How to change icons on the Xiaomi desktop: 5 ways for MIUI 14 and 15

Tired desktop design, repetitive app icons, or simply a desire to refresh the look of a smartphone are the challenges faced by every second Xiaomi owner. Fortunately, the MIUI shell offers several ways to change icons, from standard themes to deep customization through third-party launchers. But not all methods are equally convenient, and some require caution not to disrupt the stability of the system.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to change your icons to Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark models) relevant to MIUI 14/15. You’ll learn how to use built-in themes, install icon packages through Google Play, configure launchers like Nova Launcher, or even manually replace icons through the file system, and how to avoid common bugs that lead to interface failures.

If you're a beginner, start with the first two methods (they're the safest) and you'll need a section on the prototyping section. ADB-commands and edit system files – but you will need root rights or unlocked bootloader.

1. Standard MIUI themes: a quick way to change all icons

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI Theme Store, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones (except global firmware without Chinese services), and allows you to replace icons, wallpaper, fonts and even animations with one tap.

To apply a new theme:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Topics tab → select a category (such as Minimalism or Dark).
3. Tapping on a topic you like. → Apply.

⚠️ Note: Some themes change all icons, including system ones (calls, messages, settings). If you only need app icons, look for themes marked with Icon Pack in the description.

Pros of the method:

• 🔹 Does not require root or third-party application rights.
• 🔹 Free (there are paid themes, but most are free).
• 🔹 Instant result: Changes are applied in 10-20 seconds.

Cons:

• 🔸 Limited selection of icons (many themes are repeated).
• 🔸 Not all apps support changing icons (e.g. Google Play Games often remain unchanged).
• 🔸 After resetting settings or updating MIUI theme may fly.

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If the theme store doesn’t have the right icons, try changing the region in your Mi Account to India or Indonesia, which often includes exclusive themes.

2. Google Play icon packs: flexibility without root

If you don’t have enough built-in themes, you can install an icon pack from Google Play, which works with most launchers, including the standard MIUI Launcher (but with limitations).

Popular icon packages for Xiaomi:

• 🎨 Whicons are minimalist white icons.
• 🎨 CandyCons – bright colored icons.
• 🎨 Delta Icon Pack - Geometric Design.
• 🎨 Fluxo – dynamic icons with gradients.

How to use the icon package:

1. Install the selected package from Google Play.
2. Open the package application and click Apply.
3. If you use a standard MIUI launcher, select MIUI Launcher from the list.
4. Confirm the changes – the icons will be updated.

⚠️ Attention: Standard launcher MIUI Supports icon packs only starting with MIUI 12.5+. On older versions, you will need to install a third-party launcher (see the next section).

Third-party launchers: complete freedom of customization

If you need more control over the look of your desktop, install an alternative launcher.The best options for Xiaomi are:

Nova Launcher is the most popular launcher with support for icon packages, gestures and a desktop grid setting. Suitable for beginners and advanced users.

Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher optimized for Xiaomi, and supports responsive icons and a dark theme.

Hyperion Launcher is a launcher with a focus on performance and minimalism, ideal for weak smartphones (Redmi 9A, POCO C31).

How to set up icons through Nova Launcher:

Install Nova Launcher from Google Play|Download a pack of icons (e.g. Whicons)|Open the Nova settings → Appearance → Icon style|Select the installed icon package|Apply changes and restart the launcher-->

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher) may conflict with services MIUI, Before installing, check the reviews for your smartphone model.

On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (such as the Redmi Note 11), launchers can run slower due to driver limitations. In this case, try turning off animations in the launcher settings.

4. Manually modifying icons through the file system (for experienced)

This method is suitable if you want to replace individual icons (for example, only the Settings icon or Phone) without changing the whole theme.

• 📱 Smartphone with unlocked loader.
• 🔧 Root rights (or temporary root via Magisk).
• 🖥️ PC fitted ADB and Fastboot.

Instructions:

1. Download the archive with icons in.png format (resolution 192×192 pixels).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell su mount -o rw, remount /system
3. Copy new icons into a folder /system/app/[Name of the Annexes]/res/drawable, Replace old files (for example, ic_launcher.png).
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect replacement of system files can lead to bootloop (cyclical reboot). /system/app through TWRP.

5. ADB-commands for changing icons without root (hidden method)

Few people know, but on Xiaomi you can change the icons of some system applications without root using ADB. This method works thanks to the features of MIUI, where some of the application resources are stored in the user folder.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute: Adb devices (you should display your device).
3. Download the archive with icons and unpack it in a folder on your PC.
4. Run the command to replace the icon (example for Settings): adb push new_icon.png /data/local/tmp/ adb shell su -c "cp /data/local/tmp/new_icon.png /data/app/com.android.settings-*/base.apk/res/drawable/" chmod 644 /data/app/com.android.settings-*/base.apk/res/drawable/new_icon.png
5. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all Xiaomi models. on some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Pro) folder /data/app It is protected, and without root, it will not work to replace icons.

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ADB-This method is only suitable for replacing the icons of user applications (installed through Google Play). System applications (Calls, Messages) require root or modified firmware.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change your icons to Xiaomi, users are faced with common mistakes.

Problem 1: Icons don’t change after the theme is applied.

• 🔹 Check if your smartphone model supports the theme you choose (some themes only work on Xiaomi flagships). 12/13).
• 🔹 Restart the device – sometimes changes apply after a reboot.
• 🔹 Clear the app cache Themes (Settings) → Annexes → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

Problem 2: After installing the launcher, MIUI widgets disappeared.

• 🔹 Install the plugin MIUI Widgets for Nova from Google Play.
• 🔹 In the launcher settings, enable the option to Show widgets MIUI.

Problem 3: Icons look blurry or don’t fit in size.

• 🔹 Make sure that the icons are allowed — 192×192 pixels (for MIUI 14/15).
• 🔹 In the Nova Launcher settings, disable Adaptive Icons.

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If after changing the icons, the smartphone began to slow down, try to turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings → Additional → For developers → Animation Scale → Select No Animation).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions