How to change icons on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: 5 working methods (without) ROOT with him)

Tired of monotonous icons on Xiaomi Redmi 9C? Want to give your smartphone a unique style by replacing standard app icons with your own images? XDA Developers, 68% user-user MIUI At least once, we tried to customize the look of the system, and fortunately, even on the budget Redmi. 9C (model M2006C3LG/M2006C3MI) It is possible – and without complex manipulation of the firmware.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of changing icons: from simple (using launchers) to advanced (through launchers). ADB Modification of system files, and special attention will be paid to the limitations of the system. MIUI 12/13/14 on the Redmi 9C — Why some methods work unstable and how to avoid it, you will also learn where to download free icon packs for Redmi screen resolution. 9C (720×1600 px) and how to create your icons in Figma or Canva.

We warn you right away that not all methods are equally secure, such as changing system files through the use of a computer. ADB It can cause a launcher to crash or even a soft-brick (when the phone turns on but the system doesn't boot), so we'll detail the risks of each method and give you recommendations for recovery. If you're a beginner, start with the first three methods, they don't require superuser rights.

1. Method: Use of third-party launchers (without ROOT)

The easiest and safest method is to install an alternative launcher from Google Play, which completely replaces the standard interface. MIUI, And it allows you to customize icons, fonts and even animations. 9C fit:

• 📱 Nova Launcher – supports icon packages (.iconpack), gestures, adaptive icons. The free version limits the number of settings.
• 🎨 Apex Launcher is a lightweight launcher with icon themes and application hiding. Optimized for weak devices (suitable for Redmi). 9C s 2/3 GB RAM).
• 🔧 Lawnchair 2 is an open source launcher that mimics the Pixel Launcher, which allows you to change the shape of icons and their size.
• 🌈 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows 10/11, Support for icon packs and widgets.

How does this work in practice? After you install the launcher, you need to:

1. Download pack icons (e.g. Whicons, CandyCons or Moonshine from Play Market).
2. In the launcher settings, select the Icons section → Pack icons and apply the downloaded set.
3. Individual icons can be set for individual applications (in Nova Launcher: long-click on the icon). → Change. → Icon).

Pros of the method:

• ✅ No, he doesn't. ROOT or unlock the loader.
• ✅ All changes are reversible – it is enough to return the standard launcher.
• ✅ Minimum risk to the system (system files not affected).

Cons:

• ❌ Some icon packages may not support all apps (especially Xiaomi’s Chinese services).
• ❌ Launchers consume additional RAM (on Redmi) 9C With 2GB of RAM, it's noticeable).
• ❌ Not all widgets. MIUI Works correctly with third-party launchers.

Download the launcher from Google Play|Download a pack of icons (e.g. Whicons)|Make a backup copy of the home screen|Disable battery optimization for launcher-->

Method: Installation of topics MIUI custom-icon

MIUI It has a built-in theme system that allows you to change not only wallpaper and fonts, but also application icons:

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9C s MIUI Global (international) is limited in the selection of topics. The full catalogue is available only in the MIUI China or through a regional reset (not recommended – risk of blocking your Mi Account).

How to install a theme with custom icons:

1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on desktop).
2. Go to the Icons section (the tab at the bottom of the screen).
3. Select your favorite icon pack and click Apply.
4. If you don’t have the right theme, download the.mtz file from sites like MIUI Themes and import it through Local → Imports.

Where to look for quality topics?

Important: On Redmi 9C s MIUI 12.5 and later some themes may not apply icons for system applications (for example, "Settings" or "Phone"). This is a limitation of Xiaomi, you can only circumvent it through the use of the system. ADB or ROOT.

💡

Before installing a theme from a third-party source, check it for viruses through VirusTotal. Upload the.mtz file to the site and wait for the scan results.

3. Method: Manually changing icons through ADB (without ROOT)

If launchers and themes are not satisfied, you can go further - change the icons of system applications through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge is not required. ROOT, but it will require the inclusion of debugging USB and driver installation.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📦 Google's Platform Tools utility (includes adb).
• 📁 Folder with new icons in.png format (size) 192×192 px MIUI).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn it on on Redmi. 9C: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times until you are a developer → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB (insert)
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and execute: adb devices (should display your device).
4. Download icons to a folder on your PC (for example, C:\icons\). File names must match the application packages (e.g. com.android.contacts.png for Contacts").
5. Download the icons to the device: adb push C:\icons\ /sdcard/
6. Install the rights to the folder: adb shell "su" -c 'chmod 777 /sdcard/icons/'" (if not ROOT, Please skip this step, but the icons may not apply).
7. Apply icons via command (example for Contacts): adb shell cmd shortcut set-icon com.android.contacts /sdcard/icons/com.android.contacts.png

Limitations of the method:

• It does not work for all system applications (for example, Settings or Security may ignore changes).
• After updating MIUI icons are dropped.
• On the Redmi. 9C s MIUI 14 Additional command is required to circumvent the restrictions: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

4. Method: Changing icons through ROOT (advanced)

If you are willing to take the risk, unlock the bootloader and get ROOT-Right, there's almost limitless customization possibilities. 9C This is done through unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.

Warning:

⚠️ Attention: Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 9C lead: ❌ Complete data cleanup (needs backup!). ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty). ❌ Risk of “brick” in case of an error (for example, if you interrupt the unlocking process). ❌ Some features are not working (such as Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD).

How to get ROOT on the Redmi 9C:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (you need a Mi Account tied to the phone).
2. Install a custom Recovery (TWRP) for Redmi 9C (Look for a version for the model code angelica/angelican).
3. Run Magisk through TWRP.

After receiving ROOT You can change icons in two ways:

1. Through the file manager with ROOT-Access (e.g. Root Explorer): Go to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/. Find the application folder (for example, Contacts for Contacts) Replace the icon files (.png in the folder). res/drawable) Set your rights. 644 (rw-r--r--).

Through Magisk modules

• Install Iconify or Icon Pack Studio from Magisk repository.
• Choose a pack of icons or download yours.
• Reset the device.

Recommendations for ROOT-user-user:

• 🔄 Make a backup section. /system before the changes (through TWRP or adb backup).
• 🛡️ Install MagiskHide to hide ROOT bank-apps.
• 🔍 Check it out. SHA-256 hashes of firmware and modules before installation.

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ROOT It gives you the maximum freedom to customize, but it requires technical skills. ADB-method.

5. The way: Creating your icons in Figma/Canva

You want unique icons that aren't in the packs? You can make them yourself in graphic editors. 9C optimal parameters:

• 📏 Size: 192×192 px (standard for MIUI).
• 🎨 Format:.png with transparent background.
• 🖌️ Style: minimalist (without small details - on the screen) 720p They won't be visible).

Step-by-step instructions for Figma:

1. Create a new project with canvas 192×192 px.
2. Use the Pen Tool tool or ready-made figures to create an icon.
3. Export to.png with settings: Format: PNG Background: Transparent Quality: 100% Trimming: No Pruning
4. Save files with names corresponding to the application packages (e.g. com.android.dialer.png for Phone).

Where can I get the templates?

• 🎨 Figma Community – Free Icon Templates.
• 🖼️ Flaticon - a library of vector icons (can be edited).
• 📱 Icon Pack Studio – an application for creating icon packs right on your phone.

Design advice: For uniformity, stick to one style:

• 🎨 Minimalism: monochrome icons with simple forms.
• 🌈 Gradient: smooth transitions of colors (like in iOS).
• 🔲 Geometry: icons in the shape of a circle, square or hexagon.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When changing icons on Redmi 9C And we're going to look at the most common mistakes that people have:

Problem 1: Icons don’t change through the ADB

• Reason: MIUI 12.5+ Protection against changes to system files.
• Solution: Follow the command: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1 and reboot the phone.

Problem 2: Launcher slows down after changing icons

• Reason: Too heavy pack of icons (high resolution or animations).
• Solution: Optimize icons: Reduce size to 192×192 px. Squeeze through TinyPNG. Turn off animations in launcher settings.

Problem 3: After the update MIUI Icons dropped

• Reason: The update overwrites system files.
• Solution: For launchers: export the settings before upgrading. ADB/ROOT: Repeat the procedure after the update. Turn off automatic updates. MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.

Issue 4: Some icons don’t change (e.g., “Settings”)

• Reason: MIUI Blocks icon changes for critical system applications.
• Solution: Use ROOT + Substratum Theme Engine. Rename the system application via ADB (Hide the original icon and create a shortcut with the new one through the launcher.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions