How to rename the shortcut on the Xiaomi desktop: 5 ways to MIUI

Xiaomi’s desktop is the hallmark of your device, where every app or folder shortcut should carry not only functional but also aesthetic load. However, standard names like Gallery or Camera don’t always reflect your preferences: someone wants to add an emoji for ease of search, someone wants to translate the name into another language, and someone is just tired of monotony. Unfortunately, MIUI doesn’t provide a direct function of renaming shortcuts in the latest versions (12-14), but this does not mean that the task is impossible.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways to change the name of any shortcut on a Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO or Black Shark screen, from simple workarounds to third-party apps. You’ll learn how to get around the limitations of the shell, what tools are safe for the system, and why some methods may not work on bootloader-locked devices. And how to return the original name if something goes wrong.

Why MIUI can’t be renamed as standard means

Xiaomi’s MIUI shell has historically been closed compared to Android’s naked shell. In versions before MIUI 10, users could edit folder names and some shortcuts through a long press, but with the release of MIUI 12 and the transition to Android 10+, this feature was removed.

• 🔒 Xiaomi aims to minimize the risks of system files changes that could lead to failures.
• 📱 Unification of the interface: the company wants all devices to look the same, regardless of the region or model.
• 🛠️ Technical Limitations: In newer versions of Android, app shortcuts are tied to their manifest files, which are protected by the developer’s signature.

But that doesn't mean that the problem is unsolvable, because the manufacturer leaves loopholes for customization through:

• 📂 Folders (their names can be changed).
• 🔄 Alternative launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher or Hyperion).
• 🤖 ADB-Teams (for advanced users).

⚠️ Note: Modifying system files through ADB or root access may result in loss of warranty on Xiaomi devices.Before experimenting, back up your data in Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Method 1: Rename through a folder (without third-party applications)

The easiest and safest method is to put the app in a folder and change its name. This won't replace the name of the shortcut itself, but it will visually solve the problem. It is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Black Shark 5.

Step-by-step:

1. Click and hold the shortcut of the app you want to rename.
2. Drag it to another shortcut (like “Camera” to “Gallery”) to create a folder.
3. Tap the folder name (by default, “Folder without a name”) and enter a new name (for example, «📷 My photos»).
4. Press Ready.

Now the desktop will display a folder with your name, minus the method: when you open the folder, you will see the original name of the application, but this method does not require superuser rights and works even on locked devices.

Make sure there is free space for the folder on the screen |

The folder must not contain more than 16 applications (limitation) MIUI)|

The folder name cannot exceed 20 characters |

The changes will only apply to the visual display, not to the application itself.-->

Method 2: Use of an alternative launcher

If you need to rename shortcuts directly, rather than through folders, install a third-party launcher.The best options for Xiaomi are:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – Supports changing the names of shortcuts, icons and even gestures.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for devices with MIUI, has a built-in label editor.
• 🎨 Apex Launcher – allows you to hide the names of applications or replace them with emojis.

How to rename the shortcut to Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it as the default launcher in the system settings (Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher).
3. Press and hold the label, select Change.
4. In the “Name” field, enter a new name (for example, «💬 Watsap instead of WhatsApp»).
5. Save the changes.

The advantage of the method: it works on all versions of MIUI and does not require root rights. The disadvantage is that you will have to abandon the standard launcher, which can affect the performance on weak devices (for example, Redmi 9A).

Standard MIUI|

Nova Launcher|

Hyperion Launcher|

Another (write in the comments)|-->

Method 3: Editing through ADB (for Advanced)

If you are ready to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can change the shortcut name directly in system files.This method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights, but does not guarantee stability - after updating MIUI, changes can be reset.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Developer settings → Debugging by USB).

Teams for renaming:

adb shell


pm list packages | grep "app name" # Find the package (e.g. com.android.camera)




cmd shortcut rename-package "original name" "new name"

Examples of renaming the "Camera" in «📸 Photo Photo»:

cmd shortcut rename-package "com.android.camera" "📸 Photo"

⚠️ Note: Not all apps support renaming via ADB. System utilities (such as Settings or Phone) can ignore the command, and once the device is restarted, changes are sometimes reset.

Method 4: Create a duplicate label with a new name

If previous methods don’t work, you can create a duplicate shortcut with the right name through a widget or third-party app, for example, Shortcut Maker or Activity Launcher lets you create a new shortcut for any application and name it whatever you want.

Instructions for Shortcut Maker:

1. Install Shortcut Maker.
2. Select an app from a list (like Chrome).
3. Click Create and enter a new name in the Title field (for example, «🌐 browser»).
4. Save the label on the desktop.

The Original shortcut can be hidden in a folder or disable via the launcher settings. Minus: the desktop will have two shortcuts for a single application (original and renamed).

💡

If the original shortcut gets in the way after creating a duplicate, it can be removed from the screen, but not removed!

Method 5: Manual file editing (routine devices only)

On root-access devices, you can manually edit the files that are responsible for shortcut names, a risky method that gives you complete control, and you'll need a root-enabled file manager like Root Explorer or Solid Explorer.

Where to look:

• /data/app/ – Names of user applications.
• /system/priv-app/ – System applications (changes here may cause crashes!)

How to change it:

1. Open the AndroidManifest.xml file in the app folder.
2. Find the line from android:label="@string/app_name".
3. Change the value in the file res/values/strings.xml (find the line with app_name).
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before changes, make a full backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When renaming shortcuts to Xiaomi, users face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

• 🔄 Changes are not saved: Check if the settings are reset after rebooting. ADB — Try an alternative launcher.
• 📵 The label disappeared after the update MIUI: System updates often reset customization. Before the update, take a screenshot of the location of the shortcuts.
• 🚫 You can not rename the system application: For Settings, Phone or Messages, use duplicates through Shortcut Maker.
• 🔒 ADB Does not work on a locked bootloader: Unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (risk of loss of warranty!).

If after the experiments the device began to work unstable, return the original names or reset the launcher settings:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

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On devices with MIUI Global, some methods (e.g. ADB) may be blocked, in which case changing the firmware region to MIUI China or MIUI EU (unofficial) will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions