How to change the style of emojis on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones emojis are often the subject of controversy: some like the corporate identity of MIUI, others want to return classic emojis from Google or Apple, and still others dream of fully customized sets. The problem is that the manufacturer does not provide a built-in option for changing the design — all changes have to be done bypassing standard settings. In this article, we will analyze the working methods for different versions of MIUI (from 12 to 15), including solutions without root rights and using ADB.

It's important to understand that the process varies depending on the smartphone model and the firmware version. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15, some methods may not work due to tightened security restrictions, whereas on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 13, the same actions will go smoothly. We tested all methods on current devices and indicated nuances for each.

If you are not ready to experiment with system files, start with the simplest options – installing one or third-party keyboards. For advanced users, we will describe in detail the methods with ADB and modification of font files, which give maximum freedom in setting the appearance of emojis.

Method 1: Using MIUI themes to change emojis

The safest and most reversible method is to install themes from the official MIUI Themes store. Some themes change not only the wallpaper and icons, but also the style of the emoji. Unfortunately, the choice is limited, and the result is not always predictable: sometimes only part of the emoji changes, and sometimes the whole set changes.

How it works:

• 🔍 Open the Themes app (icon with brush) on your Xiaomi.
• 📱 Go to the Popular or For You section and search for “emoji” or “smiley faces».
• 🎨 Select your favorite theme (such as iOS Emoji or Google Emoji) and click Apply.
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes changes only take effect after a reboot.

Advantages of the method: does not require root rights, does not affect the warranty, all changes roll back in one click. Cons: limited choice of topics, not all emojis can change (especially this applies to rarely used characters). On some firmware (MIUI 14+), the themes may not affect emojis at all - it depends on Xiaomi's policy for the particular model.

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Before installing the theme, check the reviews of other users – often the comments indicate whether the emojis or only the wallpaper change.

Method 2: Third-party keyboards with custom emojis

If the themes don't work, try changing the keyboard. Many apps (like Gboard, SwiftKey, or Fleksy) let you choose the style of the emoji regardless of the system settings. This won't change the emojis in messages and apps, but at least you'll see the familiar design as you type.

Instructions for setting:

1. Install the keyboard from Google Play (recommend Gboard as the most stable).
2. Activate it in settings: Settings → System → Language and input → Current keyboard.
3. In the keyboard settings, look for the “Emoji” or “Emoji” section and select a style (like iOS, Twitter, or Samsung).
4. Back to typing – now when you enter emojis, you will see the chosen design.

The method limitation: it only changes the display when you type, not in the messages themselves. So if you send the emoji to WhatsApp, the recipient will see it in the MIUI style, not in the design you choose, but it works on any device, including POCO and Black Shark, and does not require administrator rights.

Method 3: Change emojis through ADB (no root)

For those who are ready for a deeper setup, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable, which allows you to replace the system font files responsible for displaying emoji without obtaining root rights. The method works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15, but requires caution - improper actions can lead to system failures.

Step-by-step:

Download and install ADB PC-only|Enable debugging on USB Xiaomi|Download the archive with the necessary emoji fonts|Make a backup copy of the original files|Connect the phone to the PC by USB-->

1. Download and install ADB on your computer (instructions are available on the Android Developers website).
2. On your smartphone, turn on USB Debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Download the archive with the desired fonts (such as Google Emoji or Apple Color Emoji) and unpack it into a folder with ADB.
5. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute commands: adb shell su -c "mount -o rw,remount /system" su -c "cp /sdcard/Download/NotColorEmoji.ttf /system/fonts/" su -c "chmod 644 /system/fonts/NotColorEmoji.ttf" su -c "reboot" Note: file names (NotColorEmoji.ttttf) may vary depending on the archive.

After the reboot, the emojis should change. If something goes wrong, return the original files from the backup. This method does not work on some devices with MIUI 14+ due to blocking the entry to the /system partition, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader or obtain root rights.

Method 4: Install custom firmware with alternative emojis

For high-risk users, there’s a radical method — installing custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS — which uses standard Google emojis (or other firmware-based kits) and offers flexible look and feel.

Advantages:

• 🔄 Complete replacement of system emojis at the OS level.
• 🛠️ Additional customization options (themes, animations, sounds).
• 📱 It works on most Xiaomi devices, including Redmi and POCO.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the device and can void the warranty.
• 🔧 You need fastboot skills and TWRP.
• 🔄 There are some bugs, especially on newer models (e.g. Xiaomi 14).

If you decide to take this step, follow the official instructions for your model on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.Please note: on some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12T), it can take up to 7 days to unlock the bootloader due to Xiaomi's policy.

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Custom firmware is the only way to gain full control over emojis, but it is only suitable for experienced users, ready for potential risks.

Method 5: Modification of system files (for root users)

If you already have root rights, you can manually replace the font files that display emojis, which gives you the maximum freedom to install any set of emojis, including custom designs from the community.

What will be required:

• 📱 Root access (for example, via Magisk).
• 🖥️ Root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 📁 Archive with the desired fonts (e.g. NotoColorEmoji.ttf for Google emojis).

Instructions:

1. Download the archive with fonts and unpack it.
2. Open the file manager with root access and go to /system/fonts/.
3. Create a backup of the original files (e.g. NotoColorEmoji.ttf.bak).
4. Copy the new font files into /system/fonts/.
5. Set 644 (rw-r----) rights for new files.
6. Reset the device.

Critical: On some Xiaomi devices (such as Mi 11 Ultra), font files can be stored in /product/fonts/ or /vendor/fonts/. Before replacing, check all possible locations to avoid errors.

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Before modifying system files, make a full backup through TWRP – this will help restore the functionality if something goes wrong.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier, we've put together a table with the pros and cons of each method. MIUI and willingness to experiment:

For most users, a combination of themes and a third-party keyboard is the best solution. If you want a global change and you're risk-averse, try the ADB method or custom firmware installation. Remember, on new devices (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), some methods may be blocked by the manufacturer.

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On devices with MIUI 15 and later, most methods without root stop working due to enhanced protection of the system partition, in which case only custom firmware or third-party keyboards remain.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change your emoji to Xiaomi, users are faced with common mistakes, and we have collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If you have replaced the fonts through ADB The phone stopped loading, try going to fastboot and run the command fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img (If you have Magisk installed, this can help you restore your workflow without completely flashing it.

Problem 1: Emoticons have only changed in some apps (for example, WhatsApp has remained old).

Solution: This is normal behavior — some messengers (like Telegram or Viber) use their own emoji sets. To see the changes globally, check system applications like Messages or Contacts.

Problem 2: After replacing fonts with ADB, some characters are displayed with squares.

Solution: You probably haven't replaced all the files you need. /system/fonts/ should have at least NotoColorEmoji.ttf and EmojiCompat.ttf (names may differ). Return the original files and repeat the procedure.

Problem 3: The ADB commands do not work on MIUI 15, and the error is read-only file system.

Solution: On newer versions of MIUI, the /system partition is blocked for writing even through ADB. In this case, only unlocking the bootloader and installing a customized Recovery (TWRP), or using Magisk to modify system files, will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions