How to change the name of the application to Xiaomi: a complete guide to customization

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS offer ample opportunities for personalization, but some basic features are hidden from the eyes of the average user. One of these features is renaming application shortcuts, which allows not only to put things in order on the desktop, but also to create a unique visual interface concept. Standard system tools this option is often not available directly through settings, which causes owners of devices a lot of questions and searches for alternative solutions.

Changing the signature under the icon may be necessary to sort programs by category, hide the real purpose of the application from prying eyes or just for aesthetic pleasure. The owner of the gadget faces the need to use specialized tools, since the system launcher by default blocks direct editing of text tags. In this material, we will discuss in detail all the working methods that will allow you to change the name of any application without losing its functionality and access to data.

It is worth noting that the process does not require root rights or complex flashing of the device, but will require careful consideration when choosing a method. Depending on the version of the Android operating system and the specific version of the shell, the algorithm of actions may vary slightly, so it is important to follow the instructions that correspond to your model.

Features of the interface MIUI and HyperOS

The MIUI shell, and now the HyperOS, is based on the Android architecture, but has a deeply redesigned user interface that Xiaomi develops independently of Google. The system launcher in these shells is optimized for fast operation and energy efficiency, but because of this, it lacks many of the fine-tuning features available in stock Android. Which is why standard means, just by long clicking on an icon, you can’t change the text underneath it.

The system's security policy prohibits arbitrary metadata changes to installed packets, which is a protective mechanism against malware. However, developers have left the ability to change the appearance through the system to the one where a separate component is responsible for the appearance of shortcuts. Understanding this architecture is necessary for successful customization, since trying to find the "Rename" button in standard settings will not lead to anything.

⚠️ Note: Using third-party launchers on Xiaomi devices can lead to unstable animations or increased battery consumption, as the system is optimized for the native interface.

For users who value the stability of the system over visual experiments, it is recommended to use official methods through the theme store. If you are willing to sacrifice some native chips for complete freedom of action, installing an alternative launcher will be the best solution.

Method of renaming through the store Topics

The safest and most common way to change the name of the app on Xiaomi is to use the built-in Theme app. This method does not require installing additional software from unknown sources, but has its own features. The bottom line is that you apply a theme that has already changed icons and captions, or use the editing feature of an existing theme, if it is available in your firmware version.

First, you open the Themes app and go to the profile section, which is usually in the lower right corner of the screen. Here we are interested in the Themes section, where all installed designs are stored. Find the Classic or Default theme that is currently active and click on it. In some versions of the shell, there may be a Customize or Edit button available here.

If the theme editing function is available, the system will suggest selecting components to change. You need to select an icon or desktop item. In the application list that opens, you can select the desired program. However, it is worth noting that the standard theme editor often allows you to change only the graphical shell, not the text signature. To change the text, you often have to download special theme designers or modified icon packages where the names have already been changed by the authors.

There are specialized themes, like "Icon Editor" or "Label Changer," that are designed specifically for renaming. Once you install a theme through the store, it won't change the entire interface, it'll only allow you to edit shortcuts. The process may seem cumbersome compared to other OSes, but it ensures that the system launcher is guaranteed and stable.

Use of third-party launchers

Installing an alternative launcher is the most efficient way to gain full control of your desktop, including freely renaming any shortcuts. Popular solutions like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher allow you to change signatures in one click. Once you install the app from Google Play, the system will prompt you to choose it as the default primary interface.

To rename an application, you need to press the icon on your desktop for a long time. In the menu that appears, you should select Change (often indicated by a pencil). A window will open where you can type any text into the Label or Name field. This change will only affect the label on the desktop, the application itself will remain with the original name in the menu, which is the standard behavior of third-party shells.

It is important to note that when using a third-party launcher, some MIUI gestures may stop working, such as swipes to call the control menu or specific animations for closing applications. On devices with HyperOS, third-party launcher integration is improved, but may still require additional customization in the "Additional" section inside the launcher itself.

Creating shortcuts through assistant apps

There's a third way that doesn't require you to change the launcher or install heavy themes, which is by using custom shortcut utilities like X Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker. These applications create a new desktop shortcut link that leads to the main application but has its own name and icon, which is the perfect trade-off between functionality and customization.

Once you install this assistant, the algorithm is very simple: you run the utility, you select the app you want to rename from the list, you change the text in the title field to any you want, you can also replace the icon with any image from the gallery, and after you click the Create or Add button, a new shortcut will appear on the desktop.

The old shortcut will remain in place, and you can simply remove it by dragging it to the cart. The new shortcut will work as a full-fledged link to the program. The only caveat is that notifications from the app may appear on the old shortcut (unless it is removed from the system completely) or not appear-badge on the manually created version of Android and the access rights you give the assistant app.

Technical limitations and system nuances

When trying to deep-modify application names, it is important to understand the difference between Package Name and App Label. APK-The file and its re-signature, which requires programming skills and can disrupt the digital signatures of applications (for example, banking.

Android system stores information about the names of applications in the resources of the APK-When you change a name through a launcher or theme, you only create a visual shell, and the original name stays in the system and you can see it, for example, in Task Manager, in battery settings, or when you look at the list of installed applications in the menu.

Also worth mentioning is the notification problem: If you created a renamed shortcut through a third-party app, notifications may come to the original, hidden shortcut. In modern versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS, this problem is solved better, and notifications are often duplicated or correctly displayed on the new shortcut, but not 100% guaranteed for all applications.

Advanced Customization and ADB

For users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method of changing the system resources directly through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to make changes globally, but requires a connection to the computer and enable debugging over USB. This method is not recommended for beginners, as an error can lead to instability of the interface.

The essence of the method is temporary extraction. APK-file system application, decoding its resources, editing the file strings.xml (It's a process where you store text values, recompilation and reverse-installation, which requires apktool and adb on your PC. It's a time-consuming process, and you'll have to repeat it for every application update.

adb pull /system/priv-app/Settings/Settings.apk


apktool d Settings.apk




// Editing the strings.xml file




apktool b Settings




adb install -r Settings.apk

⚠️ Attention: System modification APK-Files can disrupt digital signatures, which may cause some applications (especially Google Pay or banking) to stop running or require constant security confirmation.

A more secure alternative within ADB is to use commands to hide original shortcuts and create new ones with specified parameters through system calls, but this requires writing complex scripts. For most users, the optimal balance remains using launchers that do the same thing, but in automatic and secure mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The quickest way to change your name is to install Nova Launcher, and the safest way is to use official Xiaomi themes.

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If you want to simply hide the app, use the built-in Hide Apps feature in your desktop settings, instead of renaming it.