Xiaomi and iPhone emojis are visually different: Apple’s emojis are more detailed, with sleek lines and a unique design, while standard MIUI icons often seem simplistic or less expressive. If you’re used to the style of iOS or just want to refresh the look of messages, there are several ways to transfer emojis from your iPhone to Redmi, Poco or Mi. In this article, we’ll break down all the current methods – from simple themes of design to deep replacement of fonts with the system.
It is important to understand that not all solutions are equally safe. Some require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights (root), which can affect the warranty and stability of the device, we will describe in detail the pros and cons of each option, as well as give recommendations on choosing the best way for your model (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12, Poco F5, etc.).
Why do Xiaomi and iPhone emojis look different?
The difference in emoji design is due to the fact that Apple and Xiaomi use their own character sets:
- 📱 iOS (Apple Color Emoji) is a proprietary font with a unique style, updated every 1-2 years. Emoji here have three-dimensional shadows, bright colors and animations (for example, emoji, 🔥 or 💦).
- 🤖 MIUI (Noto Color Emoji is based on the open font Google Noto, adapted to the corporate identity of Xiaomi. icons here are flat, with minimalist design.
- 🌍 Unicode standard – both sets correspond to it, but visual interpretation of characters (e.g., unicode, 👍 or 😂) might be very different.
Apple also often adds exclusive emojis (e.g., emojis, 🧑💻 In different variations), which on Android are displayed as black and white icons, on Xiaomi, this is solved by installing alternative fonts or themes.
Method 1: Install theme with iOS emojis via MIUI Themes
The safest and easiest method is to use ready-made themes from the official MIUI Themes store. Many designers create themes that replace not only wallpaper and icons, but also emojis with iOS style.
How to do this:
- Open the Themes app on your Xiaomi.
- In the search bar, type in the query: iOS emoji or Apple emoji.
- Select your favorite theme (e.g., "iOS 16 Emoji for MIUI" or "Apple Style Icons") and click Apply.
- Restart the device so that the changes take effect.
✅ Pluses:
- 🔄 Does not require root rights or unlock the bootloader.
- 🎨 You can quickly return standard emoticons, changing the theme.
- 📱 It works on all devices with MIUI 12 and newer.
❌ Cons:
- 🔄 Emojis will only be replaced in some apps (e.g. Messages or WhatsApp, but not in Telegram).
- 🎨 Quality may differ from Apple's original emojis (blurring, inaccurate colors).
- 📱 Some topics are paid (cost from 100 to 500 rubles).
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Before installing a theme, check the reviews of other users – some topics may conflict with system fonts and cause text display failures.
Method 2: Manual font modification (without root)
If the themes don’t work, you can manually replace the NotoColorEmoji.ttf system font with an iOS emoji file.This method doesn’t require root rights, but requires unlocking the bootloader Unlock.
Step-by-step:
Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool| Download the archive from iOS emoji (e.g. iOS 16 Emoji Font)| Install ADB and Fastboot on PC| Backup data (sets → additional → backup)| Charge the phone at least 60%
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- Download the archive with Apple Color Emoji fonts (e.g. iosemoji.com) and the archive must contain an AppleColorEmoji.ttf file.
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the commands: adb shell su mount -o rw, remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/AppleColorEmoji.ttf /system/fonts/ chmod 644 /system/fonts/AppleColorEmoji.ttf reboot
- After the reboot, check the display of emojis in the messages.
Note: This method can cause some applications (e.g. banking) to crash if they check the integrity of system files. If artifacts (squares instead of characters) appear after replacing the fonts, return the original NotoColorEmoji.ttf file.
What to do if the emojis are displayed as squares?
Method 3: Using Magisk and iFont
For users with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, there is a more reliable way – the iFont module, which allows you to flexibly manage fonts, including emoji, without the risk of damaging system files.
Instructions:
- Install iFont for Magisk via Magisk Manager.
- Download the iOS emoji package in.ttf or.zip format (e.g., "iOS 17 Emoji Pack").
- Place the file in the /sdcard/iFont folder.
- Reboot the device and activate the new font in iFont settings.
| Method | Need root? | Compatibility | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI themes | ❌ No. | MIUI 12+ | Minimum (visual bugs only) |
| Manual font replacement | ⚠️ No, but you need an unlocked bootloader. | MIUI 11–15 | Failures in applications, possible "bricking" |
| Magisk + iFont | ✅ Yes. | Any version of MIUI with Magisk | Loss of warranty, risk of soft breeze |
| Keyboard annexes | ❌ No. | All versions of Android | Emoji only in the input field |
Method 4: Keyboards with support for iOS emojis
If you need Apple emojis only when typing (not in all messages), the easiest thing to do is install an alternative keyboard.Some apps offer iOS-style emoji sets that display when you type but don't change the system fonts.
Best options:
- 📱 Gboard (Google Keyboard) – in the settings you can enable the theme “iOS” for the emoji panel (themes section) → Emoji).
- 🍎 SwiftKey – Supports emoji skins, including Apple style (available in premium version).
- 🔄 Emoji Keyboard Pro – a specialized keyboard with emoji sets for iOS, Samsung, etc.
⚠️ Note: These keyboards only replace emojis in the input field.In the messages received, emojis will be displayed in a standard style. MIUI, If the sender used an Android device.
Method 5: Firmware custom ROM with emoji iOS
For power users willing to sacrifice stability for a complete replacement of emojis, there is a radical method – installing custom firmware with integrated Apple fonts. For example, AOSP-based firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) often includes the option of choosing the style of emoji.
How it works:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
- Flush the firmware with support for alternative emojis (for example, "Havoc-OS" or "CrDroid").
- In the firmware settings, select the style of Apple or iOS emojis.
⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids the warranty and may cause some features to fail (e.g, NFC Before you run the firmware, be sure to check compatibility with your model in the forum. XDA Developers.
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Castom firmware is the most powerful, but also the riskiest, method, and is only suitable for experienced users, ready for possible bugs and absences. OTA-update.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on your goals and level of technical training:
- 🎨 Visual changes without risk → Use themes. MIUI keyboard.
- 🔧 For a complete replacement of emojis with minimal risks → Magisk + iFont (requires root).
- 🛠️ For experimentation and maximum customization → Custom firmware.
If you're a beginner, start with this or the keyboards. For experienced users, iFont or manual font replacement will do, and leave the custom ROM firmware for an emergency.
Tip: Before any manipulation of the system, make a full backup through Settings → Additional → Backup or TWRP (if installed).