How to change emoticons on Xiaomi smartphones to iPhone-style: 4 working ways

Xiaomi and iPhone emojis are visually different, and this is noticeable even to the naked eye. Owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi often complain that standard emojis on MIUI look less developed than on iOS: less vivid colors, simplified details, a different style of drawing. Fortunately, you can change them to an iPhone version in several ways, from simple themes to deep customization of the system.

But before we start, it's important to understand that not all methods are equally safe: Some require root rights, others only work on certain versions of MIUI, and still others may conflict with system updates. In this article, we'll look at 4 proven methods, from the easiest to the most radical, and also tell you what pitfalls await at each stage.

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1. Method: Install themes with iOS-style emojis via MIUI Themes

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Themes app. Many designers create themes that replace not only wallpaper and icons, but also emojis with the iPhone version. Plus, it does not require root rights and works on most Xiaomi devices (from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 14).

But there are nuances:

• 🔍 Not all topics change emoji globally – some work only in individual instant messengers (for example, in the Internet). SMS WhatsApp).
• 📱 Some of the scalings (especially) MIUI For global markets, topics may not be displayed correctly.
• 🔄 After the system update, the theme may reset, and emoticons will return to standard.

To find the right topic:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. In the search bar, type in iOS emoji or iPhone smileys.
3. Choose a high-rated topic (4.5+ stars) and read reviews – they often write whether emojis work in all applications.
4. Click Apply and restart the phone.

💡

If the theme doesn’t change emoticons on Telegram or Viber, try manually downloading the emoji font (more on this in the next section).

Examples of working topics (relevant to MIUI 14/15):

2. Method: Replacement of the emoji font through Magisk (for rooted devices)

If you're willing to take more drastic measures, you can completely replace the system typeface with the iPhone version.

• 📌 Ruth-Right (established by Magisk).
• 📌 Backup of the system (in case of failure).
• 📌 Devices based on Android 10+ (There may be bugs on older versions).

Instructions:

1. Download the archive with the emoji font for iOS (for example, iOS_Emoji_Font.zip forum XDA Developers).
2. Rename the file to emoji.ttf.
3. Copy it to /system/fonts/ via Root Explorer or Mixplorer (with superuser rights).
4. Replace the existing file (repair the original!).
5. Reset the device.

Make a backup system through TWRP|Download the correct font version for your Android|Check the vacant space in /system (minimum 50 MB)|Disable the antivirus (can block changes)|Prepare Magisk Manager to roll back changes-->

Warning: This method may lead to:

• 🚨 App crashes (especially Google Play Services).
• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🚨 Problems with OTA-Updates (the system may refuse to update).

3. Method: Using a keyboard with support for iOS emoji

Not everyone knows, but some keyboards (like Gboard or SwiftKey) allow you to change the style of emojis regardless of system settings. This will not replace smileys in all applications, but at least in messengers and browsers they will appear as on the iPhone.

How to set up:

1. Install Gboard from Google Play.
2. Open the keyboard settings: Settings → System → Keyboard → Gboard.
3. Select Settings → Emoji Style.
4. Change to iOS (Apple) or Twitter (Twemoji) (close to iPhone style).

Limitations of the method:

• 📵 Emojis only change when typed via Gboard – in other keyboards (e.g., Gboard, MIUI Keyboard) will remain standard.
• 📵 In some apps (such as Instagram), emojis may appear in their original style due to cache.

💡

The Gboard keyboard is the only way to change emojis without root rights and themes, but it only works to type, not display, the messages received.

4. Method: Install custom launcher with support for iOS-theme

Some launchers (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) allow you to install icon packages and emojis, including the iOS style.This method will not replace smileys globally, but at least in the launcher interface and widgets they will look like on the iPhone.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Download the iOS emoji package (e.g. iOS 16 Icon Pack + Emoji with Play Market).
3. Open the launcher settings: long press on the desktop → Nova settings.
4. Go to Appearance → Style of icons and select the downloaded package.
5. Activate the option Apply to the widget emoji (if any).

Pros of the method:

• ✅ Doesn't require root rights.
• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI Android.
• ✅ You can quickly return standard emojis by changing the theme of the launcher.

Cons:

• ❌ Emojis change only in the launcher interface, but not in instant messengers.
• ❌ Some packages of icons are paid (from 100 to 500 rubles.).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, bring all the ways into one table:

Important: If you need an iOS-style emoji across all apps (including Telegram, WhatsApp, and system SMS), the only reliable way is to replace the font through Magisk. But it’s only suitable for power users!

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful emoji replacement, users are plagued by bugs.

Problem 1: Emojis are displayed correctly, but in some applications (e.g. Telegram) remain standard.

• 🔹 Solution: Clear the app cache in Settings → Annexes → Telegram → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🔹 If it doesn’t help, try reinstalling the app.

Problem 2: After the font was replaced, the MIUI updates stopped working through Magisk.

⚠️ Note: If you have replaced the system font, OTA-Updates may refuse to be installed. Return the original emoji.ttf before upgrading or use Magisk to temporarily disable modules (Magisk) → Modules. → Shut it down).

Problem 3: In a dark topic, emojis are displayed with white threads (as on a light theme).

• 🔹 Solution: Install a theme that supports responsive emojis (e.g. iOS Dark Emoji Pack).
• 🔹 If there is no theme, manually edit emoji.ttf via Font Editor (font skills required).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions