Xiaomi’s Themes app: why it’s needed and how to use it in 2026

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO have long been known for their flexible MIUI firmware, which offers users a wealth of customization options. One of the key personalization tools is the standard Themes app, which many device owners either ignore or use inefficiently. Meanwhile, the smart application of them allows not only to transform the appearance of the phone, but also to optimize its operation to your needs.

In this article, we will explain why you need a Theme app on Xiaomi, how it affects performance and autonomy, where to look for quality designs, and what pitfalls are fraught with third-party themes. You will also learn how to avoid common installation errors and why certain topics can “compose” your smartphone. Information is relevant for all devices on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5, etc.).

What is the Themes app on Xiaomi and how does it work?

The Themes app is a built-in MIUI tool that allows you to change the visual design of the system without having to install custom firmware or obtain root rights. Unlike standard wallpaper or icon styles, the themes cover everything from fonts and animations to system notifications and keyboard design, in fact, it is a skin for the entire operating system.

Technically, the theme for Xiaomi is an archive with the.mtz extension that contains:

• 🎨 Graphic elements: icons, wallpaper, lock screensavers, status bar styles.
• 📝 Fonts and text styles: changing the headset, size and color of text in the menu.
• 🔄 Animations and transitions: effects when opening applications, swipe down for the notification panel.
• 🎛️ Sound circuits: ringtones of calls, notifications, alarm clock signals.

It is important to understand that the themes are divided into two types: official (Xiaomi-proven and catalogable applications) and third-party (manual downloads from the Internet). The former are guaranteed to be compatible with your version of MIUI, and the latter can cause bugs or even lock the system.

Why You Need Themes: 5 Real Reasons to Use Them on Xiaomi

Many users mistakenly believe that themes are for “beautifulness” only, and in fact, they have practical applications:

1. Improve usability, like dark interface themes (AMOLED Black) reduce eye strain and save battery power on devices with AMOLED-screens (up to 15-20% according to the test data) XDA Developers).
2. On budget Redmi models (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO M3), themes help to visually rejuvenate the firmware by adding modern animations.
3. Adaptation to visual features. There are themes with enlarged fonts and contrasting colors for people with color blindness or low vision.
4. Hiding ads in MIUI: Some themes reshape system menus so that banners and promo blocks become less visible.
5. Creating a unique style, like iOS-style themes, Windows 11-style themes, or retro designs for Android 2.0 for nostalgia.

Not all themes are equally useful, for example, animated wallpapers can increase battery consumption by 5-10%, and some heavy themes slow down on weak processors (for example, Snapdragon 4xx or Helio Gxx).

💡

Before installing a new theme, check its rating and reviews in the Themes app. If it has less than 4 stars or has bug complaints, it’s better to look for an alternative.

The impact of themes on performance and battery: myths and reality

One of the most common fears users have is that topics are slowing down the phone, which is true, but only in part.

Key findings:

• 🔋 Nana AMOLED-Dark themes really save power (especially on Xiaomi) 12/13 redmi K50).
• ⚡ On weak smartphones (for example, Redmi). A1 or POCO C50) Animated themes can cause lags.
• ⚠️ Third-party themes from unverified sources sometimes contain hidden processes that drain the battery in the background.

⚠️ Note: If after installing the theme, the phone began to warm or discharge quickly, check the activity of processes in Settings → Battery → Battery use: Sometimes themes are set with background services (e.g. animations) that consume up to 30% of the charge per day.

Where to download themes for Xiaomi: official and third-party sources

There are several ways to get new themes on Xiaomi:

1. Official catalogue in the appendix "Themes"

The safest method is to open the catalog.

1. Launch the “Themes” app** (Brush icon).
2. Go to the “Online” tab (or “Recommended”).
3. Select your favorite theme and click "Apply"**.

Pros: all themes are tested by Xiaomi for compatibility and security. Cons: limited choice (especially for older models).

2. Third-party sites (at your own risk)

Popular resources:

• 🌐 Miuier Themes is the largest database of themes for MIUI.
• 🌐 MIUI Themes – English-language catalog with a rating of themes.
• 📱 Telegram channels, like, @miuithemes or @xiathemes.

Warning: By downloading themes from unverified sites, you risk:

• 🦠 Snatch a virus or spyware (especially in topics with a type name «Premium_iOS_15.mtz»).
• 🔧 Break system fonts or icons (resetting settings will be required).
• 🚫 Get a ban on your Mi Account for using pirated themes.

3. Manual installation via.mtz file

If you downloaded the theme in.mtz format, you can install it manually:

1. Copy the file to your phone’s memory (for example, to your Downloads folder).
2. Open the “Themes” app → “Mys” → “Import”**.
3. Select the downloaded file and wait for the installation.

If the topic is not set, check:

• 📌 Compatibility with your version MIUI (specified in the subject description).
• 📌 Availability of rights to install third-party themes (Settings) → Additionally. → Permits → Topics setting).

How to create your theme for Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

If you don't like any of the themes, you can create your own.

• 🖥️ Computer with software MIUI Theme Editor (Official Tool from Xiaomi).
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader (for testing).
• 🎨 Skills of working with graphic editors (Photoshop, GIMP).

Steps to create a theme:

1. Install MIUI Theme Editor from the official website.
2. Create a new project and select a basic theme (like Default or Dark).
3. Edit the elements: Icons in the drawable folder. Wallpaper in the wallpaper. Fonts in the fonts.

Export the subject

.mtz

Put it on the phone.

"Themes"**

If you do not want to understand MIUI Theme Editor, you can use simplified theme constructors:

• 🛠️ MIUI Theme Maker (for Android).
• 🖌️ 💡Creating your own theme takes time, but it gives you a unique design that other users don't have. The main thing is to test it for compatibility before distribution.-5 Even experienced users sometimes encounter problems when working with themes. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them: The theme does not apply or resets after rebooting. System Update Conflict or Lack of Rights Solution: Update the Themes app** and check permissions in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Permissions. Icons or fonts are not displayed correctly. Reason: The theme is incompatible with your version MIUI Solution: Find a version of the theme for your model (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 Pro+ 5G requires themes MIUI 14 supportive FHD+). The phone started to brake after installing the theme. 3D-Solution: Return the standard theme and select a lighter one (e.g. Minimal Dark instead of iOS 16 Animated). Live Wallpapers are not working. Reason: Animated Wallpapers is disabled in battery settings. Solution: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery optimization and add the Themes app** to the exception. The theme was deleted after resetting. Reason: Factory reset removes all custom themes. Solution: Save the.mtz file to the cloud (Mi Cloud or Google Drive) before resetting. If none of the solutions worked, try clearing the Themes app cache**: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Warehouse → Next articleThe future of themes on Xiaomi: what to expect in HyperOS and new versions MIUI With the release of HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi, which came to replace the new version). MIUI On some devices, the theme system has changed. Here's what we know for 2026: 🆕 Unification of themes: In HyperOS, themes are now compatible with Xiaomi, Redmi devices, POCO And even Pad). 🎭 Dynamic themes: Support for those that automatically adjust to the time of day (for example, light day and dark night). 🔒 Tightening security: Third-party themes now undergo stricter moderation before being placed in the official catalog. 🖼️ Integration with AI: In the future, the function of generating themes based on user photos is expected (similar to Google’s Material You). According to Xiaomi, in 2026 also planned for the year: ⚡ Reducing the weight of the themes by optimizing graphics resources (this should reduce battery load). 🌍 Localization of the theme catalog for regional markets (including Russia and CIS). 🛠️ Developer tools that make it easier to create themes without deep programming knowledge. If you want to keep up with the news, follow the announcements on the official Telegram channel. MIUI Or on the Xiaomi Community Forum. FAQ: Frequent questions about themes on Xiaomi Can you install a theme from one Xiaomi to another (for example, with Redmi on the Internet) POCO)? Yes, but only if: Both devices run on the same version. MIUI/HyperOS. The theme supports the screen resolution of the second phone, such as the theme for the Redmi Note. 11 (FHD+, MIUI 13) It's probably good for you. POCO X4 Pro, but may not work on Redmi 10A (HD+). Why Some Topics Are Paid and Whether to Buy Them? Paid themes usually offer: Unique design (like Cyberpunk or Retro Wave themes); developer support (regular updates); no advertising on the interface; Should you buy? Only if the theme is truly unique and you like it. Most paid themes can be found for free on forums (but the risk of viruses is higher). How to return a standard theme if a new one broke the interface? There are two ways: Through the Topics app: Open Topics» → «Mine» → «Standard» → «Apply" Through Settings Reset (if the theme has blocked the interface): Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → If the interface does not respond at all, try rebooting the phone in Safe Mode (press the power button). → «Reboot in Safe Mode. Can you use themes on Xiaomi without your Mi Account? Yes, but with limitations: You can only install local themes (those already preinstalled on your phone) and access to the online directory requires authorization to your Mi Account. Third-party themes (.mtz) can be installed without an account, but some features (such as synchronization between devices) will not be available. How to transfer themes to a new Xiaomi phone? There are three ways: Through Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Topics (enable) Manual (via.mtz file): Copy the theme files from your old phone (folder) MIUI/theme). Transfer them to a new phone and import them through the Themes app**. via third-party backups (like Swift Backup): Requires root rights, but allows you to transfer all the theme settings at once.