The visual aspect of MIUI or HyperOS is key to how a smartphone is perceived by the user. Often, a standard set of graphics elements seems boring or doesn’t fit the overall desktop style you’re planning to create, and that’s when the question arises of how to change icons to Xiaomi Redmi to personalize the device and make it truly your own.
The process of replacing icons on Xiaomi and Redmi devices is radically different from pure Android because of the features of the shell. There is no direct ability to simply click and replace a file, like on a computer. The system offers several levels of access to changes, from safe changing the theme of the design to deep modification through third-party launchers. Deep customization allows you to change not only the images, but also the logic of the interface.
In this article, we will explore all available methods, from standard system tools to advanced ways for power users, you will learn why standard settings may not work in some regions and how to circumvent these restrictions, and we will also touch on the topic of security when installing untested modifications.
MIUI and HyperOS for changing icons
The easiest and safest way to change the look of apps is to use the built-in Themes app. Xiaomi has a powerful skin engine that replaces system graphics without having to get super-user rights.
To get started, you need to open the Themes app on your desktop. In the bottom menu, select the Profile tab (usually a human icon). In the list that opens, look for Signs. Here, the system will offer a set of preset styles that will instantly replace standard images with alternative ones. Preinstalled sets often include minimalist, neon or material designs.
If the built-in options are not enough, you can download new packages from the online catalog. Type "Icons" or "Icons" in the search, after which the system will filter the results, showing only graphics packages. After downloading the package, remember to click the "Apply" button, otherwise the visual changes will not take effect. This method is the most stable and does not affect the performance of the device.
⚠️ Note: When changing theme or icon package, some system applications may temporarily display with standard icons until the interface or smartphone itself is fully rebooted.
Using third-party launchers for complete freedom
When standard MIUI shell tools become scarce, third-party launchers come to the rescue, and these are alternative desktops that completely replace the system interface. Popular options like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher allow you to change the icons for each application individually, which you can not do with standard tools without them.
Once you install the launcher from Google Play, the system will request permission to use it as the main desktop screen. Agree with this action. Next, in the new launcher settings, find the "Look" or "Icons" section. Here you can download any icon package downloaded separately, or select an image from the gallery for a particular application. Customization allows you to create a unique design by mixing the styles of different authors.
However, it’s worth considering that third-party launchers can consume more battery life than Xiaomi’s optimized system launcher.In addition, some features, such as gesture swipes or built-in weather widgets, may not work properly or require complex additional setup.
☑️ Checking the compatibility of the launcher
The Problem of Regional Limitations and their Solutions
Users who have bought global versions of smartphones or devices with firmware for Europe (EEA) often face a limitation: the Themes app does not have a tab “Bads” or search does not find the right packages, this is due to licensing agreements and regional policy of the company, to return full functionality, you do not need to refish the phone.
There is a proven method of circumventing this restriction by changing the region in the system settings. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Region. Change the current region to India, Indonesia or Vietnam. The Themes app will automatically update the directory and the icon tab will be available. Changing the region is a secure software manipulation without affecting personal data.
The interface may also have regional-specific advertising recommendations, and once you have set the desired icons, you can return the region, but the packages may stop updating or disappear from the list of applied ones.
What to do if the tab never appeared?
Manual installation of icon packets via APK
For advanced users who want to use exclusive designs that are not available in the official store, there is a method of manual installation of.mtz files. These are theme or icon pack files that are distributed on developer forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA).
First, download the icon packet file from a trusted source. Then, in the Themes app, go to the profile and click on the menu button (three dots or settings icon). Select "Import" or "Download from ZIP" if this option is available in your version. Specify the path to the downloaded file. The system recognizes the package and prompts it to apply. MTZ files contain not only graphics, but also design scripts.
Be very careful when downloading files from unverified sources. The theme file may contain malicious code that will access your data. Always check other users' comments and the author's reputation before downloading. Security of the device is more important than a beautiful appearance.
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Use a file manager with hidden folder access to manually check the contents of the downloaded archive before installing it. Make sure there are no suspicious executable scripts inside, only image resources and xml configs.
Comparison of methods of customization of the interface
To make it easier for you to choose the right way to change your appearance, we've developed a comparison table that will help you assess the risks, complexity and possibilities of each method, and the choice depends on how deeply you are willing to interfere with the system.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Flexibility of settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in themes | Low. | Tall. | Medium |
| Change of region | Low. | Tall. | High (access to the catalogue) |
| Third-party launchers | Medium | Medium | Very high. |
| Manual installation (APK/MTZ) | Tall. | Low (virus risk) | Maximum |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best option is to combine a change of region with a built-in theme store, which gives you access to thousands of designs without risking disrupting the stability of the smartphone, and the balance of safety and beauty is best served in this case.
Common Errors and How to Resolve Them
In the process of customization, users often face problems when icons are partially used or the system is unstable. One of the common mistakes is the conflict between the installed third-party launcher and system updates HyperOS. After a major firmware update, the third-party desktop may stop starting or work with errors.
If you notice that the icons are gone, black squared, or gone, try resetting the theme launcher settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Themes and click on Clear Data. Then apply the standard Classic or Unnamed theme to return the system to its original state.
Another problem is that it can store old images in memory for a long time, and in this case, it helps to completely reboot the device, and if that didn't work, maybe the theme file is corrupted or not compatible with your version of Android, in which case it's worth looking for an updated version of the package.
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The main key to success when changing icons is to create a restore point or backup data before installing unknowns so that in case of a failure, the phone quickly comes back to life.