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

Changing themes on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular features of the MIUI shell. Users install custom themes to personalize the interface, but sometimes there is a need to return the standard look. The reasons can be different from bugs after the update to the desire to get rid of overly bright or dark designs. Unfortunately, not everyone knows that resetting themes is not only a return to factory design, but also a solution to many performance problems.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to reset themes on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from simple methods through the settings menu to advanced solutions using ADB. We’ll focus on nuances that aren’t mentioned in the official instructions: for example, why artifacts can remain after a reset or how to avoid losing user data. If you encounter a theme that “flyed off” after an update or just want to start with a clean slate, here you’ll find the answers.

It's important to understand that the theme reset procedure is different from a full reset to factory settings. In most cases, you don't have to erase all the data from the device -- just go back to the theme settings. However, some methods (like cleaning the cache through Recovery) can affect other system files, and we'll detail the risks of each method so you can choose the best option.

Before you start, check the MIUI version on your device. Some methods only work on the latest shell versions (e.g. MIUI 14 and later), and older firmware (MIUI 12 and below) may require alternative solutions. The version can be found in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version.

1. Reset theme through standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way to bring back the standard theme is to use the built-in MIUI tools. This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and other devices based on MIUI 12-14.

To reset the subject:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the section My → Established themes.
3. Find an active topic (marked with a tick) and tap it.
4. In the window that opens, select Reset to Standard or Remove (if the theme was installed from the store).
5. Confirm the action and restart the device.

If the option to Reset to Standard is missing, try an alternative path:

1. Hold your finger on the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select Desktop Settings (or Styles in newer versions).
3. Go to Topics → Current Topic → Reset.

Some devices (such as POCO F4) may still have custom font or wallpaper after reset, in which case, check the settings in the Screen → Font Style and Wallpaper section.

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If you have artifacts left after resetting the theme (for example, the application icons have not changed), clear the cache of the Themes app in the Settings menu → Applications → Application Management → Topics → Storage → Clear the cache.

2.Removal of themes through MIUI Themes store

If the standard reset didn’t work or you want to completely remove all installed themes, use the official store. MIUI Themes.This method is relevant for users who installed themes from the Xiaomi directory, rather than through third-party APK-file.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the “Subjects” app and go to the “My” section. → Established.
• 🗑️ Find an unnecessary theme, swipe left (or hold your finger on it) and select Delete.
• 🔄 For a complete reset, remove all custom themes, including fonts and wallpaper.
• 🔃 Restart the device to make the changes effective.

Note that some system themes (e.g. Standard or Dark Mode) cannot be removed, they are part of the firmware. If the interface has not returned to the standard look after removing all the themes, try applying the Standard theme manually from the Recommended section.

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, after removing themes, you may need to reset the cache of the system launcher.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Lawnchair app (or MIUI Launcher for older versions).
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

Remove all custom topics from the "My" section

Clear the cache of the "Themes" app

Reset the device

Check the font and wallpaper settings-->

3. Recovery Mode Reset (for power users)

If standard methods did not help, and the topic continues to “glue” (for example, distorted icons or not applied changes), you can try to reset the cache through Recovery Mode. This method does not delete user data, but requires caution – wrong actions can lead to a system failure.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Recovery

Wipe & Reset

Wipe Cache

Wipe Data

Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

Reboot → System

Once the theme is rebooted, it should return to its standard view. If the problem persists, try to further clear the Dalvik Cache section (available in some versions of Recovery).

⚠️ Note: Do not select Wipe Data or Factory Reset in Recovery unless you want to lose all data on your device.

4.Use of ADB for forced resetting of topics

For advanced users who aren’t afraid of command line, there is a way to reset themes via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that is useful if standard settings are not available (for example, due to an interface failure) or if you need to force the removal of system theme files.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (CMD or Terminal) and type: adb shell pm clear com.android.themes This command clears the Themes app data, returning all settings to factory settings.
3. For a full reset, also do: adb shell pm clear com.miui.home (this will reset the launcher settings, including the location of the icons).
4. Reboot the device: adb reboot

If the theme does not reset after executing the commands, try to delete the files manually:

adb shell rm -rf /data/system/theme/*


adb shell rm -rf /data/data/com.android.themes/*

⚠️ Attention: Rm teams -rf They delete files irrevocably. Do not use them unless you are sure of the correct paths. For security, back up your data before you do these things.

Through MIUI settings

Removal of the Theme Store

Recovery Mode

ADB-team

Another way.-->

5. Complete reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If no methods have worked, and the custom theme continues to crash (for example, apps don’t open or the system slows down), the last option is a complete factory reset, which will remove all data from the device, including photos, contacts and installed applications, so use it only as a last resort.

How to reset:

• 📲 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 🔄 Select Reset All Settings (or Factory Reset).
• 🔐 Enter a password (if required) and confirm the action.
• ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reset, the device will restart in its original state, with the MIUI factory theme. To recover data, use a backup from Mi Cloud or Google Account.

Alternative Recovery Resetting Method:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to Enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require a re-activation of the device via Mi Account after a full reset. Make sure to remember the username and password from the Xiaomi account, otherwise you risk blocking the phone.

6. Solving problems after resetting themes

Even after a successful theme reset, users sometimes run into problems, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

Problem 1: App icons have remained customized.

Decision:

• Clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → MIUI Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache).
• Install a standard pack of icons through Desktop Settings → Icon Style.

Problem 2: After resetting the theme, the wallpaper or fonts disappeared.

Decision:

• Return the standard wallpaper to the Settings → Wallpaper.
• Reset the font to Settings → Screen → Font style → Standard.

Problem 3: The system slows down after resetting themes.

Decision:

• Clear the cache of all applications in Settings → Storage → Cleanup.
• Restart the device in Safe Mode (press Power → Reboot in Safe Mode) and check if the problem persists.

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be deeper, such as corrupting system files, in which case it is recommended to update the firmware through Settings → System Update or reflash the device using Fastboot.

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If the device is slower after resetting the themes, check the space in the memory. Lack of storage can cause lags even with a standard theme.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting themes on Xiaomi