How to change icons on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways for MIUI and HyperOS

Standard icons on Xiaomi smartphones often look boring or don’t fit your style. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to change them, from built-in tools to third-party solutions. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of changing icons on devices with MIUI 14/15 and the new HyperOS firmware, including hidden features and solutions for advanced users.

It’s important to understand that customization options depend on the firmware version and device model. For example, the flagship Xiaomi 14 and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ support more customization options than budget models like the Poco M6. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on 90% of the brand’s devices.

If you want to not just change icons, but completely transform the interface, at the end of this article you will find recommendations for choosing the themes and launchers that will make your smartphone unique. And for those who are afraid of breaking something, we have added a block with answers to frequent questions and warnings about possible risks.

1. Standard Icon Change through MIUI/HyperOS Themes

The easiest way to change icons is to use a built-in theme gallery, which works on all Xiaomi devices without having to install additional apps.

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 your favorite set of icons and click Apply.
4. Confirm the changes in the pop-up window.

In HyperOS (the new firmware for 2026 flagships), the algorithm has changed a little: icons are now tied to a common theme of design.

1. Clutch the empty space on the desktop → Styles and wallpaper.
2. Select the icon tab and scroll through the list of available packages.
3. Click on the set you like and confirm the application.

Note that not all themes support changing icons separately from the overall design, and in such cases you will have to change the theme entirely or use alternative methods from the following sections.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) A2 POCO C55) The built-in theme gallery can be cut down, in which case we recommend using the launcher method (section 3).

2. Install custom icon packs via APK

If you don't have many built-in options, you can install third-party icon packages.

• 📱 Smartphone with unlocked installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications).
• 🛠️ Launcher that supports icon change (e.g. Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher).
• 🎨 Package of icons in format APK (You can download from the Play Market or specialized sites like Icon Pack Studio).

Installation instructions:

1. Download and install the selected icon package (such as Whicons or CandyCons).
2. Install a supported launcher (we recommend Nova Launcher – it is free and flexible).
3. Launch the launcher, clamp the empty space on the screen → Settings → Style of icons.
4. Select the icon package from the list.

The advantage of this method is that it has access to thousands of unique designs, from minimalist to anime style.

⚠️ Note: Some functions are disabled when using third-party launchers MIUI/HyperOS, So, for example, Super Wallpaper and Global Search, and you can bring them back by switching back to the standard launcher.

Download the launcher (Nova/Apex)

Allow installation from unknown sources

Select and download a package of icons

Make a backup of current settings-->

3.Use of launchers with support for changing icons

If you want to not only change your icons, but also fully customize your desktop, the best solution is to install an alternative launcher. 5 popular options and chose the top-3 for Xiaomi devices:

• 🥇 Nova Launcher is the most flexible, supports gestures, adaptive icons and backup settings. The free version covers 90% of needs.
• 🥈 Apex Launcher - lighter than Nova but with fewer features. Good for weak devices (Redmi) 9A, Poco C31).
• 🥉 Lawnchair is an open source launcher that mimics the Pixel Launcher.

How to set up icons in Nova Launcher:

1. After installation, launch the launcher and select it as the main one (the system will appear).
2. Click the empty space on the screen → Settings → Appearance.
3. In the Icon Style section, select the Icon Package and specify the package you installed earlier.
4. For fine-tuning, go to the icon size and adjust the scale (recommended 80-90% for compactness).

Important: On Xiaomi with HyperOS, some launchers may conflict with system services. If after installation, you have lags, try turning off animations in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times).

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To return standard icons, simply select the “Default Icons” option in the launcher settings or delete the icon package.

4. Manually modifying icons through the file system (for advanced)

This method is suitable for advanced users who are ready to work with system files. It allows you to replace the icons of individual applications without using themes or launchers. Root rights are required!

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/app/{name packet}/ or /data/app/{name packet}-1/apk.
3. Find the resource.arsc file, which contains graphical resources, including icons.
4. With the APK Editor tool, remove the icon, edit it in Photoshop or GIMP, then save it with the same parameters (size, format).
5. Replace the original icon in the APK-file and reinstall the application.

Example of ways to use popular applications:

• /system/priv-app/MiuiHome/ - MIUI launcher icons
• /system/app/Phone/ – Phone icon
• /system/app/Mms/ - Message icon

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop.Before you start, make a full backup through the system. TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

5. Change icons through ADB (no root)

If you do not have root-rights, but want to change the icons of system applications, you can use the ADB-This method works for most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and newer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁 Package of icons in format PNG (The size must be the same as the original, usually 108×108 or 192×192 pixel).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the smartphone to the PC and authorize debugging (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Download the icon you want to replace in the format PNG. Rename her in ic_launcher.png.
3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and do: adb pull /system/app/{package}/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher.png (Replace {app package} with real one, e.g. com.android.contacts for contacts).
4. Place your icon in the same folder on your PC and execute push: adb push ic_launcher.png /sdcard/
5. Now move the file to the system folder: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/ic_launcher.png /system/app/{package}/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ chmod 644 /system/app/{package}/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher.png reboot

This is a neat way to change icons without completely flashing them, and the downside is that after the MIUI update, the changes will be reset.

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ADB-The method is suitable for replacing icons of system applications (calls, messages, camera), but does not work with user programs from the Play Market.

6.Creating your own icons at Icon Pack Studio

If you want unique icons that no one else uses, try creating them yourself. There is a dedicated Icon Pack Studio app available on the Play Market.

How it works:

1. Install Icon Pack Studio and start it.
2. Select Create a new package and specify the name (for example, "MyXiaomiIcons").
3. Click Add icon and select the app from the list.
4. Upload your picture or draw the icon with built-in tools.
5. Repeat for all the applications you need, then save the package.
6. Apply the created package through the launcher (as in Section 3).

Design tips:

• 🎨 Use the size. 192×192 pixels for better quality.
• 🖌️ Keep a uniform style (for example, all icons in round shape or with trimmings).
• 🌈 For transparency, keep it in format. PNG.
• 📱 Check how the icons look on a dark and light background.

An example of successful design:

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change your icons to Xiaomi, users experience common mistakes, and we have collected the most common ways to fix them:

If your problem is not on the list, check:

• 🔄 Compatibility of the icon package with your version MIUI/HyperOS.
• 📱 Availability of updates for launcher or firmware.
• 🛠️ Reviews of other users on forums (4PDA, XDA Developers).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions