Xiaomi’s Themes app: What is it, how does it work, and should it be removed?

Introduction: Why Xiaomi users are wondering about the Themes app

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, I'm sure you've noticed an app called Themes on the installed program list, and it's preinstalled on all shell devices. MIUI, But not all users understand its purpose, some consider it useless ballast, some are afraid to delete because of possible failures, and some actively use it to customize the interface.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what the Themes app is on Xiaomi, how it affects the operation of the smartphone, whether it can be safely removed or disabled, and what hidden functions it has. You will also learn how to use themes properly so as not to harm the system, and what alternatives exist for those who want more options for customizing the appearance of the system. MIUI.

We will focus on myths and misconceptions, such as why some users complain about increased battery consumption after installing themes from third-party sources, and how to avoid this.

What is the application “Themes” on Xiaomi and why it is necessary

Themes app is an official tool from Xiaomi that allows you to change the appearance of the shell. MIUI. It can be used:

• 🎨 Change desktop wallpaper and lock screens (including animations).
• 📱 Install icon themes (batch icons for all applications).
• 🎵 Set up sound circuits (calling melodies, notifications, alarm clocks).
• 🖼️ Apply font styles and change system animations.
• 🔧 Change menu color schemes, notification panels, and other interface elements.

In fact, it is analogous to Google Themes or Samsung Themes, but with advanced features characteristic of the Internet. MIUI. The application is integrated into the system and is closely related to other components of the shell, so its removal can affect the stability of the smartphone (more about this below).

It's important to understand that Themes is not just a design store, it's also a system resource manager. For example, when you install a theme, it can replace not only icons, but also system sounds, fonts, and sometimes even download animations, which makes it different from the regular launchers like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher, which run on top of the system without affecting its deep settings.

How the application “Themes” works: technical details

To understand why Themes weigh so much (sometimes up to 100-200MB) and why it is not recommended to remove it thoughtlessly, let’s understand how it works inside.

The application consists of several key components:

1. Local theme storage – here the user-loaded registration packages are stored (by default in the folder). /sdcard/MIUI/theme/).
2. Resource Manager – Responsible for applying themes to system files (e.g., replacing icons in the system) /system/media/theme/default/).
3. Online store – downloads the theme catalog from Xiaomi servers (requires an Internet connection).
4. Synchronization module – updates themes and checks their compatibility with the version MIUI.

When you apply the theme, the app:

1. Download the package (if it is an online theme).
2. Unpacks it in a local storage facility.
3. Replaces system resources (icons, sounds, fonts) with files from the theme.
4. Reboots the interface (sometimes you need to reboot the smartphone).

Due to such deep integration with the system, removing the Themes application can lead to malfunctions. MIUI, Especially if you're using custom design, for example, after uninstallation, app icons may disappear or animations may stop working.

Should I remove the Topics app and what risks it carries?

Many users want to get rid of the “Tems” because:

• 🗑️ It takes up a lot of space (especially after loading a few themes).
• 🔋 Suspected of battery consumption (spoiler: by itself it does not “eat” charge, but some topics can do it).
• 🚫 They don’t use it and they consider it ballast.
• 🛡️ Fear of data leaks (the application has access to the Internet and storage).

But before you remove, consider:

⚠️ Warning: If you use a non-standard theme (not the one that was default), removing the Themes app will cause visual interface failures, and you can only return everything back through a full reset or flashing.

What can be done instead of removing:

• 🧹 Clear the application cache in settings (Settings) → Annexes → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🚫 Disable auto-update themes in the application settings.
• 📥 Remove unnecessary themes manually through the menu “My themes».
• 🔕 Prohibit background activity to save battery (Settings) → Annexes → Topics → Battery → Background activity → Limit).

If you still decide to remove the “Themes”, first return the standard design. MIUI:

1. Open the Themes app.
2. Go to the "My Topics" section.
3. Select a theme marked “Standard” or “Default”.
4. Use it and restart your smartphone.

How to use the application "Themes": step-by-step instructions

If you decide not to delete the application, but learn how to use it, here is a detailed guide for beginners.

1. Establishment of a new theme

To change the design:

1. Open the Themes app.
2. In the bottom menu, select the “Themes” (or “Online”) section.
3. Scroll through the list and select the theme you like. Click on it.
4. On the topic page, click “Apply” (or “Download” if it is not already loaded).
5. Confirm the application and wait until it is completed (reboot may be required).

2. Setup of individual elements

You don't have to change everything at once. You can only set up:

• 🖼️ Wallpaper (section "Wallpaper" in the lower menu).
• 🔔 Sounds (section “Sounds»).
• 📱 Icons (section “Icons»).
• 🎨 Color schemes (in some topics).

3. Removal of unnecessary topics

To make room:

1. Open the section "My topics".
2. Find the topic you want to remove and hold your finger (or click three dots).
3. Select "Delete."

Tip: If the topic is not deleted, apply another (standard) one first, and then try again.

💡

Before installing themes from third-party sources (not from the official store), check the reviews of other users. Some packages may contain ads or work incorrectly with your version. MIUI.

Hidden features of the “Themes” app that few people know about

Many people use Themes only to change the wallpaper, but there are less obvious possibilities:

One of the most useful hidden functions is the theme editor, which can be used to:

• 🎨 Change the color of the system menu.
• 🖼️ Adjust the transparency of panels.
• 📱 Change the style of icons for individual applications.

To open the editor:

1. Open "Themes."
2. Go to "My Subjects."
3. Click on the icon «+» or “Create a theme” (if the option is available).

Note: on budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Theme editor may be cut or absent.

💡

Not only does the Themes app change the look, it can also affect performance. Heavy animation themes put more strain on the processor, which leads to increased battery consumption. If you notice that your smartphone is running faster after you change the theme, go back to standard design.

Problems with the “Themes” application and how to solve them

Although useful, "Themes" sometimes fail, and let's look at the most common problems and ways to fix them.

1. Themes do not apply or are dropped

If changes are not displayed or reset after the theme is applied:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🧹 Clear the cache of the "Themes" app».
• 📥 Reinstall theme (remove and upload again).
• 🔧 Check if the theme conflicts with the launcher installed (e.g. Nova Launcher).

2.The "Themes" application does not open or fly out

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📱 An outdated version MIUI — upgrade the system.
• 🗃️ Damaged themes files – delete all downloaded themes and clean up the storage.
• 🔌 Conflict with other apps – try disabling newly installed programs.
• 🔄 Resetting the application settings (Settings) → Annexes → Topics → Warehouse → Reset).

3.Themes from third-party sources do not work

If you downloaded the topic from a non-official store (for example, from a forum) 4PDA), It doesn't apply:

• 📁 Check that the file has a.mtz extension.
• 📂 Copy it into a folder. /sdcard/MIUI/theme/.
• 🔧 Apply the theme through the “Import” section in the “Topics” appendix».
• ⚠️ Note that informal topics may contain viruses or may not work properly!

⚠️ Warning: Installing themes from unverified sources can lead to loss of warranty (if the smartphone stops turning on) or data leakage (if the theme contains malicious code.

Alternatives to the app “Themes” for Xiaomi

If you don’t like the standard app, there are a few alternatives to customization. MIUI:

If you want maximum customization, but without risks, the best option is a combination of:

• 📱 Nova Launcher for icons and gestures.
• 🎨 KWGT wallpaper.
• 🔊 Zedge for sounds and melodies.

This will allow you to do without removing the standard application "Themes" and avoid system failures.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Themes App on Xiaomi