How to change the shape of the icons on Xiaomi: 5 ways with settings and without root

Xiaomi desktop icons are the first thing that catches your eye when you turn on your smartphone. The standard square icons with rounded corners that MIUI offers are not popular with everyone. Fortunately, the manufacturer and third-party developers provide several ways to change their shape, from built-in settings to custom launchers. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods for devices on MIUI 12-14, including hidden functions and solutions without root rights.

It is important to understand that the ability to edit icons depends on the version of the shell and the model of the smartphone. 13/14 or Redmi Note 12 Support more customization options than budget Poco M5. Some methods also require a PC connection or use. ADB-Teams – we will describe each stage in detail so that you can choose the best option.

1. Built-in MIUI settings: change the form without third-party programs

The easiest way to do this is to use standard shell tools, and the latest versions of MIUI (starting with 12.5) have the ability to choose from a number of pre-installed icon shapes.

1. Open the Settings. → Desktop.
2. Select the icon style option (on some models – Icon settings).
3. Scroll down to the Form section and select one of the options: Round, Square, Round or Rectangular.
4. Confirm the changes – the icons will be updated automatically.

Note that some devices (e.g. Redmi 10C or Poco X5) may not have this section, so move on to the following methods.

You can also set up in this menu:

• 🎨 Icon color scheme (for system applications only).
• 📏 Size of icons (from 75% to 120% of the standard).
• 🔄 Animation when pressed (enable/disable the zoom effect).

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI Before the new version (for example, from 13 to 14) the shape settings of the icons may be reset. → Additionally. → Export of settings.

2.Using MIUI themes: hundreds of design options

Xiaomi themes are not just wallpaper and fonts, but also a complete reworking of the look of icons. Many themes include unique icon shapes that are not available in standard settings. Here's how to apply them:

1. Open the Themes app (if not, download from Google Play).
2. Go to the icon tab or search for “icon pack”.
3. Choose your favorite theme (e.g. Minimal UI, Neumorphic Icons, or Pixel Style).
4. Click Apply – the system will automatically replace the icons on all screens.

Advantages of this method:

• 🌈 More than 10,000 free themes in the official catalog.
• 🔄 Possibility of partial use (only icons, without wallpaper and fonts).
• 📱 Compatibility with all models Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco on MIUI 11 newer.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Some themes can slow down desktop animations.
• 💰 Premium themes cost from 50 to 300 rubles (payment through Mi Account).

💡

Before installing the theme, check reviews – some users complain of bugs with the display of icons of third-party applications (for example, Telegram or VK).

Third-party launchers: complete freedom of customization

If the built-in MIUI capabilities aren't enough, install an alternative launcher that allows you to not only change the shape of the icons, but also customize gestures, animations and even hide applications.

• 📱 Nova Launcher – supports icon packs from Google Play, flexible scale and shape settings.
• 🎨 Lawnchair – open launcher with integration of Pixel-style icons.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for performance, there is a built-in icon editor.
• 🔧 Apex Launcher – allows you to create custom forms through plugins.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the main one in the default settings of the App.
2. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings → Appearance.
3. In the Icon Style section, select the Icon Shape and set up:

Icon Pack Studio

Whicons

CandyCons

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13, some launchers may conflict with system gestures. If the swipes to return are missing after installation, turn off the option Full-screen gestures in the settings MIUI.

Backup of current icons (screenshots)

Check the compatibility of the launcher with the Android version

Disable battery optimization for launcher in settings

Download 1-2 pack of icons for the test-->

4. ADB-Teams: Hidden Opportunities MIUI

For power users, there is a way to change the shape of the icons via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+, but requires a PC connection.

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB-tools installed.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to press to unlock the developer settings).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Steps to change the shape of icons:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (cmd) in the adb folder and type:
3. Reboot the device. Once you turn on the icons will take the form of a rounded square (value 2).

Other available values for icon_shape:

• 0 is the standard form (depending on the topic).
• 1 - lap.
• 2 is a rounded square (squircle).
• 3 is a rectangle with sharp angles.
• 4 – drop-shaped (not available on all devices).

On devices with MIUI 14 Android 13+ team icon_shape_system It may not work due to changes in security policy, in which case use launchers or themes.

5. Root access: full control of icons

If you're ready to get root rights, there's unlimited customization options, and with apps like Icon Changer or XIconify, you can:

• 🔄 Change the shape of individual icons (not all at once).
• 🎨 Apply gradients and masks to icons.
• 📁 Edit system icons (for example, for Settings or Phone).

Instructions for XIconify:

1. Install Magisk and get root (see instructions for your model on XDA Developers).
2. Download XIconify from the Xposed repository.
3. In the app, select:

Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Getting root rights voids Xiaomi’s warranty and can lead to Mi Account issues (e.g., locking your account when you reset). → Additionally. → Backup.

💡

Root access gives you maximum freedom, but it requires technical skills. ADB-team.

6. Manually editing icons: for designers

If you want unique icons, you can create them yourself.

• 🖌️ Image Editor (Photoshop, GIMP or Canva).
• 📱 Icon Changer app from Google Play).
• 📁 Icon templates in.png format (size) 192×192 px).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the icon template for your form (like Flaticon).
2. Edit the image in the graphic editor (add the logo of the application).
3. Save the file in.png format with a transparent background.
4. In Icon Changer, select the app you want to change the icon for and upload your image.

Design tips:

• 🎯 Use one color scheme for all icons.
• 📏 Stick to a uniform style of form (for example, all icons are circles or rounded squares).
• 🔍 Check how the icons look on a dark and light background.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the shape of your icons, you'll see some common mistakes, and here's how to fix them:

If the smartphone has started to work unstable after the changes:

1. Return the standard icon settings through Settings → Desktop → Reset.
2. Clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → [launcher name] → Storage → Clear the cache).
3. When using ADB, return the standard values to the command:

FAQ: Answers to popular questions