Personalization of the interface is the first thing that owners of new Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones are striving for. The standard set of graphic elements often seems boring or too overloaded to users, so the desire to diversify the visual experience is quite natural. The MIUI shell and its new HyperOS analog provide ample opportunities for customization, allowing you to turn the device into a unique gadget.
The process of changing icons can range from simply selecting a ready-made set in the store to deeply modifying the system through third-party launchers. It is important to understand that some methods require minimal technical knowledge, but the result is worth it. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods in detail, assess their pros and cons, and give recommendations for safe installation of modifications.
Before we make any changes, it's worth noting that visual style affects not only aesthetics but also usability. Too contrasting or pale icons can make the interface less readable in bright sunlight. So when you choose a new package, pay attention to the contrast and size of the elements.
Use of the built-in “Themes” application
The easiest and safest way to change the look of your desktop is to use the standard Theme app, which is pre-installed on all your devices and doesn't require super-user rights or dubious software, and the database of graphical updates is huge and is constantly being updated by both official designers and independent authors.
To get started, open the app and go to the Profile tab or click on the person icon in the lower right corner. Here you are interested in the Icon section. The system will offer several pre-installed options that can be applied instantly. If standard sets are not enough, click on the Get More Icons button to open the online directory.
Not only are you looking for full designs, but you can also look for individual icon packs. Pay attention to the theme ranking and downloads: popular options are usually better optimized and contain fewer bugs. After choosing your favorite style, click Download and then Apply. The system will automatically replace the standard images with new ones.
- 🎨 A huge selection of free and paid design options from the community.
- 🔄 The ability to quickly return a standard view in one click.
- ⚙️ Automatic Style Apply to Most System Applications.
- 📉 Minimum battery resource consumption compared to third-party launchers.
Note that not all applications can be displayed correctly in third-party themes. Some software developers use their own graphical resources that ignore the system design settings. In such cases, the icon will remain standard, which can create a visual imbalance on the desktop.
What to do if the icon does not change?
Installation of third-party launchers for deep customization
If MIUI isn't enough, third-party launchers will come to the rescue, full-fledged replacements for the standard shell that completely change the logic of the desktop, the app menu and, of course, the appearance of icons. Popular options like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher give you almost unlimited freedom of action.
Once you install the launcher from Google Play, the system will prompt you to select it by default. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → Application Management → Three dots in the corner → Default Apps. Select the installed launcher from the list. Now, when you press the Home button, a new interface will open.
Most advanced launchers have a separate section for icon management, where you can not only choose the finished pack, but also manually change the image for each individual program, which allows you to create a truly unique composition by mixing the style of different sets.
☑️ Launcher setup
However, using third-party shells has its nuances: they can consume more RAM, which is critical for budget models of smartphones; In addition, transition animations can differ from the system, creating a sense of “foreignness” of the interface.
⚠️ Note: When installing launchers from unknown sources (not from Google Play), be sure to check. APK-Malware can be disguised as useful tools for design.
Manual replacement of icons through file manager
For advanced users who want to replace a specific icon without installing an entire theme or launcher, there is a manual replacement method that requires an image file (usually in PNG format) and a file manager with access to system folders, such as MT Manager or ZArchiver.
The method is to rename your image to the exact file name of the original icon and replace the file in the system directory. /system/media/theme/default inside APK-This method requires caution, since an error in the file name can cause the icon to disappear.
Before any manipulations are initiated, it is strongly recommended to back up the file to be replaced. If the system stops loading or displaying the interface after the replacement, you will be able to return the original via Recovery or TWRP mode.
| Parameter | Description | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| File format | PNG with transparent background | Low. |
| Permission | Recommended 192x192 or higher | Medium (blurring) |
| Location. | System folders or APKs | High (mistake of path) |
| Necessary rights | Root rights are often mandatory | critical |
This method is ideal for those who want to change just a couple of icons, such as for commonly used instant messengers, without affecting the rest of the system, but when you update the firmware, all changes will be reset and the procedure will have to be repeated.
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Use online image converters to bring your images to the PNG format with alpha channel (transparency) before replacing, this will eliminate the appearance of white squares around the icons.
Application of widgets and fonts for complex style
Changing icons alone often creates a patchwork effect, where new bright icons contrast with standard weather or watch widgets. To create a harmonious image, you need to choose the design components in a single style. In the Xiaomi theme store, you can often find sets that include icons, widgets, and even wallpaper.
Fonts play an equally important role in the perception of the interface, and by changing the system font to a more rounded or stricter one, you can radically change the mood of the device, and you can also download new fonts through the Themes app in the Fonts section.
And don't forget the live wallpaper. The dynamic background can go well with translucent or neon icons to create a depth effect, and static images are better suited for minimalist, flat Material Design designs.
The integrated approach takes time to pick up the elements, but the result is worth it. The device becomes not just a tool, but a reflection of the owner's taste. Experiment with combinations, but try not to overload the screen with too much detail.
Compatibility issues and bugs after style change
Even with official tools, there are sometimes situations where the new icon style is not properly applied, such as icons that can become black squares, disappear altogether, or appear in low resolution, often due to launcher cache or conflicting versions of the Themes app.
If you notice that after installing the pack, the icons in the app menu look normal and not on the desktop, try removing the widget from the desktop and adding it again. In some cases, cleaning the data of the Themes application itself through the application management menu helps.
When using third-party launchers, it is common to desynchronize notification counters (badges), the number of new messages may not be displayed or displayed on top of the old background, and this is solved in the settings of the launcher itself in the “counters” or “Badges” section.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to slow down or warm up after changing icons, delete the last theme installed. Poorly optimized graphics elements can load the GPU.
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Most visual bugs are solved by simply restarting the device or cleaning the launcher app's cache.Don't rush to reset the phone before factory settings.