Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the desire to personalize their device’s interface. The standard set of graphic elements offered by the manufacturer may seem boring or not match the aesthetic preferences of the user. Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the newer HyperOS provide ample opportunities for customization of the appearance, including replacing program icons.
Changing visual style is not just a matter of beauty, but also a way to make navigation on menus more intuitive. Android, on which these phones work, allows you to implement changes at different levels, from simple installation of the theme to deep modification of system files. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods so that you can choose the most suitable for your model.
It’s worth noting that the process can vary depending on the operating system version and regional firmware. Global versions sometimes have limitations that are not present in Chinese builds. However, there are universal ways that work on almost any device, including the budget Redmi Note series and the flagship Xiaomi Mi.
Use of the built-in “Themes” application
The easiest and safest way to change the look of icons is to use the regular Theme app, which requires no additional software installation and guarantees the stability of the system, and contains thousands of designs created by both the company and independent designers.
To get started, open the Themes app on your desktop. At the bottom of the screen, select the Profile tab (usually marked with a person's icon), and then click on the Icon. Here you will see a list of already installed sets. If none of them fit, click Download more icons to go to the store.
In the store, you can search for keywords such as "iOS", "Minimal", "Neon". When you select the set you like, click Download and then Apply. The system automatically replaces the standard icons with new ones in all menus and on the desktop.
⚠️ Note: Some icon sets in the store may be paid or advertised. Check the download conditions carefully before installing to avoid accidental debits.
It is important to understand that the application of the theme affects not only icons, but also system sounds, wallpaper and style of the notification curtain. If you only need new icons, after applying the theme, you can separately return old wallpaper or sounds in the settings.
Editing individual icons through theme menu
Often you like the overall style of the theme, but one or two icons are out of the concept or just don't like it, so you don't have to change the whole set. MIUI allows you to selectively replace graphic elements for specific applications.
To do this, go back to Profile -> Topics. Click on the active theme to open its details, and find the Settings button (or gear icon). In the menu that opens, select the Icon option. You will see a grid with all the programs installed and current icons.
Find the app you want to change, like WhatsApp or Telegram, and click on it and the system will suggest you to choose an alternative icon from the one available in the current topic or from other downloaded sets, which allows you to create a unique combination that is perfect for you.
If a standard set of options for a particular application is not enough, you can use the function of downloading additional packages directly from this menu, and the system will tell you which sets contain the appropriate graphics for the selected program.
Application of third-party launchers for deep customization
For users who don't have enough of the standard shell, there are third-party launchers, apps that completely replace the desktop, the application menu, and the control panel, and they give you the maximum amount of freedom to change not only the images, but also the logic of the interface.
Popular options are Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher. Once you install such a launcher from Google Play and assign it to the default default, you get access to advanced settings. You can assign any picture from the gallery to the icon of any application.
The replacement process in launchers usually looks like this: you need to press the application icon for a long time, choose to edit, then click on the icon image and select the icon Library or Gallery. This allows you to use any images downloaded from the Internet or created yourself.
☑️ Preparation for launcher installation
It is worth considering that the use of third-party launchers can increase the consumption of RAM and battery power. On older phones, this can lead to a noticeable decrease in performance and delays when switching between screens.
Using Shortcuts to create widgets
One of the most flexible, if slightly time-consuming ways is to create shortcuts through the system application Shortcuts (or Shortcuts), which is often built into MIUI, but if it's not there, you can download a counterpart from the Play Market, which allows you to create a new icon that leads to the application but looks like any image.
Launch the Shortcuts app and select Launch the app. As your target application, specify the program you want to change the icon for. Next, click on the box to adjust the shortcut appearance and select Change the icon.
In the window that opens, you can select an image from the gallery, take a photo or take it from the built-in collection. Once you select the picture, give the name and click Add. A new widget will appear on your desktop that looks exactly as you intended.
⚠️ Note: Shortcuts shortcuts are widgets, not full-fledged app icons. They can’t be moved to folders with regular apps, and they can take up more space on the desktop grid.
This method is especially useful for creating themed desktops where all icons are matched in a single color scheme or style, such as retro consoles or minimalism.
Comparison of methods of changing the interface
The choice of how to replace icons depends on your goals and technical skills, and to make it easier to make a decision, we have prepared a comparative table of the main methods discussed above, which will help you quickly assess the pros and cons of each option.
| Method | Difficulty | Flexibility | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annex “Themes” | Low. | Medium | Minimum |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Tall. | Medium/High |
| Shortcuts (Shortcuts) | Tall. | Maximum | Low. |
| Manual replacement (ADB) | Very high. | Complete. | Depends on the modification. |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best balance is the standard theme app, which is safe and requires no in-depth knowledge, and launchers are suitable for enthusiasts who are willing to put up with increased energy consumption for a unique design.
What is ADB and why is it needed?
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may face a variety of challenges in customization, such as when you upgrade your system, all settings may go wrong and icons may return to factory icons, which is normal, as large Android updates often reset user interface configurations.
Another common problem is style mismatch: a downloaded set of icons may look bad on your wallpaper or not match with widgets, in which case it is recommended to select themes comprehensively, paying attention to the color palette of the entire design.
If the icons are gone or are displayed in black squares, try clearing the Topic app cache through the phone's settings menu. Go to Settings -> Apps -> All apps, find Themes and click Clear Cache.
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Before a global design change, take a screenshot of the current location of widgets and icons, which will help you quickly restore the usual desktop structure if the new design is uncomfortable to use.
It’s also worth remembering that some system applications, such as Settings or Explorer, may not be changeable through standard means, as their icons are hard-sewn into the system partition.
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The safest way to change icons is through official themes or verified launchers from Google Play, avoiding modifying system files without root rights.