How to change emoji to Xiaomi: all ways from simple to advanced

Why Xiaomi’s standard emojis don’t suit users?

The emojis on Xiaomi smartphones are often the subject of criticism. Unlike the unified characters on the iPhone or Google Pixel, the emojis in MIUI have a unique design that many find outdated or illogical. For example, the smiley with tears of joy on Xiaomi looks different from other platforms, which creates confusion in chat rooms.

In addition, in different versions MIUI (12, 13, 14) the design of the emoji may be radically different. POCO F3 They often complain that their emojis look "cheap" compared to animations on Samsung or Apple, 🤯 or 🥵) And they are not in the standard set.

But the good news is that you can replace emojis with Xiaomi in a number of ways, from simple (no root) to advanced (unlock the bootloader).

Method 1: Install keyboard with alternative emojis (without root)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to change the keyboard, and many apps (like Gboard or SwiftKey) use Google emojis that look more modern than standard ones.

1. 📱 Install Gboard from Google Play.
2. ⚙️ Go to Settings. → System system → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
3. 🔄 Activate Gboard and set it to default keyboard.
4. 🎨 In Gboard settings, select the emoji theme: Settings → Emoji → Emoji style (Google, iOS, Samsung options available).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party keyboards, emoji will only be displayed correctly in messengers that support a universal standard (such as Telegram or WhatsApp). SMS or some chats of social networks (for example, VKontakte) may remain standard emoticons MIUI.

Download Gboard or SwiftKey from the official store

Disable Battery Optimization for Keyboard

Check compatibility with the MIUI version

Backup of current keyboard settings-->

If you don’t like Gboard, try the alternatives:

• 🔹 SwiftKey – supports customization of emojis through plugins.
• 🔹 Chroom – keyboard with support for emoji from Samsung and Twitter.
• 🔹 Fleksy – allows you to install third-party emoji packages (requires manual download of.ttf files).

Method 2: Using Magisk and Emoji Replacer (with root)

For users with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, a more flexible method is available – replacing the system fonts of emoji, which works on all Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi K50, POCO X5 Pro and Mi 11.

You'll need:

• 📲 Smartphone with unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk (instructions to unlock: here).
• 🔧 MagiskEmoji or Emoji Replacer (download) XDA Developers).
• 🖥️ Emoji package in.ttf format (for example, iOS 16, Samsung One) UI 5 or Twitter Color).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Emoji Replacer module (EmojiReplacer-Magisk.zip) and the desired emoji package (e.g. NotoColorEmoji-iOS.ttf).
2. Transfer both files to the phone’s memory.
3. Open Magisk Manager, go to Modules → Install from storage.
4. Select the downloaded.zip file module and wait for the installation.
5. Reset the device.
6. After the reboot, open Termux (or ADB) and execute the command: su setprop persist.sys.emoji.style ios (replace ios with samsung, google, or twitter if necessary).
7. Reboot the phone again.

Important: On some MIUI 14 firmware, the module may conflict with system updates. Before installing, check compatibility on the 4PDA or XDA forum for your model (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13T).

Method 3: Manual editing of system fonts (for experienced ones)

This method is suitable for those who are willing to work with system files through ADB or Root Explorer.It allows you to replace emoji at the system level, but requires caution - wrong actions can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot).

Steps to replace:

1. Download the archive from an emoji (e.g. NotoColorEmoji.ttf for Google or AppleColorEmoji.ttf for iOS).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and activate USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the line with the version).
3. Open the command line and execute: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/NotoColorEmoji.ttf /system/fonts/ chmod 644 /system/fonts/NotoColorEmoji.ttf reboot

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 Android 12+ The path to fonts may be different. For example, on Xiaomi 12 Pro emoji files are in place in /product/fonts/ or /system/product/fonts/. Before replacing, back up the original files!

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Before replacing fonts, check their compatibility with your version of Android. emojis from iOS 16, for example, may not show correctly on Android 11. Use the FontViewer utility from Google Play for preview.

Method 4: Apps to replace emoji without root

If you don't want to unlock the bootloader or install Magisk, you can use apps that replace emojis on the fly. They work as an overlay on top of system emojis.

The best applications for this task:

• 🎭 Emoji Changer – supports emoji from Google, Apple, Samsung and Twitter. Works through accessibility (does not require root).
• 🔄 Textra SMS — Messenger with built-in replacement emoji (supports iOS and Samsung styles).
• 🖼️ Emoji Switcher – allows you to choose the style of emoji for different applications separately (for example, WhatsApp – iOS, Telegram – Google).

How to set up Emoji Changer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and select the emoji style (like iOS 16).
3. Activate the service in Settings → Special features → Emoji Changer.
4. Restart the messenger (for example, Viber or Signal).

⚠️ Note: Applications such as Emoji Changer may conflict with some launchers (e.g., Emoji Changer, POCO Launcher or Mi Launcher. If you have lags after activation, turn it off in the special features settings.

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Emoji replacement apps without root do not work in all messengers, such as VK or Facebook Messenger, because of platform limitations.

Method 5: Firmware custom recovery and ZIP-emoji

For advanced users who aren’t afraid of experimentation, there is a method of firmwareing a custom emoji package via TWRP or OrangeFox, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader, but without a permanent Magisk.

Instructions:

1. Install TWRP for your model (e.g., Redmi Note 9 Pro or Mi 10T).References to official builds: twrp.me.
2. Download. ZIP-emoji file (e.g, Emoji_Replacer_iOS16.zip forum XDA).
3. Reboot the phone to Recovery mode (clip Power + Volume up).
4. V TWRP Choose Install → Choose. ZIP-file → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
5. After the firmware, run the Wipe Dalvik/Cache and restart the device.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔧 It works at the system level (emojis change everywhere, including the SMS and system notifications).
• 🔄 Does not require constant operation of Magisk (suitable for devices with a locked bootloader after replacement).
• 📱 Compatible with most of the base-based firmware MIUI and AOSP.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware informal ZIP-Files can cause system failure if the file is incompatible with your version MIUI. Always check the reviews of other users of your model (for example, Xiaomi 12 Lite or the other users of your model). POCO M5) before installation.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your skills and the stability requirements of the system.

For most users, the best solution is to change the keyboard (method 1) or use Emoji Changer (method 4). If you need a complete replacement of the emoji throughout the system and you are ready for risks, choose Magisk (method 2) or TWRP (mode 5).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing emoji with Xiaomi, you may have errors. Here's how to fix them:

• 🔳 Emojis unchanged after installing Magisk module: Check if the module is activated in Magisk Settings → If you don't check the box, reinstall the module and reboot the phone.
• 📱 Phone stuck on logo after font replacement: Boot into Fastboot (clip Power) + Loudness down) and slick the original boot.img via Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔄 Some emoji apps display old ones: Clear the app cache (like WhatsApp or Telegram) in the settings.
• 🚫 Magisk doesn’t see Emoji Replacer: Make sure you have the latest version of Magisk installed (26.0)+). Download the module again from the official repository.

If none of these methods worked, check:

• 📋 Compatibility of your model with the chosen method (for example, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra may not work manually changing fonts due to Dynamic Partition).
• 🔧 Version MIUI (on MIUI 14 Some modules require additional patches).
• 🛠️ Updates for the software used (e.g. Gboard or Magisk).

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Before any manipulation of system files, back up via TWRP or Mi PC Suite to help restore the phone in case of a crash.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions