Changing the visuals is the first step that a new smartphone owner takes to personalize the device to suit their taste. MIUI and its more recent version of HyperOS offer ample customization options, but often users do not know where to start. A standard set of icons can seem boring, and the desire to stand out pushes to find new solutions. In this article, we will explore all the available ways to change the graphic elements of the interface, from official methods to advanced settings.
The application graphics replacement procedure does not require root rights or deep knowledge of programming. However, it is important to understand the difference between changing wallpaper and completely replacing system elements. If you want to change the appearance of program shortcuts, you will need to use built-in tools or third-party software. Xiaomi provides powerful tools hidden in the themes menu that allows you to change not only wallpaper, but also system fonts, sounds and, of course, icons.
Before you start taking action, it's worth noting that visual changes can affect how you feel about the interface. Some third-party sets can look beautiful but not readable or have a style. So, approach design wisely, checking compatibility with your version of the operating system. Next, we'll take a detailed look at each method so you can choose the most suitable for your use case.
Using the Themes app to change icons
The easiest and safest way to change the look of shortcuts is to use the official Themes app, which is pre-installed on all the brand’s devices, a central hub for customization, allowing content from both the company and independent designers to be downloaded, and thousands of design options, from minimalist sets to vibrant and animated styles, can be found here.
To get started, open the app and go to Profile or click on the person icon in the lower right corner, and that's where the installed component management menu is hidden. You don't have to download the whole theme if you're only interested in changing the app graphics. The system allows you to selectively apply the individual design elements, which saves memory and time.
⚠️ Warning: When downloading themes from unofficial sources or third-party stores, make sure the file does not contain malicious code.The official Xiaomi store is moderated, but third-party. APK-Files can be dangerous.
To apply a new style, find your favorite theme and click Download and then Apply. Once the theme is activated, the system will automatically replace the standard icons with new ones that match the style. If you want to return everything as it was, just select the standard Classic or Default theme from the same profile menu.
Configure components through the profile menu
Many users don't realize that there's a separate menu inside the Themes app to manage specific elements of the system, which allows you to combine different styles, like using wallpaper from one set and icons from another, and this flexibility allows you to create a unique interface that is unlike any other.
To access this functionality, open the theme app, go to the profile and select Components. Here you will see a list of all the items you replace: lock screen, system interface, sounds and most importantly icons. By clicking on the icons section, you will be taken to the gallery of all available sets that have already been downloaded to your device.
- 🎨 Here you can see both built-in sets and downloaded themes.
- 🔄 You can switch between different styles at any time with a single touch.
- 🗑️ Removing unused sets frees up space in the application’s data store.
If you downloaded a theme but only applied a portion of it, the rest of the components will remain unchanged. This is especially useful when you like a particular shortcut design, but the theme itself doesn't suit you. Just select the right set of icons from the component list and activate it. The system will instantly update the desktop and app menus.
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If after changing the theme icons disappeared or became black squares, try to clear the cache of the application “Themes” through the settings of the smartphone and restart the device.
Application of third-party launchers
The built-in features of MIUI are good, but they are limited by company rules. If you want to have full control over the look of your desktop, you can use third-party launchers. These are special shell apps that completely replace the standard Android desktop, giving you access to thousands of free icon packages from Google Play.
Popular options are Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher. Once you install an app and assign it to the default, you get access to a huge style library. Unlike the standard theme menu, you can customize grid size, animations to open apps, and even swipe behavior.
To install a third-party icon package, follow the following steps:
- Download and install the selected launcher from the Play Market.
- Download the icon pack to your liking.
- Open the launcher settings and find the “Exterior” or “Icons” section.
- Select the package from the list.
⚠️ Note: Some launchers may conflict with navigation gestures MIUI. If after installation you are faced with management problems, return the standard launcher in the system settings.
Using third-party shells is the best way for power users who want to see exactly what they want on the screen, but it’s worth remembering that such applications can consume more battery and RAM than the standard interface. On older smartphone models, this can lead to a slight decrease in performance.
☑️ Check before installing the launcher
Comparison of methods of customization of the interface
The choice between embedded themes and third-party launchers often depends on the user’s goals and device model. To help you determine, we have prepared a comparison table that highlights the key differences between these approaches. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before making changes.
The official MIUI themes provide maximum stability and system integration, optimized specifically for the Snapdragon and MediaTek processors used in Xiaomi smartphones. On the other hand, third-party launchers give freedom, but can run less predictably after major system upgrades.
| Parameter | Official MIUI themes | Third-party launchers | Manual widget setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability of work | Tall. | Medium | Tall. |
| Impact on the battery | Minimum | Medium/High | Depends on the widget. |
| Number of options | Restricted to the store. | A huge (Play Market) | Unlimited. |
| Difficulty setting up | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
If you prioritize stability and bug-freeness, you'd better stay within the MIUI Themes ecosystem. If you're an enthusiast and you like experimenting, third-party solutions will open up new horizons. Either way, always have the ability to quickly roll back change.
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Official themes guarantee system stability, while third-party launchers provide maximum flexibility in settings.
Solution: icons don’t change or disappear
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where after installing a new theme, the icons of the application remain the same or, worse, disappear altogether. This is a common problem associated with caching graphic elements or conflicting versions.
The first thing you need to do is clear the cache of the Themes app. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find Themes, click Clear and select Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with cleaning up data, although you can do that at the very least, but then you'll have to download them again.
The problem may also be in the app itself, for which you are changing the icon. Some Google system applications or Xiaomi services are protected from modification and will always display a standard icon. In such cases, only using a launcher that can forcefully replace the graphics, or installing a modified version of the application can help.
What to do if the “Theme” icon is missing?
Optimizing the desktop after the changes
Once you change icons, the desktop may look unusual, new icons may have a different size or proportions, which will cause the desktop grid to go wrong, and it is recommended that you do a little reorganization of widgets and folders to make the new style look harmonious.
Hold your finger on the blank space of the screen to go into editing mode, where you can resize the grid by adding more icon boxes, or, conversely, enlarge them for convenience. Remember that an overloaded desktop not only looks messy, but can also slightly slow down the rendering of the interface on budget models.
Use widgets that fit the new style. If you have a dark theme with neon icons, add a watch or weather widget in a similar style. The theme store often features entire widget packs that perfectly complement the chosen icon set, creating a unified visual space and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the smartphone.