Changing the visual style of a smartphone is not just a whim, but a way to personalize the gadget for yourself. Many users of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco are wondering how to change the familiar appearance of the system, including the charging indicator. However, the standard shell MIUI or the new HyperOS have strict restrictions in this regard.
Unfortunately, simply clicking a button in the settings and choosing a different color or animation is impossible.The Android system on which the Chinese manufacturer’s phones are based does not provide regular tools for deep customization of system icons and indicators. The battery indicator is rigidly tied to the system resource, and its replacement requires workarounds.
In this article, we will look at all the available ways, from installing special themes to using third-party applications, you will learn how to safely change the appearance of the battery icon without obtaining root rights and without violating the device warranty.
Why you can’t just change the indicator in the settings
The main reason is the security architecture of Android, system icons, including status_battery_charging, They're in a secure partition called system partition, and ordinary applications don't have access to those files to edit them, and this is done to prevent malware from interfering with the operating system.
Xiaomi uses its own MIUI Theme Engine add-on, which allows you to change many interface elements. However, even in topics, changing the charging indicator is often limited. Theme developers can offer an alternative look, but the system does not always correctly replace the standard system indicator with a custom one without deep integration.
⚠️ Note: Attempts to obtain root access to replace system files directly (e.g., via SystemUI.apk) can lead to a “bottleup” (infinite reboot) and loss of warranty.
There's a misconception that turning on the developer mode opens up access to changing icons. In fact, the developer section contains settings for debugging and testing, but not for visual customization of the interface, so it's pointless to look for the right switches there.
Use of themes in the annex “Themes”
The safest and most common way to try to change the look of a battery is to use the built-in Theme Store, and while this method doesn't guarantee a 100% change in the charge indicator, it's the only official channel, and there are thousands of options available in the store, some of which modify the system icons.
To get started, open the Themes app on your desktop. Search for queries like "Battery," "Charge," "Indicator," or the names of popular designers. You need to find a theme that describes a change in System UI or status icons.
The installation process requires care. After downloading the theme, take your time to apply it as a whole. The preview menu often has a "Tune theme" button or select individual components, and select only "Icons" or "Systems" if this option is available.
☑️ The algorithm for finding a topic
If the indicator has not changed after applying the theme, then the theme is not compatible with your Android version or firmware region, in which case, delete the theme through the My Account -> Topics menu and return the standard design.
Application of third-party applications for customization
If standard methods don't work, Google Play apps come to the rescue, and they don't change the system file, they create a display layer on top of it, and this allows you to bypass security restrictions, although it consumes a little more CPU resources.
One popular solution is to use launcher apps or widgets, such as Battery Widget Reborn or Cute Battery, which can display a charge in the form of a beautiful widget on the desktop that completely overlaps the standard status bar icon if you adjust transparency.
Another option is icon-change apps, like zLaunchr or X Icon Changer, which work in conjunction with the launcher installed. You pick the image for the battery, and the app creates a shortcut, and this works not for the status bar, but for the icons on the desktop, if it displays the battery widget.
Why don’t apps always work on newer versions of Android?
When installing these programs, read permissions carefully. They may need access to "Above Other Windows." This is critical to their functioning. Without that permission, the application simply cannot display its indicator on top of the system.
Compatibility table of MIUI methods and versions
The effectiveness of changing the indicator depends on the version of the operating system and the shell. Below is a table that will help you navigate the available options for different configurations.
| MIUI/HyperOS version | Android version | Shifting through Topics | Shift through the Annexes | The need for a Root |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 - 13 | Android 10 - 12 | Partially. | Tall. | No. |
| MIUI 14 | Android 13 | Low. | Medium | Preferably. |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Android 14 | Minimum | Low. | Yeah (for full shift) |
| Global ROM | Anybody. | Limited. | Depends on the launcher. | No. |
As you can see from the table, with the release of new versions of HyperOS, the possibilities of customization without deep interference are narrowing. Global versions of firmware often have a stripped-down theme store compared to Chinese versions, which also affects the availability of styles.
If you use the older version of MIUI, you're more likely to find a working theme. On newer Android 14 devices, the priority shifts toward widgets and launchers rather than outright replacement of system files.
Setting up LED-notice-indicator
Users often confuse the on-screen software indicator with a physical LED (LED) next to the camera or speaker. If your smartphone is equipped with such an LED (in modern models it is often replaced by the Always On Display screen), it can also be customized.
To control the light indicator, go to Settings -> Additional -> Light indicator. Here you can adjust the color of blinking when charging. Standard green means full charge or charging process, red means low level.
Some applications, like Light Flow, allow you to extend these settings, and they can make the LED flash a certain color when notifications from specific applications arrive, creating a breathable charging or notification effect.
⚠️ Attention: Constant burning or frequent blinking LED-The indicator can significantly speed up battery discharge in standby mode.
Importantly, many new Xiaomi and Poco models have eliminated the physical LED, in which case the display function is performed by the lock screen or the Always On Display, which shows lightning animations when connecting the cable.
Solving problems with charge display
Sometimes the reason you want to change the indicator is because the current indicator is not working correctly, like the percentage of charge freezes at one value, or the icon doesn't change when you connect the cable, and then you don't need customization, but calibration or resetting.
The first step is to clear the system interface cache. Go to Settings -> Applications -> All applications. Go to System UI (or System UI) and click "Clear Cache." This won't delete your data, but will update graphic elements.
💡
If the charge indicator is either 99% or 1%, try to discharge the phone before it is completely turned off, and then charge to 100% when it is off, which will help the power controller recalibrate the battery.
It’s also worth checking for system updates. Errors in displaying battery status are often bugs of a specific MIUI build that are patched with security patches. Go to Settings -> About Phone and click on the MIUI version to check for updates.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an animation of charging like on an iPhone?
Is it safe to install themes from third-party sources?
Why did the percentage of charge disappear after installing the theme?
Does the change in the indicator affect the guarantee?
💡
The most effective way to change the indicator without risk to the system is to use widgets and launchers that mimic the desired style, rather than directly replacing system files.
To sum up, it can be said that the complete replacement of the system charging indicator on Xiaomi without root rights is limited by the possibilities of themes. LED-notifications, you can achieve the desired visual effect and personalize your device.