How to Reset the Theme on Xiaomi to Standard: 5 Proven Ways

Have you installed a new theme on your Xiaomi, but it was too bright, uncomfortable or just doesn’t fit into your style? Or maybe after the MIUI update, the interface started to malfunction? You can bring back the factory theme on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO devices in several ways — from simple reset through settings to full reinstallation of system files. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including hidden MIUI functions, which will help even if the standard reset does not work.

It’s important to understand that the process of returning to the factory theme depends on the version of MIUI and the device model. On new smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the algorithm may differ from older models like Mi 9 or Redmi 5. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will suit most of the brand’s gadgets. If you are not sure about your model, check it in Settings → Phone → Device Model.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of important data. Although the theme reset does not affect user files, in rare cases, system manipulation may require a complete reset. Also prepare a stable Internet connection - some methods require downloading files from Xiaomi servers.

1. Reset theme through standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way to bring back the factory theme is to use the built-in MIUI Themes tools.This method works on all devices with a MIUI 12 shell and later, including the Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5.

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush and palette).
2. Go to the tab My (the person's icon in the lower right corner).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Theme Settings.
4. Scroll down and tap Reset to the default theme.
5. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

If this item is missing from your MIUI version, try an alternative path:

1. In the Topics app, go to the Online section.
2. In the search bar, enter default or standard.
3. Find a theme called Default or MIUI Standard and apply it.

On some devices (such as the POCO X5 Pro), the standard theme may be called POCO Global or System Default. If you don’t see a suitable option, try updating the Theme app via Google Play or the App Store (for Xiaomi Pad).

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, the standard theme may not apply due to modified system files, in which case you will need a complete reset or flashing.

2. Remove custom theme through file manager

If a standard reset doesn't work, you can manually delete files of the installed theme, which is suitable for power users because it requires access to system folders, and not recommended for beginners, because the wrong actions can cause MIUI to malfunction.

Instructions for devices with root rights:

1. Install a file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /data/system/theme/.
3. Delete the folder with the name of the installed theme (for example, com.theme.custom123).
4. Reset the device.

For devices without root, you can try the following workaround:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the version, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Use the ADB command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.thememanager Then reinstall the Themes app via Google Play.

3. Complete reset (Hard Reset)

If previous methods failed and the custom theme continues to conflict with the system (e.g. causing constant reboots or application errors), a complete reset may be required, which will return the device to factory status by removing all user data, including the themes installed.

Instructions for MIUI 14 and newer:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Enter your Mi Account password if required.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-15 minutes).

For devices with MIUI 12-13, the path may be different:

1. Open Settings → Additional settings → Restore and reset.
2. Select Reset and follow the instructions.

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Remove before resetting SIM-card and memory card, if installed, will speed up the process and prevent possible reading errors.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra) may require re-assigning your Mi Account to unlock the device after reset!

4. Flashing through Fastboot (for power users)

The last method that is guaranteed to bring back the standard theme is to completely flash the device through Fastboot mode, which is suitable if:

• 🔧 The device does not turn on due to theme failure
• 🔄 Standard reset doesn't help
• 📱 On the smartphone installed custom firmware

You'll need firmware.

• 💻 Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Mi Flash Tool
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📄 Official firmware for your model (download from en.miui.com)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
5. Wait until the device is completed (do not turn off the device!).

After flashing, the device will return to factory status with the standard MIUI theme.

• 🔹 Delete all data (including photos and apps)
• 🔹 Can cancel the warranty (unless the device is officially unlocked)
• 🔹 Requires a Mi Account to Unblock After Firmware

5. Recovery of a Standard Theme through Recovery

If your device doesn't turn on normally but loads into Recovery mode, you can try resetting the theme through it. This method is less radical than full flashing, but it's also effective.

Instructions for stock recovery (standard recovery):

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Choose a language (if required).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

For devices with TWRP (Castom Recovery):

1. Sign in to TWRP (similar to standard Recovery).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete folders: /data/system/theme/ /data/user/0/com.miui.thememanager/
4. Reset the device.

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Use TWRP only if you are confident in your actions. Incorrect deletion of system files can lead to a device blink (complete failure).

6.Alternative methods: rollback of updates and cache reset

Sometimes a problem with a theme occurs after updating MIUI or the Theme app, in which case you can try rolling back the changes:

Resetting the app cache Topics:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the themes and open its settings.
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. Reset the device.

Rejection of the MIUI update:

• 📲 If the problem appears after the update, check if a rollback is available in Settings. → The phone. → System update (three-point icon) → Update package).
• 🔙 On some devices (such as Xiaomi 12 Pro) you can roll back to the previous version via Recovery by selecting Apply update. → Choose from storage and specify the old firmware file.

Removing updates via ADB:

1. Connect the device to the PC and activate Debugging via USB.
2. Follow the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.thememanager
3. Reinstall the Themes app from Google Play.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you reset a theme, users often encounter typical problems, and we've collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔍 Availability of updates for MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ System File Integrity (Settings are available on some devices) → Additional settings → Diagnostics).
• 📡 Internet connection stability (standard theme downloaded from Xiaomi servers).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions