How to change the style of icons on Xiaomi: from standard themes to custom packs

The standard MIUI icons on Xiaomi smartphones become boring over time — too bright, too monotonous, or just don’t fit your style. Fortunately, the manufacturer and third-party developers offer a variety of ways to change them, from built-in themes to deep customization through ADB or alternative launchers.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to change your icons to Xiaomi (including MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS models), compare their pros and cons, and avoid common mistakes. If you want to change your images, but completely transform the interface, here are instructions for any level of training, from beginner to advanced user.

⚠️ Important: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can lead to loss of warranty or unstable operation of the device.

1. Standard MIUI themes: the easiest way

If you're not ready to experiment with firmware or third-party software, start with the built-in MIUI functionality. It offers hundreds of free and paid themes that change not only icons, but also fonts, wallpaper, animations. Here's how it works:

Go to Settings → Theme → My Themes (or just open the Themes app from the menu).

• 🎨 Recommended – Xiaomi collections (updated weekly).
• 🔍 Search – Enter keywords like “minimalism” or “iOS".
• 📥 Downloaded – Your saved themes.
• 🛠️ Theme Editor – to create your own theme (not available on all devices).

After selecting a theme, click Apply – icons will change automatically. Some themes support dynamic icons (adaptive to wallpaper), but this requires MIUI 13+.

⚠️ Warning: free themes often contain ads in the form of watermarks on wallpaper. To remove them, you will have to buy a premium version of the theme (costs from 50 to 300 rubles).

2. Third-party launchers: Nova, Apex, Microsoft Launcher

If you don't have enough built-in themes, install an alternative launcher, which completely replaces the standard MIUI interface, including icons, gestures and transitions.

To change the icons through the launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Download icon packs (such as Whicons, Delta or CandyCons).
3. In the launcher settings, select Icon Style → Apply icon pack.
4. If necessary, manually assign icons to individual applications.

Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources)

Check compatibility with the Android version

Make a backup of current settings

Disable battery optimization for launcher-->

Important: on Xiaomi with HyperOS, some launchers may conflict with system gestures. Before installing, check user reviews of your model.

3. Icon packs without launcher: apps like Icon Changer

If you don't want to change the launcher, but you need custom icons, use specialized applications that work on top of the standard interface, replacing the icons through shortcuts.

• 📦 Icon Changer – Simple Editor with Preview.
• 🎨 Awesome Icons – More than 10,000 free icons.
• 🔄 X Icon Changer – Support for animations and adaptive icons.

How it works:

1. Install the application and download your favorite icon pack.
2. Select the application you want to change the icon for.
3. Assign a new icon – the program will create a shortcut on the desktop.
4. Remove the old icon (the original app will remain on the menu).

⚠️ Note: this method does not change the icons in the application menu, only on the desktop.

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Before replacing the icons, take a screenshot of your current desktop, which will help you quickly re-locate your apps if something goes wrong.

4.Castomization through ADB: for advanced users

If you need a deep change to system icons (like in settings or notification panel), you will need ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which is suitable for MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm grant com.miui.home android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
3. Install Hex Installer or MIUI Mods to download custom modules.
4. Download the icon module (e.g. MiuiSystemIcons) and apply it through Magisk.

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB This can lead to a bootup (cyclic reboot). Before experimenting, backup through adb backup.

5.Manual modification through APK editing

This is a method for enthusiasts who are willing to dig through system files, and it allows you to replace the icons of any application, including system ones (for example, Settings or Phone).

• 💻 PC with Android Studio or APKTool installed.
• 📱 Root access or unlocked bootloader.
• 🔧 Ability to work with XML-file.

Instructions:

1. Download the APK application (for example, via APK Extractor).
2. Unpack it with APKTool: apktool d base.apk -o output_folder
3. Find the icons in the res/drawable folder (.png or.webp format).
4. Replace your files with your own (retain original titles and permission!).
5. Gather it. APK back: apktool b output_folder -o modified.apk
6. Sign up for APK and install it via adb install.

⚠️ Attention: modified system APK This can cause errors when updating. MIUI. After each update, the procedure will have to be repeated.

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APK editing is the most flexible method, but also the riskiest. Errors in code can lead to the collapse of an application or the entire system. Use only if you are confident in your skills.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Depending on your goals and level of training, a different method will be suitable:

For most users, the best option is a combination of standard themes and a launcher, which gives maximum customization without risk to the system. If you want unique icons (for example, in the style of iOS or Material You), try Nova Launcher with the icon pack Whicons.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When changing icons, users face typical problems:

• 🔄 Icons are reset after the update → Use a cloud-backed launcher (like Nova Launcher).
• 🚫 Not all icons have changed. → Manually assign icons for each application in the launcher settings.
• 🐢 Launcher's slowing down → Turn off animations in the settings or try Lawnchair (it's lighter than Nova).
• ⚠️ System icons don't change → It's not possible without root. Use it. ADB or put up with restrictions.

If notification icons or quick settings are missing after changing icons, check:

1. Does the launcher conflict with MIUI Optimization (disable it in the settings for developers).
2. Do you have two scorings at the same time?
3. Have you reset the permissions for the application (reset the phone).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions