The MIUI or HyperOS shell interface in Xiaomi smartphones is famous for its functionality, but the standard appearance can get boring over time. Users often look for ways to personalize the device, starting with the most noticeable element - application icons. Changing shortcuts allows not only to refresh the design, but also to make navigation on the menu more convenient and logical for the specific owner.
The procedure for replacing graphic elements on Android desktops is quite simple, but in the Xiaomi ecosystem it has its own features, depending on the firmware version and region. In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from built-in theme tools to advanced third-party launchers that give full control over the visual style.
It is worth noting that deep customization affects the perception of the system as a whole. The graphical interface becomes unique, reflecting the user's tastes, but requires careful approach to the choice of sources for downloading files to ensure the stability of the gadget.
Standard opportunities to change icons through themes
The easiest and safest way to change the look of shortcuts is to use the built-in Themes app, an official tool pre-installed on all devices of the brand that allows you to apply ready-made design packages without risking damage to the system.
To get started, you need to run the Themes app on the home screen or in the Tools folder. In the bottom navigation bar, select the Profile tab (human icon), and then go to My Themes section, which displays all the installed designs, including the standard one.
⚠️ Note: When installing themes from unofficial sources or third-party stores, conflicts with system fonts may occur, which will lead to incorrect display of text in the menu.
To change only icons without affecting the wallpaper and the appearance of widgets, find an active theme in the list and click on it. In the menu that opens, select “Set up the theme” and the system will suggest selecting the components to replace: lock screen, wallpaper, system sounds and, of course, application icons.
Clicking on the icons section, you'll see a catalog of styles available. You can choose a classic circle, a square, a material design, or download new packages from the online catalog. Once you select a style, click Apply, and the changes will take effect instantly.
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If the standard directory is empty or not working, change the region in the phone settings to India or Singapore – this will open access to the full range of the store.
Using third-party launchers for full customization
If built-in tools aren’t enough, third-party launchers come to the rescue, and these are shell apps that completely replace the standard MIUI desktop, providing advanced customization options, with Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and Smart Launcher being the most popular solutions.
Once you install the launcher from Google Play and assign it to the default, the user gets access to an advanced settings menu, where you can change the size of the desktop grid, hide the signatures under the shortcuts or change the animation of opening applications.
Third-party launchers typically use a long-click on the shortcut or through the edit menu to replace icons. Select "Change" (often indicated by pencil), then "Icon" and open a gallery of available images where you can upload your pictures or choose from built-in packages.
- 🎨 Nova Launcher – the leader in the number of settings, allows you to change the shape, size and even add notification badges.
- 🚀 Smart Launcher 6 – automatically sorts applications by category and has a huge base of icons.
- 📱 Microsoft Launcher – perfectly integrates with Windows services and offers beautiful daily wallpaper.
It’s important to understand that using a third-party launcher may require additional resolutions and a little more RAM resources, but the visual result is worth it, especially for those who like to customize every pixel on the screen.
Manual replacement of icons through gallery and settings
Some versions of the shell allow you to manually replace the icons of individual applications using any images from the gallery, which is convenient if you need to change the icon for only one or two important applications, such as a messenger or a bank.
The algorithm is simple: find the desired application on the desktop, pinch it before the menu appears, and select Change. If the launcher supports this feature, you will be able to select an image. If the standard menu does not provide this option, you will have to use third-party software, such as the X Icon Changer application.
When you use specialized apps to change icons, you create a shortcut to the app with a new image, the original app stays on the menu, and a copy of it with a new design appears on the desktop.
⚠️ Note: When manually replaced through third-party snails, the original label can be removed or hidden, so it is best to back up important data before experiments.
This method is good for creating unique folders or highlighting commonly used programs. However, if you update the main application through Google Play, the custom shortcut may stop working or reset, and the procedure will have to be repeated.
Setting the size and style of the font labels
Visual desktop experience depends not only on the image, but also on the caption. Xiaomi has the flexibility to adjust the font size and style, which is especially true for people with impaired vision or for those who like minimalism.
To change settings, go to Settings → Screen → Text Size and Display. Here, the slider adjusts the overall font size throughout the system, including icon signatures. A more subtle setting is available in the Topics app -> Profile -> Settings -> Font size.
You can also change the style of the font in the theme settings, and downloading new fonts from the Theme store allows you to make your captions bolder, italic, or even change their handwriting altogether.
☑️ Checklist of the ideal desktop
Don't make the font too small for aesthetics, as it will reduce ergonomics of use, readability should remain a priority, especially if you use your phone frequently on the go.
Comparison of methods of changing labels
To make it easier for you to choose the right way to personalize, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you weigh the pros and cons of each method, depending on your goals and level of training.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annex “Themes” | Low. | Tall. | Limited by catalogue |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Medium | Maximum. |
| Manual replacement (X Icon) | Tall. | Medium | Any pictures you can get. |
| Refrain from type | Low. | Tall. | Only text |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best option is a combination of the built-in Themes app and periodic changes in icon packs, which ensures the stability of the system.
If you're an enthusiast and you want to completely change the logic of the interface, then installing a Nova Launcher or analogues is the best solution.
Possible problems and solutions
Users may face a number of common problems during customization, most often because the new theme doesn’t fully support all installed apps, and some icons remain standard.
To solve this problem, the theme settings often include Mixed Icons or the ability to select an alternative icon for a particular application manually, and cleaning the theme app cache through the memory management menu also helps.
⚠️ Warning: Frequent change of heavy themes and launchers can lead to increased battery consumption in the first hours after installation due to background indexation.
Sometimes, after an Android system update or MIUI shell, the launcher settings may reset. To avoid this, use the launcher's settings backup feature, if available on its menu.
What to do if the phone freezes after changing the topic?
Remember, visual changes are just the tip of the iceberg, and good design of desktop space increases productivity and makes interaction with your gadget more enjoyable.
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The optimal balance between beauty and performance is achieved by using lightweight static wallpaper and minimalist icon packs without live animation.