How to change emoticons on Xiaomi Redmi: from Google to iOS-style in 5 minutes

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are often criticized: some are unhappy with their design in MIUI, some lack variety, and some just want to unify the appearance of the emoji with other devices. Fortunately, you can replace standard icons without complex manipulation — and even without root rights. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from official settings to third-party applications, taking into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS.

It's important to understand that replacing emojis isn't just an aesthetic issue. For example, emojis from Google or Apple may not be displayed in your interlocutors if they use other platforms. We've tested all methods on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C and POCO X5 Pro models, and the results are summarized in the comparison table below, and you'll also learn how to return standard emojis if something goes wrong.

Why Xiaomi’s standard emojis don’t suit users?

The MIUI emoji design is regularly updated, but many users complain about:

• 🎨 Mismatching the style of other platforms: Xiaomi emoticons often look “cartoon” compared to minimalist iOS or Google icons.
• 🔍 Lack of some emoji: Newer versions of Unicode have characters that are MIUI delay.
• 📱 Cross-platform problems: Your emoji may appear as a black square or an outdated version.
• 🎭 Inconvenient font: in some models of Redmi emoji look blurry or too small in messengers.

According to a survey of Xiaomi owners in 2023, 68% of respondents would like to see MIUI as an option to choose the style of emoji directly in the system settings, as implemented in some custom firmware.

Method 1: Replacement through font settings (official method)

The safest way is to use the built-in MIUI options. It doesn't require third-party apps to be installed and works on all Redmi models with MIUI 12 and up. Here's how to do it:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Regional settings.
2. Select the Font item (in some versions it may be called the Font Style).
3. Scroll down and find the Smiley or Emoji option (if not, go to the next one).
4. Choose one of the available packages: it is usually MIUI, Google or iOS.
5. Restart the device so that the changes take effect.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi Note 8 Pro) this section may not be available, in which case try to update the firmware to the latest version or use alternative methods.

Method 2: Install Google Emoji via Magisk (for hard-wired devices)

If your Redmi has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can replace the emoji systemically.This method ensures that the emoji will be displayed in all applications, including WhatsApp, Telegram and SMS.

You'll need:

• 📱 Smartphone with root rights and Magisk Manager.
• 🔗 Emoji Replacer or iOS Emoji for MIUI (You can download it on the forum XDA Developers).
• 🔄 Backup of the system (in case of failures).

Instructions:

1. Download the module for Magisk (e.g. GoogleEmojiMIUI.zip).
2. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
3. Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file.
4. Reboot the device. Once you turn on, the emojis will change in all applications.

💡 Useful tip: If the emojis have not changed after installing the module, clear the cache of the Android System WebView and Google Play Services applications in the settings.

Method 3: Apps to replace emoji without root

If you don't want to get root rights, you can use third-party apps, which are overlays, which only replace emojis in their interfaces, not in a system.

⚠️ Note: Apps like ZFont 3 or iFont may require a connection to the Internet ADB If you are not familiar with this procedure, it is better to choose simpler solutions (for example, Textra). SMS for SMS Emoji Kitchen for messengers).

Method 4: Manually modifying fonts via ADB (for advanced ones)

This is a method that works for those who don't want to root, but are willing to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to replace system emoji fonts without full firmware.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁.ttf font files (can be downloaded from GitHub or XDA).

Step-by-step:

adb devices # Checking the connection


adb shell # Entrance to the shell




su # Getting root (if any)




mount -o rw, remount /system




cp /sdcard/Download/NotoColorEmoji.ttf /system/fonts/ # Copying font




chmod 644 /system/fonts/NotoColorEmoji.ttf # Setup of rights




reboot #Reboot

🔧 Technical note: Font file names may vary depending on version MIUI. For example, in MIUI The 13 main emoji file is called NotoColorEmoji.ttf, and the MIUI 14 – MiuiColorEmoji.ttf. Backup the original file before replacing!

💡

Replacing fonts with ADB is the most reliable way to do it without root, but it requires care. A mistake in commands can cause a system to crash.

Method 5: Use of alternative keyboards

If you only need to change emojis when typing (not systematically), the easiest way to install a keyboard that supports different styles of emoji is to use the best options:

• 🔹 Gboard (Google Keyboard): allows you to select the style of emoji in the settings (Settings) → Preferences → Emoji styles supported by Google, iOS and Twitter.
• 🔹 SwiftKey: Has built-in emoji themes, but the choice is limited.
• 🔹 Fleksy: Offers custom emoji sets, but requires a subscription for some features.
• 🔹 Chroom: keyboard with support for iOS emoji and animations.

To change the style in Gboard:

1. Open any input field and tap the icon ⚙️ keyboard.
2. Go to Settings → Preferences → Emoji style.
3. Choose your favorite set (such as iOS 16 or Google Blob).
4. Save the changes – the emojis will change immediately.

⚠️ Note: In some instant messengers (for example, Viber or Skype), the emoji style may be ignored due to the internal settings of the application).

How to return standard emoticons Xiaomi?

If you want to return to the original emoji after the experiments, do the following:

• 🔄 For method 1 (font settings): return to Settings → Additionally. → Font and select MIUI.
• 📱 For Method 2 (Magisk): Remove the installed module through Magisk Manager and restart the device.
• 🖥️ For the method 4 (ADB): Connect to the device and execute the command: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /system/fonts/NotoColorEmoji.ttf.bak /system/fonts/NotoColorEmoji.ttf reboot
• ⌨️ For method 5 (keyboard): reset the keyboard settings to factory or reinstall it.

If after manipulations, emoticons are displayed clumsy or completely disappeared, try:

1. Clear the cache of Android System WebView and Google Play Services applications.
2. Install updates for MIUI through Settings → System Update.
3. Reset your phone settings to factory (pre-reverse!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing emojis with Xiaomi Redmi