Personalizing the look of a smartphone is the first thing users want after buying a new Xiaomi device. The standard MIUI interface or the new HyperOS looks neat, but often seems monotonous against the background of the huge number of options available. Changing the color of the icons allows you not only to stand out, but also to create a single visual concept that aligns with your mood or desktop style.
The procedure for replacing graphics does not require superuser rights or complex programming. Android, which runs Redmi and Poco phones, provides flexible tools for modifying the interface. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, from built-in functions to install specialized launcher applications.
Consider that the appearance of the interface directly affects the usability of the gadget. Properly selected icons improve readability and speed of finding the desired applications. Below are proven methods that will help you transform the lock screen and desktop beyond recognition.
Use of the built-in “Themes” application
The easiest and safest way to change your visual style is to use a regular tool from developers. Themes app is preinstalled on all devices of the brand and contains millions of designs. To get started, you need to open a program that usually has an icon with a brush or is located in the Tools folder.
Inside the store, you can find not only full-length themes that change wallpaper, fonts and system sounds, but also individual icon packages. Go to the bottom menu and select the category "Icons" where you can filter results by color, style or popularity. The official Xiaomi theme store is the only source that is guaranteed to be free of malicious modifications to system files.
Once you select a set you like, click Download and then Apply, and the system automatically replaces the standard images with new ones, and if you don't like the result, you can return everything in a few seconds through the user profile.
- 🎨 Open the Themes app and go to the Icons tab».
- 🔍 Use filters to find a specific color or style (minimalism, neon, retro).
- ⬇️ Click Download and confirm the application of the changes on the home screen.
- 🔄 To return to the standard, go to the profile and select “Reset».
It is important to note that some third-party themes may not cover all installed applications, in which case icons will remain standard, creating a visual imbalance, and the solution may be to manually select an alternate image for each shortcut.
⚠️ Note: When installing themes from unverified sources in third-party stores, there is a risk of disruption to the stability of the interface.
Installation of third-party launchers
If the standard shell isn't enough, alternative launchers come to the rescue, special applications that completely replace the desktop and app menus. The most popular options for Android are Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and Smart Launcher.
Once you install this app, the system will suggest making it the default one, and you'll get access to the advanced look settings, and the launcher's menu often has an "Icon Library" or "Icon Pack" section where you can download any downloaded sets.
The advantage of launchers is that they are highly customizable, so you can change the size of the grid, swipe animations, and panel transparency, but it's worth remembering that third-party software can consume more RAM than the built-in solution.
☑️ Choice of launcher
For users who appreciate minimalism, Niagara Launcher is great. It offers a unique list of applications instead of the usual grid, which allows you to completely forget about traditional icons, leaving only text names or monochrome characters.
Manual replacement of icons for individual applications
Sometimes you need to change the image for just one particular application, for example, to hide it or make it more visible. In the shells of MIUI and HyperOS, this can be done without installing additional software using the shortcut editing function.
To do this, you need to pinch your finger on the app icon on your desktop before the menu appears. Select "Change" (the icon with a pencil). In the window that opens, click on the icon image, and a gallery will open where you can select any picture from your phone's memory or take a photo with your camera.
This method is convenient because it allows you to use your own photos, logos or downloaded from the Internet. PNG-files with transparent backgrounds. You can create a unique set by combining different styles.
- 🖱️ Press and hold your finger on the app shortcut.
- ✏️ Select the “Change” option in the context menu that appears.
- 🖼️ Tap the current icon image to select a new one.
- ✅ Confirm the changes by clicking “Done».
It should be borne in mind that when you update the application itself through Google Play or GetApps, the manually modified icon can return to the factory appearance.
Comparison of personalization methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each option depending on your goals and level of training.
| Method | Difficulty | Impact on the battery | Flexibility of setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in themes | Low. | Minimum | Medium |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Moderate. | Tall. |
| Hand-substituted | High (time) | Absent. | Maximum |
| ADB scripts | Very high. | Depends on the modification. | Systemic |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best balance is built-in themes, which don't require deep knowledge or load the processor, and launchers are chosen by those who want to completely reshape the logic of the smartphone.
What is Overlay and How Does It Affect Icons?
Where to look for quality icon sets
Visualization quality is directly dependent on the source material. There are many resources on the Internet that offer free packages, but not all of them are optimized for high-resolution screens. Look for PNG files with a resolution of at least 512x512 pixels.
Popular platforms like XDA Developers or dedicated 4PDA sections contain enthusiastic work that often outperforms store counterparts in detail.
When downloading archives from unverified sources, always check them with antivirus. The icon files are safe on their own, but the archive may contain malicious code.
- 🌐 Visit the forum XDA Developers in the Themes & Apps section.
- 📱 Use directory apps like “Icon Pack Studio».
- 🎨 Follow the Design Communities on Social Media.
To create your own unique style, you can use graphic editors on a PC or tablet, which will achieve a perfect match to the color range of your wallpaper.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid downloading executable files (.apk) from unknown sites under the guise of icon sets.These packages are often distributed as themes (.mtz) or through app stores.
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may encounter a number of technical difficulties in customization, such as when applying a theme, icons may become too small or overlaid by setting up a grid in the launcher or choosing another theme.
Sometimes the system may not properly display changes by saving old cached images, in which case it helps to clear the cache of the Themes app or reboot the device. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Themes → Storage → Clear the cache.
If you use a third-party launcher and it suddenly stops working or crashes, try upgrading to the latest version. Android and launcher versions conflicts are a common cause of instability.
💡
Before replacing the icons, take a screenshot of the current location of the apps, which will help quickly restore order on the desktop if you do not like the new style.
Also worth mentioning is the Dark Theme feature, which can contrast poorly with the black background, making it invisible. Always check what your new style looks like when the night mode is on.
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Software and launcher compatibility is a key factor in the stable operation of the custom interface. Always check the developer requirements before installing.