How to Change Your Android Xiaomi Icons: From Standard Themes to Manual Replacement via ADB

The standard icons in MIUI or HyperOS on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often look too bright or monotonous. The good news is that they can be changed without rooting rights — at least 5 ways, from simple to advanced. But there are nuances: not all methods work on new versions of firmware, and some require pre-tuning.

If you want to just refresh the look of the desktop, just install one of the built-in themes. Deep customization will require third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, and the most experienced users can replace the icons manually through the use of the new platform. ADB modified APK-In this article, we will discuss all the options, from basic to extreme, taking into account the features of the latest versions. MIUI 14 and HyperOS.

Important: Back up important data before any changes. Some methods (especially those using ADB) can cause system failures if performed incorrectly. Also note that on devices with a bootloader blocked, some of the functions may be limited.

The standard icons in MIUI are system-specific, but can be replaced even without installing additional applications, followed by detailed instructions for each method, including screenshots of key steps and warnings about possible risks.

1. Replace icons through built-in MIUI/HyperOS themes

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use official themes from Xiaomi, which has thousands of options available in the theme store, including minimalist, dark, transparent and even animated icons, the main plus: you don’t need to install third-party apps or risk system stability.

To change icons through themes:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the Topic tab → Popular or icons.
3. Select your favorite theme and click Apply.
4. If you want to change only the icons, and not the whole theme, tap the icon Set up (cog) and select Only icons.

⚠️ Note: Some themes may contain ads or plugins that slow down the system. Before installing, read reviews from other users in the Comments section.

• 🎨 Pros: fast, free, does not require root rights.
• ⚠️ Cons: limited choice, some themes are paid, icons are changed only for standard applications.
• 🔄 Alternative: If the theme store does not have a suitable option, try downloading APK-Theme from ZThemes (requires permission to install from unknown sources).

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If the icons haven’t changed after applying the theme, restart the device or clear the theme app cache in the settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Themes → Storage → Clear the cache).

2.Using third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Apex, Lawnchair)

Third-party launchers allow you not only to change icons, but also completely remake the desktop: add gestures, change the application grid, hide shortcuts, etc. The most popular options for Xiaomi are Nova Launcher (paid and free versions), Apex Launcher and Lawnchair (open source).

Instructions for setting up icons in Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Make it a default launcher (the first time you start will be offered a sentence).
3. Press the finger free space on the desktop → Settings → Appearance → Style of icons.
4. Select the Icon Package and install your favorite set from Google Play (such as Whicons, Fluxo or Minima).
5. If the desired icon has not changed, press it → Change → Edit and select the image manually.

For Lawnchair, the process is similar, but with one caveat: this launcher supports adaptive icons (change shape depending on the edges of the desktop).

1. Go to Lawnchair Settings → Appearance → Adaptive icons.
2. Choose the shape: circle, birdhouse, drop, etc.
3. Apply the changes and restart the launcher.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (especially HyperOS) third-party launchers may conflict with system gestures. If the swipes to return back stop working after installing Nova Launcher, disable system gestures in Settings → Display. → Additionally. → Full-screen gestures.

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

Backup your current desktop settings |

Disable battery optimization for launcher (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All applications → Nova Launcher → No restrictions) |

Check compatibility with the Android version (the minimum version is specified in the launcher description)|-->

3. Manual replacement of icons via ADB (no root rights)

If you need to replace the icons of specific system applications (such as Settings, Phone or Messages), you can do it through ADB without obtaining root rights.The method works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, but requires accuracy.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB-pc-tool.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (stick 7 times to become a developer) → Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices (your device should appear).
4. Download MIUI Icon Changer (process automation tool) and follow the instructions in the archive.
5. For manual replacement, use commands such as adb shell cmd overlay enable --user 0 com.android.theme.icon.pack.systemui (where com.android.theme.icon.pack.systemui is the name of the packet with new icons).

Critical: Before changing your system application icons (e.g. com.android.settings), back up your original files. Wrong commands can lead to the interface crash!

• 🛠️ Pros: work even on a locked bootloader, do not require root rights.
• ⚠️ Cons: difficult for beginners, the risk of “breaking” system applications.
• 🔧 Tip: If the icons are missing after the changes, follow: adb shell cmd overlay disable com.android.theme.icon.pack.systemui and restart the device.

4. Install custom firmware (Custom ROM) for complete freedom

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS) will give you access to full customization of icons, including replacing system icons via Substratum or LSPosed.

• Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
• Installations of custom recavery (TWRP).
• The risk of loss of warranty and possible problems with the operation of the NFC module or camera.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (similar to other models):

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 7 days to wait).
2. Install TWRP for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
3. Download firmware (like LineageOS) and an icon package (like Fluid Icons for Substratum).
4. Download to TWRP, backup and flash the firmware + Magisk (for root rights).
5. After downloading, install Substratum from Magisk and apply the icon theme.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (2026), some custom firmware may not support the Widevine module L1, What will stop streaming services in high quality (Netflix, Disney)+).

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Custom firmware gives you maximum customization freedom, but it requires technical skills. If you only need icons, try launchers or launchers first. ADB-method.

5. Replace icons through Magisk modules (for rooted devices)

If your Xiaomi already has Magisk (root rights), you can use modules to replace icons without completely flashing.

• Iconify – allows you to change the icons of system and third-party applications.
• Icon Pack Studio – creates custom icon packages.
• MiuiHome Mods – Modifies the MIUI system launcher.

Instructions for Iconify:

1. Install Iconify via Magisk.
2. Download your favorite icon package (such as Whicons or Delta).
3. Open Iconify Manager, select the app and assign a new icon.
4. Apply the changes and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: Some Magisk modules may conflict with HyperOS, causing reboots. Check compatibility on the forum before installing XDA.

6. Creating your own icons (for designers)

If you want unique icons, you can create them yourself using tools like Android Asset Studio or Figma, and the rule of thumb is that the icons must be in PNG format, with a resolution of 192×192 pixels and a transparent background.

Step-by-step process:

1. Download the icon template for Android here.
2. Open the template in Figma or Photoshop and draw your icon.
3. Export in PNG name-named ic_launcher_foreground.png.
4. Use Icon Pack Studio or Shortcut Maker to apply icons to apps.

For automation, you can use a Python script with the Pillow library:

from PIL import Image


import os




Folder with original icons



source_dir = "custom_icons/"



Folder for the result



output_dir = "processed_icons/"





for filename in os.listdir(source_dir):




if filename.endswith(".png"):




img = Image.open(source_dir + filename)




img = img.resize((192, 192))




img.save(output_dir + "ic_" + filename, "PNG")

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing icons with Xiaomi