How to change smileys on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working ways

The standard emojis on Xiaomi Redmi 9 often look too simplistic or do not match the style of messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram. Many users want to replace them with more modern options, such as iOS or Google. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to change smileys on your smartphone, from simple settings to custom fonts.

It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. Some require root rights, others only work with certain versions of MIUI. We will outline the risks of each approach and give recommendations on how to avoid errors. If you are a beginner, start with the simplest options (sections 2 and 3), and experienced users can immediately move to advanced settings (sections 4-5).

Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. The relevance of the instructions is confirmed for MIUI 12-14 on Redmi 9/9A/9C/9T. On newer versions (for example, HyperOS), some methods may not work – we will mention this too.

1. Replace emojis through MIUI themes (no root)

The safest and most official way is to use the built-in theme feature in MIUI, which does not require super-user rights and is suitable for most Redmi models. However, the choice of emojis is limited here - you can install only those sets that Xiaomi offers.

To change emojis through themes:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter “emoji” or “smiley».
• 🎨 Choose your favorite theme from the one you like (e.g., “iOS Emoji” or “Google Emoji»).
• 📥 Click Apply and confirm the download.

After applying the theme, restart your phone to make the changes effective. Note: this method only changes emojis in standard apps (Messages, Contacts). In messengers like Viber or Instagram, emojis will remain the same – their style depends on the application server.

⚠️ Note: Some themes may contain ads or plugins. Before installing, check other users' reviews in the comments section.

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If the smileys haven’t changed after applying the theme, clear the theme app cache in your phone settings (Settings → Apps → Application Management → Themes → Storage → Clear the cache).

2. Use of alternative keyboards

If you don't like standard MIUI emojis, but you don't want to change them globally, you can install a keyboard with a different set of emojis.

• 🍎 Gboard (from Google) – supports emoji in the style of Android and iOS.
• 🤖 SwiftKey – lets you choose the style of emojis (including Twitter Emoji).
• 🎨 Chroom – keyboard with custom themes and emojis.

To install an alternative keyboard:

1. Download the app from Google Play (like Gboard).
2. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Current keyboard.
3. Turn on the downloaded keyboard and set it by default.
4. Open the keyboard settings (usually through the gear icon on the input panel) and select the emoji style.

The advantage of this method is that emoji will be displayed the same in most messengers, since the style depends on the keyboard, not the system. However, in some applications (for example, WhatsApp), emoji can still be downloaded from their servers.

3. Installation of a launcher with support for custom emojis

Some launchers (like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher) allow you to change the style of emoji throughout the interface, which does not require root, but does not work on all versions of MIUI. It is best suited for Redmi 9 with MIUI 12.5 firmware and later.

Instructions for setting:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings → Appearance.
3. Find the emoji style option and select the appropriate option (e.g. Google or iOS).
4. Save the settings and restart the launcher.

This method only changes the emoji in the launcher interface and some system applications. In messengers and browser, smileys will remain the same. Also note that on MIUI 14 and later, the feature may not work stable due to Xiaomi restrictions.

4. Font replacement via Magisk (for advanced users)

If you're ready for more complex manipulations, you can replace the system emoji fonts with the Magisk module.

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 🛠️ Installed by Magisk (to obtain root rights).
• 📦 Font replacement module (e.g. iFont or Emoji Replacer).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Magisk Manager and check for root.
2. Download the Emoji Replacer module (e.g., the Emoji Replacer from the XDA forum).
3. Transfer the module file (.zip) to the phone’s memory.
4. Open Magisk, go to the Modules section and install the downloaded file.
5. Reboot the phone.

After the reboot, the emojis will change in all system and most third-party applications, but there are risks:

• ⚠️ Some modules may conflict with MIUI, disruptively.
• ⚠️ After updating the firmware module may stop working.
• ⚠️ Incorrect installation can lead to bootloop (locked boot).

⚠️ Note: Before installing the module, back up the system through TWRP Or OrangeFox. If you stop loading after you replace the fonts, you'll need to restore the backup or reflash the device.

Bootloader unlocked|Installed by Magisk with root rights|Downloaded proven module for emoji|A backup copy of the system has been created|Battery charge > 50%-->

5. Manual font modification via ADB (for experienced)

This method is suitable for those who do not want to install Magisk, but are ready to work with ADB. It allows you to replace the system fonts emoji without getting root, but requires accuracy. Suitable for MIUI 12-13.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press the line; then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁 Font files in.ttf format (you can download from sites like 1001Fonts).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/Mac).


2. Check the connection:




adb devices




3. Copy the fonts on the phone:




adb push NotoColorEmoji.ttf /sdcard/




4. Replace system fonts (write rights are required in /system):




adb shell




su




mount -o rw,remount /system




cp /sdcard/NotoColorEmoji.ttf /system/fonts/




chmod 644 /system/fonts/NotoColorEmoji.ttf




reboot

If the emojis have not changed after the reboot, check the font paths in /system/fonts/ – some firmware may call them differently (e.g. Emoji.ttf or AndroidEmoji.ttf).

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Replacing fonts with ADB is the most flexible method, but requires strict adherence to commands. An error in the way or access rights can lead to a system failure.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

For most Redmi 9 users, the best solution is to combine an alternative keyboard (for instant messengers) and MIUI (for system applications).

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing emojis with Xiaomi