Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the desire to personalize their device’s interface, and one of the first steps is to change the shape of app icons. The standard design of the MIUI system or the new HyperOS by default offers a set of shapes that may not match the aesthetic preferences of the user. Fortunately, the shell provides flexible tools to transform the appearance of the desktop without the need for superuser rights.
The process of changing icon geometry involves system settings of the theme, allowing you to instantly switch between strict squares, soft circles or complex shapes with rounded edges. Deep customization is available even on stock versions of firmware, without requiring the installation of third-party software from unverified sources, which makes the procedure safe and reversible at any time.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail the standard methods of changing the shape of icons through the settings menu, consider the nuances of working with the theme of design and touch on the compatibility of various versions of the operating system. You will learn to manage the visual style of the interface, making it unique and convenient for you.
Use of built-in design theme settings
The easiest and most reliable way to change the geometry of icons is to use the built-in functionality of the system, which manufacturers have sewn directly into the settings menu so that users can quickly adapt the interface to their taste.
Next, you'll find the look and feel section, which, depending on the version of the shell, can be called Themes, Wallpaper and Personalization, or just Theme, and that's where the main controls for the visual style of the device, including fonts, sounds and, of course, icon shapes, are concentrated.
Once you enter the personalization menu, the system will suggest you choose one of the preset styles. Classic squares, full circles, and rounded-angle shapes are usually available. The choice of a particular option is applied instantly to the entire desktop and application menu.
It is important to note that applying a new icon style can affect the display of widgets and some system elements.If the style you choose seems uncomfortable, you can always go back to the previous option on the same menu.
⚠️ Note: When you change the style of the icons, some old widgets may temporarily disappear or change their size.
Some users prefer to use third-party launchers for deeper customization, however, Xiaomi's regular tools often run more stable and do not consume excess battery resources. Built-in optimization ensures that animations for opening folders and switching pages will remain smooth.
Step-by-step instructions for MIUI and HyperOS
The interface of settings may vary slightly on different versions of the firmware, but the overall algorithm of actions remains the same for all current models, whether it is Redmi Note or flagship Xiaomi 14.
First, unlock your smartphone screen and find the Settings app. In the list that opens, scroll down to Wallpaper and Personalization. In older versions of MIUI, this item may be immediately in the main settings menu or simply called Themes.
In the menu that opens, select the icons (or Icons) option. The system will offer you a gallery of available forms. Here you will see a preview of how your applications will look like. Tap the desired option to activate it.
☑️ Checklist of icon change
After choosing a form, the system may suggest downloading additional components or updating the theme to correctly display all icons.Agree to an update if required, as this ensures that there are no leaky icons that do not support the new style.
In some cases, especially when using global firmware versions, the option to change the form may be hidden inside the Themes app. To do this, open the theme app, go to the profile (human icon) and select Settings, where you can also find the Modify theme -> Icons.
⚠️ Note: If some icons are square after the change of shape, then there is no round analogue for them in the current topic.
Working with the Themes app and third-party packages
The MIUI Theme Directory is a huge database where you can find not only wallpaper, but also custom icon packages, and often users want to leave their favorite theme, but only change the icons to round ones, and the theme store allows you to do that.
To find the desired style, type in the search for the Themes application queries like "Round Icons", "Circular" or "iOS style." Many authors create themes that change only the geometry of icons without affecting the system windows and notification curtain.
When installing a third-party theme, pay attention to compatibility with your version of Android. Version conflict may cause the theme to apply partially or cause the interface (launcher) to reboot. Always check the rankings and comments on the topic before downloading.
How to set the theme manually?
After applying a new theme or icon package, the system will suggest choosing which elements to use. Make sure that (check) is on the item Icons, so as not to knock down other design settings that suit you.
It’s worth remembering that some system applications, such as Settings, Phone or Messages, can ignore third-party icon packs while remaining in the style specified by the region or firmware version.
Comparison of interface design styles
Choosing between square and round icons is not just a matter of taste, it's also a matter of ergonomics. Different shapes are perceived differently by the eye and take up space on the screen, and understanding the differences will help you make an informed decision.
Round icons make the interface easier to visually, making it more user-friendly and modern, often associated with iOS or pure Android, and square shapes allow you to fit more detail into the image and look more rigorous and informative.
| Characteristics | Round icons | Quarat icons | Rounded (Squircle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual style | Soft, modern. | Strict, classic. | Optimal balance |
| Part capacity | Low (edging edges) | Tall. | Medium |
| Compatibility with widgets | Tall. | Tall. | |
| Popularity at MIUI | High (through themes) | Basic (default) | Growing |
When choosing a style, consider the density of the icons on the desktop. On screens with high pixel density, round shapes can look more neat, creating a sense of airiness of the interface.
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The rounded shape (Squircle) is considered the middle ground, combining the aesthetics of the circle and the usable square area, making it the most popular among interface designers.
Solution: icons don’t change or are displayed incorrectly
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where after applying a round theme, some icons remain square or look stretched, a common problem associated with the lack of a mask for a particular application in the chosen theme.
MIUI uses a masking mechanism where a theme shape is superimposed over a standard icon, and if the theme developer didn't provide a mask for a rare application, it will remain in its original form, and you can solve this by finding a universal icon package in the theme store.
Another reason could be the launcher cache. If you changed the theme but nothing happened on the screen, try clearing the System Launcher app cache. To do this, go to Settings -> Apps -> All Apps, find the launcher and select Clear -> Clear cache.
In rare cases, especially after a system update, theme settings may get lost, check to see if the mode is activated "Simple Mode" or "Mode for the elderly", as it often has its own, unchanging sets of large icons.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use root-rights apps to change icons unless you are confident in what you are doing, which can cause a bootloop to happen).
If the problem is massive and concerns system icons, the theme file may be damaged. Try resetting the theme to a standard ("Classic") and then applying the style you want again.
Additional settings of the desktop and grid
Once you've successfully changed the shape of the icons to round, you should pay attention to their location. Round icons often require a more sparse grid to look aesthetically pleasing and not merge into a single mass.
Click on the empty space on your desktop and select Settings (or Screen Settings). Here you can change the grid size. For round icons, 4x6 or 5x7 grids on standard screens are optimal, which allows you to maintain a balance between the number of applications and visual comfort.
Also, in the launcher settings, you can turn on or off signatures under icons. For round icons, disabling signatures often makes the interface cleaner, since the round shape itself is a bright accent, and the text can visually overload the picture.
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Use widgets with a transparent background in combination with round icons – this will create the effect of soaring elements and significantly update the look of your Xiaomi.
Remember folders. With round icon styles, folders can also look different. In some themes, folders automatically adapt to the general style, becoming round or getting a blurred background (blur effect), which looks very modern.
Experiment with wallpaper. Round icons work best on abstract or gradient wallpapers, where there are no clear geometric lines crossing the icons, and this creates a harmonious composition on the home screen.