How to Reset the Theme on Xiaomi: Returning the Standard MIUI Interface

Changing the theme on Xiaomi smartphones is a popular way to personalize the device, but sometimes users are faced with the need to return the factory design. This can be due to the incorrect operation of the installed theme, a bad combination of colors or simply a desire to start with a clean slate. Unlike resetting all the phone settings, returning the standard MIUI theme is a less radical procedure and does not affect user data.

In this article, we will discuss three main methods of resetting theme: through the built-in Themes application, through manual removal of theme files (for experienced users), and a complete reset to factory settings as a last resort. MIUI — from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14, and consider why some topics are not removed in standard ways and how to fix it.

1. Reset theme through the Themes app

The easiest and safest way to bring back the standard interface is to use the official Themes app, pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, a method that does not require super-user rights (root) and is suitable for 90% of users.

To reset the subject:

1. Open the Themes app (a palette icon on your desktop).
2. Go to My Themes (or My Themes in English).
3. Click on the active topic (marked with a tick or the inscription Applied).
4. In the menu that opens, select Reset to Standard or Default.
5. Confirm the action if a request appears.

If the reset button is missing, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone – sometimes the theme is reset after restarting the system.
• 📥 Update Themes app via Google Play or App Store (for global versions) MIUI).
• 🗑️ Delete theme manually: press your finger on its preview in the My Themes section and select Delete.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro) after resetting the theme, a modified battery icon or font may remain, due to the fact that individual interface elements are stored in the system cache. → Annexes → Application management → Themes → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

2. Manual removal of theme files (for power users)

If a standard reset doesn’t work, you can try to manually delete the theme files through the file manager, a method that requires caution, as improper actions can cause interface failures.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (such as MiXplorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /data/system/theme/ or (for older versions of MIUI): /system/media/theme/default/
3. Remove the folders with the names of the installed themes (excluding default).
4. Reset the device.

An alternative way to download themes from Themes Store:

/sdcard/MIUI/theme/.data/

⚠️ Note: Delete files from the folder /system/ root-free can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the device. 12T Pro and later, it can also trigger the operation of the Anti-Rollback protection, blocking the firmware.

3. Complete reset to factory settings

If previous methods didn't work, the radical solution is to reset the phone to factory status, which will delete all user data, including photos, messages and installed apps, so back up first.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data (or Factory Reset).
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account if the system requests it.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• 📱 The phone will load with a factory theme MIUI.
• 🔄 At the first inclusion, you will be offered to restore data from a backup copy (if it was created).
• ⚙️ It is recommended to immediately disable the automatic application of themes in Settings → Display. → Topics → Auto-application.

💡

Resetting to factory settings is the only way to return a standard theme if it has been deleted or corrupted at the system file level.

4 Why the topic doesn't get dropped: common issues

Sometimes users find that the theme does not return to the standard even after all the manipulations.

Problem 1: The Reset button in Themes is inactive.

• 🔌 Check your internet connection – some topics require online confirmation to be removed.
• 📦 Remove Themes app updates through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Reinstall the app via APKMirror (power users only).

Problem 2: After reset, the elements of the old theme (icons, fonts) remain.

This is because MIUI caches individual components.

1. Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Themes → Storage.
2. Set the standard font through Settings → Display → Font.
3. For icons, use the Nova Launcher launcher with the “Reset Badges” setting.

Problem 3: The lock screen still has an old theme.

The lock screen is controlled separately to reset it:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select the Lock screen style → Standard.
3. Turn off the Dark Mode option for the lock screen if it is active.

💡

If the notification icons in the status bar are missing after resetting the theme, restart the phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) and this will reset the system icon cache.

5 Features of resetting themes on different Xiaomi models

The procedure for resetting the theme may vary depending on the device model and the version of MIUI. Below are the key nuances for popular lines:

For devices with MIUI for Russia (for example, Redmi 10 2022), an additional step may be required – untying the Mi Account account in the synchronization settings, since some topics are tied to the user profile.

6 How to avoid problems with topics in the future

In order not to face the need to reset the topic, follow these recommendations:

• 🛡️ Install themes only from the official Themes Store – third-party APK-Files may contain viruses or conflict with the system.
• 📡 Before installing a new theme, check out other users’ reviews (especially relevant for animation themes).
• 🔄 Clean the Themes app cache regularly (once a month).
• 📥 Backup your favorite themes through exporting to My themes → Exports.
• 🚫 Avoid Beta-labeled themes – they often contain errors.

If you’re actively experimenting with design, consider using alternative launchers (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) that allow you to change icons and interface style without intrusion into MIUI system files.

💡

On models with MIUI 14, the Theme of the Day feature has appeared, which automatically applies random themes. To turn it off, go to Settings → Display → Themes → Theme Settings → Theme Themes of the day and deactivate the option.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting themes on Xiaomi