Xiaomi Redmi 9 with the MIUI shell offers users the flexibility to customize the interface, but not everyone knows how to make the most of this potential. Changing app icons is one of the most popular ways to personalize a smartphone that allows not only refreshing the appearance of the system, but also improving the ease of navigation. However, standard MIUI tools often limit users to basic topics, and installing third-party solutions can raise questions for beginners.
In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways to change icons on Redmi 9 — from built-in functions to advanced methods using launchers and ADB-We will pay special attention to compatibility with MIUI 12/13/14, Because newer versions of the shell impose restrictions on changing system files, you'll also find a table comparing methods by complexity and risk, and you'll find a table that will be used to compare the system's file file file file file sizes. FAQ We will analyze common errors, for example, why icons are reset after the update.
1. MIUI Standard Themes: Quick and Risk-Free
The easiest way to change icons on Redmi 9 is to use the built-in Themes app, which does not require root rights or third-party software installation, but has a limitation: only Xiaomi-certified themes are available.
To apply a new theme:
- 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
- 🔍 In the Icons section, select your favorite package (for example, Minimal or Pixel Style).
- 🎨 Click Apply – Icons will change automatically for all supported apps.
- ⚙️ For precise settings go to Settings → Display. → Icon style.
The advantage of the method is complete security and compatibility with MIUI updates. However, the choice of themes is limited, and some icons (for example, for Google Play or banking applications) may remain unchanged.
⚠️ Note: After resetting settings or updating MIUI through OTA To avoid this, save your favorite theme in Favorites in the Topic App.
2. Launchers from third-party developers: Nova Launcher and others
If the built-in themes aren't enough, install an alternative launcher.The most popular options for Redmi 9 are:
- 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports custom icons through.iconpack packages.
- 🎨 Apex Launcher – a lightweight launcher with wide customization options.
- 📱 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, but limited customization of icons.
- 🔧 Hyperion Launcher – open source, suitable for power users.
To install custom icons through Nova Launcher:
- Download your favorite icon pack from Google Play (like Whicons or Delta).
- Launch Nova Launcher and hold your finger in the free desktop space → Settings.
- Go to Appearance → Icon Style and select the package installed.
- Apply the changes and restart the launcher (long press on Home → Restart).
Download APK launcher from the official website|Make a backup copy of the current desktop settings|Disable battery optimization for launcher in settings MIUI|Check the compatibility of icon pack with your version of Android-->
The main advantage of launchers is flexibility: you can change icons selectively, adjust their size and shape. MIUI.
3. ADB-Teams for experienced users
If you are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge, you can change the system icons without root rights.This method is suitable for Redmi 9 on MIUI 12-14, but requires caution: the wrong commands can lead to a launcher failure.
Step-by-step:
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified.
- Download the icon pack in.apk format (for example, from the XDA Developers website) and install it through ADB: adb install iconpack.apk
- Apply the icons via launcher (if used by a third party) or command: adb shell cmd overlay enable --user 0 com.custom.iconpack (replace com.custom.iconpack in the name of the package).
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 some ADB-commands to change system files are blocked. If after completing the commands, the icons have not changed, check the logs through adb logcat or use the launcher method.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
4. Root access and manual icon replacement
To fully control the icons, you will need to unlock the bootloader and obtain root rights, a method that is only suitable for advanced users, as it violates the warranty and increases the risk of system failures.
Algorithm of action:
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account binding and wait 7 days).
- 📲 Install custom recovery (TWRP) and use Magisk to get root.
- 🖼️ Download icons in.png format (resolution) 192×192 px MIUI).
- 🛠️ Use Root Explorer or Mixplorer to replace files in folders: /system/app/[Name of the annex]/res/drawable or /data/app/[Name of the annex]-1/base.apk/res/drawable
After replacing, clear the app cache (Settings → Apps → [Application] → Storage → Clear the cache) and restart the device.
| Method | Difficulty | Root is required. | Risks. | Compatible with MIUI 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard topics | ⭐ | ❌ No. | Absent. | ✅ Complete. |
| Third-party launchers | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Conflicts with system gestures | ✅ Complete. |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Launcher failure in error | ⚠️ Partial (restrictions on MIUI 14) |
| Root + manual replacement | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | Loss of warranty, risk of "brick" | ✅ Complete. |
5. applications for customization without root: Icon Changer and others
If you don’t want to install a launcher or use ADB, try specialized apps like Icon Changer or Awesome Icons. They let you change icons selectively, creating shortcuts with a new design.
How it works:
- Download Icon Changer from Google Play.
- Select the app you want to change (such as WhatsApp).
- Download a new icon from the gallery or select from built-in templates.
- Create a shortcut on your desktop – the original app will remain intact.
The downside is that shortcuts take up space on the desktop, while original icons remain on the app menu, but this is the safest way for beginners.
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If the icons are blurred after changing through Icon Changer, check the resolution of the original image. The optimal size is 192×192 pixels with a transparent background.
Typical problems and their solutions
When changing icons to Redmi 9, users often encounter the following errors:
- 🔄 Icons are reset after the update MIUI. Solution: Use a launcher (like Nova) with settings backup or link the theme to your Xiaomi account.
- ❌ Not all icons have changed. Reason: Some system applications (like Settings or Phone) block icon changes. ADB-root-point.
- 🚫 The launcher stopped working after the upgrade.Solution: Clear the launcher's cache in Settings → Apps or reinstall it.
- 🔒 ADB It gives you a "Permission denied" error. Solution: Check if debugging is enabled. USB, Repeat the command with superuser rights (adb root).
If none of the methods worked, check out the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. Since MIUI 13, Xiaomi has tightened restrictions on modifying system files, so deep customization may require a rollback to an earlier firmware version.
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On MIUI 14 and later, the most reliable way to change icons is to use third-party launchers (Nova, Apex) or applications like Icon Changer. Methods with ADB and root are becoming less stable due to new security restrictions.