Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They often have to personalize their device interface, and one of the most popular tasks in this direction is to change the name of the application on the desktop. This not only highlights important programs among hundreds of other icons, but also hides their true purpose from prying eyes.The standard Android interface does not provide a direct function to rename installed icons. APK-files, but an ecosystem MIUI The new HyperOS offers several workarounds to accomplish this task.
There are two main approaches to solving this problem: using built-in thematic tools and installing third-party launchers. The first method is preferable for those who want to keep the system stable and not waste excess RAM. The second option opens up limitless possibilities for customization, but requires more careful configuration. In any case, the process of changing the icon names is safe and does not require obtaining superuser rights (Root).
In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, consider the nuances of working with system applications and give recommendations on choosing the best method for your smartphone model. You will learn how to use the theme editor to change names and which launchers best cope with this task on Snapdragon and MediaTek processors.
Using themes to change icon names
The most common and native way to change the signature under the icon on Xiaomi is to use a special theme. XML-You don't have to be a designer to use this method, because Themes already has thousands of ready-made solutions in the store.
To get started, open the standard Themes app on your device. Type queries like “Rename,” “Change Name,” or “Icon Changer” into the search box. Notice the description of the topics: often authors indicate that the theme allows you to rename applications. Once you load the theme, take your time to apply it fully, as this can change the entire visual style of the system, including wallpaper and notification curtain.
To change the name of a particular application, do the following:
- 🎨 Apply the downloaded theme to the entire smartphone through the profile menu.
- 🔍 Return to the Topics app and go to the Profile section (human icon).
- 📱 Select the "Themes" item in the list of applied components.
- ✏️ Click on an active theme, then select “Tune theme».
- 📝 Find the desired application in the list and enter the desired name.
⚠️ Note: Some system updates MIUI They may reset customized names after restarting or updating security components, and then the theme will have to be applied again.
It's important to understand that this method only changes the display name on the desktop, whether it's in the Settings menu, in the list of installed applications, or in the Task Manager, the program will remain under its original name, a visual masking that doesn't affect the functionality or the ID of the application package.
Application of third-party launchers
If the built-in customization capabilities seem limited, third-party shells will come to the rescue. Launchers replace the standard Xiaomi desktop, providing advanced icon management functionality. The most popular and stable solutions to date are Nova Launcher, Lawnchair and Microsoft Launcher.
Once you install the launcher from the Google Play Store, you need to make it the default one. The system can warn you several times about switching to third-party software - this is the standard Android security procedure. Once you activate the new interface, the renaming process becomes trivial: long enough to click on the icon and select "Edit".
Consider the algorithm of actions on the example of Nova Launcher, which is considered a benchmark in this field:
- 🚀 Install Nova Launcher and assign it to the main one.
- 🖱️ Long tap tap tap any app icon on your desktop.
- ✍️ In the menu that appears, select the option “Change” (Edit).
- 🔤 In the “Name” field, enter any text that should be displayed.
- ✅ Click “Ready” to save the changes.
The thing about third-party launchers is that you can create clone shortcuts, so you can shortcut the same application multiple times and give them different names, like Work, Personal, Bank, and that creates the effect of having multiple copies of the program, even though they actually lead to one executable file.
☑️ Check before installing the launcher
Configure through Hidden HyperOS and MIUI Features
Recent firmware versions from Xiaomi, especially HyperOS, have tended to close some of the customization options that were previously available. However, the company's engineers have left several loopholes for advanced users, one of which is related to the "Second Space" mode or the use of profiles where you can duplicate applications with changed names, although this is more a method of cloning than renaming.
Also worth mentioning is the Hide Apps feature, which, while it doesn't change its name, removes the icon from the desktop by hiding it in a special folder that is accessed through a special gesture or code. This is often a more effective measure for privacy than simply renaming. You can find this feature by the Settings path. → Annexes → Hide applications.
For those who want to delve deeper into system settings, there is the option of using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and having basic command line knowledge. With ADB, you can change system resources, but this is a dangerous procedure that can lead to unstable system operation or a “boot” (cyclical reboot).
adb shell pm list packages
adb shell cmd overlay enable --androidUsing ADB commands to rename system applications is not recommended for regular users, as a system update will automatically roll back all changes, and a syntax error can make the phone unusable.It is much safer to rely on proven methods with themes and launchers.
Risks of using ADB to modify the system
Creating widgets with an arbitrary name
Another elegant way to disguise an app is to create a widget that will run the program but have a different name. Standard Android widgets often allow you to customize the look and signature. This method is good because it does not require installing third-party software or using heavy themes.
Many users forget that you can put not only an icon on the desktop, but also a shortcut widget. Depending on the version of MIUI, the standard set of widgets may offer the option of creating a shortcut with a customizable name. If the standard functionality does not allow this, you can use widgets from third-party launchers, even if the launcher itself is not installed as the main one.
The algorithm for creating a shortcut widget:
- 📌 Press and hold your finger in the free space of the desktop.
- 🧩 Select the menu item "Widgets».
- 🔎 Find in the list “Tags” or “Shortcuts».
- 📲 Select the desired application from the list of suggested shortcuts.
- 🏷️ When placed on the screen, the system may suggest entering a name for the widget.
The advantage of this method is its lightweightness: widgets consume less CPU resources than active themes and do not conflict with system security updates. However, the widget may be visually different from the standard icon grid, which may give your attempt to disguise to the attentive observer.
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Tip: If the widget looks too big or has a different style, try changing the size of the desktop grid in the screen settings to align it with the rest of the icons.
Comparison of renaming methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have a comparative table that will help you evaluate the pros and cons of each method depending on your goals: whether you need deep customization, whether performance is important or maximum stealth.
| Method | Difficulty | Impact on the battery | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topics (Themes) | Low. | Minimum | Tall. |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Average. | Tall. |
| Widgets | Low. | Minimum | Tall. |
| ADB modifications | Tall. | Depends on the change. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, the themes are the most balanced solution for most Xiaomi users, which does not require deep technical knowledge and maintains the stability of the system, while launchers are suitable for enthusiasts who want to completely change the appearance of their smartphone, turning it into a unique device.
It is also worth noting that on different versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14) and shells (MIUI 12, 13, 14, HyperOS 1.0), the behavior of the system may differ. For example, in new versions, memory optimization can more aggressively unload the processes of third-party launchers, which will lead to the return of the standard interface after a reboot.
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The best choice for most is to use themes from the official store. It's safe, free and doesn't require any additional software.