How to change icons on the Xiaomi desktop: from MIUI themes to manual replacement of APK

Xiaomi with a shell MIUI It offers users flexible customization options, but not everyone knows how to make the most of this potential. Replacing standard app icons on the desktop is one of the most popular procedures that allows you not only to refresh the appearance of the smartphone, but also to improve its ergonomics. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change icons: from built-in tools. MIUI before installing third-party launchers and manual editing APK-file.

It is important to understand that the methods vary in complexity and consequences. For example, using themes from the Theme does not require root rights and is safe for the system, while manually replacing icons through APK Editor can lead to application failures. We will look at each option in detail, specify their pros/cons and give recommendations for different versions of MIUI (12 to 15).

If you're a beginner, start with the first three methods -- they don't require technical skills. ADB, decompilation APK And the creation of custom themes. At the end of the article — FAQ Answers to frequent questions and a table of compatibility of methods with popular models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.

1.Using the built-in MIUI themes

The easiest and safest way to change icons is to use the official Themes app, which works on all Xiaomi devices without root rights and does not require the installation of third-party software. The theme store has thousands of free and paid packs, including iOS-style icons, Material You, minimalist or anime designs.

To apply a new theme:

• 📱 Open the Topics app (brush icon on desktop).
• 🔍 In the search box, type a query, such as “iOS icons” or “minimalism icons».
• 🎨 Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. The system will automatically replace icons, wallpaper and fonts (if the theme provides it).
• ⚙️ For a selective replacement, go to my → Settings of topics → Icons and select only the icon pack, leaving the rest of the items unchanged.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need for root rights or technical knowledge.
• ✅ Themes are optimized for MIUI and cause no lag.
• ✅ The ability to roll back to standard icons in one click.

⚠️ Note: Some themes may contain ads or paid items. Check other users' reviews before using them - especially if the theme requires payment. MIUI The applied theme may be thrown off.

Installation of a third-party launcher

If the built-in themes are not enough, you can install an alternative launcher (desktop shell).

• 🌈 Nova Launcher – Supports custom icons through.icon packs and manually configuring each icon.
• 🎭 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for the MIUI It offers deep integration with system functions.
• 🔄 Lawnchair is an open source launcher that mimics Google’s Pixel Launcher.

Instructions for setting up (for example, Nova Launcher):

1. Download the launcher from Google Play and install it as the default launcher (the system will prompt you to do this when you first start).
2. Download a pack of icons (such as Whicons, Delta or Fluid) from the Play Market.
3. In the launcher settings, go to Appearance → Icon Style and select the downloaded pack.
4. For manual replacement of individual icons, press the app icon → Change → Icon for a long time.

Launcher comparison:

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, some functions may stop working MIUI, For example: System gestures (if the launcher does not support them), weather or calendar widgets from Xiaomi, quick settings in the curtain (in some launchers), check compatibility on forums (for example, before installing the device, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Backup the current desktop settings |

Check the launcher reviews for compatibility with MIUI 14/15|

Download the icon pack in advance (some packs paid)|

Disable battery optimization for launcher in settings MIUI-->

3. Manually modifying icons via APK (for experienced)

This method is suitable for replacing system application icons (e.g. Settings, Phone, Messages) and requires working with the system. APK-Attention: incorrect actions can lead to the destruction of applications or the need to flash it! ADB or APK Editor.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install APK Editor Pro (developer mode and USB debugging required).
2. Make a backup. APK-the application file you want to change (e.g. com.android.settings for Settings).
3. In APK Editor, select APK File Select → specify the path to the copied file.
4. Go to the res folder. → drawable (or mipmap) and replace icon files (usually with names like ic_launcher.png or app_icon.png) Important: new images must match resolution and format!
5. Reassemble the APK and install it on top of the old one (via ADB or manually).

Warnings:

• 🚨 Replacing system application icons can cause errors when updating MIUI.
• 🚨 Some apps (like Google Play Services) block changes to their resources.
• 🚨 After resetting the settings, all changes will be lost.

4.Use ADB to replace icons (no root)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method allows you to replace system application icons without editing APK. It is suitable for users who do not want to risk system stability, but are willing to work with the command line.

Algorithm of action:

1. Enable Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Then in Settings → Additional → For developers, activate Debugging over USB.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔒 Requires an unlocked bootloader (on some Xiaomi models, this leads to a data reset).
• 🔒 Does not work on Dynamic Partition devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13 series).
• 🔒 After updating MIUI change.

💡

Before working with ADB, create a full backup system through TWRP or MIUI Backup, which will allow you to restore the device in case of an error. Also check if your model supports unlocking the bootloader - on some devices (for example, POCO F5) this blocks data encryption.

5. Creating a custom theme for MIUI

If you don't find the right theme in the store, you can create your own.

• 🖌️ Image Editor (Photoshop, GIMP or Figma).
• 📦 Programme for packing themes (MIUI Theme Editor or MTZ Builder).
• 📱 Xiaomi device with the latest version MIUI (test).

Creation process:

1. Download the MIUI theme template (e.g., XDA Developers) that will contain folders for icons, wallpaper and other items.
2. Replace the icon files in the icon folder with your images (.png format, dimensions: 108×108 px for MIUI 14/15).
3. Open the desc.json file in the text editor and write the metadata of the topic (title, author, version).
4. Pack the theme in.mtz format with MTZ Builder.
5. Transfer the file to your phone and import it through the Themes app.

Examples of tools for creating topics:

💡

Creating a custom theme is the only way to get unique icons that won’t reset after the MIUI update. However, the process takes time and graphics skills. Use ready-made templates from GitHub (search on request “MIUI theme template”) to simplify the task.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When replacing icons, users face typical problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

1.Icons are reset after MIUI update

This is because system applications overwrite when you update.

• Use a launcher (like Nova) instead of a system launcher – it saves settings.
• Create a custom theme and apply it after each update.
• Turn off automatic updates of system applications in Settings → Applications → Update of system applications.

2 Not all icons change in the pack

Some icon packs don't support all apps. Check out:

• Pack compatibility with your version of MIUI (theme page in the store usually lists supported models).
• The presence of alternative icons in the launcher settings (for example, in Nova Launcher you can assign an icon manually).

3.Icons are displayed blurryly

This is due to a permit mismatch.

• The icons are at least 192×192 px (for MIUI 14/15).
• The file format is.png with a transparent background.
• The launcher includes the option “Adaptive icons” (if supported).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions