How to change the app icon on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Personalizing the smartphone interface is not just a way to stand out, but also an opportunity to make device management more intuitive. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face the desire to change the standard appearance of a MIUI or HyperOS system to remove visual noise or just bring fresh colors. The Chinese manufacturer’s shell offers several built-in mechanisms for this, but they have their limitations, which are worth knowing in advance.

Graphics can be changed either by regular means through the Themes app or by using third-party software if standard tools are not enough. Deep customization requires understanding the difference between system fonts, wallpaper and app icons. In this article, we will explore all the available ways to transform the desktop, from simple substitutions to creating a unique visual style.

It is worth considering that some methods require obtaining extended rights or installing unofficial launchers, which can affect the stability of the operating system. Before starting any manipulations, it is recommended to back up important data. Although the process of changing icons is usually safe, interference with system files or using unverified software always carries minimal risks.

Standard methods of changing icons through the Topics app

The easiest and safest way to change the look of the interface is to use the Themes app, Xiaomi’s official tool for downloading customization packages created by both the company and third-party designers, and the catalogue has thousands of options covering a variety of styles, from minimalism to complex animation.

To get started, you need to launch the app and go to the search section. In the query bar, type the name of the style you are interested in or just the word "Icons." The system will offer a list of available packages. Please note that some sets may be paid or require a subscription, but there are also free options. After selecting the appropriate set, click Download.

After downloading the package, take your time to use it fully. In the theme management menu, you can often choose the option "Set up the theme" or "Apply only icons." This allows you to leave the wallpaper and fonts unchanged, replacing only the graphical designations of the programs. If this option is not available, apply the the theme as a whole, and then return your old wallpaper in the settings.

⚠️ Warning: When installing themes from third-party sources or unofficial stores, there is a risk of malicious code. MIUI.

It's important to understand that the standard MIUI launcher doesn't always correctly redraw the icons of all installed applications. It often happens that system programs change the look and third-party programs remain in their original design. This is because the developers of the themes set the rules only for popular applications, and for the rest the system tries to automatically choose colors, which does not always look aesthetically pleasing.

Using third-party launchers for deep customization

If the built-in shell feels limited, the best solution is to install an alternative launcher, which is a special application that completely replaces the standard desktop, application menu and control panel. Popular options such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher provide tremendous customization opportunities.

Once you install a third-party launcher from Google Play or GetApps, the system will ask permission to use it as the default primary interface. Accept this action. Now you can (long-click) any icon and select the "Change" option. In the menu that opens, you can select an image from the gallery, download a new icon pack or take graphics from another application.

One of the biggest benefits of third-party launchers is that you can create folders with a unique design and redesign your desktop grid, so you can place widgets on top of icons, resize the grid to the smallest detail, and customize your control gestures, which makes your smartphone a unique tool that's tailored to your personal preferences.

However, it is worth remembering that replacing the system launcher can affect some battery optimization functions. HyperOS's aggressive energy saving algorithms may attempt to complete the third-party launcher process, which will result in the return of the standard interface after rebooting. To avoid this, you need to go to the battery settings and allow auto-start for the selected launcher.

Editing individual icons manually

For those who want to change the look of just a few specific applications, there are special editorial tools, applications like Shortcut Maker or X Icon Changer allow you to create shortcut copies with any picture, which is ideal if you are annoyed with the design of one particular application, and you do not want to change the entire interface.

The process of creating a replacement is as follows: you run the editor, select the target application from the list, and download the desired image from the gallery. The program creates a new shortcut on the desktop that opens the desired program when you run, while the original icon remains in the application menu or can be hidden.

The main nuance of using such editors is the absence of notification counters (badges) on the created shortcuts. Since this is actually a new shortcut, the system can not always correctly display the number of unread messages for it.

Using manual editing requires quality images. It is recommended to look for pictures in PNG format with a transparent background. This will ensure the best integration of the new element into the overall desktop design. JPG images with a white background will look like square stickers, which can disrupt visual harmony.

Comparison of popular icon packages

There are many icon packages on the market, each with a different design philosophy, some with the ultimate realism, others with the ultimate abstraction, and the right set depends on which launcher you use and which wallpaper style you prefer.

Below is a table comparing popular package types by key parameters:

When choosing a package, pay attention to the date of the last update. Developers regularly add support for new applications. If the package has not been updated for several years, chances are that many modern applications will be displayed with standard, unsuitable icons. Regular updates guarantee visual integrity of the interface.

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Tip: Before buying a paid icon package, check if the developer has a free version or demo version.This will allow you to evaluate the quality of the rendering and compatibility with your launcher without financial costs.

Compatibility problems and ways to solve them

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where the installed icon package is only partially used, due to the features of the MIUI shell and HyperOS, which have their own priorities for rendering graphic elements.

One common problem is to have “squares” instead of icons or return to standard design after rebooting the device. This is often treated by clearing the launcher cache. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps, find your launcher (such as “Themes” or “Nova Launcher”), select “Memory” and click “Clear Cache”.

There may also be problems with Second Space or Tablet Mode, which may or may not be resetting icon settings at all, and in such cases, it is recommended that you set each space separately or avoid using complex design schemes in guest profiles.

⚠️ Warning: If after changing the icons, the phone began to work slower or artifacts appeared on the screen, immediately delete the last installed theme package.

Another solution for advanced users is to use ADB-But this method requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge, and the average user would be better off limiting himself to official methods so as not to compromise the warranty or stability of the system.

The impact of the design theme on autonomy

Many users don’t realize that complex animated icons and live wallpaper can significantly affect the smartphone’s life from a single charge: Dynamic elements require constant GPU calculations and periodic memory access, which increases power consumption.

Static, flat-screen icons are the most energy efficient. They don't require additional resources to render each frame, unlike animated widgets or parallax-effect icons. If you notice that the phone discharges faster after you install a new theme, try a simpler static style.

Also, some themes contain ad modules that can run in the background, collecting data or uploading content.This not only consumes traffic, but also loads the processor.Always check the permissions the application requests with the themes, and limit background activity for unverified sources.

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The optimal balance between beauty and performance is achieved by using static vector icons and eliminating heavy animated widgets on the home screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)