How to set up icons on Xiaomi: from standard themes to custom icons

The app icons on Xiaomi smartphones are not just a visual interface element, but a full-fledged personalization tool, which can not only transform the appearance of the device, but also optimize interaction with frequently used programs. However, not all users know that the possibility of customizing icons in the MIUI It goes far beyond the standard selection of themes from the store.

In this article, we will analyze all available methods - from basic settings through Settings. → Topics before installing third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Hyperion, which allow you to finely customize each element of the desktop, pay special attention to hidden firmware functions that work even without root rights, and also consider the nuances for different product lines: Redmi, POCO flagship Mi/Xiaomi.

It’s important to understand that icon changes can affect performance, especially when it comes to resource-intensive themes or third-party launchers, so we’ll also provide optimization recommendations to keep your smartphone fast and responsive.

Standard ways to change icons in MIUI

Firmware MIUI It offers several built-in tools for changing icons without installing additional apps.These methods are suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13, but may vary slightly depending on the shell version (e.g., the version of the device, MIUI 14 vs MIUI 15).

The main way is to use themes from the official store.

1. Open Settings → Themes.
2. Select the Icons section or the Icon Style (the name may vary).
3. Scroll through the list of available icon packages. Notice the "Supported" tag, not all themes are compatible with your model.
4. Click Apply, after which the system will automatically update the icons on the desktop and in the application menu.

A key disadvantage of this method is limited choice: most of the themes in the Xiaomi store offer universal icons that may not suit your style. MIUI Premium.

Another little-known way is to use the function of adaptive icons, which appeared in the MIUI 12.5+. It allows you to unify the shape of all icons (for example, make them round or square with rounded corners):

1. Click the empty space on your desktop and select Desktop Settings.
2. Go to the Icon Style → Adaptive icons.
3. Choose the preferred shape (available 3-5 options depending on the model).

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If some icons are unchanged after applying the theme, try restarting the device. Sometimes the system caches the old icons and they don't update immediately.

Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher, Hyperion and others

For those who have standard opportunities MIUI It's not enough, third-party launchers are opening up a lot more customization options, and the most popular ones are Nova Launcher, Hyperion Launcher and Lawnchair:

• 🎨 Install custom icon packages (e.g. from Icon Pack Studio).
• 🔄 Change the size, indentations and animation of icons.
• 📱 Hide application names or change the font.
• 🔧 Customize gestures and hotkeys for quick access.

Let’s look at the Nova Launcher example:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the main one when you first start.
2. Clutch the empty space on the screen → Settings Nova → Appearance.
3. In the Icon Style section, select the Icon Package and specify the previously downloaded package (for example, Whicons or Delta).
4. If necessary, adjust the size of the icons to the size of the icon (the recommended value is 100-110 percent for most screens).

For Hyperion Launcher (which is often praised for its smooth running on Xiaomi), the algorithm is similar, but there are additional chips:

• 🖼️ Support for dynamic wallpaper with reference to icons.
• 🔍 Built-in search by settings (comfortable for beginners).
• 📊 Optimized energy consumption compared to Nova.

Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources)

Make a backup copy of the current desktop settings

Check the compatibility of the launcher with the Android version

Disable battery optimization for launcher in settings MIUI-->

Please note that some launchers may conflict with features MIUI, So, you have to choose between customization and standard firmware.

Manual replacement of icons through ADB (for advanced users)

If you want to go further and replace the icons of system applications (for example, Settings, Phone or Messages), you can use the tool. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge, but gives you maximum freedom.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on the version line to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and check the connection with the command: Adb devices The device should appear in the list.
3. Download the icon package in.zip format (for example, from the XDA Developers website) and unpack it in a folder on your PC.
4. Use the command to replace the icon (example for the Settings app): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/new_settings_icon.png /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png chmod 644 /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png Reboot Attention: Incorrect replacement of system files can lead to bootloop (locked device turn on).Always back up the original files!

This method is only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights. On devices with locked bootloader (for example, most Redmi from China), it will not work.

Hidden functions MIUI icon-worker

Firmware MIUI It contains several hidden features that are rarely mentioned in official documentation, but can be useful for fine-tuning:

1. Change the size of icons without a launcher: in Settings → Desktop → You can choose between 80 and 120% of the icon size, and this works even on basic models like the Redmi. A2.
2. Hiding icon names: clamping the empty space on the screen → Desktop settings → Display application names → turn off the slider.
3. Grouping icons into folders with custom icons: create a folder, then click on its icon → Change the folder icon → Choose any icon from the gallery.
4. Animation when clicking on the icon: in Settings → Special effects → Touch animation can enable visual response (works on the MIUI 14+).

Another little-known feature is the ability to attach a double-touch icon to trigger another action, such as setting the double tap to the phone to open a list of favorite contacts instead of the dialer.

1. Press the app icon and select Change.
2. Click on Double-Tap Action (not available on all models).
3. Select the desired action from the list (for example, Open a favorite or a new message).

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Hidden functions MIUI It's often based on the region of the firmware. MIUI EU There are more options than in Chinese or Russian.

Problems and Solutions: Why icons don’t change or get dropped

When customizing icons, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

The problem with resetting icons after the update is that you have to pay special attention. MIUI with major updates (for example, with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) may reset the launcher settings to avoid this:

• 📱 Before updating, take screenshots of the location of the icons.
• 🔄 Use cloud-backed launchers (like Nova Launcher) + Google account).
• 📁 Save the icon packs used to a separate folder on the device.

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After the update MIUI You've lost all your desktop icons, don't panic -- they're not deleted, they're just hidden. → Settings → Restore the default layout.

Optimizing performance when using custom icons

Installing third-party icon or launcher packages can affect the performance of the device, especially when it comes to budget models like Redmi. 10A or POCO M4. Here are some tips on how to minimize the load:

1. Choose lightweight icon packages: Avoid animation packages or high-resolution vector icons (e.g., high-resolution image packs, 512x512). Optimal size — 192x192 or 256x256.
2. Disable unnecessary animations: In the launcher settings (Nova, Hyperion) reduce or disable the transition and zoom animations.
3. Limit the number of widgets: each widget (weather, hours, music) consumes additional resources. If they are not critical, remove them.
4. Use the performance mode: in Settings → Battery → Performance mode select High Performance (but note that this will reduce battery life).

To test the impact of custom icons on performance, you can use benchmark applications like AnTuTu or Geekbench. Compare the results before and after the launcher installation:

• 📊 If the scores fall on the test UI Rendering is over 15%, it’s worth looking for a lighter package of icons.
• 🔋 If battery life is reduced by 20% or more, try turning off background optimization for the launcher in the battery settings.

Comparison of methods of customization of icons: what to choose?

To help determine the method, we have compiled a comparative table with the pros and cons of each approach:

Our advice:

• 📱 If you need minimal changes (color, shape) – use standard themes or adaptive icons.
• 🎨 For deep customization (unique icons, animations) – install third-party launchers.
• ⚙️ If you are willing to take risks and want to change system icons, try it. ADB, but only with a backup!

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On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO F5) Some icon settings may be different, and this firmware often has additional customization options that are not available in the standard one. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about customizing icons on Xiaomi