How to replace the icons on Xiaomi on your own: 5 working ways

Why to change the icons on Xiaomi and what you need

Not everyone likes standard MIUI icons, some want unique design, some want minimalism, and some just get tired of the same icons after the update. Fortunately, you can replace the icons with Xiaomi in several ways, from simple (through themes) to complex (manual editing of system files), the main thing is to understand the risks and choose the method to your level of training.

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways: from using launchers to deep tuning through ADB. Each method is tested on the current versions of MIUI 14/15 (2026) and works on most models - from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra. But remember: some actions require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which may be unwarranted.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Phone model (some methods do not work on the phone) POCO or old Redmis)
• 🔄 Version MIUI (in the phone settings → Version. MIUI)
• 🔓 Loader status (whether it is unlocked)

Method 1: Using MIUI themes (the easiest method)

The safest and fastest way is to install custom icon theme through the official Themes app, which requires no root rights and is suitable even for beginners. The MIUI theme store has thousands of free and paid icon packs, from minimalist to anime style.

How to do this:

1. Open the Themes app (usually on the home screen).
2. Go to the icon tab (or icons in some versions).
3. Select the package you like and click Apply.
4. Confirm the changes – the icons will be updated automatically.

⚠️ Note: Some themes only change application icons, while system themes (like Settings or Phone) remain standard.

Make sure the theme is compatible with your version of MIUI|

Read reviews - some topics are glitzy |

View screenshots - icons may look different on your screen |

Backup the current theme (in the Topic app settings)

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Pros of the method:

• ✅ Does not require technical skills
• ✅ Works without root and unlock the bootloader
• ✅ You can return standard icons in one click.

Cons:

• ❌ Limited selection of icons for system applications
• ❌ Some topics are paid (from 50 to 300 rubles)
• ❌ After updating MIUI topic may be thrown off

Method 2: Launchers with support for custom icons

If you have few built-in themes, you can install the launcher side, a program that completely replaces the standard MIUI. Popular options: Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, Hyperion Launcher. They allow you to install any icons in.png or.ico format, including your own designs.

Instructions for Nova Launcher (we recommend it as the most stable):

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Download a pack of icons (for example, from Icon Pack Studio or DeviantArt sites) or create your own (size recommended 192×192 pixels).
3. In the launcher settings, select Appearance → Icon Style → Icon Pack and specify the downloaded file.
4. For individual applications, you can assign unique icons: long-click on the icon → Change → Edit → select a picture.

💡 If you want your icons but can’t draw, use generators like Icon Kitchen or Android Asset Studio, which automatically adapt your images to the desired size and format.

Comparison of popular launchers:

Method 3: Replace icons through ADB (for advanced)

If you need to change system icons (e.g. Settings, Phone, Messages), but no root rights, you can use the ADB-This method works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+, But it requires a computer connection.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can lead to the collapse of system applications. Before you start, backup through adb backup or Mi Cloud.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
3. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder.
4. Open the command line in this folder and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
5. Download the icon pack in.zip format (such as with XDA Developers) and place it in the /sdcard/ folder on your phone.
6. Run the command to replace (example for Settings icons): adb shell pm install -r /sdcard/icon_pack.apk For manual file replacement: Adb push local_icon.png /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_settings.png (The paths may differ depending on the model!)
7. Reboot the phone.

If the application stops opening after you've replaced it, restore the original files via the command:

adb shell pm clear com.android.settings

Or reinstall the system application APK.

💡

ADB-The method is suitable for replacing individual icons without full firmware, but requires accurate knowledge of paths to system files.

Method 4: Manual editing of system files (root)

To fully control the icons, root access is required, allowing you to edit files directly in /system/app/ and /system/priv-app/ folders, where system application resources are stored.

What you need:

• 📱 Phone with unlocked bootloader and Magisk
• 💻 PC with installation ADB and Fastboot
• 🖼️ Icons in.png format (resolution must match the originals!)
• 🔧 File Manager with root access (e.g. Root Explorer or Mixplorer)

Instructions:

1. Backup your original files (copy /system/app/Launcher3/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ on your PC).
2. Find the icon files you want to replace: ic_launcher_phone.png — phone icon ic_launcher_messages.png — message icon ic_launcher_settings.png — settings icon

Replace your files with your own (names and permissions must match!).

chmod 644 /system/app/Launcher3/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_*.png

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: If after the replacement there is a "bootloop" (phone does not turn on), download to the phone. TWRP and restore the backup or re-flash. MIUI via Fastboot.

💡

Before editing system files, check their resolution with the adb shell ls -l /path/to/file. New files must have the same rights (usually rw-r----).

Method 5: Use Xposed/EdXposed (for experienced)

If you have an Xposed Framework or an EdXposed MIUI analog, you can use modules to dynamically replace icons without editing system files.

• 🎨 Iconify – allows you to change icons for individual applications
• 🔄 Xposed Edge – supports custom icon packs
• 🖌️ GravityBox [MM] — Extended interface settings, including icons

How to determine:

1. Install EdXposed via Magisk (EdXposed-YAHFA or EdXposed-Sandbox).
2. Download a module (e.g. Iconify) from the Xposed repository.
3. Activate the module in EdXposed Installer and restart the phone.
4. In the module settings, select the icon pack or download your own.

⚠️ Note: Xposed may conflict with some features MIUI, For example, with a dark theme or navigation gestures, check compatibility on forums before installing. XDA or 4PDA.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing icons with Xiaomi, users face common mistakes.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔍 Version MIUI — Some ways do not work for you MIUI 15 due to new restrictions.
• 🔒 Status of the loader - on the blocked loader ADB And root methods won't work.
• 📦 Icon Pack Integrity – download files only from verified sources (XDA, Telegram channels).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions