Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a branded shell MIUI, which is famous for its abundance of themes. However, not all users are happy with the set theme: someone is tired of bright colors, someone is hindered by animation, and some just want to return the standard look of the system. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to remove the theme on Redmi 8 — from simple settings to technically complex methods using ADB and root rights.
It is important to understand that “remove theme” can mean different things: return a standard MIUI theme, remove downloaded themes from the device memory or completely disable the theme function. We will consider each option, and also warn about possible risks – for example, improper removal of system files of the themes through the root can lead to a launcher crash or a cyclical reboot of the smartphone. If you are a beginner, start with the safest methods (sections 1–2) and then move on to radical measures.
1. Return to the standard theme through MIUI settings
The easiest and safest way is to bring back the factory theme of the design, which doesn't require superuser rights or PC connectivity, and all changes are reversible.
Open the Themes app (the desktop brush icon). In the bottom panel, select My Themes, then tap on the current active theme (checked). In the menu that opens, select Standard or MIUI by default (the name may vary depending on the firmware version). Confirm the change - the smartphone will reboot and the interface will return to its original appearance.
- ✅ Does not require root or PC rights
- ✅ Reversible process
- ⚠️ Does not remove downloaded themes from memory
- 🔄 It works on all versions. MIUI for Redmi 8
If there is no Standard button, try updating the Themes app via Google Play or clearing its cache in the settings (Settings → Apps → Application Management → Themes → Clear the cache).
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If after changing the theme, app icons disappeared, reboot the smartphone - this will reset the launcher's cache.
2. Remove downloaded themes through the file manager
Even after returning to the standard theme, the previously downloaded themes remain in the device's memory, taking up space.
Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and find Themes. Slip on it, then select Memory and click Clear Data. This will delete all downloaded themes, but saved in Favorites will remain.
- Open the Files app (or any file manager with access to system folders).
- Go to /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/theme/.
- Delete all folders except.default (this is a standard theme).
⚠️ Warning: Do not delete the.default folder, it will cause the interface to crash. /system/media/theme/, if you don't have a root license.
| Folder/file | Can I remove it? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| /MIUI/theme/[Title topic] | Yes. | Frees up space, the topic disappears from the list |
| /MIUI/theme/.default | No. | Interface collapse, needing a flashing |
| /system/media/theme/ | Only root | May disrupt the operation of system applications |
3. Reset theme settings via ADB (no root)
If standard methods do not help (for example, the topic “hang” and does not change), you can use the ADB-This method does not require superuser rights, but you will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tools. ADB.
Connect Redmi 8 to your PC, enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – tap 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers) and execute in the command line:
adb shell pm clear com.android.themes
adb shell pm clear com.miui.homeThis will reset the theme and launcher settings, and once the device is restarted, the interface will return to its standard view. If the problem persists, try the additional command:
adb shell settings delete secure theme_customization_pkg⚠️ Note: pm clear commands delete application data, including saved desktop settings. Pre-screenshots of icon locations.
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Download ADB-platform (e.g. Minimal) ADB)|Make a backup copy of the data-->
4. Complete removal of topics via TWRP and root (for experienced)
If you are ready for radical measures and you have installed custom TWRP recaps with root rights, you can delete the system files of the theme. This method is risky - incorrect actions will lead to inoperability of the interface or bootloop.
Instructions:
- Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
- Go to Advanced → File Manager.
- Delete the folders: /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUIPlugin /system/app/ThemeManager /data/app/com.android.themes-* (all folders with this prefix)
Wipe → Cache
After that, the theme function will be turned off completely, and the corresponding partition will disappear in the settings. To return it, you will need to reflash Redmi 8 via Fastboot.
What if the phone does not load after removing the items?
5. Disable topics through system file editing (Magisk)
For users with Magisk and SQLite for MIUI, there is a way to disable themes at the system database level, which is less risky than deleting files, but requires caution.
Install SQLite for MIUI via Magisk Manager, then:
- Open the SQLite Editor app.
- Go to /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db.
- Find a secure table and delete the key lines: theme_customization_pkg miui_theme_last_applied
Reset the device.
This method “resets” information about the current topic, forcing the system to use standard design, and the advantage over deleting files is less risk of critical failures.
Through settings MIUI|Deletion of theme files|ADB-team|TWRP root|I don't know.-->
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after successful removal of themes, Redmi 8 users are faced with bugs.
- 🔄 Theme returns after reboot: Clear the launcher cache (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Clear cache) or run adb shell pm clear com.miui.home.
- 🖼️ App icons have become standard: This is OK - custom icons are tied to the theme. To return, install another launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher).
- ⚠️ Smartphone does not load: If after manipulating themes the phone went to bootloop, try booting into Safe Mode (keep Volume down when turned on) and roll back the changes.
If system sounds or animations are lost after removing themes, check the settings in Settings → Sound and vibration. They may have been tied to a custom theme and reset to standard ones.
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Before any manipulation of the topics, back up via TWRP or Mi Cloud, which will save your data in the event of a crash.