The visuals of a smartphone are as important to many users as the technical stuffing. The standard set of graphics in the shells of MIUI or the new HyperOS can seem boring, especially if you want to give the device a personality. Fortunately, the Android system that underpins Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco gadgets allows you to make deep interface changes without having to get superuser rights.
The process of replacing application graphics can range from simply installing a finished file to manually rendering each element through special editors, which allows you to completely transform the desktop to make it minimalist, neon or retro. It is important to understand that each method has its own characteristics, level of complexity and impact on the performance of the system.
In this guide, we will break down all the available personalization methods, from built-in tools to advanced methods for enthusiasts. You will learn how to avoid common errors when installing third-party launchers and where to look for quality resources for design. Changing icons through the Themes system application is the only method that is guaranteed not to disrupt the notifications and widgets.
Use of the built-in Themes application
The easiest and safest way to change the look of the interface is to use the regular Theme app, which is pre-installed on all devices of the brand. This method does not require the installation of additional software and ensures maximum stability of the system, the design database is constantly replenished by both official designers and the user community.
To get started, start the app and go to Profile (usually the human icon in the lower right corner) and select Themes to open a catalog of available styles. Many of them are free, but some design work may require payment or have limited functionality in global firmware versions.
Once you have selected your favorite design, click Download and then Apply. The system automatically replaces wallpaper, system sounds, fonts and, most importantly, application icons. If you only like a set of graphic elements and you don't want to change the rest, you can often select the option of Configure components from the theme application menu and leave only icons.
- 🎨 A huge selection of styles from the Mi Community.
- 🔄 Ability to quickly roll back changes at any time.
- ⚙️ Integration with system functions without conflict.
- 📉 Minimum battery consumption.
⚠️ Note: If you change region to your phone settings (e.g. India or Indonesia), the theme directory may become unavailable or restricted due to the company’s licensing restrictions.
It’s worth noting that global firmware versions may have fewer themes available than Chinese builds, but even a basic set is often enough to find something interesting. If a standard store doesn’t offer the right option, there are alternative methods for downloading.mtz theme files, but they require deeper intervention.
Third-party launchers for deep customization
If the built-in Xiaomi shell feels limited, third-party launchers will come to the rescue, special shell applications that completely replace the desktop, app menus and control panel. Popular options like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher provide almost limitless customization options.
Once you install this app from Google Play, the system will suggest you choose it as the default launcher. In the new interface settings, you will find the sections that control the appearance of shortcuts. Often you can change the grid size, hide the signatures of the applications or add animations when you click, which allows you to create a unique ergonomics of using your smartphone.
The main advantage of third-party solutions is that they support icon packs, which can be downloaded as a separate graphics file that automatically applies to all installed programs, and unlike system themes, they are often updated by authors and contain thousands of elements.
- 🚀 High speed of work and optimization of animations.
- 🖌️ Detailed configuration of each element of the desktop.
- 📦 Support for thousands of third-party icon packages.
- 🔒 Ability to hide applications and password protection.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers may conflict with control gestures MIUI/HyperOS. If swipes stop working, it is recommended to switch to button management or use special patches for launchers.
It is important to understand that installing a third-party launcher changes the logic of the device. Widgets may appear differently, and some system features, such as Wallpaper Carousel, may stop working correctly.
☑️ Check before installing the launcher
Manual icon creation through Shortcut Maker
For those who want to create a unique design from scratch or change only one particular application, Shortcut Maker is ideal. This tool allows you to generate new shortcuts with any picture, shape and even animation. The creation process takes only a couple of minutes, and the result looks professional.
Once you start the app, select the App option and find the program you want to change in the list. Next, click on the current icon to open the editor. Here you can select an image from the gallery, use a color background, a gradient, or even download it. SVG-The system will offer options for pruning and scaling.
Once you have set up the look, click Create, a new shortcut will appear on the desktop that will run the app you select, and you can remove the old shortcut or move it to the folder to keep the space out of the way, a method that is particularly useful for creating themed collections, such as just for work applications or games.
The uniqueness of the method is the ability to overlay filters and change the shape of the label itself, making it round, square or as a droplet. You can save the created template and apply it to other applications, which greatly speeds up the process of designing the entire interface.
- 🖼️ Supporting any images as a basis.
- 🎭 Possibility of changing the shape and shadow of the label.
- ⚡ Creating shortcuts for websites and contacts.
- 🎨 Editor of gradients and color schemes.
⚠️ Note: Shortcut Maker shortcuts are separate links, and if you remove or reinstall the main application, the created shortcut may stop working and you will have to recreate it.
Using these tools takes a while, especially if you plan to redesign all the apps on the home screen, but the result is worth it: you get an interface that no other user in the world can replicate.
Comparison of methods of customization of the interface
The right way to change your icons depends on your goals and technical background, and each method has its own strengths and weaknesses that must be considered before you start modifying the system.
| Method | Difficulty | Impact on the battery | Flexibility of setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annex Topics | Low. | Minimum | Medium |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Average. | Tall. |
| Shortcut Maker | Tall. | Minimum | Maximum |
| Systemic fonts | Low. | Absent. | Low. |
As you can see from the comparison, embedded themes win in stability but lose in flexibility. Third-party launchers balance functionality and convenience, and manual creation through editors suits perfectionists. The choice is yours, but remember the balance between beauty and performance.
Keep in mind that too many animated elements or heavy widgets on the desktop can lead to micro-latency when scrolling through screens, especially in mid- and low-end models where CPU resources are limited.
The impact of live wallpaper on productivity
Compatibility issues and display bugs
When actively customized, users often encounter visual artifacts, such as icons that may not match the style they choose, but remain standard, or display with a white background instead of a transparent one, a common problem associated with the system's caching of graphic elements.
One common reason is aggressive memory optimization in MIUI. The system can force the launcher or theme editor to shut down, resetting changes. To avoid this, you need to go to the battery settings, find the application you are using, and set the Unlimited mode.
There may also be conflicts between different icon sources. If you apply a theme and then install a launcher icon package, priority can be given to one of them randomly, in which case cleaning the theme app cache through the Settings menu → Apps → Application Management helps.
- 🧹 Cleaning the graphic shell cache.
- 🔋 Disabling energy savings for the launcher.
- 🔄 Reboot the device after application of changes.
- 📉 Reset screen and font settings to the standard.
⚠️ Warning: Changing system icon files through root rights can lead to a “bootloop” if you are unsure of your actions, avoid direct replacement of files in the directory /system.
Another nuance is notifications, and some custom icons don’t support notification badges (numbers with the number of unread messages), which means you have to choose between a beautiful but blind interface and a functional but standard look.
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If after changing the icons, the notification numbers disappeared, try in the launcher settings or them to find the item “Notification icon style” and change it to “Inside the icon” or “Outside”.
Where to find quality resources for design
The quality of the final result depends on the source materials, and using blurry images of low resolution will spoil the impression of even the most expensive ones. AMOLED-To search for graphics, it is recommended to use specialized resources where the content is moderated.
The official repository is MIUI Themes, which is accessible through a browser, where you can find files that for some reason did not make it to your local directory, and there are large communities on the 4PDA and XDA Developers forums where enthusiasts share their work.
Stock photo services with a CC0 license, such as Unsplash or Pexels, are great for finding individual images under labels. They provide high-resolution images that are ideal for creating backgrounds or icon bases. It is important to download PNG images with a transparent background for better results.
When searching, use keywords in English, as most authors use it. Query like minimalist icon pack, neon UI kit or flat design icons will give you hundreds of suitable options for your smartphone.
- 🌐 Official Xiaomi Theme Portal.
- 💬 Developer forums XDA and 4PDA.
- 📸 Stock photo services (Unsplash, Pexels).
- 🎨 Designers (Dribbble, Behance).
Remember, if you use the work of independent artists for personal design, that's OK, but distributing their work or giving it away for your own can be a problem. Respect the work of the content creators.
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The quality of the icons directly affects the perception of the interface: blurred or stretched images make the look of the smartphone cheaper, even if you have a flagship model.