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

Standard MIUI icons are not popular with everyone — their design often seems too bright, childish or just doesn’t fit into your style. Fortunately, Xiaomi offers several ways to change the look of the icons, from simple theme settings to deep customization through third-party launchers and even manual editing of system files. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including those that work on the latest versions of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 (2026).

It’s important to understand that customization options depend on the smartphone model and firmware version. For example, the flagships of the Xiaomi 13/14 series or the Redmi Note 12 support more options than the budget Poco M6 or the old Redmi 9A. We will specify the limitations for each method so that you do not waste time on non-working solutions.

If you want to change the color of the icons, and completely transform the interface, prepare for the fact that some methods will require unlocking the bootloader or installing additional applications. But don't worry: most options are available without root rights and do not violate the warranty.

1. MIUI Standard Themes: Quick Style Change

The easiest way to change icons is to use built-in MIUI themes.This method does not require installing third-party apps and works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices with official firmware.

To apply a new theme:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Topic tab (bottom of the screen).
3. Pick a theme you like from the collection. Notice the "Icons" tag, which indicates that the theme changes the style of the icons.
4. Click Apply and confirm the changes.

MIUI 15 adds dynamic icons that automatically adjust to the color of the wallpaper to activate it:

1. Click the empty space on the main screen → Screen settings.
2. Select Styles of Icons → Dynamic Icons.
3. Turn on the switch and select a palette (such as pastel tones or dark accents).

Limitations of the method:

• 🔄 Not all themes change app icons – some only affect system icons (calls, messages, settings).
• 🎨 The quality of icons in free themes is often low – blurry or sloppy icons.
• 🔒 Paid themes (from 50 to 300 rubles) usually offer a more elaborate design.

⚠️ Note: After changing the theme, some icons may not display correctly (e.g., Google Play or WhatsApp icons will remain standard). MIUI Does not replace icons of third-party applications without additional settings.

2. Use of third-party launchers

If you don't have enough built-in themes, you can install an alternative launcher, which is an app that completely replaces the standard MIUI interface, including icon style, animations, and even control gestures.

• 📱 Nova Launcher – flexible customization of icon sizes, support for custom packs (for example, Whicons or CandyCons).
• 🎨 Lawnchair is an open source launcher that mimics the Pixel Launcher, but with advanced customization options.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi, supports dynamic wallpaper and adaptive icons.
• 🖼️ Apex Launcher – allows you to change the shape of icons (round, square, rounded).

To install custom icons through the launcher:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Install icon packs (search for "icon pack") Popular packs: Fluxo, Minima, Lines.
3. Open the launcher settings → Appearance → Style of icons.
4. Select the installed pack of icons.

Download APK launcher from the official website|Make a backup of current settings|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Check compatibility with the Android version-->

Advantages of launchers:

• 🔧 Full control over the appearance - you can change not only the icons, but also fonts, animations, application grid.
• 📲 Works without root rights and does not require unlocking the bootloader.
• 🔄 It is easy to return the standard interface – just turn off the launcher in the application settings.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C POCO X5) Launchers may conflict with system gestures. If you lose swipes to return after installation, return the standard launcher or adjust gestures manually to Settings. → System system → Gestures.

3. Manually modifying icons via ADB (for advanced)

If you’re ready for more complex manipulations, you can manually replace system icons with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a technique that requires connecting your smartphone to a PC and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to change any icons, including system icons (calls, settings, camera), that are not customizable.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁 A set of.png icons with the right sizes (usually 192×192 px MIUI).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm access to debugging.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and check the connection: Adb devices must display your device’s serial number.
3. Download system icons using the command: adb pull /system/app/Launcher2/Launcher2.apk (the path may vary depending on the model).
4. Unclick Launcher2.apk with APKTool and replace the icon files in the res/drawable folder.
5. Gather it. APK back and set it up through ADB: adb install -r Launcher2_mod.apk

Risks of the method:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty – if you damage system files, the service center may refuse repairs.
• 🔄 Unstable work - after the update MIUI Your changes will reset.
• 🛠️ Difficulty rollback – if something goes wrong, you may need to flash it again.

4. Applications for customization of icons

If ADB It seems too complicated, but standard themes don't work -- try specialized apps that allow you to change icons without deep system tampering, but require permission to access settings (e.g., customized apps, android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS).

The best apps for Xiaomi:

How to use Icon Changer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select the app you want to change (e.g. Chrome)
3. Click Change the icon and select an image from the gallery or built-in library.
4. Save the changes – a new shortcut will appear on the home screen.

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If the icon changes via Icon Changer and it resets after restarting, add the application to autoboot: Settings → Battery → Autostart and turn on the switch for Icon Changer.

Disadvantages of the applications:

• 🔄 Shortcuts, not real icons – you create duplicate apps, which can be confusing.
• 📱 Not all launchers are supported – on a standard launcher MIUI It could be bugs.
• 🔋 Battery consumption – background work of customization applications increases power consumption.

5. Custom firmware: complete freedom

If you're willing to take drastic measures, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Evolution X) will open up unlimited customization options.

• 🎨 Install any icon packs without restrictions.
• 🔧 Change the shape, size and shadow of icons through system settings.
• 🖼️ Apply themes at the system level (including animations and fonts).

However, this method has serious disadvantages:

• 🔓 Requires unlocking the bootloader – the process is officially supported by Xiaomi, but resets all data.
• 🛡️ Loss of warranty – most service centers refuse repairs after installing custom software.
• 🔄 Risk of “bricking” – if you make an error during firmware, the smartphone may stop turning on.

If you do, follow this algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (you need a Mi Account tied to the device).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Download the right firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience for Xiaomi 12T) from the XDA Developers forum.
4. Flush the firmware through TWRP and perform a data reset (Wipe → Format Data).

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Custom firmware is the only way to get full customization of icons without the limitations of MIUI, but is only suitable for advanced users, ready for risks.

6. Hidden MIUI settings: adaptive icons

MIUI 14/15 has hidden features that allow you to customize the appearance of icons without third-party applications, for example, you can include adaptive icons that automatically adjust to the wallpaper, or change their shape.

To activate hidden options:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to About Phone and click on MIUI Version 5 times to turn on Developer Mode.
3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
4. Find the option Shape of icons (or Icon Shape) and select one of the options: 🟥 Circle) 🟦 Square (Square) 🟪 A rounded square (Squircle) 🟩 A drop (Tear)

To include adaptive icons (change color depending on the wallpaper):

1. Click the empty space on the main screen → Screen settings.
2. Choose Styles of Icons → Adaptive icons.
3. Activate the switch and adjust the intensity of the effect.

To check if your app is supported in the icon pack, use Icon Request, a feature available in most launchers.

1. Long tap on the icon → Change.
2. Choose Edit → Request an icon.
3. The pack developer will receive a notification and may add a missing icon in the next update.

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Before buying a paid icon pack, check it out on the free version – many packs offer a trial period or a stripped-down version with 500 icons.

FAQ: Frequent questions