The standard icons on Xiaomi are often boring: square corners, the same kind of trim, the lack of originality. MIUI (And the new HyperOS, which is going to be able to change the shape of shortcuts, from rounded corners to fully customized designs, can be done through both built-in settings and with third-party tools that the manufacturer doesn't mention.
In this article, we will analyze all working methods - from basic to advanced, including hidden functions of the launcher, ADB-We'll focus on the nuances of different versions of the shell (MIUI 12-15 HyperOS and others, and how to avoid common bugs that cause icons to “fly” after an update.
⚠️ Important: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or the rights of the superuser. If you are a beginner, start with the standard methods (sections 2 and 3) – they are safe and work without root.
1. Standard settings of the icons form in MIUI/HyperOS
The easiest way to change the shape of shortcuts is to use the built-in options of the Xiaomi theme engine. MIUI 12 and later, and in HyperOS, but its location may vary depending on the firmware version.
To find the parameters:
- Open the Settings. → Screen. → Lock screen style (in HyperOS the path can be Settings) → Personalization → Desktop style).
- Select the Shape of icons or Style of icons.
- Scroll through the list of available options: there is usually a Square, Rounded, Circle, Drop and Squircle (the intermediate option between a square and a circle).
⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro with the MIUI 13) the option is hidden behind the optional menu. If you can't see the section, try using any system theme from the Topic first. → My themes, then go back to the form settings.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔹 Does not require root or third-party application rights.
- 🔹 Changes apply to all icons at once (including system icons).
- 🔹 It is saved after the firmware update.
Disadvantages:
- 🔸 Limited choice of forms (usually) 4-5 variant).
- 🔸 You can't adjust the size or transparency of the winding.
- 🔸 On some devices with HyperOS, the option may not be available (depending on the regional firmware).
2.Use of themes from Xiaomi Theme Store
If there are few built-in options, the official theme store will help expand the choice. Many packages include not only wallpaper and fonts, but also unique icon shapes, from minimalist to futuristic, and installation takes less than a minute.
How to find and apply a theme with custom icons:
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- In the search bar, enter queries: icons round icons squircle shape shortcuts (in English - icon shape)
Apply
💡 Tip: Check the rating and reviews before using the theme. Some packages may contain ads or incorrectly display system icons (for example, Settings or Phone).
Examples of popular themes with unique shapes:
| Title of the topic | Icon shape | Suitable for | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS 17 Style | Squircle with shadow | MIUI 13–15, HyperOS | Imitates iPhone design, including animations |
| Material You | Dynamic circles | Devices with AMOLED-screen | The color of the icons adjusts to the wallpaper |
| Pixel Icon Pack | Furnished circles | Any Xiaomis | An exact copy of the icons of Google Pixel |
| Minimalist Round | Clean circles | MIUI 12–14 | No snails, only color backgrounds. |
⚠️ Warning: After updating the firmware, the theme may reset. To avoid this, save your favorite theme in My themes → Chosen.
💡
If after applying the theme, some icons remained square, try restarting the device or manually updating the launcher: pinch the empty space on the desktop. → Desktop settings → Update.
3. Hidden launcher settings: ADB-team-up
For those who don’t have enough standard options, there’s a way to unlock hidden icon shape options through the ADB. This method works on most Xiaomi devices (except for the first time). POCO with custom firmware) and allows you to set undocumented values, for example, fluid (adaptive) or hexagon.
🔧 What's the matter:
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the assembly number → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 💻 Computer with ADB-tools installed.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
📌 Step-by-step instruction:
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging on the device screen.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Execute the command to change the shape of the icons (example for rounded corners): adb shell settings put secure icon_shape 1 Where 1 — It's a form code. Available values: 0 — square 1 — rounded) 2 — circle 3 — drop (teardrop) 4 — Adaptive (only for HyperOS)
adb shell am force-stop com.miui.home🔍 How to return standard settings?
If you don’t like the result, reset the form with the command:
adb shell settings delete secure icon_shape☑️ Preparation for ADB-setting
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
4.Castom launchers: complete design freedom
If you are not satisfied with the restrictions MIUI, The best way to do this is to install a launcher side, which not only changes the shape of the icons, but also adjusts their size, transparency, animations, and even add gestures:
- 🎨 Nova Launcher – supports icon packages (such as Whicons or Delta), allows you to set a form through the Nova Settings plugin → Look & Feel → Icon Shape.
- 🔄 Lawnchair – open launcher with support for adaptive icons and dynamic shapes (including hexagons).
- 🖼️ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi, saves gestures MIUI, But adds enhanced icon settings.
- 🌈 Smart Launcher 6 – automatically selects the shape of the icons under the wallpaper (Adaptive Icons function).
📌 How to Set Up a Form in Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Hold an empty space on the desktop → Settings → Appearance.
- Select the icon form and set one of the options: Circle, Squircle, Drop or Custom (to download your templates).
- For additional styles, install the Nova Launcher Prime plugin (paid) or a free icon package (like CandyCons).
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with HyperOS, some launchers may conflict with system gestures (e.g. swipe up to return home.
💡
The launcher side is the only way to get hexagonal icons or fully transparent contours on Xiaomi without root rights.
5. Manual editing of system files (for experienced)
This method is only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights. It allows you to change the shape of the icons at the system resource level, but requires caution - an error can lead to a launcher crash or a looped reboot.
🛠️ Tools:
- 📱 Root access (for example, via Magisk).
- 📂 File Manager with support for root (Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
- 🖥️ Backup copy of the system partition (required!).
🔧 Step-by-step instruction:
- Create a backup copy of the folder /system/framework/framework-res.apk (copy it to your PC).
- Open the file in APK Editor (or decompile using apktool).
- Move to the res/values/ and find the file. styles.xml.
- Find lines with icon settings (usually containing icons) icon_shape_*) and change the meaning: <item name="icon_shape">round</item> Options available: square, squircle, round, teardrop.
- Save the changes, reassemble APK Replace the original file in /system/framework/.
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Warning: After the firmware update, the changes will reset. To avoid this, create a script in Magisk that will automatically apply your settings after the update.
📌 Alternative method (without decompilation):
Some firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) allow you to change the shape of icons through a file. /data/system/theme/. Download the finished theme with the desired form (for example, from the forum). XDA) and replace files manually.
How to return standard icons after a failed edit?
6 Problems and Solutions: Why the Shape of the Icons Doesn't Change
Even after doing the right thing, the shape of the labels can remain the same, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The form option is not available in the settings | Regional firmware with reduced functions | Install global or xiaomi.eu firmware |
| Icons are reset after the update | Systemic resetting of themes | Use the theme again or use it. ADB-team |
| Not all icons have changed shape. | Applications use their own icons | Install an icon package (such as Adapticons) |
| ADB-team is not working | No right to write in secure settings | Apply for permission via adb shell pm grant |
| Launcher relegates after changes | Damaged. framework-res.apk | Restore the file from the backup or reflash the system |
💡 Advice for HyperOS:
If no method works on a HyperOS device, try temporarily rolling back to the device. MIUI 14 via Fastboot, apply settings, then update back. In some cases, this helps to unlock hidden options.
7.Alternative methods: icons through Magisk packages and modules
For root-access users, there are two more powerful tools:
- 📦 Icon Packages: Install any package from Google Play (like Fluid Icons or Borealis) and apply it through the launcher settings. Most packages support a dynamic form that adjusts to the system settings.
- 🔧 Magisk modules: Modules like this MIUI Blur or Iconify lets you flexibly customize icons, including their shape, shadows and even animations when you click.Install: Download the module (like Iconify).Install via Magisk Manager.Reboot the device. Set up the form in the module app or through Settings → Personalization.
⚠️ Note: Some modules conflict with HyperOS. Before installing, check compatibility in the module theme on the device. XDA or 4PDA.
📌 Example of settings through Iconify:
After installing the module, open its settings and select:
- Icon Shape → Squircle (for form as on iOS)
- Icon Pack → System Default (to apply the form to all icons)
- Force Theming → Enable (for forced change of system icons)