The visual aspect of a smartphone interface plays a huge role in the comfort of everyday use. The standard set of MIUI or HyperOS icons can seem boring, and many users are looking for ways to personalize their desktop. Fortunately, Xiaomi’s ecosystem provides ample customization options without the need for superuser rights.
Changing the appearance of application shortcuts is the first step to creating a unique design for the device. You can completely transform the appearance of the system by replacing standard graphic elements with stylized sets or even dynamic widgets. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods, from built-in functions to advanced third-party solutions.
The process of replacing graphics does not require deep technical knowledge, but has its own nuances depending on the version of the operating system. It is important to understand the difference between changing a global theme and replacing individual elements. The built-in Xiaomi theme store allows you to change icons without installing third-party launchers, maintaining the original smoothness of the system.
Use of the built-in “Themes” application
The easiest and safest way to diversify the interface is to use the manufacturer's regular tools. Themes app is pre-installed on all devices of the brand and contains millions of design options. To access the library, you just need to find the appropriate shortcut in the Tools folder or in the settings menu.
Inside the store, there's a huge catalog where you can filter content by popularity, novelty or rating. Many designers create entire sets where the icons are completely consistent with the design of the notification curtain and menus. Some themes are free, others require payment or viewing ads.
When choosing a design, pay attention to compatibility with your version of Android and MIUI. Sometimes theme created for older versions of the shell may not display correctly on new smartphones. Once the theme is downloaded and installed, the system will automatically apply new graphic elements to all supported applications.
- 🎨 Open the Topics app and go to the Profile section».
- 🔍 Type a keyword in your search, such as “iOS icons” or “Neon».
- ⬇️ Click the “Download” button and then “Apply».
- ✅ Restart the device if the changes do not take effect immediately.
Customization of icon style in MIUI and HyperOS
Modern versions of Xiaomi shells allow you to flexibly customize the style of shortcuts without changing the theme completely. This feature is especially useful if you like the current design of the system, but want to refresh the look of the desktop.
In the settings section, you can choose from several preset styles. Classic, Material Design, or other popular operating systems are often available, and changes are instantaneous and only affect the shape and color of the shortcuts, without touching the wallpaper or widgets.
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If the standard theme store doesn’t work due to regional restrictions, change the region in your phone settings to India or Singapore – this will open up access to the full directory.
It's worth noting that customization through system settings has limitations: you can't change the icon of a particular application to a random image without using third-party software, but for most users, the basic functionality is enough to create a pleasant visual experience.
⚠️ Warning: When installing themes from unreliable sources in third-party stores, there is a risk of malicious code being introduced.
Installation of third-party launchers for full customization
For those who want to gain full control of the look of a smartphone, the ideal solution is to install an alternative shell. Launcher replaces the standard desktop, providing advanced options for setting up grids, gestures and, of course, icons.
Popular options for Xiaomi devices are Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, and Microsoft Launcher. These apps allow you to assign individual images for each shortcut. You can download a pack of icons from the Play Market and apply it globally or select a picture from the gallery for a specific application.
☑️ Preparation for launcher installation
The process of customizing an individual icon is usually like this: you need to press the shortcut for a long time, select "Change" or "Edit" and then specify a new source of the image, which allows you to create a truly unique interface where each icon reflects your taste.
| The name of the launcher | Difficulty setting up | Support for icon packages | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Medium | Complete. | Low. |
| Lawnchair | Low. | Complete. | Minimum |
| Smart Launcher | Low. | Partial | Average. |
Creating custom shortcuts through Shortcut Maker
If you don't want to change the entire launcher, but you need to replace the icons for specific applications, Shortcut Maker is a powerful tool that creates new shell shortcuts on top of existing applications. It allows you to use any images from the gallery or icons from installed packs.
To start, you need to download the application from the official store. After you start, select the category "Apps", find the desired software in the list and click on it. In the menu that opens, you can change the name of the shortcut, its icon and even the action that is performed when you click.
The thing about this method is that you create a copy of the shortcut, so that you only have a new design on your desktop, you remove the old standard shortcut (remove it from the screen), and you place the new label, and it doesn't remove the app, it just changes the way you run it.
Why does an icon look blurry?
Using Shortcut Maker is a limitless creative experience, so you can create themed groups, change colors to wallpaper, or make a minimalistic black and white interface, and the key is not to overuse the number of widgets to keep your RAM from overloading.
Compatibility issues and display bugs
When you actively customize, users may encounter technical problems, and it often happens that after you update your MIUI system, some themes stop rendering icons in the app menu correctly, due to changes in the shell code that disrupt the layout of old designs.
Another common problem is the unsynchronization of notification counters, custom icons may stop displaying the number of unread messages, and this is an Android security limitation that prevents third-party graphics from accessing system notifications without special permissions.
- 🔄 Reset the launcher settings in the app menu.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache of the “Themes” application through the storage settings.
- 📲 Check for updates to the system and the themes themselves.
- 🚫 Turn off battery optimization for launcher.
In some cases, resetting screen settings helps. Go to Settings → Desktop and try resizing the grid or turning off animations. If the problem persists, it may be that a particular theme is simply not optimized for your smartphone model.
⚠️ Warning: Frequent change of heavy live themes can lead to accelerated battery discharge and heating of the device in standby mode.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to download themes from third-party sites?
Can you get it back if you don’t like the new design?
Why did the icons change after the icons were lost?
Does a large number of widgets and custom icons affect the speed of work?
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The optimal balance between beauty and performance is achieved by using high-quality static icon packages instead of heavy animated themes.
Customization of Xiaomi’s interface is a fascinating process to make your smartphone your own. Experiment with different styles, combine methods, and find the perfect combination of functionality and visual appeal. Remember that choosing the right desktop elements is not only pleasing to the eye, but also speeds up navigation on the device.