Visual customization of the interface is one of the key features of the shell MIUI and the new HyperOS, which is highly appreciated by users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. Among the many ways of personalization, from changing the theme of design to changing fonts, often overlooked the possibility of editing the parameters themselves. SIM-Many device owners do not even realize that the standard gray or blue icon of the operator can be replaced with any other color available on the system.
Changing the color of the icon SIM-Maps are not just an aesthetic whim, but also a way to improve navigation in the settings menu, especially for those who use two or more active communication profiles at the same time. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to perform this simple but useful procedure on current versions of firmware.
It’s worth noting that this feature is native and does not require superuser rights (Root) or third-party launchers. All the necessary tools are already built into the system application “Settings”. The process takes literally a few seconds, but adds personality to your device. Below we will look at the step-by-step algorithm of actions, available design options and possible nuances of working with different versions of the Android operating system.
Why Change the Color of the SIM Card Icon
The main reason why users resort to changing the color of the label SIM-The ergonomics of using dual-sim phones are the mainstay of the cards, and when two active numbers are installed on the device, the standard interface often displays them in the same grey icons, which can lead to confusion when choosing a line for an outgoing call or message. Color coding solves this problem instantly.
In addition, personalization of the interface makes the settings menu more pleasing to the eye. If you use a dark theme, standard light icons can look contrasting and stand out from the overall style. Choosing a color that harmonizes with your widgets or desktop wallpaper creates a sense of system integrity.
Psychological aspects also play a role: bright, rich colors help you navigate your contact list and call log faster, the brain reads color markers faster than text marks, which is especially important in situations where you need to make a quick call.
- 🎨 Visual separation: Allows you to instantly distinguish a working SIM card from a personal one in the Quick Access menu.
- 👁️ Improved navigation: Reduces the likelihood of error when choosing a number to call in multitasking mode.
- 🖌️ Aesthetics: Makes the interface unique and appropriate to the owner’s personal preferences.
Preparing for SIM settings change
Before you start changing the parameters, make sure that your SIM-The cards are correctly installed and determined by the system. Although the color can be changed for an inactive card, the system may require confirmation or reboot to apply some visual effects in the status menu. MIUI or HyperOS, as in very old Android builds, the path to settings may differ.
You don’t need to connect to Wi-Fi or mobile internet to do this, as all the resources for color change are stored locally in the device’s memory. However, if you plan to download a new theme from the Themes store after the color change so that the icon color better fits with the overall style, then the connection will be necessary.
⚠️ Warning: The color change of the icon is purely cosmetic and does not affect the quality of communication, Internet speed or your operator’s tariff plan in any way.
It is recommended to determine the color scheme in advance. If you use a standard light theme, you may want to choose more saturated colors for the icons to make them readable. For a dark theme, on the contrary, pastel colors or neon shades that will not cut the eye in low light conditions are better.
☑️ Ready to set up
Step-by-step: how to change the color
The process of color change is as simple as possible by Xiaomi engineers and does not require deep knowledge of the system. The whole journey takes no more than a minute. Open the main application menu and find the standard Settings application, which is usually indicated by a gear. In some builds it may be called Settings.
In the menu that opens, scroll down the list of parameters to the section «SIM-maps and mobile networks. Depending on the firmware version and region, this item may simply be called «SIM-Maps" or be inside the "Connections and Sharing" subsection. On HyperOS devices, the logic remained the same, but the visual design of the menu became more minimalistic.
Once you log into the SIM management menu, you will see a list of installed modules (SIM 1 and SIM 2). Click on the name or icon of the card you want to change the color of, and a detailed settings menu for the particular slot will open. Here, at the top of the screen, is the current card icon. Click on it or on Color / Change Color.
Settings → SIM- maps and mobile networks → SIM 1 (or SIM 2) → ColorThe system will offer you a multi-color palette. Choose the right one with a simple touch. Changes are instant and don't require confirmation by the OK button or reboot of the device. You'll see the icon updated immediately.
- 📱 Step 1: Open the “Settings” of the smartphone.
- 🔗 Step 2: Go to the section «SIM-maps and mobile networks».
- 🎯 Step 3: Select the right slot (SIM 1 SIM 2).
- 🌈 Step 4: Click on the current color and select a new one from the palette.
💡
Changes take effect immediately after color selection, no confirmation of action is required.
Display and naming settings
In addition to changing the color, the same menu is available to rename SIM-Standard names like "China Mobile" or «MTS RUS» They're often too long and they're cluttered up, and you can shorten them down to simple acronyms or names, like "Work," "Home," "Personal».
To rename, click on the map name field in the same menu where you changed color. Enter new text using the on-screen keyboard. The system allows you to use emoji in titles, which further expands the possibilities of customization. For example, you can install an icon of an airplane. ✈️ for roaming SIM or dollar icon 💰 for a tariff with a large package of Internet.
| Parameter | Standard value | Recommended value | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| The color of the icon | Grey/Blue. | Contrast to the topic | Visual perception |
| Name of the network | Operator. | Personal/Work | Interface clarity |
| Type of network | 4G/5G is preferably | By default. | Connection speed |
| roaming | Off. | Includes (travelling) | Access to the network abroad |
This is an exclusively internal label of the operating system for the convenience of the owner.
MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS features
Settings interface SIM-The maps have been changed with the release of new versions of the shell. MIUI The menus 12 and 13 were more detailed, with separate switches for each setting. MIUI 14 and moving to HyperOS, Xiaomi is aiming for minimalism, combining some points.
In newer Android 13 and 14 firmware versions, the color palette can be expanded or changed to softer, pastel tones to match the new system design. HyperOS also has improved color-changing animations, making the process smoother.
What to do if there is no Color?
Users who have moved from MIUI 11 to newer versions, they may notice that the menu layout has shifted «SIM-maps" in the main list, search by settings. Type the word «SIM» or “Map” to the search bar at the top of the settings screen, and the system will open the desired section itself.
⚠️ Note: When changing region, the available Wi-Fi frequencies and pre-installed apps may change in your smartphone settings. Be careful when changing this setting if you are not sure of the consequences for your particular model.
Decision and limitations
Despite the simplicity of the function, users may face a number of limitations, and first, the color set is strictly limited to the system's developers. HEX-code or select a color from the photo gallery. Only a preset set of 10-15 variant.
Second, on some budget Redmi or POCO models with a stripped-down version of MIUI Go, the interface may be different, in which case the color change may not be possible completely, as this is considered a feature that does not affect performance, but requires interface resources.
If the icon hasn’t updated in the notification curtain after the change of color, try restarting the device. Sometimes the GUI cache needs an update to display new parameters. Also make sure that the phone doesn’t have a third-party theme installed that forcibly replaces all system icons with its graphic elements.
- 🚫 Limitation of palette: You can not choose an arbitrary color, only from the list of the system.
- 📉 Go Edition: On simplified versions of Android, the feature may not be available.
- 🎨 Topics conflict: Third-party themes can override system color settings.
💡
If you change often SIM-cards (use tourist SIMKS), it is most convenient to give them a neutral name "Travel" and a bright, noticeable color, so as not to confuse with the main card when roaming.
Impact on the work of the smartphone
Many users wonder if customization of the interface affects performance. SIM-The card is a change in one parameter in the configuration file of the system, and it's absolutely safe for the processor, RAM and battery.
Unlike live wallpaper or heavy widgets, a static color icon doesn’t consume additional resources in the background.You can safely experiment with colors without fear that the phone will start to run slower or discharge faster.
The only thing to consider is readability: If you choose a color that is too pale on a light background (or too dark on a black background in a dark topic), you may not be comfortable using the menu.