Why Standard Icons on Redmi Are Irritating and What to Do About It
Xiaomi Redmi desktop with its MIUI Launcher launcher is often criticized for the monotonous design of the icons. Even after the updates, the interface retains a recognizable but sometimes outdated style: rounded corners, bright colors and minimalistic characters. For some users, this is part of the corporate identity of Xiaomi, for others – an excuse to look for alternatives.
Fortunately, you can replace the icons with Redmi without ROOT-The methods range from simply changing the theme in settings to installing third-party launchers that support custom icon packs, and the main thing is to understand that not all methods are equally safe: Some may conflict with system updates, while others will require additional permissions. In this article, we will discuss 3 proven methods, including their pros, cons and step-by-step instructions.
Before you start, consider that changing system files (even through themes) can cause launcher failures. So we recommend starting with the least invasive methods, such as official MIUI themes. If you want unique icons that you won’t find in the standard directory, you’ll have to turn to third-party solutions.
Method 1: Official MIUI Topics – The Safest Method
The easiest way to change icons on Redmi is to use the built-in theme change feature. MIUI offers hundreds of free and paid themes, many of which include unique icon packs. The advantage of this method is that it does not require installing third-party apps and is fully compatible with system updates.
To change icons through themes:
- 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
- 🔍 In the search box, type a query, such as "minimalism icons" or "dark icons".
- 🎨 Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. Note that some themes only change wallpaper and fonts, not icons - read the description!
- ✅ After applying the theme, icons on the desktop and in the application menu will be updated automatically.
If you don't like the theme as a whole, but you like the icons, you can return the standard wallpaper and fonts, leaving only the icons.
- Get into Themes. → Mine. → Current theme.
- Click on the setting (pencil icon).
- Select icons and apply only this element from the new theme.
⚠️ Note: Some topics from the catalog MIUI You can also have ads or plugins that are installed with the theme. Before using, check other users' reviews and the theme's rating.
Icons really change (not just wallpaper) |
Theme is compatible with your version of MIUI|
No complaints of bugs in reviews |
Topics Rating above 4.5 stars-->
Method 2: Third-party launchers – flexibility and customization
If the built-in MIUI themes aren't enough, you can install an alternative launcher, popular options like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Hyperion Launcher, which lets you not only change icons, but also customize animations, gestures, and even hide unnecessary apps.
To replace icons through the launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
- Download icon packs (e.g. Whicons, CandyCons or Fluid Icons – these can be found in the Play Market for “icon pack”).
- Open the launcher settings (hold your finger on your desktop → Settings).
- Go to the Appearance → Style of icons and select the downloaded pack.
Advantages of this method:
- 🎨 Complete freedom in choosing the style of icons (from retro to futuristic).
- 🔄 Ability to mix icons from different packs.
- 🛠️ Additional functions of the launcher: hiding applications, changing the size of icons, setting transitions.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Some icon packs are paid (cost from 50 to 300 rubles).
- ⚠️ Launcher can slightly increase battery consumption by 2-5% according to tests).
- ⚠️ Update MIUI Sometimes the launcher settings are reset.
How to return the standard MIUI launcher?
Method 3: Manually Replace Icons via ADB (for Advanced)
This method is suitable for those who want to fully customize the icons of system applications (for example, Settings, Phone, Messages). ADB-teams, but does not need to ROOT-Important: Incorrect actions can cause the launcher to fail, so follow the instructions carefully.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🖼️ A set of icons in.png format with resolution 192×192 px (you can download from sites like Icon Pack Studio).
Step-by-step:
- Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
- Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and check the connection: Adb devices must display your device’s serial number.
- Download the icons on your PC, rename them according to the table below and place them in the icons folder.
- Download icons to the device: adb push icons/system/media/theme/default/
- Reboot your smartphone.
| Standard name of the icon | Relevant annex | Example of a new file name |
|---|---|---|
| ic_launcher_settings.png | Settings | com.android.settings.png |
| ic_launcher_phone.png | Phone. | com.android.contacts.png |
| ic_launcher_mms.png | Communications | com.android.mms.png |
| ic_launcher_camera.png | Camera. | com.android.camera.png |
⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all versions. MIUI. Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi has tightened control over system files, and manually replacing icons may not work. /system/media/theme/default/, to bring it back in case of failure.
💡
If the icons haven’t changed after you’ve replaced them, try clearing the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher → Clear the cache.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
Each of these approaches has its own strengths and weaknesses, and to make it easier to choose, we put together a comparison table:
| Criteria | Official MIUI themes | Third-party launchers | Manual replacement through ADB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | ⭐ (simple) | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) |
| Security | ✅ Maximum | ✅ High (risk only from unofficial launchers) | ⚠️ Average (risk of launcher failure) |
| Flexibility | ❌ Limited by catalogue MIUI | ✅ Full customization | ✅ Complete, but only for system icons |
| Compatibility with updates | ✅ Complete. | ✅ Full (may reset launcher) | ❌ Could break after the update. MIUI |
| Cost | Free (there are paid themes) | Free (there are paid launchers/icons) | Free of charge. |
For most Redmi users, official themes or third-party launchers are the best solution. The first option is for those who do not want to complicate their lives, and the second is for those who like to experiment with design. Manual replacement through ADB is only relevant for enthusiasts who are willing to risk the stability of the system for a unique look.
💡
If you need icons for specific applications (such as WhatsApp and Telegram only), use a launcher with support for custom icons (such as Nova Launcher), which allows you to change icons selectively without affecting the system icons.
Where to download quality icons for Xiaomi Redmi?
The selection of icon packs is huge today, but not all of them look good on Redmi’s high-resolution (FHD+ or AMOLED) screens. We have selected proven sources where you can find stylish and optimized icons:
- 🌐 Google Play Market — there are both free and premium packs. Pay attention to the rating and downloads. Popular options are Whicons (minimalist white icons), CandyCons (bright and voluminous), Fluid Icons (floating gradients).
- 🖥️ Icon Pack Studio is a service for creating your own icons or downloading ready-made sets. Supports export in the format for MIUI.
- 🎨 DeviantArt is a community of designers who share unique pacs. 192×192 px.
- 📱 Official catalogue of topics MIUI — Here you can find exclusive sets optimized specifically for Xiaomi.
When choosing icons, pay attention to:
- 🔍 Permission: for Redmi with FHD+-Icons are the screens. 192×192 px 256×256 px.
- 🎨 Style: Monochrome icons save battery power on AMOLED-display.
- 📌 Pack completeness: Some packages only cover popular apps (like Instagram or YouTube), leaving system icons unchanged.
💡
Before buying a paid icon pack, check if it has a trial version.Many developers offer free samples to evaluate the style.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When replacing icons with Xiaomi Redmi, users face typical errors, and we have collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:
- Icons didn't change after applying the theme Reason: The theme only changes wallpaper and fonts, not icons Solution: Check the description of the theme in the MIUI directory - it should indicate that it includes "Icon Pack." If not, choose another theme.
- The launcher stopped working after installing the icon pack Reason: Conflict between launcher and pack (especially if the pack is for another version of Android).Solution: Remove the icon pack, clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → [launcher name] → Clear the cache).
- Icons went off after the MIUI update Reason: System Update reset the launcher settings Solution: Go back to the launcher settings and reapply the icon pack. If you use MIUI Launcher, try reinstalling the theme.
- Not all icons have changed (e.g. system icons are old) Reason: Icon pack doesn't support all apps Solution: In the launcher settings (e.g. Nova Launcher), enable the option to "Close icons" - this will apply the pack style to all icons.
⚠️ Note: If you have manually replaced the icons through ADB Launcher starts to issue an error "Application stopped", delete the file com.miui.home.preferences.xml file /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/. It'll reset the launcher, but it'll put it back in working order. ROOT or ADB superuser.