Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the desire to personalize their device’s interface. The standard set of graphic elements may seem boring or not to match the user’s mood. Fortunately, the MIUI shell and its modern version of HyperOS provide ample opportunities to customize the appearance of the system without the need for superuser rights.
The process of replacing icons can range from simply installing a finished theme to creating your own set of graphics. In this article, we will explore all the available methods, from standard tools to advanced tools for enthusiasts. You can completely transform the desktop, making it unique and convenient for daily use.
It is worth noting that some methods require careful consideration when choosing file upload sources to avoid malware. Xiaomi’s official theme store contains millions of free options that are safe to install. However, for deeper customization, you will have to resort to third-party solutions, which we will also discuss in detail.
Use of the built-in “Themes” application
The easiest and safest way to change your visual style is to use the Theme System App, which is pre-installed on all brand devices, and allows you to change not only the wallpaper, but also the application icons, system sounds and widgets. To get started, start the app and go to the Profile tab below or click on the person icon.
In the menu that opens, select "Icons" and you'll be asked to select the apps you want to change, the system will automatically filter out the programs you have installed that support the replacement graphics, and if you don't like the standard set, you can click "Download online" to access a vast database of custom sets.
After selecting a favorite set, click "Apply." Changes will take effect instantly. It is important to understand that some system applications may not support external graphics without root rights, but most popular programs (social networks, messengers, browsers) are displayed correctly.
⚠️ Note: When installing themes from unverified sources in third-party directories, make sure they are compatible with your Android version to avoid interface failures.
If you want to get it back, just go to Profile → Topics and select Classic or Unlimited Theme, which will reset all visual changes to factory settings.
Changing the launcher for full customization
The regular launcher System Launcher has a number of limitations that prevent some design ideas from being implemented. Installing an alternative launcher like Nova Launcher, Smart Launcher or Lawnchair gives you complete control over the desktop grid, animations and, of course, icons. This is one of the most popular ways among advanced users.
Once you install the new launcher from Google Play, you need to assign it to the primary. To do this, go to Settings → Desktop → Desktop → Desktop Launcher by default and select the installed application. Now the smartphone interface will change, and you will be able to download icon packs separately from the themes.
The advantage of using third-party launchers is the ability to resize each icon individually, add or hide signatures, and customize gestures. You can combine graphics from different sets to create a unique mix.
☑️ Set up a new launcher
Some launchers even allow you to import icons from installed MIUI themes, using special plugins, which opens up access to thousands of design solutions created by the community.
Creating your own icons through Themes Editor
For those who want to create a unique design from scratch or edit an existing one, Xiaomi has provided the official Themes Editor tool. It is a desktop program for PCs that allows you to disassemble themes, edit graphic files and collect them back. The process takes longer, but the result is worth it.
You first need to download and install the editor on your computer. Then, in the theme store on your phone, find a topic that you like visually (even if not completely), and download it. In the editor, select "Import from.mtz" and specify the path to the downloaded file, the program unpacks the theme and allows you to edit individual elements.
You can replace any of them. PNG-The main thing is to keep the dimensions and format of the original images so that they are displayed correctly on the screen. After making changes, click "Build" to collect a new theme.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| File format | Type of image | Only PNG with transparency |
| Permission | Size in pixels | Standard 192x192 or 512x512 |
| File name | Title in the archives | Don't change it, or it won't apply. |
| Theme weight | File size.mtz | Preferably up to 20 MB for speed |
The finished theme file should be transferred to the phone and installed through the application “Themes” → “Profile” → “Themes” (Folder icon) This method provides maximum flexibility, but requires basic skills with graphic editors.
Where to find the source of Android icons?
Application of widgets and shortcuts
Sometimes the user needs to change not the application icon itself, but its location or functionality. MIUI and HyperOS have a built-in shortcuts with modified graphics, which allows you to bring a frequently used feature to a desktop with a unique icon.
To do this, press the empty space on your desktop and select "Widgets." In the list, find the "Systems" or "Tools" section. There is often the option to create a shortcut. Choose the application you want to change the view, and specify a new image from the gallery.
This method is convenient because it does not require the installation of third-party software, but it has a limitation: it creates a copy of the shortcut, rather than changing the original icon in the menu of all applications.
Using widgets of different sizes also helps visually unload the desktop. Combine large watch or calendar widgets with minimalist app icons to create a stylish and functional interface.
⚠️ Note: When creating a large number of shortcuts with unique icons, the consumption of RAM may slightly increase, since the system caches each image separately.
Working with third-party design applications
If the built-in tools seem too complex, there are many design apps on Google Play, such as X Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker. These snails work like creating a shell shortcut. You pick up an app, upload a picture, and a new icon appears on your desktop.
These applications often have built-in libraries of pre-made kits that you can download for free, which greatly speeds up the customization process. Just click on Apple, and the interface will change in a few minutes.
However, it is worth remembering that such shortcuts can disappear when clearing the launcher cache or resetting settings. In addition, when you launch the application can flash the original icon for a split second, which is a feature of Android with shortcuts.
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To create a truly unified style, try to find the wallpaper that you like first, and then select or create icons for the color scheme of the wallpaper that you like, and this will make the design harmonious.
Solution and resetting of settings
Experimenting with themes and icons can cause problems: icons may not change, appear in black squares, or disappear altogether, often due to the cache of the Themes app or conflicting versions of the launcher.
The first thing you need to do is clear the cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Themes and click on Clear Cache and Clear Data. After that, restart the device. In most cases, this returns the system to working condition.
If the problem persists, try removing newly installed themes or launchers, and make sure the Themes app has all the necessary permissions, especially storage access and auto-run.
In extreme cases, if the interface is unstable, you can reset the launcher settings, which will return the icon grid and its appearance to factory status, but will not delete your personal data or installed applications.
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Stability of the interface is more important than beauty – if after installing the theme, the phone began to slow down, it is better to return to standard design or update the firmware.