How to change the icons of applications on Xiaomi: from standard themes to ADB-team

Standard icons on Xiaomi get boring over time, especially if you’ve been using a smartphone for several years. Fortunately, MIUI offers a number of ways to change them, from simple to advanced, requiring technical skills. But not all methods are equally safe: some can cause system failures or even lock the device if done incorrectly.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to change icons on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi smartphones (relevant to the MIUI 12-15) You will learn how to use built-in themes, third-party launchers, ADB-And also, what are the hidden limitations of the system's file editing? MIUI prevent full customization and how to get around them without the risk of “bricking” the phone.

If you're a beginner, start with the first two methods (themes and launchers). ADB editing APK-But remember, the deeper you tamper with, the more likely you are to encounter bugs, for example, if you manually replace icons through APKTool, the Google Play Store may stop working, which is one of the most common side effects.

Back up your data before you start, and even if you just install a launcher, some of them (like Nova Launcher) can conflict with the proprietary MIUI shell, causing lags or spontaneous reboots, especially for devices with less than 4GB of RAM.

1. Method: Using the built-in MIUI themes

The easiest and safest method is to change icons through official themes. Xiaomi offers thousands of free and paid themes in its store, many of which include unique icon sets. This method does not require root rights and works on all devices, including the POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13T.

To apply a new theme:

1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on your desktop).
2. Go to the icon tab or find a theme marked “Includes icons”.
3. Select the set you like and click Apply.

The main disadvantage of the method is limited choice: most of the themes change icons only for standard applications (Calls, Messages, Gallery), and third-party programs (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) remain unchanged. In addition, some themes pay to unpack a full set of icons – this can be seen by the icon. 💎 near-name.

If you want to change your icons for all apps, including those installed from Google Play, this is not the right way, so move on to the next section about third-party launchers.

2. Method: Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

Launchers are programs that completely replace the standard MIUI interface, allowing you not only to change icons, but also to customize animations, gestures and even hide unnecessary applications.

• 📱 Nova Launcher – supports icon packs (sets of icons from the Play Store) and flexible setting of the desktop grid.
• 🎨 Apex Launcher – lightweight launcher with support for gestures and backup settings.
• 🚀 Lawnchair - open launcher with the function "Adaptive icons", which automatically adjusts the shape of the icons to the style of the system.

To change the icons through the launcher:

1. Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
2. Download icon packs (such as Whicons, Delta or CandyCons).
3. In the launcher settings, find the Icons section → Set of icons and select the downloaded pack.

The advantage of this method is complete freedom: you can combine icons from different sets or even assign individual icons for each application manually.

• ⚠️ Some launchers (for example, Nova) conflict with branded features MIUI, such as Dual Apps or Mode for Children.
• ⚠️ On weak smartphones (for example, Redmi). 9A) Launchers can cause animations to slow down.

Make a backup of the desktop (export MIUI settings)

Check the launcher’s compatibility with the Android version (MIUI 14+ may block some features)

Disable battery optimization for launcher in settings

Download 2-3 icon packs for testing-->

Method 3: ADB-commands for changing icons (without root)

If you need to change the icons of system applications (for example, Settings or Camera), but you do not want to install a launcher, you can use the ADB-This method works without root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools (you can download from the Android Developers website).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode).
• 📁 A set of icons in.png format with resolution 192×192 pixel.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear serial number of your device.
3. Download the icons to your phone folder (e.g. /sdcard/Download/icons/).
4. Use the command to replace the icon (example for the Settings application): adb shell cmd shortcut set-icon --package com.android.settings --activity com.android.settings.Settings --uri file:///sdcard/Download/icons/settings.png

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all versions. MIUI. Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has blocked part of the ADB-If the command is not executed, try adding a flag. --user 0 or use an alternative method (see manual editing section).

Method: Manual editing APK-Files (for experienced files)

This method is suitable for those who are ready to dive into reverse development and have experience with tools like APKTool or JADX. It allows you to change the icons of any application, including system ones, but requires an unlocked bootloader and sometimes root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK-the file of the application you want to change (for example, through the APK Extractor from Play Market).
2. Unpack. APK using APKTool: apktool d app.apk -o output_folder
3. Find the icons in the folder output_folder/res/drawable They're called mipmap, and they're called mipmap. ic_launcher.png.
4. Replace your icon files with your own (save the original name and resolution!).
5. Gather it. APK back: apktool b output_folder -o modified_app.apk
6. Sign a new APK using a uber-apk signer and install it on your phone.

⚠️ Note: After such modification, some applications (especially Google Play Services) may stop updating or give an error "Application not installed:

• 🔧 Use the original signature from Xiaomi (it can be extracted from the original one). APK assisted JADX).
• 📦 Do not change system applications unless you are confident in your actions – this can lead to a bootloop (cyclical reboot).

This is a very customizable way, but it takes a lot of time and technical knowledge. If you're a beginner, it's best to start with launchers or themes. adb pull /system/priv-app/Application/Apk

This will help restore the system if something goes wrong.-->

5. Method: Use of Xposed Framework (only for MIUI 12 and below)

Xposed Framework is a platform for deep modification of Android, which allowed you to change icons, fonts and even the behavior of system functions. MIUI 13 and Android 12, Xiaomi has blocked Xposed from working on most devices.However, on older smartphones (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi). 9T) This method is still relevant.

To change the icons through Xposed:

1. Unlock the bootloader and get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
2. Install Xposed Installer and activate Unicon or Xposed Edge.
3. In the module settings, select an icon pack or download your icons.
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (14+) Xposed is not working due to security changes:

• 🚨 Locking the bootloader (on anti-Rollback devices).
• 🔄 Losing warranty (if the phone is warranty, it is better to refrain from rooting).

If you have a modern smartphone (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Xiao). POCO X6 Pro, this is not the way to go. Consider it instead. ADB-launcher.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have collected the key pros and cons of each method in the table:

For most users, launchers (such as Nova Launcher) or ADB-If you want to change the system icons, if you are willing to take a chance, you can try editing. APK, but only on a backup device.

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On devices with MIUI 14+, the safest way is to use launchers. Methods with ADB and APK editing require caution and may not work due to Xiaomi's limitations.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When changing icons to Xiaomi, users often face the following mistakes:

Problem 1: The icons dropped after the MIUI update.

Solution: Restore launcher settings from backup or re-apply the theme. If you used ADB, you'll have to run commands again.

Problem 2: The launcher is slowing down or flying off.

Decision:

• 🔄 Turn off animations in the launcher settings.
• 🗑️ Clear the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 📵 Turn off battery optimization for launcher.

Problem 3: Once the APK is replaced, the application does not start.

Solution: Make sure you sign the file correctly. If the error persists, restore the original APK from the backup.

Problem 4: ADB can't see the device.

Solution: Check if USB Debugging is enabled and if drivers are installed. Try another cable or USB port.

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If they haven’t changed after changing the icons through ADB, try restarting your phone or clearing the cache of the Android System WebView app.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions