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

Standard icons on the Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO desktop can get tired after a couple of months of use. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to change them, from simple change of theme to deep customization with third-party launchers. But not all users know that the setting of icons is not limited to only a choice of preinstalled options.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Working methods: from official tools MIUI You'll learn how to download new icon packs, apply them without any need for a new one. ROOT-and avoid common errors, especially compatibility with the latest versions MIUI 14/15 HyperOS, which radically changed the approach to customization of the interface.

If you want to not just change the images, but completely transform the look of your smartphone — like making icons in the style of iOS, Windows 11 or minimalist design — there are solutions here, too, and for those who are afraid of breaking the system, we have prepared safe alternatives with minimal risk.

1.Official way: change the topic in MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, and the manufacturer offers hundreds of free themes that change not only icons, but also fonts, wallpaper, animations. Here's how it works:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the icon tab in the lower menu.
3. Select the package you like and click Apply.

Note: Some themes require a paid subscription (from 99+) ₽/However, most icon packs are available free of charge, such as the popular Minimal collections. UI", "Neumorphic or Pixel Style don't require payment.

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If after applying the theme icons have not changed, restart the smartphone or clear the cache of the application “Themes” in the settings.

The main disadvantage of the method is limited choice: in the official Xiaomi theme store there are no packs from third-party designers, and customization is reduced to replacing the entire set of icons as a whole (you can not change the icon for only one application).

2. Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher, Apex, Lawnchair

For advanced setup, use alternative launchers.

• 🎨 Install custom icon packs (for example, from the Play Market or sites like IconPackStudio).
• 🔄 Change icons selectively (only for individual applications).
• 📱 Customize the size, shape and shadows of icons.
• 🔒 Hide app names or change fonts.

The most popular launchers for Xiaomi:

To apply custom icons through the launcher:

1. Install a launcher (like Nova Launcher) from the Play Market.
2. Download your favorite icon pack (search on request icon pack).
3. In the launcher settings, select Appearance → Style of icons and specify the downloaded pack.

⚠️ Note: Some icon packs may not support all apps, in which case icons will remain standard.The solution is to use the icon masking feature in Nova Launcher (available in Premium version).

3. Manually modifying icons through the file system (without ROOT)

If you don't want to install a launcher, or you want to change icons for individual apps, use the Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker app, which creates shortcuts with new icons without affecting the original files.

Instructions for Icon Changer:

1. Download the app from the Play Market.
2. Select the application you want to change the icon for.
3. Click Change the icon and select a picture from the gallery or downloaded pack.
4. Save the label on the desktop.

Cons of the method:

• 🔄 When you update the original app, the shortcut may break.
• 📱 There will be duplicates on the desktop (original icon) + new-label).
• 🚫 Not all system applications (Settings, Phone) are supported.

Download the icon pack in PNG format (resolution 192×192 pixels)

Install a file manager (e.g., MiXplorer)

Make a backup of the original icons (optional)

Make sure there is enough room on the desktop for new shortcuts.-->

Important: This method doesn't change icons globally, just for desktop shortcuts, and the app menu and MIUI search will keep standard icons.

4.Use of ADB-deep-customization

For experienced users willing to work with ADB, there is a way to replace system icons directly, a method that requires debugging over USB and basic command-line knowledge, but allows you to change icons globally (including the application menu).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices to make sure you are connected.
4. Download the icon pack in.zip format and unpack it into a folder on your PC.
5. Use the command to replace (example for the Settings icon): adb push new_icon.png /data/local/tmp/ adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /data/local/tmp/new_icon.png /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png chmod 644 /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png reboot

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause system applications to crash or bootloop.Before experimenting, back up the partition. /system through TWRP.

This method is suitable for devices on MIUI 12 and older. On HyperOS, the path to icons may be different - check the current data for your firmware.

5.Creating your own icons at Icon Pack Studio

If you haven't found the right icon pack, make it yourself! the Icon Pack Studio app lets you:

• 🎨 Design icons from scratch or edit existing ones.
• 📲 Export the pack in.apk format for installation on a smartphone.
• 🔄 Testing icons in real time.

Instructions for establishment:

1. Install Icon Pack Studio with Play Market.
2. Choose a template or start with an empty project.
3. Import your images (recommended size is 192×192 px).
4. Customize the shape, shadows and effects.
5. Export the pack and install it as a regular APK.

Example: If you want Material You-style icons (like Android 12+), select the Adaptive Icons template and match the color palette under the wallpaper.

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Your own icons can be sold at venues like the Play Market or the IconPackStudio Store. $500/month.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change icons, users encounter common mistakes, and here's how to fix them:

If after all the manipulations the icons still do not change, check:

• 📵 Are there any restrictions on settings → Battery → Power saving mode (disable optimization for launcher).
• 🔄 Is the Protective Regime not included in the MIUI (Can block changes to system files).
• 📱 Is the icon pack compatible with your version of Android (for example, the icons for Android 10 may not work on Android 13).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions