Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular device due to its reliability and availability. However, the standard MIUI interface, which is preinstalled in the factory, can seem boring or outdated after several years of use. Users often look for ways to refresh the appearance of the gadget without resorting to complex technical manipulation. Fortunately, the shell from Xiaomi provides ample opportunities for customization.
Changing the look of icons is the easiest way to personalize your device: You can make the interface more minimal, add bright colors or choose a strict business style. The process of replacing graphic elements does not require Superuser rights or flashing the device. All the necessary tools are already built into the system or available for download in official stores.
In this article, we will look at all the available methods, from using the built-in Themes app to installing third-party launchers. We will also touch on optimization issues, since older phone models can respond to heavy graphics differently than flagships.
Use of the built-in Themes application
The safest and easiest way to change icons on Redmi 7 is to use the Themes app, which is Xiaomi’s official content store, where designers from around the world post their work, and you can find thousands of design options that are guaranteed to be compatible with your version of MIUI.
To get started, you have to open the app and go to Profile or click on the human icon in the lower right corner, and that's where the system's components are set up. If you want to change only the icons without touching the wallpaper or fonts, you have to select Signs, and the system will offer a list of available sets that you can apply instantly.
⚠️ Note: Some themes may be paid or subscription-based. Always check the theme ranking and downloads before installing to see if the graphics are good.
It’s important to note that not all apps on the phone can automatically adjust to the new style. System programs usually change immediately, and third-party programs (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) can remain with the original icons.
- 🎨 Open the Themes app on the main screen.
- 👤 Go to the user profile (human icon).
- 🖼️ Select the Icons section to view the catalog.
- ⬇️ Download your favorite set and click "Apply».
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Periodically clear the cache of the Themes app in your phone settings if the store has started to run slowly or freeze when downloading previews.
Installation of third-party launchers
If you don't have enough of a standard MIUI shell, a third-party launcher is a great solution. These are special applications that completely replace the desktop, control panel and settings menu. For Redmi 7 with its Snapdragon 632 processor, it's better to choose lightweight options so as not to overload RAM.
Popular options are Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and Smart Launcher. Once installed, the system will ask for default permission to use it, agreeing, you will have access to huge libraries of icons in APK format, which can be downloaded separately and applied to any shortcuts.
The main advantage of launchers is the flexibility of settings. You can change the size of the grid, the animation of opening applications and even hide unnecessary icons. However, it is worth remembering that a third-party launcher consumes more battery life than a standard shell. On older devices, this can lead to more frequent battery discharge.
- 📲 Download the launcher from Google Play Market.
- 🔧 Allow display over other windows in settings.
- 🏠 Select “Always Use” when you go to the desktop.
- 🎭 Download the icon package separately through the launcher settings.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a launcher, turn off energy savings for it in the battery settings, otherwise the system may force the process to close, and the phone will return to its standard view.
Manual replacement of icons for individual applications
Sometimes the user doesn't need to change the theme completely, but only need to change the icon for one particular application. In the MIUI shell, this feature is implemented quite conveniently, although hidden in the depths of the menu, which allows you to create a unique look for commonly used programs such as instant messengers or social networks.
To do that, go to the theme settings as described earlier, and look for the icons section. Here you will see a list of all the apps installed. By clicking on the pencil icon or edit button next to a particular application, you can select any picture for it from the gallery or theme library, which allows you to create your own sets.
This approach is useful if you like the main theme, but a few icons are out of the picture style. You can use pre-prepared PNG images with transparent backgrounds to achieve the best visual effect. The quality of the image directly affects the perception of the interface.
Where to get quality icons for manual replacement?
Comparison of customization methods
The choice of how to replace graphics depends on your goals and technical skills. To help you decide, we have prepared a comparison table of basic methods. It will show the pros and cons of each approach for the owner of Xiaomi Redmi 7.
| Method | Difficulty | Impact on the battery | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annex Topics | Low. | Minimum | Tall. |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Medium/High | Medium |
| Hand-substituted | Tall. | Minimum | Tall. |
| Third-party widgets | Medium | High. | Depends on the developer. |
As you can see from the table, a standard theme app is the most balanced option: it doesn't waste charge and ensures system stability; Launchers give more freedom, but require sacrifices in the form of autonomy; Manual replacement is an option for perfectionists willing to take the time to customize every detail.
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For maximum battery life on Redmi 7, use only official themes from the built-in store, avoiding heavy third-party launchers.
Compatibility issues and MIUI bugs
Redmi 7 owners may experience a situation where new icons fly off or display incorrectly after a system update, a well-known feature of MIUI that periodically resets personalization settings after major Android updates, and conflicts between different versions of the theme apps may also occur.
If you notice that the icons have become white squares or gone completely, don't panic. Most often, a simple restart of the launcher or cleaning its cache helps. In more difficult cases, you will need to reuse the theme. It is important to make sure that the version of the Theme app is up to date, as older versions may not work properly with new firmware builds.
Sometimes the problem lies in a particular application that doesn't support dynamic icons, in which case the system substitutes a standard shortcut, which can only be solved by manually replacing or waiting for the application to be updated by the developer, and patience and consistency will help return the beautiful look to the desktop.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone after installing a new theme.
- 🗑️ Clear the Application Topics Data through Settings.
- 📥 Update the theme app through the built-in store.
- 📱 Check for system updates in the About Phone menu».
⚠️ Note: Do not delete the Themes system application, even if you do not use it. This can lead to errors in the interface and the inability to return the standard look.
Optimization for Redmi 7
The Redmi 7 has 3 or 4GB of RAM, which is not enough for today's heavy interfaces. When you install a lot of widgets and live themes with animation, your phone can start to slow down. To avoid lags, choose static images instead of dynamic wallpaper.
Using too many widgets on your desktop also puts a strain on the processor. Try to keep the home screen clean by leaving only the most important shortcuts. This will not only speed up your smartphone, but also make navigation more convenient. Visual noise interferes with concentration and quick access to features.
Check regularly which apps have permission to display on top of other windows. Over-optimization can slow down the system response. Customization of the visual part is a balance between beauty and performance. For the old but reliable Redmi 7, this balance is especially important.