How to install the Xiaomi Themes app and customize MIUI: guide

Xiaomi smartphones based on firmware MIUI Themes, which is famous for its flexibility in interface configuration, is a key part of the official Themes app, which can change not only wallpaper and icons, but also system fonts, animations, sounds and even notification styles. The app may not be available in the menu, not updated or installed at all via Google Play.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to install the application β€œThemes” on Xiaomi in the future. 2026 Including official and alternative methods, you will learn how to download APK For older models, bypass regional restrictions, restore a remote application, and even install modified themes through third-party launchers. MIUI 14/15 and global firmware.

Why do I need a Themes app on Xiaomi?

The official Mi Themes app (or simply Themes) is not just a wallpaper gallery, but a full-fledged customization tool.

  • 🎨 Change application icons (including adaptive ones) MIUI 14+)
  • πŸ“± Apply systemic themes (dark, light, color accents)
  • πŸ”Š Customize notification and alarm sounds (including custom tunes)
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Install dynamic wallpapers (with support for Live Wallpapers)
  • βš™οΈ Modify the style of menus and animations (e.g., switching effects between screens)

Without this application, many functions MIUI They're not available, for example, in global firmware for the European region (MIUI EU) Themes are often blocked due to licensing restrictions, and on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 for Russia), the application can be hidden by default.

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI You're using it?
MIUI 14
MIUI 15
MIUI 13 or older
I don't know.
Another firmware

It is important to understand that Themes are closely integrated with the system. Deleting or incorrectly installing an application can cause a launcher to malfunction or disappear icons.

Official ways to install the application "Themes"

If the app is not on your Xiaomi, try the official methods first.They are secure and do not require root rights.

1. Installation through MIUI App Store (for Chinese firmware)

On Chinese-made devices (MIUI China) Themes app is usually pre-installed:

  1. Open the MIUI App Store (Blue Package Icon).
  2. In the search box, type (this is β€œThemes” in Chinese).
  3. Press "Install"**.
  4. After installation, the app will appear in the menu called Themes.

If MIUI App Store is not available, it can be downloaded from the official website app.mi.com (Chinese account Mi Account will be required).

2. Restore via Settings (for global firmware)

On the global versions MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5) can be disabled to return it:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select β€œShow all apps”**.
  3. In the list, find Themes (or β€œThemes”).
  4. Click "Enable"** and confirm the action.

If the application is not listed, it has been removed by the system, and you will need to manually install it. APK (below).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for the installation of topics

Done: 0 / 4

3. Installation via Google Play (for supported regions)

The official Mi Themes app is available on Google Play, but only for devices with global or European firmware.

Mi Themes on Google Play

If you see a message that says β€œDevice is incompatible” when clicking on the link, it means that:

  • πŸ“΅ You have Chinese firmware (MIUI China).
  • 🌍 Your region is blocked (for example, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan).
  • πŸ“± Smartphone model is not supported (rarely, but it happens with new devices).

In such cases, installation will help. APK manually (see next section).

Installation of the application "Themes" through APK

If the official methods do not work, you will have to install APK-It's safe if you download the file from trusted sources.

1. Where to download the current APK?

We recommend using the following sources:

  • πŸ”— APKCombo – Archive of Versions for Different Regions.
  • πŸ”— APKMirror - verified files without modifications.
  • πŸ”— Xiaomi.EU Forum – current versions for custom firmware.

Download only that version. APK, which corresponds to your firmware:

  • com.android.themes for global firmware.
  • com.miui.themes is for Chinese firmware.

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Before installation APK check the hash file (MD5) VirusTotal website to avoid viruses.

Step-by-step installation APK

The instructions are suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO:

  1. Download. APK-file on the phone (e.g, mi-themes_14.1.5.apk).
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Application settings.
  3. Activate the Unknown Sources option** (allow installation for your browser or file manager).
  4. Open the downloaded one. APK File Managers (for example, Files by Google or Mi File Manager).
  5. Click β€œInstall” and wait until the process is complete.
  6. After installation, restart the phone (required!).

If the app doesn’t appear on the menu after installation, try:

  • πŸ” Enter a search by phone Themes request.
  • πŸ”„ Reinstall APK Administrator rights (via adb, if you have experience).
What to do if the APK is not installed?
If the installation error "Application not installed", this may mean: 1. APK with your firmware (for example, you are trying to install it) APK for MIUI 15. MIUI 13.2) Conflict with an already installed version (remove the old version through ADB: adb uninstall com.android.themes). 3. Damaged file APK (Re-download from another source).

Compatibility table APK firmware

Below is a table of compatibility of current versions of the application "Themes" with firmware MIUI:

MIUI versionAppropriate version of APKDownload linkNotes
MIUI 1515.1.2 or laterAPKComboRequires Android 13+
MIUI 1414.1.5 – 14.3.8APKMirrorFor global and European firmware
MIUI 1313.0.4 – 13.1.7Xiaomi.EUIt may not work on Chinese firmware.
MIUI 12.512.5.3.1APKPureSupport for Android 11

If you have a version MIUI Not listed in the table, select APK for the next version (for example, for MIUI 12.6's fine. APK from MIUI 13).

Alternative ways to install themes without an official application

If none of these methods worked, you can use workarounds, which are less convenient, but allow you to customize the interface.

1. Use of third-party launchers

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher support the installation of themes and icons bypassing the installation of the new model. MIUI Themes, for that:

  1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
  2. Download the theme in.klwp or.iconpack format (for example, from a website). XDA Developers).
  3. Apply the theme through the launcher settings.

The disadvantage of the method: system elements (notification panel, settings) will remain unchanged.

2. Manual application of the themes through ADB

For experienced users, there is a way to apply themes through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This works even without the Themes app, but requires a PC connection.

Instructions:

  1. Download the archive with the theme in.mtz format (e.g. zhuti.xiaomi.com).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and activate debugging. USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ Press 7 times, then Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  3. Open the command line on PC and execute: adb push theme.mtz /sdcard/MIUI/theme/ adb shell am broadcast -a miui.intent.action.CHANGE_THEME --ez extra_pkg_name true -n com.android.themes/.request.ThemeRequestActivity

This method allows you to install even paid themes for free, but requires caution: the wrong commands can lead to system failures.

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ADB-It's only suitable for advanced users. Improper use of commands can disrupt the work. MIUI, until the need for re-flashing.

3. Installation of modified firmware (Xiaomi.EU, PixelExperience)

Custom firmware, such as Xiaomi.EU or PixelExperience, often include advanced theme settings. For example, Xiaomi.EU is available:

  • 🎨 Themes from Samsung One UI iOS.
  • πŸ”§ Russification and removal of Chinese services.
  • πŸ“± Support for.mtz-themes without restrictions.

To install custom firmware will require:

  1. Unlock bootloader (officially via Mi Unlock Tool)
  2. Install TWRP Recovery.
  3. Sweep ZIP-firmware.

This is a radical method that only works if you are prepared for possible bugs and loss of warranty.

Solving common problems

When working with themes on Xiaomi, users often encounter typical mistakes.

1.Themes app does not open or fly out

If the app gets dyed after installation, try:

  • πŸ”„ Clear the cache: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Topics β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.
  • πŸ“₯ Reinstall APK (Download an older or newer version).
  • πŸ”§ Reverse the update MIUI (If the problem has occurred after the update).

If nothing helps, check the integrity of system files through Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system β†’ Three points. β†’ Verification of updates.

2. Themes do not apply or are dropped

This is a typical problem on global firmware.

  • πŸ”’ Install theme protection: In the Themes app, click on three dots. β†’ Settings β†’ Thematic protection.
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off auto-update MIUI (Sometimes it drops themes).
  • πŸ”„ Use the theme again after rebooting.

3. "Can't upload the subject" error

This error arises from:

  • 🌍 Regional restrictions (for example, access to the servers of the subject is blocked in Russia).
  • πŸ“Ά Poor Internet connection (topics weigh up to 50MB).
  • πŸ”’ Blocking through Mi Account (on Chinese firmware).

Decisions:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use it. VPN (ProtonVPN or Warp servers in Hong Kong or Singapore.
  • πŸ“₯ Download themes in.mtz format manually and install through the file manager.

πŸ’‘

If the theme does not load, try changing it. DNS Go to Settings on your phone. β†’ Wi-Fi β†’ Additionally. β†’ Settings IP β†’ Static and point DNS 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

How to Create and Upload Your Theme for Xiaomi?

If you want to not only install but also create your own themes, Xiaomi provides an official tool for this β€” MIUI Theme Editor. It allows:

  • 🎨 Edit icons, wallpaper and fonts.
  • πŸ”§ Customize the colors of system elements.
  • πŸ“€ Export themes to.mtz format for distribution.

Instructions for creating a theme:

  1. Download. MIUI Theme Editor from the official website (Chinese account required).
  2. Import a theme template or create a new one from scratch.
  3. Edit the elements (the icons must be in format) PNG, 192Γ—192 pixel).
  4. Export the theme to.mtz and upload it to forums (e.g. Xiaomi.EU or Google). 4PDA).

Ready-made themes can be monetized: on Chinese platforms (for example, Xiaomi Theme Store), authors receive up to 50% of sales.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi topics

Can I install themes on Xiaomi without root rights?
Yes, most methods (installation) APK, launcher, ADB) However, for deep customization (for example, changing system fonts), Magisk may be necessary.
Why After Updating MIUI topical?
This is standard global firmware behavior. To avoid resetting, before updating: Save your current theme in.mtz (via TopicsΒ» β†’ Β«My subjectsΒ» β†’ Β«Exports. disable automatic updates MIUI customized.
How to remove the established topic?
Go to Settings. β†’ Topics β†’ My themes, select an unnecessary theme and click Delete. To reset completely to a standard theme, click DefaultΒ».
Can I use themes from iPhone to Xiaomi?
Yes, but only through third-party launchers (like Lawnchair) or custom firmware (like Xiaomi.EU with ported iOS themes).The official Themes app does not support Apple's.theme files.
How to transfer themes to another Xiaomi smartphone?
Export theme to.mtz (via "ThemesΒ» β†’ Β«My themes"), then transfer the file to another phone and install it through the file manager. Alternatively, you can use Mi Cloud to sync themes between devices.

If your question is not covered in FAQ, Check out the current discussions in the forums 4PDA Xiaomi.EU, where the instructions for new versions are regularly updated MIUI.

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Before experimenting with themes, always back up through Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup. This will allow you to restore the system in the event of a failure.