Why Change Standard Icons and What Customization Can Do
The standard MIUI icon set on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones often looks boring or doesn’t fit your style. Replacing app icons is not just aesthetic, but also practical: bright icons catch your eye faster, and a single design makes navigation easier. For example, users note that after changing themes, the speed of finding the right applications increases by 20-30% due to visual associations.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change icons, from standard MIUI tools to advanced methods using ADB. Each method has been tested on models from 2023-2026 (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO F6) and adapted to the latest firmware versions. If you want to not just change pictures, but completely transform the interface, here you will find step-by-step instructions with the help of typical errors.
Before you start, consider that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights. This can affect the warranty and security of the device. We marked these methods with special warnings - read them carefully before you act.
Method 1: Using the built-in MIUI themes
The easiest and safest method is to install ready-made themes from the official MIUI Themes store. It does not require additional programs or rights, but has a limitation: icons are changed only within the selected theme (you can not change individual icons).
How it works:
- 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
- 🔍 In the search bar, type in a query, such as “minimalism icons” or "3D pin".
- 🎨 Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. The icons will automatically update.
- 🔄 If the theme is paid, check for free alternatives in the Popular section.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ No need for root rights or technical skills.
- ✅ Themes optimized for MIUI — No display bugs.
- ✅ Regular updates of designs from the community.
⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI Before the new version (for example, from 14 to 15) some topics may be reset. To avoid this, save your favorite topics in the Features in the App Themes.
| Parameter | Free themes. | Paid themes |
|---|---|---|
| Number of icons in the pack | 50-100 | 200-500+ |
| Quality of drawing | Standard (72 dpi) | High (144+ dpi) |
| Animation support | No. | Yes (on some subjects) |
| Compatible with POCO Launcher | Partial | Complete. |
Method 2: Installation of third-party launchers
If built-in themes are not enough, you can install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Hyperion Launcher), which allows you to change icons selectively, adjust their size, shape, and even add effects when you click.
The following is a step-by-step instruction for Nova Launcher:
- Download Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- Set the launcher as the main one: go to Settings → Applications → By default → Launcher.
- Press your finger to the free space on the desktop → Settings Nova → Style and icons.
- Select the icon pack and install the set you like (for example, Whicons or CandyCons).
- For individual applications: Press the icon → Change → Edit → Select a new icon from the gallery.
Comparison of popular launchers:
Make sure you are compatible with MIUI 14/15|
Check the feedback on the stability of work |
Download the pack icons ZARANEE (some launchers do not support installation from the application itself)|
Backup your current desktop (in Nova: Settings → Backup)
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Important: On Xiaomi models with a Mediatek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 4G) Some launchers may slow down due to optimization features MIUI. Before installing, check compatibility on forums 4PDA.
Method 3: Manually modifying icons through.apk packets (for advanced ones)
This method is suitable for those who want to have complete control over the design of icons, including their shape, color and even animation.
- 💻 A computer with Android Studio installed or APK Editor.
- 📱 Developer mode on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times).
- 🔌 USB-plug-in.
Instructions:
- Download. APK-The file of the application you want to change (for example, with APKPure).
- Open the file in APK Editor → go to the res/drawable folder.
- Replace the icon files (usually have names like this). ic_launcher.png) on their own, retaining the original permission.
- Reassemble the APK and install the name file.apk on your phone via adb install.
⚠️ Attention: Modified APK-Files may not pass the Google Play Protect check. To avoid blocking, add the app to exceptions: Settings → Google → Security → Play Protect → Icon of the gear → Scan the device for threats (disable).
How to find the original file names of icons?
Method 4: Using ADB to change system icons (without root)
The method is for those who do not want to unlock the bootloader, but are ready to work with ADB. It allows you to replace system icons (for example, Settings icons, Phone) without losing warranty.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🖼️ A set of icons in.png format with resolution 192×192 pixel.
Replacement commands (example for the Settings icon):
adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
cp /sdcard/Download/new_settings_icon.png /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png
chmod 644 /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png
rebootLimitations of the method:
- ❌ Not working. MIUI 15 with dynamic icons (requires rollback to version 14).
- ❌ After the system update, the changes will be reset.
- ❌ Incorrect file access rights can cause bootloop (locking on download).
adb pull /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxxhdpi/ C:\backup\icons
This will allow you to restore the original icons if something goes wrong.-->
Method 5: Applications for customization (without root)
If previous methods seem complicated, you can use specialized applications from Google Play, which allow you to change icons on top of the standard ones without affecting system files.
Top.-3 apps:
| Annex | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Icon Changer | Simple interface, support for animated icons | Advertising, limit to 5 free changes |
| X Icon Changer | Integration with Nova Launcher, Cloud-based Icon Storage | Paid version to unlock all functions |
| Awesome Icons | More than 10,000 free icons, POCO Launcher support | No Russification. |
How to use Icon Changer:
- Install the application and open it.
- Select the app you want to change your icon (such as WhatsApp).
- Click Select an icon and upload your image or select from the app gallery.
- Confirm the changes – a new icon will appear on the desktop.
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. X Icon Changer) require permission to use special features (Settings) → Special facilities → Without this permission, the icons will not change.
Solving typical problems when changing icons
Even when following the instructions, errors can occur, and we will discuss the most common ways to eliminate them:
Problem 1: Icons are reset after rebooting.
- 🔹 Reason: Launcher does not save settings due to restrictions MIUI.
- 🔹 Solution: In Nova Launcher, go to Settings → Backup and save the current configuration. Restore it after you restart.
Problem 2: New icons are blurred.
- 🔹 Reason: Permission inconsistency (necessary) 192×192 pixel).
- 🔹 Solution: Use an online converter to bring icons to the right size.
Problem 3: The Themes app does not update the icons.
- 🔹 Reason: Cash theme is filled or synchronization error occurred.
- 🔹 Solution: Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
💡
If the phone is bootlooped after changing the icons through ADB, press Power + Volume up to log in to Recovery and select Wipe Cache. This will not delete data, but will reset temporary files.