Personalization of the interface is one of the strengths of the Xiaomi ecosystem, allowing you to turn a standard desktop into a unique space. Owners of Redmi smartphones, POCO and Mi flagships often seek to change the visual style to move away from the usual design of MIUI or the new shell HyperOS. Changing graphic elements is not just a cosmetic procedure, but a way to express individuality and improve the ergonomics of using the device.
There are many ways to get the desired result, from using a built-in theme store to installing specialized launchers. Each method has its advantages, limitations and features of working with system files. In this article, we will discuss all the options available in detail, help avoid common mistakes and make the interface of your smartphone truly yours.
Before you start taking action, it’s worth understanding that changing system icons can affect some widgets or adaptive icons. However, current Xiaomi firmware versions are stable enough to allow users to make profound changes without risking data loss, and the key is to follow proven algorithms and choose reliable graphics sources.
Use of the built-in “Themes” application
The easiest and safest way to change the look of desktops is to use the system’s regular tools. Themes (or Themes) are preinstalled on each device and provide access to thousands of ready-made solutions. You can find both full-featured interface designs and individual icon packages that do not change the system fonts or wallpaper, but only affect application icons.
To get started, you need to launch the app and go to the icons section at the bottom of the navigation menu. The system will offer to sort the available sets by popularity, novelty or rating. Many designers create free collections that are visually indistinguishable from paid counterparts. After choosing the appropriate style, just click the "Download" button and then "Apply".
⚠️ Warning: Some topics may contain promotional modules or require a Wi-Fi connection to download heavy graphics.Be careful when installing themes from unverified, low-rated authors.
If the standard store doesn't offer anything, you can use the custom theme feature, and the user profile (My Account tab) has a tool called "Create a Theme" that allows you to replace standard images with any images downloaded from the Internet, which takes longer, but gives you full control over what each folder and shortcut will look like.
Installation of third-party launchers for complete freedom
When the standard MIUI shell is not enough, third-party launchers come to the rescue, and these are alternative desktops that completely replace the system interface for launching applications. The most popular Android-based solutions are Nova Launcher, Lawnchair and Smart Launcher, which allow you not only to change icons, but also to customize the grid, animation and control gestures.
Once you install the launcher from Google Play, the system will ask permission to use it as the main one, and once confirmed, you will have access to extensive look settings. Unlike standard themes, launchers often support the installation of individual icon packs (Icon Packs), which can be downloaded independently, which allows you to combine the style of different sets to create unique mixes.
However, it is worth considering that some versions of HyperOS firmware or new MIUI updates may conflict with the animations of opening applications. Sometimes icons may not display correctly if the package is not optimized for the high resolution of the screen of your smartphone, in such cases, it is recommended to use launchers actively supported by developers.
Why can’t the launcher work consistently?
For those who like minimalism, Niagara Launcher is perfect, which changes the way you interact with your smartphone, leaving only a list of apps and elegant icons. If functionality is important, Microsoft Launcher will offer excellent integration with Windows services and flexible configuration of news feeds.
Manual replacement of icons through the theme editor
For advanced users who want to replace the icon of a particular application with their own (for example, the logo of their favorite team or a personalized character), the method of manual replacement is suitable. This process does not require root rights, but requires care. You will need to download the desired image in PNG format (preferably with a transparent background) and an application for editing topics, such as MT Manager or built-in editor.
The algorithm is this: first, you create a new blank theme or you take an existing one for editing. Inside the theme structure, you find the icons folder where the graphics are stored. Each application has its own unique identifier, such as com.android.camera for the camera. Once you find the right file, you replace it with your own.
☑️ Checklist for manual replacement of icons
In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated. Also, some system applications can cache old images, so after replacing it, you may need to clean the cache of the System UI service.
⚠️ Note: When you manually replace files through file managers with access to the system, always back up the original file. An error in the file name or format can cause the icon to become a black square or disappear completely.
Creating shell widgets for specific applications
If you don't want to change your launcher or mess with your system files, there's a neat workaround, using widgets. The Themes app or the Shortcut widgets, you can create a shortcut on your desktop that leads to the app but has any image and name you choose, and it's the perfect way to create a single color gamut without making any major changes to the system.
The process of creating such a shortcut is simple: add a shortcut widget to your desktop, select the app you want from the list, and then select Gallery or Photo from the icon replacement menu that opens. You can upload any image cropped to the square. The shortcut name can also be changed to any, even blank, to create a minimalist effect.
The main disadvantage of this method is that when you delete or move the widget, its settings are reset, and these shortcuts are not “live” (they do not display the number of unread messages or missed calls), since these are static links, but for the visual design of folders with games or social networks, this is the best solution.
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Tip: To create perfectly matched icons through widgets, use icon generators that automatically cut the object along the contour and add a color background to make the style of all shortcuts uniform.
This method is especially popular among users who like to change their designs seasonally or for holidays, not wanting to set heavy themes. You can create a set of shortcuts for basic applications in 5 minutes using pre-prepared images.
Comparison of methods of personalization of the interface
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have developed a comparison table that will help you assess the time, risks and opportunities of each method, depending on whether you prefer system stability or maximum visual freedom.
| Method | Difficulty | Impact on the battery | Flexibility of setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in themes | Low. | Minimum | Medium |
| Third-party launchers | Medium | Medium (additional processes) | Tall. |
| Manual replacement (root/files) | Tall. | Minimum | Maximum |
| Label widgets | Low. | Minimum | Low (view only) |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best balance is built-in themes or widgets. Launchers are worth putting to those who are willing to sacrifice a couple of percent of the charge for a unique interface. Manual replacement through the file system is recommended only for experienced users who understand the structure of Android.
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The choice of method depends on your goal: for a quick change of style, use themes, for deep customization - launchers, and for single changes - widgets.
Solving problems and lack of icons in the store
Often users are faced with a situation where the downloaded theme does not apply or icons do not change. In the new versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14, Xiaomi has introduced regional restrictions. The theme store may not work or show an empty screen if the region of the device is installed on Russia or some European countries. The solution is to temporarily change the region in settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region) to India or Singapore.
Another common problem is desynchronizing icons after the system update. If icons become white squares or are lost, try clearing the Topic app data. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Topics → Clear the data. This will not remove your downloaded themes, but will reset the cache, which often solves the display problem.
Also worth mentioning is the Adaptive Icons feature introduced in Android 8.0 and higher. Some older icon packs may not scale properly, cropping in a circle or square. The theme or launcher settings often have an icon shape switch that allows you to force a round or square mask to be set, ignoring the original shape of the graphic element.
⚠️ Warning: If the lock screen or control panel stops working after installing a third-party theme, immediately delete this theme through Safe Mode or standard theme app, as conflicting code can disrupt the system’s work. UI-element.
Remember that visuals are just part of the experience, too contrasting or bright icons can tire your eyes more quickly with prolonged use of your smartphone, and choose themes that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also visually comfortable, especially if you use the device often at night.