How to change the color of the icons on Xiaomi: from standard themes to manual customization

Why Users Want to Change the Color of the Icons to Xiaomi – and What’s Stopping It

The color schemes of icons in MIUI and HyperOS are often criticized: some consider them too bright, some – monotonous, and someone just wants to personalize the device to their own style. However, the standard settings of Xiaomi smartphones do not always provide flexible tools to change the color of individual icons. At best, the user can choose one of the preset themes, but this changes the entire visual shell, not just the icons of the application.

The main problem lies in architecture. MIUI: system APK-Icon files that are integrated into the launcher and system applications, which means that there is no simple "repainting" through the settings - workarounds will be required. In this article, we will look at 5 working methods, from the simplest (using topics) to the most advanced (manual editing through the use of topics). ADB), with regard to the limitations of different versions of the firmware.

It is important to understand that not all methods are equally secure, for example, changing system files can lead to loss of warranty or unstable operation of the device if performed incorrectly, so we recommend backing up the data before experimenting.

Method 1: Using embedded MIUI/HyperOS themes

The most obvious and safe method is to change the theme through the standard Theme app, with MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS offering hundreds of free and paid themes, many of which change the color of the icons.

• 🎨 Limited choice: Most themes change icons completely (along with the shape), not just their color.
• 🔄 Not all apps are supported: System icons (such as Settings or Phone) may remain unchanged.
• 💰 Paid themes: some quality options require a purchase (price usually 1-3)$).

How to apply the topic:

1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on your desktop).
2. Go to the Icons or Full Themes section.
3. Select your favorite theme and click Apply.
4. Confirm the changes in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI Or reset the theme to a standard one. To avoid this, save your favorite theme to your favorites.

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If there is no one in the theme store, try looking for icon packages on sites like XDA Developers or Google Play (like Nova Launcher + Icon Pack Studio).

Method 2: Install a third-party launcher with Icon Packs support

If built-in themes are not enough, alternative launchers such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Lawnchair can be used, allowing you to install icon packs where each icon can be customized separately, including color.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎯 Accurately customize color, shape and even icon animation.
• 🔧 Compatible with most versions MIUI/HyperOS.
• 🔄 The ability to return the standard launcher at any time.

Instructions for setting:

Install Nova Launcher from Google Play|Download your favorite Icon Pack (like Whicons or Delta)|Open the Nova Launcher settings → Appearance → Icon style|Select the installed icon package|Apply changes and restart the launcher-->

Examples of popular Icon Packs for Xiaomi:

• 🖤 Minima – Minimalistic black and white icons.
• 🌈 CandyCons – bright gradient icons.
• 🔵 Lines – geometric icons with an emphasis on blue tones.

⚠️ Note: Some icon packages may conflict with Xiaomi system apps (such as Security or Mi Home.

Method 3: Manual color change through ADB (for advanced)

If you only need to change the color of standard icons (e.g., make them red or green), you can use the ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge), which requires an unlocked bootloader and developer mode on, but allows you to dot edit system files.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Press 7 times to unlock).
• 🔧 Knowledge of the basics of working with the command line.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and follow the command: Adb devices to make sure the device is detected.
2. Download the modified ones. APK-icon files (e.g. with XDA).
3. Replace system files with the command: adb push modified_icons.apk /system/priv-app/Launcher
4. Reset the device.

Systemic change APK-Files can result in a bootloop if files are corrupted or incompatible with your version. MIUI. We recommend you to create a full backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

Method 4: Using Magisk modules (for rooted devices)

If your Xiaomi is rooted (installed by Magisk), you can use modules to customize the icons, a method that gives you maximum freedom, but requires an unlocked bootloader and loss of warranty.

Popular modules for changing icons:

• 🎭 MiuiColor – allows you to change the color of system icons and interface elements.
• 🖌️ Iconify – supports the installation of custom Icon Packs without a launcher.
• 🔧 Xiaomi.eu Tweaks – includes hidden customization settings (only for Xiaomi.eu firmware).

How to install the module:

1. Download a module file (e.g. MiuiColor.zip) from XDA.
2. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
3. Click Install Module and select the downloaded file.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Some modules (e.g. Iconify) may conflict with updates MIUI. After the firmware update, the module will have to be reinstalled.

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Rooting your device eliminates warranty and increases security risk, and use this method only if you are prepared for possible consequences (e.g. blocking banking applications).

Method 5: Editing icons through apps (without root)

If you don't want to risk system files, you can use apps that create custom icon shortcuts, which doesn't change the original icons, but adds new ones on top of them.

The best apps for this:

• 📱 Icon Changer – allows you to replace the icon of any application with your own.
• 🎨 Shortcut Maker – Creates shortcuts with changed color and shape.
• 🖼️ Awesome Icons – a library of ready-made icons with the ability to tint.

How to change the color of the icon with Icon Changer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select the app you want to change the icon.
3. Click Change the icon and select a color from the palette or upload your image.
4. Save the changes – a new label will appear on the desktop.

Cons of the method:

• ❌ The icons are duplicated (the original remains in place).
• ❌ Not all launchers support custom shortcuts (e.g., standard launchers). MIUI Launcher can reset them).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the color of your icons on Xiaomi, users experience common mistakes, and here’s how to avoid or fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 Compatibility of your Xiaomi model with the chosen method (e.g. Poco) F5 The Redmi Note 12 has different limitations).
• 🔄 Firmware Version: Some older Magisk modules don't work in HyperOS.
• 🛠️ Updates for the applications used (e.g. Nova Launcher or Icon Packs).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions