How to change the look of icons on Xiaomi: all working ways in 2026

Standard MIUI icons are boring, but you want something fresh? Changing the look of icons to Xiaomi is a doable task, but with nuance. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the firmware version, there are different methods available, from simple themes to deep customization through ADB or root rights.

Many users are facing a problem: after the update MIUI 14/15, the old methods of changing icons stop working, this is due to the tightening of Xiaomi’s security policy, for example, in new versions, access to system folders through a standard file manager is blocked, and some launchers (for example, Nova Launcher) require additional permissions. But there is a way out – below we will discuss all current options, including circumventing restrictions.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 The smartphone model - on POCO and Redmi with MIUI for POCO It might be its own nuances.
• 🔢 Version MIUI — In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔒 Root rights – if you plan to deep customization.

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1. Changing icons through standard MIUI themes

Xiaomi offers hundreds of free and paid themes with unique icons that change for a few taps. The disadvantage of the method: the choice is limited to the Mi Theme Store collection, and some themes are paid (from 50 to 300 rubles).

How to apply the theme with new icons:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the icon tab or find a theme marked Icon Pack.
3. Select the set you like and click Apply.
4. Confirm the change in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Attention: Some themes change not only icons, but also fonts, wallpaper, animations. If you only need icons, look for themes marked Icon Only in the description.

Challenges and solutions:

• 🔄 Icons unchanged? restart your phone or clear the theme app's cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 💰 Paid theme disliked? Mi Theme Store has a 24-hour refund - write in support via the app.
• ⚙️ Not all the icons have changed? MIUI: System applications (such as Settings or Phone) are sometimes left with native icons.

2. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If there are few built-in themes, install an alternative launcher from Google Play.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – Supports Icon Packs from third-party developers.
• 🔧 Apex Launcher – lightweight, with flexible icon settings.
• 🎨 Hyperion Launcher – optimized for Xiaomi, runs without lags.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher and assign it by default in the phone settings.
2. Download the Icon Pack (e.g. Whicons, CandyCons) from the Play Market.
3. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings → Appearance → Style of icons.
4. Choose a downloaded pack of icons.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ Launchers may ask permission to access Notices and Overlay windows. Without these permissions, some features (such as adaptive icons) will not work.

Download APK launcher from the official website |

Check out the Android version (minimum 8.0) |

Disable battery optimization for launcher |

Make a backup of the current desktop-->

Important: On Xiaomi with a MediaTek processor (like the Redmi 10C), some launchers may be slowing down due to unoptimized code for the ARMv8 architecture.

3. Manually modifying icons via ADB (no root)

For advanced command-line users, there is a way to change the icons of system applications without root rights.The method works on MIUI 12-15, but requires debugging over USB and ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm grant com.android.launcher3 android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
4. Install the Icon Changer app (such as MIUI Icon Changer) and follow the instructions inside.

📌 Limitations of method:

• 🔌 It does not work on all models (only on the POCO F5 may be blocked MIUI).
• 🔄 After updating the firmware will have to repeat the procedure.
• 🚫 Not all icons change (e.g. Google Play remains standard).

4. Deep customization with root rights

If you're prepared for the risks (loss of warranty, possible bugs), root access will give you full control over the icons.

• 🖼️ Replace any system icons (including Settings and Play Market).
• 🎨 Install custom.apk with modified resources.
• 🔧 Edit files in /system/app and /system/priv-app.

🔧 Instructions:

1. Get the root through Magisk (see instructions for your model on XDA Developers).
2. Install Root Explorer (such as Solid Explorer with a root module).
3. Go to /system/app/[Application Name ] and replace the icon files (usually in.png or.webp format).
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect replacement of system files can lead to bootloop (cyclical reboot).Always backup the original files!

5. Alternative methods: circumventing MIUI restrictions

If none of these methods work, try these life hacks:

🔹 Use of the “Tags” widget":

• Add to the desktop widget shortcuts (long press → Widgets).
• Select an app and assign it a custom icon from the gallery.
• Cons: The original icon will remain in the app menu.

🔹 Apps for changing icons without root:

• 📲 Icon Pack Studio – creates its own icons and applies them through the launcher.
• 🎭 XIcon Changer - Works on MIUI 13/14, requires ADB-permitting.

🔹 Launcher cache reset:

If after changing the icons they are displayed incorrectly, clear the cache of the system launcher:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

⚠️ After this command, all desktop settings will be reset!

💡

To return standard icons to Xiaomi, go to Settings → Apps → Application Management → Themes and click Reset. If you used the launcher, delete it or reset the settings in the app itself.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you change icons, you have a typical problem, and we'll look at the most common ones.

🔘 "Icons dropped after update"

This is a feature of MIUI: after major updates (for example, from MIUI 13 to 14), the theme and launcher settings are reset.

• Save the current topic in Favorites in the Topic App.
• For launchers (like Nova), make a backup of settings in the app menu.

🔘 "Not all icons have changed"

System applications (Settings, Phone, Messages) often remain with native icons.

• Use a launcher with Adaptive Icons support (e.g. Lawnchair).
• For rooted devices, replace the icons manually in /system/priv-app.

🔘 "Launcher brakes after changing icons"

A common problem on weak devices (Redmi 9A, POCO C31) will help:

• Disabling animations in the launcher settings.
• Cache cleanup (Settings → Applications → [launcher name] → Memory → Clear cache).
• Switch to a light launcher (such as a Rootless Launcher).

💡

Before you manipulate your system files (especially on rooted devices), create a full backup through TWRP or an app like Swift Backup, which will save your data if you crash.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions