Xiaomi desktop icons are not just functional elements, but part of the visual style of your smartphone. Over time, the standard square or rounded icon shape can get boring, especially if you are looking for unique design. Fortunately, MIUI offers several ways to change the shape of icons, from built-in themes to deep customization through third-party launchers.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods: from simple settings in Themes to manual editing through ADB (for experienced users). You will learn which Xiaomi models support changing the shape of icons out of the box, and where you will need to install additional software. We will also reveal the hidden function MIUI 14+, which allows you to change the shape of icons without third-party applications – this is not known!
Important: customization options depend on the MIUI version and the smartphone model. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14, some options are available, and on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with HyperOS, others are available. But don't worry, we covered all the current scenarios.
1. MIUI Standard Themes: Quick Shape Change of Icons
The easiest way to change the shape of icons is to use the built-in Themes app, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, including the Poco, Redmi and flagship series, the main advantage is that you do not need to install additional software or obtain root rights.
Here's how to do it:
- 📱 Open the Topics app (brush icon on desktop).
- 🔍 In the search box, type in the query: “icon shape” or “icon shape” (in English, often more results are obtained).
- 🎨 Choose your favorite theme from the one you like. Pay attention to the preview, and you can see what the icons will look like.
- ⬇️ Click Apply and confirm the changes. The system will automatically update the shape of all icons.
The disadvantage of the method is that the choice of forms is limited to what the MIUI Theme Store offers. If you want unique shapes (like drops, hearts or polygons), you will have to use alternative methods.
2.Configure via MIUI Launcher: Hidden options
Few people know, but MIUI Launcher (the standard launcher of Xiaomi) has additional customization options for icons, which are not available on all devices, but it is worth checking. This method works on MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS without installing third-party applications.
Instructions:
- Hold your finger on the free space on the desktop.
- In the menu that appears, select Desktop Settings (or Home Screen Settings).
- Scroll down and find the Icon Style (or Icon Style) section.
- Here you will see the variants of the forms: Square, Rounded rectangle, Circle, Drop (on some firmware).
- Choose the form you like and confirm the changes.
If there's no icon style, your version of MIUI doesn't support it, so move on to the next one.
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Some firmware has hidden the option. To unlock it, switch the system language to English (Settings → Additional settings → Language & input → Language) and check the menu again.
Third-party launchers: maximum customization
If built-in options are not enough, third-party launchers will open up unlimited opportunities to change the shape of icons.
- 🔧 Nova Launcher – supports icon packages with unique shapes, animations and adaptive icons.
- 🎨 Apex Launcher – allows you to adjust the shape, size and shadows of icons manually.
- 🌈 Lawnchair is a lightweight open source launcher with support for Icon Packs.
- 💎 Microsoft Launcher – offers minimalist forms and integration with Windows.
How to change the shape of icons through Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- Press your finger on the desktop → Settings → Appearance.
- Select the Icon Style → Shape and install one of the suggested ones (or download the Icon Pack from the store).
- For fine-tuning, go to the icon size and adjust the settings.
Third-party launchers have the advantage of flexibility, for example, Nova Launcher allows you to set different shapes for folders and individual icons, and apply effects when you click. However, note that some features (such as gestures) may conflict with Xiaomi’s system settings.
How to return the standard MIUI launcher?
4.Icon Packs: Pre-made icon sets with unique shapes
Icon Packs are icon packages that completely replace standard icons on the desktop, and are compatible with most launchers (including Nova and Apex) and allow you to install not only new shapes, but also style, color gamut, animation.
Popular icon packages for Xiaomi:
| Package name | Icon shape | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whicons | Circles, rounded squares | Free of charge. | Minimalist design, more than 5000 icons |
| CandyCons | Drops, polygons | 150 rubles. | Bright colors, support for adaptive icons |
| Delta | Geometrical figures | 200 rubles. | Dark theme, over 7,000 icons |
| Lines | Rectangles with rounded corners | Free of charge. | Flat design, optimized for AMOLED |
How to install the Icon Pack:
- Download the icon package from Google Play.
- Install a compatible launcher (like Nova Launcher).
- In the launcher settings, select Icon Pack Style → and apply the downloaded package.
Install a compatible launcher|Download the icon packet|Make a backup of current settings|Check compatibility with the Android version-->
5. Manual modification via ADB: for power users
If you're ready to experiment, you can change the shape of the icons through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge.
Instructions:
- Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb shell settings put secure icon_shape_system 1
adb shell settings put secure icon_shape 2Where:
- icon_shape_system = 1 (customize)
- icon_shape can take: 0 — square 1 — round-square 2 — circle 3 — drop (on some firmware)
Once you have the commands, restart your smartphone, and if the icons have not changed their shape, your firmware does not support this setting.
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method ADB works only MIUI 12+ HyperOS may require an additional command adb shell cmd overlay enable-exclusive com.android.theme.icon_pack.rounded.
Problems and Solutions: What to Do When the Form Doesn't Change
Sometimes even after applying themes or installing launchers, the shape of the icons remains the same.
⚠️ Note: If after the launcher change, the icons of system applications (for example, Settings or Phone) are missing, return the standard one. MIUI Launcher and reinstall the icon package. MIUI Modification of system components.
Problem 1: In the launcher settings, there is no option to change the shape of the icons.
- 🔹 Check the launcher version – update it to the latest version.
- 🔹 Install an optional Icon Pack module (even if you don’t plan to use it).Some launchers only activate customization options if you have at least one icon pack.
Problem 2: After applying the theme, the shape of the icons dropped.
- 🔹 Restart your smartphone – sometimes changes are applied after a reboot.
- 🔹 Check if the theme conflicts with other settings. Try applying it to a clean desktop (remove widgets and folders).
Problem 3: The icons have become blurry or incorrectly sized.
- 🔹 In the launcher settings, find the option Adaptive icons and turn it off.
- 🔹 Set a fixed icon size (e.g. 120% in Nova Launcher).