The MIUI shell interface on Xiaomi, RedMi and Poco smartphones is famous for its functionality and flexibility, but users often face the desire to personalize the appearance of the device. The standard set of icons can seem boring or visually incompatible with installed wallpaper, which forces owners to look for ways to change the graphics. Fortunately, the Android system in conjunction with Xiaomi’s branded add-ons provides several effective tools for deep customization.
There are many ways to change the appearance of application shortcuts, from using a built-in theme store to installing specialized launchers. Each method has its own features that affect the stability of the interface and battery consumption. In this guide, we will discuss all the options available in detail so that you can choose the most suitable for your smartphone model.
Before you start taking action, it's important to understand that replacing system elements can affect text readability or navigation. Some methods require minimal technical knowledge, while others are available in a single touch. Let's look at the basic approaches to solving the problem of visual desktop updates.
Use of the built-in “Themes” application
The easiest and safest way to change the graphics is to use the pre-installed Themes app, a tool designed by Xiaomi specifically for customization of the interface and contains thousands of ready-made solutions. You do not need to search for third-party files or configure complex settings, since the entire process is automated and optimized for a specific version of MIUI.
To get started, open the app and go to the Profiles or Icons section, which is usually located in the bottom menu or sidebar.This is a huge catalog of sets created by both designers and independent artists. You can browse the preview to see how the new style will look on your lock screen and desktop.
Once you select a set you like, click Download and then Apply. The system automatically replaces the standard shortcut images with new ones, while maintaining the functionality of the applications. If you don't like the result, you can always go back to the themes menu and choose another option or restore the standard look.
- 🎨 A huge selection of free and paid design solutions.
- ⚡ Instant application of changes without restarting the device.
- 🔄 The ability to combine elements of different themes to create a unique style.
- 🛡️ Security: All files are checked before being published in the store.
⚠️ Note: Some themes can only be optimized for certain screen resolutions, so on models with non-standard proportions, icons may not display correctly.
Replacement of icons through third-party launchers
If the built-in MIUI feels limited, an alternative shell known as launcher is a great solution, replacing the standard desktop with advanced widget, gesture and, of course, shortcut management options for those who want maximum control of the interface.
Popular launchers such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchair support the installation of icon packages from Google Play. After installing such a launcher, you need to download a separate application pack (Icon Pack), which contains graphic files. In the launcher settings in the Look & Feel or Appearance section, you can select the installed package and apply it to the entire system.
Importantly, when using third-party launchers, some proprietary MIUI features, such as “second space” or specific control gestures, may not be available.In addition, some launchers may consume more RAM, which on budget smartphones can lead to more frequent closure of background applications.
☑️ Check before installing the launcher
For performance-enhancing users, there are lightweight versions of launchers that minimize resource consumption, allow you to change icons, but offer fewer visuals and animations, a trade-off between beauty and speed that older smartphone owners often choose.
Manual replacement of individual application shortcuts
Sometimes the user doesn't need to change the style completely, but only a few specific icons that are out of the overall color scheme, which can be done using the shortcut creation feature available in most launchers and some system menus, which takes longer, as each shortcut is created individually.
To replace the icon, click and hold your finger on the empty desktop, select the Widgets or Shortcut option. In the list, find the app you want to change the image for. Once you add a shortcut to the screen, you often have the option to select an image from the gallery or library of the system, and you can download any picture in PNG format and use it as a new icon.
This is ideal for creating a minimalist desktop where all icons are the same shape and color, or vice versa, for creating a thematic design, for example, in the style of cyberpunk or retro. However, it is worth remembering that such shortcuts may not update the notification counters (badge), as they are static links, not dynamic widgets of the application.
| Parameter | Built-in themes | Third-party launcher | Hand-substituted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Impact on the battery | Minimum | Medium/High | Minimum |
| Flexibility of setting | Limited. | Tall. | Complete. |
| Support for notifications | Complete. | Depends on the launcher. | Absent. |
Why did the icons disappear after the replacement?
Set up the size of the grid and font
Visual desktop experience depends not only on the images themselves, but also on how they are located. In the settings of the Xiaomi system, there is a section of the Screen where you can change the font size and scale of the display. Enlarging the font automatically makes the icons larger, which can be useful for people with low vision or for devices with high resolution screen.
You can also use the desktop menu to set up a grid, and you can choose a configuration like 4x5 or 5x6, which will change the number of shortcuts that fit on a single screen. A dense grid allows you to place more apps, but makes the icons themselves smaller, while a rare grid, on the contrary, increases their size and improves readability.
Remember, the Enhanced Mode feature, which scales up all interface elements to make them more touchable, is a global change that affects not only the desktop, but also the settings menu, messages and browser, and can be addictive, but it greatly improves the ergonomics of using a smartphone with one hand.
⚠️ Attention: Changes in pixel density (DPI) through the engineering menu can lead to incorrect display of the interface of some applications, making the text unreadable.
Compatibility issues and MIUI bugs
When actively customizing, users sometimes encounter situations where new icons are not applied or displayed as white squares, often due to system cache or version conflict. If after installing a theme you see standard icons instead of new ones, try clearing the theme app cache through the application management menu.
Another common problem is desynchronization after an Android or MIUI update. New versions of shells can change the structure of paths to graphic files, which causes old themes to stop working correctly. In such cases, theme developers usually release updates, but if the theme is abandoned, you will have to look for an alternative.
Sometimes the problem is with specific application models, and some programs, especially banking or system ones, take priority in displaying their original icon and resist replacement, and you can get around that limitation by creating a shortcut through a third-party launcher that will force the image you choose to substitute on top of the original one.
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If a new theme flies off after the reboot, check if you have the Close Apps mode enabled for the Themes system process in the battery settings.
Creating your own package of icons
For advanced users with graphic design skills, it is possible to create their own set of icons. This requires the use of graphic editors such as Adobe Photoshop or free GIMP to render images in PNG format with a transparent background. The standard size for modern screens is 192x192 pixels or more.
Once the graphics files are ready, they need to be packaged in a format that Android understands. There are design applications like Icon Pack Studio that let you upload your pictures, customize your masks and shapes, and then assemble the finished ones. APK-This file can be installed on your smartphone and used as a regular theme.
Creating your own style is a time-consuming process, but it guarantees a unique look that will not be repeated by any other user: You can make icons in the style of your favorite movies, games or just choose the perfect color palette to suit your mood or smartphone case.
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Personalization through creating your own icons is a level of customization that takes time, but gives an absolute uniqueness of the interface.