How to change icons on Xiaomi Android smartphones: all ways of 2026

App icons on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often look monotonous: standard MIUI design can get tired after a couple of months of use. Fortunately, the manufacturer and third-party developers offer several ways to change them, from simple themes to deep customization through ADB. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of changing icons, including hidden shell functions and solutions for advanced users.

It's important to understand that customization options depend on the MIUI version and the device model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15, there are some options available, and on the budget Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14, we took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will suit most modern devices of the brand. If you want to not just change the icons, but completely transform the interface, read to the end, where we will talk about hidden launcher settings and manual editing of system files.

1. Method: Using the built-in MIUI themes

The easiest and safest method is to install ready-made themes from the official MIUI Themes store, which requires no root rights and is suitable even for beginners, and not only icons change in themes, but also fonts, wallpaper, animations and even system sounds.

To apply a new theme:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
• 🔍 In the search box, type a query, such as “minimalism icons” or “dark icons".
• 🎨 Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. The system will automatically replace the icons on all screens.
• 🔄 If the theme is paid, you can use a free trial period (usually 5 minutes).

Note that some themes do not change the icons of all applications, but only system (calls, messages, gallery). For third-party programs (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp), you will need to use other methods, which we will describe below.

2. Method: third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If you don't have enough built-in themes, you can install an alternative launcher, which completely replaces the standard MIUI desktop, offering advanced settings, including changing icons.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher is the most flexible, with support for icon packs from Google Play.
• 🎯 Apex Launcher – lightweight and fast, suitable for weak devices.
• 🌌 Hyperion Launcher - Stylized for iOS, with unique animations.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Download your favorite icon pack (such as Whicons or CandyCons).
3. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings → Style of icons.
4. Select the downloaded icon pack and apply the changes.

Make sure that the device has enough memory (minimum 200 MB)

Disable battery optimization for launcher in MIUI settings

Download icon pack before installing launcher (some packs paid)

Backup your current desktop (via Settings) → Annexes → Launcher)-->

Important: Once a third-party launcher is installed, some MIUI features (such as pop-ups or navigation gestures) may not work properly. To return the standard interface, go to Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher and select MIUI Launcher.

3. Method: Manual replacement of icons via ADB (without root)

For advanced users who want to selectively replace icons without installing a launcher, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to press the version → return to → For developers).
• 📁 A set of icons in.png format with resolution 192×192 pixel.

Step-by-step:

adb shell


pm list packages | grep -i "name packet application" # For example, com.android.contacts




adb pull /data/app/com.android.contacts-1/base.apk # Download APK apps



Edit APK with APKTool, replace the icons in the folder res/drawable



adb install -r edited.apk # Install the edited application

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing APK-files can cause an application to crash or a cyclical system reboot. Before experimenting, back up your data via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

4. Method: customization applications (Icon Changer, Shortcut Maker)

If previous methods seem complicated, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play, which allow you to change icons for individual applications without making deep changes to the system.

Top.-3 icon-shifter:

Example of Icon Changer:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select the app you want to change your icon for (e.g. Chrome).
3. Click Change the icon and select an image from the gallery or downloaded pack.
4. Save the changes – a new label will appear on the desktop.

💡

If after changing the icon through Icon Changer the original shortcut remained, manually remove it: pinch the icon on the desktop and drag it to the basket.

5. Method: Hidden settings of MIUI Launcher

Many users are unaware that the standard MIUI launcher hides additional customization options that can be activated via ADB or special commands, such as:

• 🎨 Free Scaling Mode of Icons (Size Change).
• 🔄 Hiding app names under icons.
• 📂 Grouping icons into folders without restrictions.

To activate hidden functions, run the command in ADB:

adb shell settings put global miui_use_custom_icon_shape 1


adb shell settings put global miui_icon_shape 0 # 0 is a square, 1 is rounded, 2 is round

After that, new options will appear in the launcher settings (Settings → Desktop → Icon Style), for example, you can choose the shape of the icons: square, rounded or round.

💡

The hidden MIUI Launcher settings do not work on all models; on some devices (e.g., the POCO F5), these commands may not work due to manufacturer limitations.

6. Method: Manual editing of system files (root only)

If your Xiaomi has root access installed (e.g., through Magisk), you can manually replace the icons in the system files, a method that gives you maximum freedom, but requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
2. Go to the folder. /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/ and find APK-file.
3. Copy the APK to your computer and edit it with APKTool, replacing the icons in the res/drawable folder.
4. Collect the APK back, sign it and install it via adb install.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect editing of system APK This can lead to a bootloop before work begins:

• Create a full backup through TWRP or OrangeFox.
• Check the compatibility of the editable APK with the MIUI version.
• Use only proven icon sources (e.g. IconPacks).

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have prepared a comparative table of all the methods described:

For most users, a combination of built-in themes and Nova Launcher is the best solution. If you want complete freedom, consider ADB or root access, but be prepared for the risks.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions