Changed theme to Xiaomi, but the new design annoys, slows down the system or just doesn’t like? MIUI maybe 2–5 minutes, without data loss or complex manipulation, and in this article, we'll look at all the working methods, from basic reset through settings to manually removing themes through the ADB (Relevant for all models: Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, Mi 11/12/13 etc.
The problem is that MIUI often retains elements of third-party themes even after they are removed from the Themes store, such as modified icons, fonts or animations, and we show you how to completely clear the system of traces of the theme, including hidden cache files. Importantly, some methods require superuser rights (root), but most methods work without them.
1. Standard reset theme through MIUI settings
The easiest method is to return a factory theme through a personalization menu, which is suitable for 90% of users and does not require technical skills.
Open the Themes app. In the bottom menu, select the My Themes tab, then tap the active theme (checked). In the window that opens, click Remove or Reset. The system will automatically apply the standard MIUI Default theme.
- ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS)
- ⚠️ Does not remove the cache of themes – artifacts are possible (for example, old wallpaper)
- 🔄 Requires a device restart to fully apply the changes
⚠️ Warning: If there are other people's wallpaper or sounds after reset, check the folder /MIUI/theme/.data It can be used in a file manager, and it can store residual files.
2. Complete reset of personalization through "Additional settings"
If the standard method doesn't work, use the hidden reset menu, which removes all user interface settings, including:
- 🎨 Color schemes and accent colors
- 🔊 Notification and alarm clock sounds
- 📱 Type size and style
- 🖼️ Desktop wallpaper and lock
Instructions:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the line version of MIUI to activate the developer mode.
- Return to the main settings menu and open Additional settings → Reset settings.
- Select Reset personalization settings and confirm the action.
| Xiaomi model | Does the reset support personalization? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | ✅ Yes. | Requires MIUI 12.5+ |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | ✅ Yes. | POCO X3 NFC may not have a menu item |
| Mi 11/12/13 | ✅ Yes. | On HyperOS Path: Settings → Memory → Reset |
| Black Shark 4/5 | ❌ No. | Use the method with ADB (Section 4) |
Make sure important wallpaper is saved in the Gallery |
Record the current sound settings (volume, melodies)|
Check that Xiaomi Cloud sync is enabled |
Close all applications before resetting-->
3. Remove themes through the Themes store (hidden features)
Themes stores a cache of downloaded themes even after they're deleted, to completely clean up the system:
1. Open Themes and go to Profile → Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
2. Select Clear cache and Remove unused themes.
For deep cleaning:
- 📁 Delete the folder. /MIUI/theme/.data/ File Manager Pro (root rights required).
- 🧹 Clear the data of the Themes app in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
⚠️ Note: Deleting the.data folder without backup may cause weather and watch widgets to crash. Before action, export settings through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
If the theme is still applied automatically after cleaning, check the settings of the Xiaomi account:
- Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Synchronization.
- Turn off the synchronization of theme and wallpaper.
- Reset the device.
What if the theme returns after the reboot?
4. Manual removal of themes via ADB (for experienced)
If standard methods don’t work, you’ll have to connect to your device via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which removes themes at the system level and works even without root rights.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer installed ADB
- 📱 Developer mode enabled and debugging by USB Xiaomi
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm access via USB.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Follow commands in order: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.themes pm clear com.miui.home pm clear com.android.themes
- Reset the device.
If the interface is “naked” after the reboot (no icons), restore the standard theme with the command:
adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.theme.icon.pack.generic💡
Before using ADB, create a restore point in TWRP (if installed) to help roll back changes if you make an error.
5. Reset to factory settings (last resort)
If the theme is so ingrained that it can't be deleted in other ways, it's hard reset, which erases all data from the device, so use it only as a last resort.
How to reset:
- Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
- After restarting, set your phone as new.
| Type of discharge | Deleting topics? | Loss of data |
|---|---|---|
| Resetting personalization | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Clearing Themes' cache | ⚠️ Partially. | ❌ No. |
| ADB-team | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Hard Reset | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Complete. |
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), factory resets can return firmware to the stock version. → The phone.
💡
Hard Reset is the only method guaranteed to remove all traces of custom themes, but requires a complete reinstallation of applications and settings.
6 How to prevent automatic application of topics in the future
To avoid repeated issues with themes, set up MIUI correctly:
- 🔒 Turn off auto-update themes in Themes → Settings → Auto-update.
- 🚫 Remove all unused themes through Themes → My subjects.
- 🔄 Clean the Themes app cache regularly (once a month).
- 🛡️ Turn off the themes sync in the cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronization.
If you experiment with themes frequently, use the MiXplorer app (requires root) to create /MIUI/theme/ folder backups.
HyperOS devices are now available with a new Light Mode mode that blocks deep interface changes. Activated in Settings → Screen → Display Mode.