict with the current topic or app cache | Clear the Themes cache in Settings → Apps and restart the phone. |
| Error "Can't upload the subject" | Problems with Xiaomi servers or account region | Change your account region to India or Russia in the Mi Account settings. |
| The topic disappeared after the MIUI update | Resetting user settings when updating | Save the.mtz file on your PC and install the theme again after the update. |
| You cannot download the topic ("Payment required") | Restriction by region or version of MIUI | Use a VPN to change region or upgrade MIUI Themes via APKMirror. |
Additional advice:
- 🔄 If the theme does not apply to wallpaper, try manually installing wallpaper through the Gallery. → Set as wallpaper.
- 📱 In some models (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi K60) You need to disable Mi-space in the theme settings.
- 🔧 For those with animations, check if the animation mode is enabled 1x developer-setting.
💡
If the app icons are missing after installing the theme, go to Settings → Home Screen → Icon Style and select “Standard” or “Adaptive”.
The Best Sources for Premium Theme Downloading
Beyond the official store, there are proven communities and resources where users share topics, and it's important to choose only those that have good reputation and moderation.
Top.-5 reliable sources:
- 🌍 XDA Developers: Xiaomi Themes section. Here you can post modified and original themes with instructions.
- 🇷🇺 4PDA: Branches for specific models (for example, Redmi Note 12.
- 🎨 MIUI Themes Telegram chats: Channels like @MIUIThemesOfficial or @XiaomiThemes, fresh-collection.
- 📦 GitHub: Open-theme repositories (e.g. MIUI-Themes) suitable for developers.
- 🛒 ApkMirror: To download the original versions MIUI Themes if your version is outdated.
Criteria for source selection:
- ✅ Availability of reviews and ratings at the topics.
- ✅ Checking files for viruses (for example, via VirusTotal).
- ✅ Relevance: Themes should support your version MIUI/HyperOS.
💡
The most secure themes are those that are open source on GitHub or moderated on XDA Developers.
How to Create Your Premium Theme for Xiaomi
If you don't find the right theme, you can create your own. You don't need deep programming knowledge, you just need basic skills with graphic editors and special tools from Xiaomi.
Tools required:
- 🎨 MIUI Theme Editor: Official Theme Creation Software (available on the website) MIUI).
- 🖌️ Adobe Photoshop/GIMP: For editing wallpaper and icons.
- 📝 Notepad++: For editing. XML-Theme files (if deep customization is required).
Step-by-step process:
- Download and install MIUI Theme Editor.
- Select a template (such as Dark Mode or Minimalist).
- Replace standard elements (icons, wallpaper, fonts) with your files.
- Export the project to the.mtz file.
- Set the theme on your phone through Local Themes in the Themes app.
You can put a finished theme in the MIUI Themes Store and make money from it.
- Register as a developer on themes.mi.com.
- Upload the theme through the developer panel.
- Moderation can take up to 7 days.