How to change icons on the Xiaomi Redmi desktop: from MIUI themes to custom packs

Xiaomi Redmi desktop with its MIUI shell often raises questions among users: standard application icons look monotonous, and the desire to personalize the device faces the limitations of the system. Unlike “pure” Android, where you can replace icons in two clicks, Redmi will have to use a combination of built-in tools and third-party solutions.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to change icons, from official MIUI themes to custom launchers and manual editing via ADB. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of the firmware (from MIUI 12 to HyperOS), as well as common errors that may cause new icons to fail. If you want to not just change the picture, but completely transform the interface, here you will find step-by-step instructions with visual examples and comparison of methods by complexity.

Why Xiaomi Redmi can’t just replace icons like other Androids

The main problem lies in the architecture of the shell. MIUI. Unlike Google Pixel or Samsung One UI, where users can freely install icon packages through Google Play, Xiaomi is subject to strict restrictions:

• 🔒 Closed Launcher: Standard Launcher MIUI Does not support changing icons through third-party packages (e.g. Icon Pack Studio or CandyCons).
• 🎨 Topics Linking: The only “legal” way is to use topics from the Topics MIUI, But they change not only icons, but also wallpaper, fonts, animations.
• 🛠️ HyperOS Limitations: In newer versions (starting with the MIUI 14) some of the customization functions were removed or hidden deeper into the settings.

This doesn’t mean that the task is impossible, it just takes a workaround, such as installing an alternative launcher (Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher) or manually editing system files via ADB. But each method has its pitfalls, from lost performance to the risk of resetting settings after an upgrade.

Method 1: Using embedded MIUI themes (the easiest method)

If you don’t want total customization, just a desire to refresh the look, start with the official theme store.This method does not require root rights and works on all Redmi models (from Redmi Note 8 to Redmi 13 Pro).

How to apply the theme with new icons:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the icon tab in the lower menu.
3. Choose your favorite pack (e.g. Minimalist Icons or Neumorphic).
4. Click Apply – the system will automatically replace the icons on all screens.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require the installation of third-party applications.
• ✅ Maintains productivity (no launcher background).
• ✅ Supports automatic icon updates when new versions of themes are released.

💡

To return standard icons, go to Themes → Mine → Icons and select the default option.

However, this method has limitations:

• 🚫 It is impossible to change the icons of individual applications (only a complete replacement of the pack).
• 🚫 Many topics are paid (price from 50 to 300 rubles).
• 🚫 After updating MIUI Some topics may be thrown off.

Method 2: Installation of a third-party launcher (Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher)

If the built-in themes aren't enough, the next step is to install an alternative launcher, which completely replaces the standard MIUI interface, allowing you to install any icon packages from Google Play.

Instructions for setting up on the example of Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Download your favorite icon package (such as Whicons or Delta Icons).
3. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings → Style of icons.
4. Select the package from the list.

Make sure that the device has enough memory (minimum 200 MB)|Make a backup of the desktop (Settings) → Backup)|Disable Battery Optimization for Launcher (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Optimizing the battery)|Check the compatibility of the icon package with your version of Android-->

Important nuance: Once the launcher is installed, the standard MIUI interface will remain in the system. To return it, go to Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher and select System Launcher.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 10A or Redmi 9C) Third-party launchers can cause delays when opening applications due to a weak processor. Before installing, check for reviews about compatibility with your model.

Method 3: Manually Replace Icons via ADB (for Advanced)

This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with the command line and have basic knowledge of ADB (Android Debug Bridge), it allows you to replace the icons of individual applications without installing launchers, but requires activation of debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.miui.home (this will disable the standard launcher, but will not delete it).
4. Install an alternative launcher (like Rootless Launcher) and apply the icon package.

Critical detail: Once the pm hide command is executed, the standard MIUI launcher will disappear from the default menu, and it can only be returned via ADB by the adb shell pm unhide com.miui.home command.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Full control over icons (you can even change the system).
• 📱 Doesn't require root rights.

Disadvantages:

• 💻 You need skills to work with ADB.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI settings may reset.

💡

The ADB method is the only way to replace system application icons (like Settings or Phone) without root rights. However, it does not work on devices with a locked bootloader (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for the Chinese market).

Method 4: Use customization applications (Icon Changer, X Icon Changer)

If launchers and ADBs seem too complex, you can use specialized utilities that don't change icons globally, but create labels with new designs that replace the original ones.

Examples of annexes:

• 📱 Icon Changer Free – Simple interface, support for.png and.ico.
• 🎨 X Icon Changer – allows you to change icons one at a time, without completely replacing the pack.
• 🖼️ Icon Pack Studio – to create your own icons.

How it works:

1. Install an app (e.g. X Icon Changer).
2. Select the icon you want to change.
3. Upload a new image (you can download from the Internet or create yourself).
4. Create a shortcut on your desktop – it will replace the original icon.

Limitations of the method:

• 📌 Shortcuts take up space on the desktop (do not replace the original icons in the app menu).
• 🔄 When updating the application, the shortcut may be reset.

💡

To avoid duplicate icons, after creating a shortcut in X Icon Changer, move the original icon to the folder (click → Remove from the screen).

Method 5: Creating your own icons (for designers)

If you want unique icons that you don't find in theme stores, you can create them yourself.

• 🖌️ Image Editor (Photoshop, GIMP or Canva).
• 📏 Icon template for Android (size) 192×192 px,.png format with transparent background).
• 📱 Applications (Icon Pack Studio or Shortcut Maker).

Step-by-step process:

1. Download the icon template for Android (for example, from here).
2. Open the template in the editor and draw your icon, keeping the background transparent.
3. Export the image in.png format with a resolution of 192×192 px.
4. Import the icon to Icon Pack Studio and create a package.
5. Apply the package via a launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher).

Design tips:

• 🎨 Use a flat style (like in Material Design) for better integration with the design. MIUI.
• 🔍 Check how the icon looks on a dark and light background (in the image). MIUI night-time).
• 📏 Keep a single style for all icons (color, shape, shadows).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Icon Pack Studio, do not save the package to the Download folder when you upgrade. MIUI The system can delete it as junk files. Better create a separate Icons folder in the root directory.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose for your Redmi model

The choice of method depends on your Redmi model, MIUI version and readiness for experiments.

For most users, the best balance between simplicity and flexibility is provided by a combination of built-in themes + Nova Launcher. If you need total customization (up to changing the icons in the notification panel), you can not do without ADB or root rights.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the icons on Xiaomi Redmi, users encounter typical errors.

• ⚙️ Not all icons have changed: Some system applications (Settings, Phone) are blocked MIUI. Use it. ADB or Rootless Launcher.

If after applying themes or icon packs, some applications stopped opening, try:

1. Clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache).
2. Reinstall the icon pack.
3. Return the standard theme and repeat the process.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Redmi 13 Pro), some of the icon customization features can be blocked at the system level, in which case only custom firmware installation (e.g. LineageOS) will help, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and risks cancelling the warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions