How to replace smileys on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways from simple to advanced

Xiaomi emojis are not just a decoration of messages, but part of the corporate identity MIUI But what if you don't like standard emojis? They may look too cartoonish, they don't fit the style of iOS or Samsung, or you just want something new. Fortunately, you can replace them in a number of ways, from built-in features to custom fonts.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including official settings, third-party applications and even manual editing of system files (for advanced users). MIUI The 12-15 and the new HyperOS, and take into account the features of different models – from the Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of the data – changing the system fonts can cause messaging or keyboard failures.If you’re a beginner, start with the simplest ways (sections 2–3), and experienced users can jump straight to advanced techniques (sections 4–6).

1. Replacement of emojis through themes MIUI/HyperOS (formal)

The safest and easiest method is to use the built-in theme change feature. Xiaomi allows you to install themes that change not only wallpaper and icons, but also the style of emoji.

1. Open the Themes app (usually preinstalled on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. Go to the Emoji or Smiley section (in some versions) MIUI It's hidden in a category. → Others).
3. Choose your favorite emoji package. Popular options: 🍎 iOS style – emojis like on iPhone (theme “Emoji iOS” or similar). 🤖 Samsung One UI — Galaxy-style emoji. 🎨 Google Noto – Minimalistic emoji from Android. 👾 Retro – Pixel Emoji for fans of old games.

Apply

⚠️ Note: Not all topics support system-level replacement of emojis. If the emojis have not changed after the application of the emoji in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), then the topic affects only system applications (for example, Messages or Contacts).

2.Use keyboards with your own emoji (no root)

If the system replacement doesn't work, you can trick the system with a keyboard. Some applications (like Gboard or SwiftKey) let you choose the style of emoji regardless of the system.

For Gboard (Google Keyboard):

1. Install Gboard from Google Play.
2. Open the keyboard settings: Settings → System → Keyboard → Gboard.
3. Select Settings → Smiley, stickers and GIF → Smiley style.
4. Available options: 🌐 Google (by default) – standard Android emojis. 🍎 iOS – Apple-style emoji (requires downloading an additional package). 🎨 Twitter (X) – social networking style (obsolete, but available in some versions). 🤖 Samsung – emojis from galaxies.

For SwiftKey (Microsoft):

SwiftKey offers fewer options but supports customizable emoji themes:

1. Install SwiftKey.
2. Go to Settings. → Registration → Smiley.
3. Choose one of the available packages (usually SwiftKey Default, iOS or Minimal).

⚠️ Note: The keyboard changes the emoji only in the input fields where it is active. In the messengers themselves (such as WhatsApp chats), emojis can be displayed in the original style if the application ignores the keyboard settings. To fix this, try manually copying emojis from the keyboard and pasting them into the message.

Download Gboard or SwiftKey from the official store|

Activate the keyboard in the system settings (Settings) → System system → keyboard)|

Download additional emoji packages (if required)|

Reset the device to apply changes-->

3. Installation of custom fonts with emoji (without root, but with restrictions)

On devices with MIUI 12+ And HyperOS can install third-party fonts that include custom emojis, which don't require root rights, but it doesn't work on all models:

Step 1. Download the font from the emoji

Popular sources:

• 🔹 DaFont – Look for fonts marked “Emoji” (e.g. Noto Color Emoji, Twemoji).
• 🔹 Google Fonts – filter by category “Emoji».
• 🔹 1001Fonts — specialty.

The font file must have an extension of.ttf or.otf.

Step 2. Install the font on Xiaomi

1. Copy the font file into your phone’s memory (for example, into the Downloads folder).
2. Open the Settings. → Display. → Font (in HyperOS: Settings) → Registration → font).
3. Click Set font and select the downloaded file.
4. Confirm the installation and restart the device.

Important: This method only changes emojis in system applications (Messages, Contacts) and some third-party messengers. On WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber, emojis can remain the same, as these apps often use their own fonts.

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If you have the emojis displayed in squares after you install the font, you don't have Unicode characters. Try another file, like Google's NotoColorEmoji.ttf.

4. Replace emojis via Magisk (for advanced users)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, you can replace system emojis with Magisk, a tool for obtaining root rights without unlocking the bootloader. This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires caution.

Requirements:

• 📱 Device with unlocked bootloader (instruction: miui.su).
• 🔧 Installed by Magisk (version 25)+).
• 💾 Backup of data (recommended) TWRP Or OrangeFox).

Step 1 Install Magisk module for emojis

1. Download the Emoji Replacer or iFont module for Magisk: 🔗 Emoji Replacer (GitHub). 🔗 iFont (XDA).

Magisk Manager

Modules.

Install it from the vault.

.zip

Reset the device.

Step 2. Choose the style of the emoji

After the reboot:

1. Open the iFont app (if you have installed this module).
2. Go to Emoji and select your favorite package (e.g. iOS 16.4 or Samsung One). UI 5).
3. Press Apply and confirm the replacement.

⚠️ Note: Some Magisk modules may conflict with MIUI Optimization (built-in optimization function Xiaomi). If after installation the device begins to brake or overheat, turn off optimization in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → For developers → Shut down. MIUI Optimization).

5 Manual editing of system files (for power users only)

This is a method that works for people who are not afraid to dig through system files and have root access. MIUI files from other firmware (for example, iOS or Samsung).

⚠️ Warning: Mistakes can lead to bootloop (a looped reboot) or data loss. TWRP beforehand.

Step 1 Download the emoji packet

Find an archive with an emoji for your version of Android.

• 📁 XDA Developers (Emoji).
• 📁 Google Noto Emoji (official fonts from Google).
• 📁 iOS Emoji (Emoji from the latest versions of iOS).

You need a NotoColorEmoji.ttf file (for Google), AppleColorEmoji.ttf (for iOS), or similar.

Step 2: Replace system files

1. Connect to the device through ADB Use a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer).
2. Go to the file. /system/fonts/ (or /system/product/fonts/ on new versions of Android).
3. Find files: NotoColorEmoji.ttf - standard emojis MIUI. EmojiCompat.ttf – Additional Compatibility File.

Back up the original files (copy them to another folder).

Replace them with downloaded emoji files (make sure the names match!).

644

Reset the device.

Step 3. Check the result.

Open any app with an emoji (like Messages or Telegram) if the emojis haven't changed:

• Delete the cache of the Android System WebView app.
• Check if it's blocking. MIUI Optimization of Change (disable it as described above).
• Try another emoji package (some files may not be compatible with your Android version).

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Manually replacing system fonts is the most reliable way, but it's also the riskiest way. If something goes wrong, you'll need to restore the device via Fastboot or TWRP.

Alternative methods: applications and workarounds

If none of the above methods worked, there are a few other ways around:

Method 1. Applications for emoji replacement

Some apps allow you to overlay custom emojis over standard ones.

• 📱 iFont – a utility for installing fonts and emoji without root (does not work on all devices).
• 📱 Emoji Changer – keyboard with support for custom smileys.
• 📱 Emoji Kitchen – creates stickers from emojis (does not replace them completely, but adds variability).

Method 2: Use of stickers instead of emojis

If you can not replace smileys, you can use stickers in messengers:

• 🎨 Add sticker packs with emojis (for example, iOS Emoji) to Telegram).
• 🎨 On WhatsApp, download stickers through official packs or bots (for example, @Stickers).
• 🎨 In Viber, go to Stickers. → Catalog and find packages in the style of iOS or Samsung.

Method 3: Changing emojis through ADB (rootless)

On some devices, you can replace emojis through ADB, It's not rooting:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate Debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → For developers → Debugging by USB).
2. Download. ADB Tools and execute command: adb shell settings put secure sysui_tuner_enabled 1
3. Install the SystemUI Tuner app and try to find options to replace emojis (it doesn’t work on all firmware).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing emoji with Xiaomi, the following difficulties may arise:

If none of these methods worked, your Xiaomi model may have firmware limitations, which leaves you either to accept standard emojis or to consider switching to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), where emojis can be replaced without restrictions.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions