If you own a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone or other device based on the MIUI, I'm sure you've noticed a mysterious icon called Themes (often translated as "Themes" in Russian) on the app menu, and many users don't know why they need it, and they just ignore it. Meanwhile, itโs one of the key applications of the Xiaomi ecosystem that allows you to radically change the look of your phoneโs interface โ from wallpaper to icons and animations.
In this article, we will go into detail about what Themes is, how it works on Redmi and other Xiaomi smartphones, where to get themes, how to install and customize them, and learn about the hidden features of the application, typical bugs and how to fix them. If you want to make your phone unique or just tired of standard design, this is the guide for you.
What is the Themes app on Xiaomi Redmi?
Themes is a standard application from Xiaomi, built into the shell MIUI. It serves as a central hub for changing the visual design of the system, from background images to icons, fonts and even notification sounds, essentially an analog of an Android theme store, but with deep integration into the firmware of the company.
Unlike third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher), Themes not only changes the look of the desktop, but also system elements: notification panel, lock screen, settings menu and even transition animations, making it one of the most powerful customization tools among all smartphone manufacturers.
- ๐จ Full customization of the interface: from icons to fonts and sounds.
- ๐ฑ Integration with MIUI: Themes apply to the entire system, not just the launcher.
- ๐ Access to global and local content: you can download themes from the official store, and install local files.
- ๐ Regular updates: Xiaomi and the developer community are constantly expanding their collection of new themes.
Itโs important to understand that Themes is not just a wallpaper gallery, itโs a complete platform to transform the look of your Redmi, which allows you to create a unique style that suits your taste or mood.
Where is the Themes app and how to open it
There are several ways to find Themes on Xiaomi Redmi, and the easiest way is through the app menu:
- Unlock your phone and go to the main screen.
- Scroll through the list of apps up or click on the All Apps icon (usually at the bottom of the screen).
- Find an icon called Themes (or "Themes" in Russian) that looks like a palette with a brush.
If the icons are not on the menu, try the following ways:
- ๐ Use search by system: swipe down the main screen to open the search bar, and type โThemesยป.
- โ๏ธ Check Hidden Apps: Go to Settings โ Annexes โ Manage applications, find Themes and make sure itโs not disabled.
- ๐ฅ If the application has been removed (which is unlikely on stock firmware), it can be restored through Settings. โ Annexes โ Remove/Restore System Applications.
On some Redmi models (especially those with global firmware), the app may be called Mi Themes or simply Themes. If you didn't find it, it may be hidden in the Tools folder or Xiaomi.
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If you have a third-party launcher installed (like Nova or Apex), the Themes icon may not show. MIUI, to see her.
How to use the Themes application: step-by-step instructions
Itโs easy to understand the Themes interface, but newcomers may have questions. Hereโs a detailed guide to working with the app:
Main sections of the annex
After opening Themes, you will see a few tabs:
- You will be given recommendations based on your preferences.
- Topics โ a complete catalog of available themes.
- Wallpaper is a collection of background images.
- Fonts are font sets for the system.
- Sounds are the melodies of the call, notifications and alarm clocks.
- Icons are packages of icons for applications.
- My profile is your downloads, favorites and settings.
2 How to apply the topic
Find your favorite theme in the catalog|Click on her preview for preview|Click "Apply" (Apply)|Confirm the changes if required|Wait until the process is completed (may take up to 1 minute)-->
The process of applying the theme takes a few seconds, but note that some elements (such as icons or fonts) may not change if they are blocked by the system or third-party applications.
3. Set-up of individual elements
You don't have to use the whole topic. You can combine elements from different topics.
- ๐ผ๏ธ Wallpaper: Select the Wallpaper tab, find the image you like, and click Apply. You can set it separately for the home screen and lock screen.
- ๐ค Fonts: In the Fonts section, select your favorite type and apply it. Some fonts only support Latin.
- ๐ Sounds: You can change the ringtone, the notifications and the alarm clock, some of which include unique sound packs.
- ๐ฑ Icons: If the theme supports changing icons, you will see the corresponding section. Not all apps will be changed (especially system ones).
If after applying the theme, some elements have not changed, try restarting the phone or checking the settings in the My profile section. โ Settings.
Why are some elements of the topic not used?
Where to download Themes themes on Xiaomi Redmi
The official theme catalog in the Themes app offers thousands of options, but many users want more. Consider all the available theme sources for Xiaomi Redmi:
1.The official theme store in the appendix
The safest and easiest way is to use the built-in directory:
- โ Pros: Topics tested by Xiaomi, no virus risk, easy search by category.
- โ Cons: limited choice, some topics paid (from 50 to 300 rubles).
To find interesting topics, use filters based on popularity, novelty, or style (e.g., the style of the search, AMOLED, Minimalism, Dark topics).
2. Third-party sites and forums
If the official directory is not enough, you can download themes from external sources.
- ๐ MIUI Themes Editor โ a large database of themes with the possibility of previewing.
- ๐ฑ 4PDA โ Russian-language forum with a collection of topics and instructions.
- ๐จ ZThemes โ iOS-style themes, Samsung One UI other brands.
โ ๏ธ Attention: By downloading themes from third-party sites, you risk downloading malware. Always check files with antivirus and read reviews from other users.
3. Telegram channels and chat rooms
There are many channels in Telegram where users share topics for the MIUI. Popular:
- ๐ MIUI Themes โ Daily updates to themes.
- ๐ญ Xiaomi Themes โ Themes for different versions MIUI.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ MIUI 12/13/14 Themes โ Themes for the latest versions of the shell.
These channels often offer exclusive themes that are not available in the official store, but beware: some files may require manual installation through the service. MTZ-file.
4 How to set topics from MTZ-file
If you downloaded the theme in.mtz format, you need to install it manually:
- Download. MTZ-phone-file.
- Open the Themes app.
- Go to the section My profile โ Imports.
- Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
- After importing the theme will appear in the My Themes section, where it can be applied.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Some MTZ-The files may not be compatible with your version. MIUI. If after applying the theme, the phone began to brake or graphic artifacts appeared, return the standard theme and remove the problem one.
| Source of the | Pluses | Cons | Risk of viruses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official store | Safe, convenient, and verified by Xiaomi | Limited selection, paid themes | No. |
| Third-party sites (4PDA, ZThemes) | Great choice, exclusive themes | You need to look for compatible versions. | Medium. |
| Telegram channels | Quick updates, unique content | There is no guarantee of compatibility | Low (when checking files) |
| MTZ-files (manual installation) | Maximum customization | It is difficult for beginners, mistakes are possible. | High (if the source is unreliable) |
Themes problems on Xiaomi Redmi and their solutions
When you're working with Themes, you're going to have a lot of bugs, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.
1. Themes do not apply or apply in part
If nothing has changed after the press:
- ๐ Restart your phone โ sometimes the system doesnโt update the interface right away.
- ๐ฑ Check if you are using a third-party launcher (like Nova or Apex). MIUI.
- โ๏ธ Open the Settings. โ About the phone and check the version MIUI. Some topics only work on certain versions.
- ๐๏ธ Remove the Themes app cache in Settings โ Annexes โ Application management โ Themes โ Clear the cache.
2. The error "failed to apply the topic"
This error usually occurs due to:
- ๐ฆ A damaged theme file โ try to download it again.
- ๐ Incompatibility with the version MIUI โ Check which version of the theme is intended for.
- ๐ต Internet Disability โ Some topics require additional data to be downloaded.
- ๐ Region restrictions โ if your phone is on Chinese firmware, some topics may be blocked.
If the problem doesnโt go away, try applying a different theme or resetting Themes to standard settings.
3 Topics gone after update MIUI
After major updates MIUI (For example, 12 to 13) some topics may stop working:
- ๐ Check if there is an updated version of the theme in the store.
- ๐ฅ Download the theme again โ sometimes it helps to re-install.
- ๐ง Contact the theme developer (if itโs a custom theme) and check compatibility.
โ ๏ธ Note: If after the update MIUI Themes are no longer applicable at all, and Xiaomi may have changed the theme structure, so you'll have to wait for developers to adapt.
4.Themes slow down the phone
Some themes (especially those with complex animations) can slow down the interface.
- ๐ Go back to the standard theme and check if the lags have disappeared.
- ๐๏ธ Remove unnecessary topics in My profile section โ My subjects.
- ๐ง Turn off animations in Settings โ Additionally. โ System animation (install No animation).
If the problem persists, it may conflict with other system processes, in which case it is best to abandon it.
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Always back up your data before installing custom themes, and in rare cases, incompatible themes can cause the system to crash.
Themesโ Hidden Features: What the App Can Do Beyond Them
Many users think Themes is just for changing wallpapers and icons, and it actually has a few hidden features that few people know about.
1. Creating their own themes
The application has a built-in editor that allows you to create your own themes:
- Open Themes and go to My Profile โ Create a theme.
- Select the items you want to change (wallpaper, icons, fonts, etc.).
- Upload your images or select from the ones offered.
- Save the topic and apply it.
The finished theme can be exported to MTZ-file and share with other users.
2. Set-up of the lock screen
There's a separate tab in the Wallpaper section for the lock screen.
- ๐ผ๏ธ Set dynamic wallpaper (for example, with changing times of day).
- ๐ Set up a display style of time and date.
- ๐ฑ Add widgets (weather, steps, notifications).
- ๐จ Apply blur effects or gradients.
3. Installation of live wallpaper
Themes supports live wallpapers that respond to touch or change over time, to include:
- Go to Wallpaper section. โ Live wallpaper.
- Choose your favorite option (e.g. Ocean, Particles, or Space).
- Click Apply and select where to install (main screen, lock screen, or both).
Live wallpaper consumes more battery, so use it carefully.
4. Change in system sounds
The Sound tab allows you to replace standard tunes with custom ones:
- ๐ The call is the melody of an incoming call.
- ๐ณ Notifications - sound for SMS, messengers and other notifications.
- โฐ Alarm clock - wake-up signal.
- ๐ต System sounds โ lock, unlock, charge connection signals, etc.
You can upload your sounds in format. MP3 or M4A (maximum 5MB).
5. Set up application icons
If the theme supports changing icons, you can:
- ๐ฑ Apply the icon package to all supported applications.
- ๐ง Adjust the size and shape of the icons (round, square, with rounded corners).
- ๐จ Change the color scheme of icons (for example, make them monochrome).
Not all icons will be changed โ system applications (Settings, Phone, Messages) often remain standard.
How to return standard icons?
Best themes for Xiaomi Redmi in 2026
The choice of themes depends on your preferences, but we have collected a few proven options that are popular among Xiaomi Redmi users:
1. Dark topics for AMOLED-screen
If your Redmi AMOLED-display (e.g. Redmi) K50, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), Dark theme will help save battery power and reduce eye strain:
- ๐ Pure Black is a minimalist theme with * (true black).
- ๐ Cosmic Dark is a dark theme with space elements and smooth animations.
- ๐ค OLED Friendly โ Optimized for the AMOLED, deep-black.
2.Themes in the style of other brands
Want your Redmi to look like an iPhone, Samsung or Pixel?Try these themes:
- ๐ iOS 17 Style - imitation of the Apple interface with round icons and characteristic animations.
- ๐ค Pixel Experience โ a theme in the style of pure Android from Google.
- ๐ One UI โ design similar to the shell of Samsung.
3. Minimalist themes
For lovers of laconic design:
- โช Minimal White โ a light theme with a focus on simplicity.
- โซ Monochrome โ black and white design with geometric elements.
- ๐ข Nord Theme โ NordVPN theme (calm blue and gray tones).
4. Anime and game themes
For pop culture fans:
- ๐ฎ Cyberpunk 2077 โ futuristic design with neon accents.
- ๐พ Genshin Impact โ Theme with characters and landscapes from the game.
- ๐ง Harry Potter โ Magical decoration with Hogwarts symbols.
5. Themes with dynamic wallpaper
If you like animations:
- ๐ Ocean Live โ waves that respond to the tilt of the phone.
- โ๏ธ Snow Fall - Falling Snow (Relevant in Winter).
- ๐ Space Journey: Flight through the galaxy.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some topics may contain advertisements or require purchase. read the description carefully before installation.
| Category of topics | Examples | Who's good for? | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dark Ones (AMOLED) | Pure Black, Cosmic Dark | Owners AMOLED-screens, lovers of minimalism | Low. |
| Style of other brands | iOS 17, Pixel Experience | Those who want an interface like on iPhone or Pixel | Average. |
| Minimalistic. | Minimal White, Monochrome | Lovers of clean and concise design | Low. |
| Anime/Games | Cyberpunk 2077, Genshin Impact | Pop culture fans and gamers | High (because of animations) |
| Dynamic wallpaper | Ocean Live, Space Journey | Lovers of animation and unusual effects | High. |