iPhone emojis have long been the design benchmark — their bright colors, spelling details and versatile readability are popular with many users. Xiaomi smartphone owners (especially the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 13 models) often wonder whether it is possible to replace standard MIUI emojis with iPhone ones without buying a new phone?
In this article, you will find 5 proven methods, from simple (installing keyboard with iOS smileys) to advanced (replacing system fonts through Magisk). We will also compare the pros and cons of each method, warn against typical errors and give recommendations on choosing the best option for your Xiaomi model.
Before you start, check the MIUI version on your smartphone: go to Settings → About → About Phone → MIUI version. Topical firmware (e.g., MIUI 14/15 based on Android 13/14) supports most of the methods described below, but older devices (e.g., Redmi 9A on Android 10) may need additional steps.
1.The method without root: Install the keyboard with the iPhone emoji
The easiest and safest method is to use a third-party keyboard that supports iOS-style emojis, which does not require root rights and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the POCO M6 Pro and Redmi 12.
The most popular keyboards with iPhone emojis:
- 📱 Gboard (Google Keyboard) - has a built-in emoji style change option. After installation, go to Gboard Settings → Themes and styles → Smiley and select iOS (not available in all regions).
- 🎨 SwiftKey - supports emoji packages, including Apple style. Download the optional package via Settings → Smiley faces → Download.
- 🔄 iFont (Emoji Changer) is a specialty application for replacing fonts and emojis. It works without root, but requires you to turn on ADB-commands (instruction below).
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Note: Some keyboards (like Fleksy) may offer "iOS emojis" but actually use simplified versions. Check Google Play reviews before installing them - look for screenshots of real Apple emojis.
After installing the keyboard, it must be made by default keyboard:
- Go to Settings → System and Device → Language and Entering → Virtual Keyboard.
- Select the keyboard installed (such as Gboard).
- Activate the Use Switch by default.
2. Replace emojis via ADB (without root but with PC)
If the keyboard does not suit, you can replace the system emoji through ADB-This method works on most Xiaomi devices with Android 11 and later, but requires a connection to a computer.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press the version MIUI, Then go back to the settings. → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 📁 File with emoji iOS in.ttf format (you can download from the XDA Developers).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (cmd or Terminal).
- Check the connection command: adb devices (the name of your device should be displayed).
- Copy the file with smileys in the system folder: adb push NotoColorEmoji.ttf /sdcard/ adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/NotoColorEmoji.ttf /system/fonts/ chmod 644 /system/fonts/NotoColorEmoji.ttf reboot
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Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can cause system failure. Before executing commands, back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. If the emojis have not changed after the reboot, check the font file name - for MIUI 14, AppleColorEmoji.ttf may be required.
Install ADB Tools on PC|Enable debugging on USB Xiaomi|Download.ttf file with iOS emojis|Make a backup copy of the system|Connect the phone to the PC by USB-->
3.Using Magisk and Emoji Replacer Module (for root)
If your Xiaomi has unlocked the bootloader and installed Magisk, the most reliable way is to use the Emoji Replacer module. This method ensures the replacement of emojis in all applications, including WhatsApp, Telegram and system messages.
Instructions:
- Install Magisk (if not already installed).
- Download the Emoji Replacer module (select the Android 12+ version if you have MIUI 13/14).
- Open Magisk, go to the Modules section and click Install from Storage.
- Select the downloaded module file and wait for the installation.
- Reset the device.
Once the reboot is complete, the emojis will change globally, and to get back the standard emojis, you just need to turn off the module in Magisk.
🔍 Important: Emoji Replacer module may conflict with some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) as they check system integrity. If the applications stopped working after installing the module, try adding them to Magisk's exclusion list via MagiskHide.
How to check if MagiskHide is working?
4. Manual editing of system files (for experienced)
This method is suitable for users with root access and experience with system files, and allows you to replace emoji directly, without using Magisk modules, but requires caution.
Steps:
- Download the archive from the iOS emoji for your version of Android (e.g. Emoji Kitchen).
- Use Root Explorer (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer) to access /system/fonts/.
- Find files: NotoColorEmoji.ttf (standard Google emojis) EmojiCompat.ttf (additional characters)
NotoColorEmoji.ttf.bak
EmojiCompat.ttf.bak
/system/fonts/
644
Reset the device.
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Warning: Incorrect file editing in /system/ can lead to bootloop (a looped reboot).If the phone doesn't turn on after the changes, try booting into Recovery Mode (clip Power + Volume up) and restoring the backup.
| Method | Root is required. | Global replacement | Risk to the system | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard (Gboard/SwiftKey) | ❌ No. | ❌ Only on the keyboard. | ✅ No. | ⭐ Very simple. |
| ADB (no root) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Medium. | ⭐⭐ Middle-Average |
| Magisk + Emoji Replacer | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Low. | ⭐⭐ Easy. |
| Manual editing /system | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ High-pitched | ⭐⭐⭐ Hardly. |
5. Alternative methods: Themes and launchers
If you don’t want to mess with system files, you can use MIUI themes or launchers that mimic the iOS interface, including smileys.
Best options:
- 🎭 Topics MIUI: In Themes (the default app), find themes tagged iOS Style or Apple Emoji. For example, the theme "iOS 16 Dark" includes modified emojis in some interface elements.
- 🏠 Lawnchair 2 – Supports icon and emoji change via plugins. + Icon Pack (for example, iOS 17 Icon Pack).
- 📲 Shell applications: iLauncher or OS13 Launcher completely copy the iPhone interface, including the keyboard with smiley.
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Useful tip: If you use a launcher, but the emoji in the messages remained standard, install an additional Gboard keyboard with the iOS Emoji package. This will ensure uniformity in all applications.
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Before installing themes from MIUI Theme Store, check reviews – some themes may contain ads or run unstable on newer versions of MIUI (14+).
6.Problems and Solutions: Why haven't the emoji changed?
If after all the manipulations, the emojis remain the same, check the following points:
Problem 1: Smileys have only changed in the keyboard, not in apps.
- 🔹 Solution: Use the method with Magisk or ADB The keyboard changes only the display when you type, not in the messages you receive.
Problem 2: After the reboot, the emojis reset.
- 🔹 Solution: If used ADB, check the file rights in /system/fonts/ (must 644). For Magisk, upgrade the Emoji Replacer to the latest version.
Problem 3: Some applications (like Viber) display emojis differently.
- 🔹 Solution: Some messengers (like WhatsApp or Viber) use their own fonts. Try clearing the app cache or installing Universal. GMS Doze in Magisk for forced replacement.
Problem 4: The phone stopped turning on after editing system files.
- 🔹 Solution: Load to Fastboot Mode (clip the power supply) + Volume down) and run the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.Instructions for your model, look at xiaomiflash.com.
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If you’re unsure of your ADB or Magisk skills, start with the safest method, installing an iOS-smile keyboard, which won’t affect the warranty or risk system stability.