How to remove a theme on Xiaomi: from standard reset to hidden MIUI settings

Changed the theme to Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco, but it turned out to be too bright, is it slowing down the system, or just don’t like it? Deleting it is not as easy as it seems: there is no “Delete topic” button in the usual sense. The developers have hidden this option so that users download new themes from MIUI There is no “Delete topic” button in the usual sense. The developers have hidden this option so that users download new themes from Topics (previously - Themes) more often. But there are at least 5 working ways to return the standard interface - from a basic reset to manual edits of system files.

In this article we will look at all the methods, including those that work without root-right and do not require a reset to factory settings. Please note: on some firmware (for example, global versions MIUI 15 for Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13) some methods may be blocked. We have noted such cases in the instructions.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 MIUI version: Settings → About phone → MIUI version. The availability of some methods depends on this.
• 🔒 Bootloader status: if it is unlocked, you have more options (but also risks).
• 📁 Having a backup copy: even “safe” methods sometimes reset wallpaper or fonts.

1. Standard theme reset via MIUI settings

The easiest and most official way is to return default theme through the menu Themes. It works on all smartphones Xiaomi s MIUI 12–15, but does not delete downloaded themes from the device’s memory, but only disables them.

Instructions:

1. Open the application Themes (brush icon).
2. Go to the section My themes (tab at the bottom of the screen).
3. Find a topic marked Default or Standard and click on it.
4. Tap Apply and confirm your selection.

If the default theme is not in the list:

• 🔍 Try to find it through a search in the same application (enter “default” or “standard”)
• 📥 Download it again from the section Recommended (sometimes MIUI hides default themes after installing custom ones).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone - sometimes the theme is applied only after reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, Xiaomi EU or custom builds), the standard theme may be called differently - MIUI Default or System Default. If it is not there at all, proceed to the next method.

2. Reset through “Settings” (without deleting data)

If the theme does not reset through the app Themes, try doing it through the system settings. This method does not affect user files, but can return to factory wallpapers and sounds.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings → About phone.
2. Tap 5–7 times per item MIUI versionuntil a notification appears You have become a developer! (this will unlock hidden options).
3. Return to the main page menu Settings and select Advanced → For developers.
4. Find the option Reset interface settings (or Reset UI settings) and activate it.
5. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

What will be reset:

• 🎨 Current theme (the standard one will return).
• 📱 Wallpaper of the desktop and lock screens.
• 🔊 Sounds of notifications and alarms (if they have been changed by the theme).
• ⚙️ Some display settings (font size, animations).

⚠️ Attention: On firmware Xiaomi.eu or HyperOS (for new models) this method may work differently. If the option is missing, use the method with ADB (section 4).

3. Deleting a theme through a file manager (without root)

All themes in MIUI are stored as files with the extension .mtz (installed) or .apk (system). They can be deleted manually, but this requires access to hidden folders. The method works without root access, but requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders, for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
3. Go to the path:

   /data/system/theme/

   All installed themes are stored here.

4. Delete files with the extension .mtzexcept those that contain name default or miui.
5. Restart the phone.

If the folder /data/system/theme/ is not available:

• 🔧 Try another way: /sdcard/MIUI/theme/ (stored here downloaded but not applied themes).
• 📂 Use ADB (section 4) if the file manager does not provide rights.
• 🔄 After deleting, the theme may remain in the menu Themes, but when applied it will give an error - this is normal.

Critical information: On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60), deleting files from /data/system/theme/ may cause the service to fail. com.android.themes. If after rebooting the phone takes a long time to boot, perform a reset via Fastboot (section 6).

4. Resetting the theme via ADB (for experienced users)

If the previous methods did not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a tool for debugging Android via a computer. The method requires connecting the phone to a PC, but does not require root access.

What you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 📱 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Installed drivers Xiaomi i ADB (you can download from the official Android website).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times) → For developers → USB debugging.
2. Connect your phone to the computer and confirm trust in the device.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and enter:

   adb devices

   Make sure that your phone is displayed in list.

4. Run the command to reset the theme:

   adb shell cmd theme reset

   or (for older versions of MIUI):

   adb shell pm clear com.android.themes

5. Restart the phone:

   adb reboot

adb shell am force-stop com.android.themes

⚠️ Attention: Commands ADB may vary depending on the version MIUI and phone model. If after executing the command the phone stops responding, perform a forced reboot (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).

5. Full reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If the theme is “ingrained” into the system so much that none of the methods helps, it remains hard reset. This will delete all data from your phone, including apps, photos and accounts, so use this method only as a last resort.

How to reset:

1. Back up your important data (contacts, photos, messages).
2. Go in Settings → About phone → Backup and reset → Reset settings.
3. Select Erase all data and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, the phone will be like new - with a standard theme MIUI.

What will be deleted:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data.
• 📸 Photos, videos and music (if not saved to an SD card or to the cloud).
• 🔑 Google, Mi and other accounts.
• 🎨 All themes, wallpapers and interface settings.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with an unlocked bootloader (Bootloader), the reset may lead to the device being locked (re-unlocking via Mi Unlock Toolis required). Check the bootloader status in Settings → About phone → MIUI version → Tap 10 times on the MIUI logo.

6. Alternative methods: firmware rollback and custom solutions

If standard methods do not work, and you don’t want to reset, radical methods remain. They are suitable for experienced users who are ready to take risks.

Options:

• 🔄 Firmware rollback: Install an older version MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery. This will return the standard theme, but may lead to data loss or problems with the account. unlocking the bootloader. Mi.
• 🛠️ Installing custom firmware: For example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience will completely replace the interface MIUI, but will require unlocking the bootloader.
• 🔧 Manual editing of system files: Through Root Explorer or Magisk you can remove the theme from /system/priv-app/ThemeManager, but this is risky.

Warnings:

• 🚨 Rolling back the firmware can block the phone if the version MIUI lower than the current one (due to policy Anti-Rollback).
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data and link the account Mi to the device for 72 hours.
• ⚠️ Editing system files without a backup can make the phone inoperable.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting themes on Xiaomi