Smartphone personalization is not just pampering, but a way to make the interface really your own. The owner of Xiaomi gets a powerful customization tool right out of the box, but often users are not even aware of the hidden capabilities of the MIUI or HyperOS shell. A standard set of icons can seem boring, and the desire to stand out pushes to find solutions.
The procedure for replacing graphical interface elements can range from simple installation of a ready-made set to complex manual editing of each application. Depending on your model, whether it is a budget Redmi or flagship Xiaomi 14, the available methods may vary slightly.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transform the desktop: you will learn how to use the built-in store, whether to trust third-party launchers and how to manually assign a picture for a specific shortcut. Changing system fonts and icons through the Themes application does not require superuser rights (Root) and is safe for warranty.
Use of the built-in Themes application
The most obvious and safe way to do this is to use a regular developer tool, and the Themes app is pre-installed on all the company's devices, and it has millions of design options, and you can find both minimalist sets and overloaded animations in the style of cyberpunk.
To get started, you need to launch the app and go to the Icons section at the bottom menu. The system will offer you many categories, from classics to anime styles. Pay attention to the number of downloads and ratings - popular sets are usually optimized better and contain graphics for all system applications.
Once you have selected your favorite set, click Download and then Apply. The interface will instantly update. If you don't like the result, you can go back to the standard view in a couple of seconds by selecting the "Standard" option in the same menu.
⚠️ Note: Some themes can change not only icons, but also system fonts or control panel. Carefully watch the preview before installation, so as not to disturb the readability of the text.
Manual replacement of icons for individual applications
It often happens that you like the overall style of the set, but one or two apps are out of the picture. The MIUI shell allows you to replace the graphic element for a particular shortcut without setting the whole theme, and it gives you the flexibility to create a unique desktop.
To do this, go to the theme settings via a long-click on an empty desktop space or through the Topic → Profile app (the person on the top right) → My Themes. Select an active theme and click Set up. Here you will see a list of all installed programs.
Find the app you want in the list and click on it. A gallery will open where you can select an image from your phone's memory. You can use the downloaded ones. PNG-file or take a screenshot of the desired icon. The system will automatically crop the image to the desired format, but it is better to prepare a square picture in advance.
- 📐 Permission: The optimal size is considered 192x192 pixels or higher so that high-pixel density screens don’t have soap".
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Use online icon generators to create a uniform style from your photos. Upload a photo, select a circle or square mask, and get a ready-made set for manual installation.
Third-party launchers for deep customization
If the standard shell isn't enough, third-party launchers come to the rescue, full-fledged desktop replacements that completely change the logic of how you interact with your smartphone. Popular options like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher give you complete control over every pixel.
Once you install this launcher from Google Play, it will ask for default permissions to use it. In the new desktop settings, you will find the "Look" or "Icon Library" section, where you can use the icon packs downloaded separately, or customize each shortcut individually.
The main advantage of third-party solutions is the ability to change not only graphics, but also the desktop grid, application folding animations and docking behavior. However, it is worth remembering that a third-party launcher consumes more RAM, which can be critical for low-end Redmi models with 3-4 GB of RAM.
| Launcher | Difficulty | RAM consumption | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI Standard | Low. | Minimum | Medium |
| Nova Launcher | Tall. | Average. | Maximum |
| Microsoft Launcher | Medium | High. | Tall. |
| Smart Launcher | Low. | Average. | Automatic. |
Problems of application and their solution
Often, users are faced with a situation where after installing the theme icons do not change or partially change, this can be due to the cache of the system or the features of the specific application.
The first thing you need to do is clear the Themes and Systems Interface app cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the right services, and select Clear Cache. After that, restart your smartphone.
If the problem persists, it may not be optimized for your version of Android or MIUI. Try to find an alternative set from another author. Also make sure that the themes settings don't tick "Hide System Apps" if you're trying to change the look of them.
Why are icons reset after the update?
Influence of MIUI and HyperOS
The interface and customization capabilities are directly dependent on the version of the operating system. The older versions of MIUI 12 and MIUI 13 had more open theme menu settings. With the release of MIUI 14 and the new HyperOS, the company has increased its control over visual style, implementing its design standards.
Owners of HyperOS devices should pay attention to widgets and deep integration with the ecosystem. Here, changing icons can affect the display of widgets on the lock screen. AI algorithms can automatically adjust the colors of icons to the wallpaper, creating a harmonious picture.
If you've recently upgraded and your features are gone, don't panic. Often they've just moved to another menu. Look for settings in the Wallpaper and personalization section of the phone's main settings, not just in a separate app.
⚠️ Warning: Installing themes from unverified sources (.mtz forum files) on new firmware versions can result in a cyclic bootloop.
☑️ Checking before setting the topic
Where to look for quality icon sets
The official store isn't the only place to look for beauty. There's a huge community of developers who create unique packages. Xiaomi Themes, a popular web-based resource, lets you download themes to your computer and transfer them to your phone, which is convenient if the mobile Internet is slow.
Also worth noting is Xiaomi’s Telegram modding channels, which often upload theme ports from flagship models to older devices, but when downloading files from such sources, always check them with antivirus.
For advanced users, it's possible to create their own icons from scratch in graphics editors. It takes time, but it allows you to achieve perfect style. You can take a basic template and redraw the logos of your favorite services in a single color scheme.
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It is safest to use the official theme store, as all files there are moderated and checked for viruses by the company’s employees.