Customization of icons on Xiaomi: from standard themes to custom solutions

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer a lot of personalization options, and one of the most notable elements is app icons. Standard icons can get boring quickly, especially if you’re looking for a unique style or want to improve the visual experience of the screen. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can change icons, from built-in MIUI tools to installing third-party launchers and manual editing via ADB.

It's important to understand that the configuration methods depend on the firmware version and the device model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, some options are available, and on the Redmi Note 12 with HyperOS, others are available. We will take these nuances into account and provide current instructions for modern versions of software. If you have never customized, don't worry: most processes do not require root rights or technical knowledge.

MIUI Standard Themes: Quick Icon Change

The easiest way to change your icons on Xiaomi is to use the built-in Themes app, which is pre-installed on all MIUI devices and allows you to use pre-made design packages, including icons, wallpaper and fonts. Here's how it works:

Open the Themes app (brush icon) and go to Icons or Icons (name may vary depending on the version). Here you will see a collection of free and paid themes. Pay attention to the rating and number of downloads - this will help you choose a quality pack. Once you select a theme, click Apply and the icons will change automatically. Some themes may require additional customization in Settings → Screen → Icons.

• 🎨 Pros: does not require the installation of third-party applications, is safe for the system, regular updates to themes.
• ⚠️ Cons: Limited choice of free options, some themes may conflict with wallpaper.
• 🔄 Tip: Before applying the theme, check its compatibility with your model in the comments.

⚠️ Note: When using themes from the official store MIUI Avoid suspiciously low-rated packs (below 4.0) that may contain ads or misrepresent icons for some applications.

If some icons remain unchanged after applying the theme, this is because not all applications support dynamic icon replacement, in which case manual replacement through the launcher (more on this below) or installing an alternative firmware will help.

Castomic icons through launchers: Nova, Apex, Lawnchair

For those who want more freedom than standard themes, the best solution is the launcher side, which allows you to install any icon packs from Google Play or manual builds.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – supports adaptive icons, gestures, backup settings.
• 🎯 Apex Launcher – lightweight and fast, with wide customization options.
• 🌿 Lawnchair is an open source launcher that mimics the Pixel Launcher, but with theme support.

Let’s look at the example of Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
2. Download your favorite icon pack (such as Whicons, Delta or CandyCons).
3. Press your finger on your desktop → Settings → Style of icons → select the installed pack.
4. For individual applications: Press the icon → Change → Edit → Select the icon from the pack.

⚠️ Note: Some icon packs on Google Play require payment for the full version. Before buying, check if the package supports your applications - for this purpose, there is usually a list of compatible programs in the description.

If after applying the pack, some icons remained standard, this means that there is no alternative to these applications in the pack, the solution is to use the option of Adaptive icons in the launcher settings or manually replace icons through the editor (for example, Icon Changer).

Install launcher (Nova/Apex)

Download the icon pack from a verified source

Make a backup of current settings

Check the compatibility of the pack with your applications-->

Manual replacement of icons without launcher: ADB and hidden settings

For advanced users who don’t want to install third-party launchers, there’s a way to change icons through the ADB-commands or hidden settings MIUI. This method requires care, as incorrect actions can lead to interface failures.

The first step is to enable USB Debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (7 times) → Additional → For Developers). Then connect the phone to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell pm grant com.miui.home android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

You can then use apps like Icon Changer for MIUI or XIcon Changer that allow you to replace icons without root. Alternatively, edit com.miui.home files via MT Manager (requires backup!).

⚠️ Note: When manually changing icons through system files, always create a com.miui.home backup using Titanium Backup or similar tools.

Important: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14) part ADB-The teams may not work because of the changed security architecture, and in this case, the only reliable way is to use launchers.

Icons for system applications: bypassing restrictions

One of the most difficult tasks in customization is to replace the icons of system applications (for example, Settings, Phone, Messages). Standard MIUI themes often do not affect these icons, and launchers can not change them without additional rights.

• 🔧 Method 1: Use a launcher with Adaptive Icons (like Nova Launcher) that enforces the style on all icons, even system icons.
• 📦 Method 2: Install alternative apps (e.g., Google Messages instead of standard Messages) and hide the original messages.
• 🛠️ Method 3: Manual editing APK-System Application Files through APK Editor (requires backup and caution!).

The second way is Hide App-Icon (available on Google Play), which hides the original icons and replaces them with custom icon shortcuts, and the lesser way is that when you upgrade the system, hidden apps can reappear on the screen.

If you decide to edit APK-files, remember: this can break the digital signature of the application and cause errors. MIUI It is better to use specialized tools such as MIUI Icon Changer that works through ADB and need no analysis APK.

Problems and Solutions: Why don’t icons change?

Even when following the instructions, users often find that icons remain standard.

• 🔄 Launcher Cash: After changing themes or installing icon packs, clear the com.miui.home app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Launcher).
• 📱 Firmware incompatibility: On some versions MIUI (Especially Chinese) third-party themes are disabled. Solution is to change the firmware region to global.
• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: Xiaomi can block icon changes for system applications, in which case only a launcher with support for adaptive icons will help.

Another common problem is resetting icons after an update, which is because MIUI resets some of the launcher settings to avoid losing customization:

1. Before upgrading, backup launcher settings (in Nova Launcher: Backup).
2. Use icon packs that are installed as system (via Magisk or ADB).
3. After updating, reapply the theme or pack manually.

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If the icons are reset after the MIUI update, try reinstalling the launcher and re-applying the settings, often helping to bring back customization without completely reinstalling the packs.

Best icon packs for Xiaomi in 2026

The choice of icon pack depends on your style: minimalism, neon colors, retro or 3D-We've selected the top-end versions that have been tested for compatibility with the MIUI 14 and HyperOS:

To install these packs:

1. Download the pack from Google Play or IconPack Studio.
2. Open the launcher settings and select the downloaded pack in the Style of icons section.
3. For system applications, use the option of Adaptive Icons or manual replacement.

If you want to create your own icon pack, use services like Icon Pack Studio or Android Asset Studio, which allow you to generate icons based on templates or uploaded images.

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Before buying a paid icon pack, check it is compatible with your Xiaomi model in reviews.Some packs are optimized for Pixel or Samsung only and may not display correctly on MIUI.

Security and Optimization: What You Need to Know

When customizing icons, it is important not only to achieve the desired appearance, but also to maintain the stability of the device, and here are the key points that will help to avoid problems:

• 🔒 Pack sources: Download icons only from verified sources (Google Play, XDA Developers, official design sites. Avoid APK-files from unknown forums.
• 📱 Performance: Too heavy packs of icons (with animation or high resolution) can slow down the launcher. The optimal size is up to 50 KB per icon.
• 🔄 Updates: After major updates MIUI Some launcher settings are reset. Check the currentity of the packs used regularly.

If you use root access for deep customization, be aware of the risks:

• Violation of warranty (if the device is warranty).
• Potential security vulnerabilities.
• Incompatibility with banking applications (due to SafetyNet)

To minimize risks:

1. Use Magisk instead of permanent root.
2. Install only proven modules (e.g. MIUI Icon Changer from well-known developers).
3. Check the system regularly for errors through adb logcat.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices, some Magisk modules that worked on the MIUI 13/14, You can call bootloop. Check compatibility in the themes before you install them. XDA or 4PDA.

FAQ: Frequent questions about customizing icons on Xiaomi