How to Change the Style of Xiaomi Buttons: 5 Verified Ways (2026)

Buttons on Xiaomi devices are not just controls, but part of the visual interface language that creates the impression of using a gadget. Standard icons in MIUI or HyperOS can seem boring, especially if you are used to customizing Android. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to change their appearance - from simple themes to deep system modifications.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from official tools (for example, Themes and Customizations) to advanced solutions using ADB or third-party launchers. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of firmware - MIUI 14, MIUI 15 and the new HyperOS, which replaced the classic shell, and you will learn how to avoid typical errors that can lead to interface failures or loss of functionality of buttons.

Important: not all methods are universal. For example, changing the style of hardware buttons (for example, power or volume buttons) requires root rights, while virtual navigation buttons or icons in the menu can be transformed without deep interventions. We will separately note which methods are safe for beginners and which are designed for advanced users.

1. Official Topics: The easiest way to change button design

The safest and most recommended method Xiaomi uses is the built-in Themes app, which allows you to change not only wallpaper and fonts, but also the style of system elements, including buttons in the notification bar, settings menu and even virtual navigation.

To apply a new theme:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
• 🔍 In the search bar, type a query, such as "minimalism buttons" or "neon icons".
• 🎨 Choose your favorite theme and click Apply.Some themes may require additional payment (from 50 to 300 rubles for premium options).
• 🔄 If the changes do not apply to the buttons, restart the device.

Note that not all themes are about hardware buttons (physical volume/power keys) and their style depends on the firmware and device model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with HyperOS, virtual navigation buttons can be completely repainted, and on the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14, only slightly adjust the transparency.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need for root rights or technical knowledge.
• ✅ All changes are reversible – you can return the standard style in one click.
• ✅ New themes are added regularly (weekly updates in the official store).

⚠️ Note: Some topics may conflict with system fonts, which will lead to cropping of text on buttons.

2. set up virtual navigation buttons in MIUI/HyperOS

If you are not satisfied with the appearance of the navigation buttons (for example, "Back", "Home", "Recent"), they can be personalized without installing themes.

1. Go to Settings → Display → Navigation buttons.
2. Choose the display style: Buttons (classic), Gestures (full screen control) or Full screen gestures (for HyperOS).
3. Click on Additional Settings (if available) and select the color, transparency, or shape of the buttons.

HyperOS has an option called Adaptive Color, which automatically adjusts the button shade to the desktop wallpaper, but this feature doesn’t work on all models — for example, on the POCO F5 it is available, and on the Redmi 12 it may not.

For devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or X-rays) POCO X6 Pro) it is recommended to use dark or completely black buttons – this will reduce power consumption and increase battery life.

💡

If the settings don’t have the option to change the color of the buttons, try turning on the developer mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times) and activating the Force Dark Mode option. This can unlock additional design options.

3.Using third-party launchers to customize buttons

If Xiaomi's built-in tools seem limited, you can install an alternative launcher.

• 🎨 Nova Launcher – allows you to change button icons in the docking station panel, add gestures and animations.
• 🔧 Action Launcher – Supports adaptive icons and quick action customization.
• 🖼️ Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher optimized for Xiaomi.

To change the style of the buttons through Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Press the finger free space on the desktop → Settings → Appearance.
3. Choose the Icon Style and apply the icon package (e.g. Pixel Icons or Whicons).
4. To change the buttons in the navigation bar, use the NavStar module (requires Magisk).

Restriction: Third-party launchers cannot change the system buttons (for example, in the notification bar or in the settings menu).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with a s) MIUI 13) when using third-party launchers, navigation gestures may disappear. Before installing, back up the settings in Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

4. ADB-Teams for Advanced Users

If you’re ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can change the hidden button design options, which is suitable for power users and requires connecting the device to a PC.

Example of commands to change the transparency of navigation buttons:

adb shell settings put global navigation_bar_color "ff000000" # Black


adb shell settings put global navigation_bar_height 48 # Panel height in pixels

To change the style of hardware buttons (for example, backlighting volume keys) on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T) you can use:

adb shell settings put global button_key_light 1 # Include backlighting


adb shell settings put global button_key_light_color "ffff0000" # Red backlight

The full list of supported options depends on the model and firmware version. To see all the available settings, follow:

adb shell settings list global | grep "button"

After you have applied the commands, restart the device. If the buttons become invisible or no longer respond to the presses, return the standard settings:

adb shell settings delete global navigation_bar_color

5.Castomization through Magisk modules (requires root)

For deep modification of the interface, including the replacement of the icons of the system buttons, modules for Magisk are used.

• 🛠️ MiuiHome Mods – allows you to change icons in the menu, notification panel and navigation.
• 🎨 Iconify – supports the replacement of icons for volume, power and other items.
• 🔄 QuickSwitch – a module for changing the style of the task switch and buttons in it.

Installation of the module through Magisk:

1. Download the module file (.zip format) from the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum.
2. Open the Magisk application → Modules → Install from storage.
3. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
4. Reset the device.

Example: Iconify for MIUI module allows you to replace standard button icons on Xiaomi with stylized versions from Google Pixel or Samsung One UI. However, be careful - not all modules are compatible with HyperOS. Before installing, check user reviews with your device model.

⚠️ Note: Some Magisk modules may conflict with system updates before installing a new update MIUI HyperOS temporarily disable all modules via Magisk → Modules. → Turn it off.

Backup of data through TWRP

Check the compatibility of the module with your version of MIUI/HyperOS

Disable the antivirus (it can block the installation)

Charge the device at least 50%

Make sure Magisk is updated to the latest version-->

6 Manual editing of system files (for experts)

The riskiest, but also the most flexible, method is direct editing of firmware files, which is only suitable for users with experience with Android and a backup system.

Key files responsible for the style of buttons:

• /system/framework/framework-res.apk – contains standard icons and styles.
• /system/app/Lawnchair/Lawnchair.apk (if used) – customized launcher elements.
• /data/system/theme/ is a folder with the current theme used.

For editing:

1. Download the firmware file for your model from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
2. Unpack payload.bin with the Payload Dumper tool.
3. Find the desired.apk file and edit it with APKTool.
4. Replace the icons in the folder res/drawable (for example, ic_sysbar_back.png for the "Back" button").
5. Collect the file back and run through TWRP.

This method requires knowledge of the structure of Android firmware and the ability to work with ADB/Fastboot. editing error can lead to bootloop (a looped boot), so it is recommended to test the changes on the backup.

💡

Editing system files without a backup can render the device inoperable. Always check for changes on an alternative device or emulator before you run the firmware.

Frequently asked questions