Changing the visual style of a smartphone often becomes a necessity when the user switches to a new device or simply wants to refresh the familiar interface. However, many are faced with a problem: a previously purchased or downloaded theme does not automatically appear on a new gadget. This is due to the fact that visual styles are tied to a specific version of the shell and are not always synchronized through cloud accounts.
To transfer a theme from Android to Android, it is not enough just to log into your Google account. In most cases, manual transfer of configuration files or installation of specialized launchers is required. The process may vary depending on the manufacturer of your device, be it Xiaomi, Samsung or pure Android.
Next we will analyze in detail all existing methods of transferring the design. You'll learn how to use the system's built-in tools, third-party applications, and even file managers to achieve perfect results. The main thing is to correctly determine the type of your current theme, since the choice of action algorithm depends on this.
Features of system themes and file formats
Before we begin the transfer, we need to understand what exactly we are working with. There is no single standard for themes in the Android ecosystem. Each manufacturer uses its own interface rendering engine. For example, what works on MIUIis completely useless on One UI from Samsung.
Theme files can have various extensions, such as .mtz, .hwt, .zip or be full APK packages. System themes are usually stored in protected sections of memory and require superuser rights to copy directly. Therefore, the standard “copy-paste” method through Explorer often does not work without special preparation.
⚠️ Attention: Trying to install a theme designed for a different version of Android or a different shell may lead to a cyclic reboot of the device (bootloop). Always check compatibility before installation.
If you're using stock Android, most likely your "theme" is an icon pack and wallpaper applied through a third-party launcher. In this case, the transfer comes down to installing one application. For owners of custom firmware, the situation is more complicated: it requires transferring the theme file and activating it through the system menu.
Using built-in cloud services
The simplest method, which is often overlooked, is synchronization through the manufacturer’s account. Many brands such as Xiaomi, Huawei and Samsung have their own account-linked theme stores. If you downloaded the theme officially, it may be saved in your download history.
To implement this method, log into the application Topics on the new device. Log in using the same login as on your old phone. Go to the "Profile" or "My Purchases" section. A list of previously loaded styles will be displayed here. Click the download button, and the system itself will pull up the necessary resources.
However, this method has limitations. It often happens that a theme is available for download, but after installation it looks incorrect. This occurs due to differences in screen resolution or operating system version. In such cases, manual adjustment interface elements are required.
If the theme is not fully applied, try applying only its components separately: first the wallpaper, then the icons, and lastly the lock screen.
It is also worth considering that some elements, for example, live wallpapers or specific fonts, may not be supported on the new model. The system will automatically replace them with standard analogues, which may disrupt the overall harmony of the design. Check the preview carefully before final confirmation.
Transferring themes through a file manager
If cloud synchronization is not available or the theme was downloaded from a third-party source, you will have to work with the file system directly. This method requires an installed file manager with access to system folders, such as MT Manager or Root Explorer.
First, locate the theme file on your old device. Usually they are located in the directory /MIUI/theme for Xiaomi or /HwThemes for Huawei. Copy the file with the theme extension to your computer or transfer it via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct to a new smartphone.
On the new device, place the file in a similar directory. If the folder does not exist, create it manually. After that, go to the themes application and select "Import" or "Local themes". The system will scan the folder and offer to install the found file.
| Manufacturer | Path to theme files | File extension | Root required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi / Redmi | /MIUI/theme/ | .mtz | No (sometimes) |
| Huawei / Honor | /HwThemes/ | .hwt | Often yes |
| Samsung | /GoodLock/ (modules) | .zip /.apk | No |
| Oppo / Realme | /ColorOS/Theme/ | .oplus | Yes |
If you cannot copy the file to the system folder, try placing it in the internal storage and using the import function inside the theme application, specifying the path to file.
☑️ Preparing for manual transfer
Using third-party launchers
The most universal method that works on any device, regardless of brand, is the use of third-party launchers. Applications like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Smart Launcher allow you to completely replace your desktop and transfer its settings in one click.
Install the selected launcher on both devices. On your old phone, go to the launcher settings and find Backup and restore. Create a backup of your settings, which will be saved as a file .backup or a similar format.
Transfer this file to a new smartphone. Install the same launcher, go to its settings and select the recovery function. Specify the path to the backup file. The interface, icon layout, gestures and animations will be restored exactly as on the previous device.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party launchers cannot change system elements such as the notification shade, settings menu or lock screen. They only affect the desktop and dock panel.
This method is ideal for those who want to maintain familiar ergonomics without deeply interfering with the system. In addition, launchers often offer more customization options than standard manufacturer tools.
What to do if the icons are lost?
If after restoration the icons are not displayed correctly, go to the launcher settings, the "Appearance" section and reselect the icon pack. Sometimes you need to reset the launcher cache through the Android application settings.
Manual setup via ADB (for advanced)
For users who want to achieve maximum similarity and have PC skills, there is a method via USB debugging. The tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to upload and download configuration files directly, bypassing the graphical interface.
Connect both phones to the computer and enable debug mode in the menu For developers. Using the command adb pull you can copy launcher configuration files or system overlays. Then with the command adb push they are downloaded to the new device.
adb pull /data/data/com.android.launcher3/databases/launcher.db C:/backup/
adb push C:/backup/launcher.db /data/data/com.android.launcher3/databases/
This method requires superuser rights (Root) on both devices to access protected databases. Without Root, you will only be able to copy public files, which may not be enough to completely transfer the theme.
Be extremely careful when working with launcher databases. A mismatch between the application versions on the old and new phones can lead to a desktop crash. Always make a full backup before starting operations via ADB.
Using ADB gives maximum control, but requires technical literacy and an unlocked bootloader for full access to system files.
Solving common problems when transferring
Even if you follow all the instructions, nuances may arise. Often users complain that the theme has been applied, but the fonts remain standard or the colors in the menu have not changed. This is due to the fact that modern themes consist of many modules, and some of them may not have migrated.
Another common problem is permission incompatibility. A theme created for a teardrop display may not display correctly on a punch-hole display or vice versa. In such cases, it is recommended to use the built-in theme editor, if available in your shell.
- 🚫 Theme does not install: Check the digital signature of the file. Security systems may block modified themes. Try disabling signature verification in the engineering menu (experience required).
- 🎨 Icon colors are faded: Enable the "Colored icons" function in the material settings or disable monochrome mode in the developer options.
- 🔄 Constant crashes: Clear the cache of the "Themes" and "Launcher" applications through application settings. Remove conflicting plugins.
If all else fails, the theme itself may be outdated and does not support your version of Android. In this case, it is better to look for an updated version from the author or choose an alternative style optimized for the current firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and menu item names may differ depending on the firmware version and regional device model. If you do not find the specified item, use the search inside the phone settings.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to transfer a theme from Samsung to Xiaomi?
It is impossible to directly transfer the theme file due to different formats (.hwt/.zip against .mtz). However, you can visually replicate the style by installing the same launcher (for example, Nova) and choosing a similar icon pack and wallpaper on both devices.
Do you need root access to transfer the theme?
To use built-in synchronization or third-party launchers, Root is not required. Superuser rights are required only to directly copy theme system files via a file manager or ADB to protected directories.
What to do if after transfer the phone is stuck on the splash screen?
Try to boot into safe mode (usually by holding the power button or volume button at startup). In Safe Mode, third party themes will not load. Delete the problematic theme file through the file manager or reset the launcher settings.
Are purchased themes saved when changing phones?
Yes, if you use the same manufacturer account (Mi Account, Samsung Account, Huawei ID). Go to the theme store on your new device, log in and download purchases from the “My” section for free.