How to change the shape of icons on Xiaomi with MIUI 12: all the ways from system settings to custom solutions

Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 shell offers users the flexibility to customize the interface, but not everyone knows how to make the most of it. One of the most noticeable design elements is the shape of the app icons. By default, the system offers standard square icons with rounded corners, but many want to make them round, adaptive or even apply unique styles like iOS-like or material design.

In this article, we will explore all the ways to change the shape of icons on MIUI 12, from built-in tools to third-party launchers and hidden features. We will focus on the nuances for different models (Redmi Note 10, Poco X3, Mi 11, etc.), and also tell you how to get around the limitations of the system without risking stability. If you are tired of monotony or want to adjust the interface to your style, read on.

Method 1: Change the shape of icons through the system settings MIUI 12

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI 12 options. Although the shell doesn’t offer a wide variety of shapes, there are basic options that will suit most users.

To change the shape of the icons:

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Go to Screen Style (some models may call it a Home Screen).
3. Select the Form of the icons.
4. Available options: 🟨 Square (standard) 🔵 Rounded square (rounded corners) 🟢 Circle (fully round icons) 🟣 Adaptive (adjusted to wallpaper)

Some firmware (e.g., Poco F3 or Mi 10T) may have an optional option called "Squircle" (between square and circle), and if it doesn't, your version of MIUI 12 doesn't support it.

⚠️ Note: After changing the shape of the icons, some third-party apps (such as Nova Launcher or Action Launcher) may reset. Before experimenting, back up the launcher configuration if you use it.

Method 2: Using MIUI themes to change icons

If built-in shapes aren't enough, you can go further by installing a custom theme from the official MIUI Themes store. Many themes not only change the color scheme, but also transform the shape of icons by adding unique styles.

How to do this:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the popular section or for you.
3. In the search bar, enter the requests: 🔍 round-icons 🔍 ios style icons 🔍 adaptive icons 🔍 squircle theme

Apply

Note that not all themes are compatible with MIUI 12. If icons are still present or artifacts are present, try another theme or check its ratings and reviews. For example, the "iOS 15 Style" theme from MiFan developer works well on most devices, but may conflict with some launchers.

⚠️ Attention: Using third-party themes can increase battery consumption by 5-15%, as some interface elements are rendered again. If you notice an accelerated discharge, return the standard theme or check the energy saving settings in Settings → Battery.

Method 3: Third-party launchers with support for custom icons

If MIUI 12 system tools aren’t enough, you can install an alternative launcher, an app that completely replaces the standard home screen and allows you to flexibly customize the interface, including the shape, size and style of icons.

The best launchers to change icons on Xiaomi:

• 📱 Nova Launcher – supports adaptive icons, icon packs (Icon Packs) and manual form customization via plugins.
• 🎨 Action Launcher – a unique feature of Adaptive Icons for dynamic shape change.
• 🔄 Lawnchair 2 is open source, optimized for MIUI, Supports Android 12+ style.
• 💎 Hyperion Launcher - advanced animations and customization of icon shapes.

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Press the finger free space on the screen → Settings.
3. Go to the Appearance. → Badge style.
4. Choose Adaptive or install an icon package (such as Whicons or Delta).

Backup of current screen settings

Check the compatibility of the launcher with MIUI 12

Disable battery optimization for launcher in settings

Install a package of icons (optional)

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Important: On devices with MIUI 12 and below, some launchers may conflict with system gestures. If swipes stop working after installation (for example, backtracking), turn off gestures in Settings → Additional → Full-screen mode.

Method 4: Manually change the shape of icons through ADB (for advanced ones)

For users ready to dive into the technical details, there is a way to change the shape of the icons through the ADB-This will allow you to apply non-standard styles that are not available in normal settings. ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global icon_shape_system 1 Where 1 — It's the form code: 0 — square 1 — round-square 2 — circle 3 — squircle 4 — adaptive

Reset the device.

If the command fails, try an alternative method by changing system files (requires root rights):

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




echo "1" > /system/build.prop#ro.miui.icon_shape




reboot

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If the icons have disappeared or artifacts have appeared after executing commands, reset the settings via adb shell settings delete global settings. icon_shape_system.

Method 5: Custom firmware for maximum flexibility

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or Havoc-OS) will open up access to advanced interface settings, including the shape of icons, which is suitable for power users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and potentially devoid of warranties.

Advantages of custom firmware for customization of icons:

• 🔧 Complete freedom in the choice of form (up to hexagons or arbitrary shapes).
• 🎨 Support for Icon Packs without restrictions.
• 🔄 The ability to change shape dynamically (e.g. depending on the time of day).
• 🛠️ Absence of systemic constraints MIUI.

Recommended firmware for Xiaomi:

Before installing custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Make a full backup through TWRP (including the Data section).
4. Sweep through the firmware and GApps (if required).

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your model on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum. Some firmware may not support cameras or communication modules on Xiaomi devices with proprietary drivers.

Problem Solving: Why don’t the shape of the icons change?

Sometimes, even after all the instructions are followed, the shape of the icons remains the same, and let's look at the typical causes and ways of eliminating them:

Problem 1: There is no “shape of icons” item in the settings.

• 🔹 Possible reason: Your version MIUI 12 trimmed (e.g. for Redmi) 9A POCO M3).
• 🔹 Solution: Update the firmware to the latest version or install MIUI EU (European).

Problem 2: After applying the theme, the icons have not changed.

• 🔹 Possible reason: Theme is incompatible with your model or version MIUI.
• 🔹 Solution: Clear the Themes app cache in Settings → Annexes.

Problem 3: The launcher does not use a new form of icons.

• 🔹 Possible cause: conflict with system settings MIUI.
• 🔹 Solution: in the launcher settings, disable the option Use system icons.

Problem 4: After ADB-commands form dropped.

• 🔹 Possible reason: System overwrites settings after update.
• 🔹 Solution: Repeat the command or use Tasker to automatically apply the form when downloading.

💡

If none of these methods worked, check to see if changing the form of Xiaomi’s Security app blocks the customization of the interface in some regional firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the shape of the icons MIUI 12