How to change icons on Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro: from MIUI themes to manual editing APK

The standard icons on the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro get boring over time — especially if you’ve been using a smartphone for a year or two. Fortunately, MIUI offers several ways to change them, from simple themes to deep editing system files. But not all methods are equally secure, and some require unlocking the bootloader or root rights.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to change icons to Poco. X3 Pro – from the simplest to the most radical. You will learn how to set custom themes through themes MIUI, use third-party launchers such as Nova Launcher, as well as manually replace the icons in the APK-We'll focus on the risks of each method, where you lose data and where you get a brick instead of a phone.

If you're a beginner, start with the first two, which don't require technical skills. ADB-commanding APK, But remember, these methods can disrupt the stability of the system. MIUI 14+ manually replacing icons through file editing /system This can cause the phone to reset to factory settings the next update.

Ready to upgrade the look of your Poco X3 Pro?

1.The easiest way: MIUI themes

The official MIUI Theme Store is the first tool worth turning to. Xiaomi regularly adds new icon collections, and many of them are free. The main plus of the method is that you do not need to install third-party programs or get root access.

To change icons through themes:

1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on your desktop).
2. Go to the icon tab in the lower menu.
3. Select your favorite icon pack and click Apply.
4. Confirm the changes – the system will automatically update the icons on the home screen and in the application menu.

Some themes only change icons, others change wallpaper, fonts, animations. Pay attention to the rating and downloads: popular packs are usually better optimized. If after applying the theme, some icons remain standard, it means that there is no alternative to these apps in the pack - they will have to be changed manually (more on this below).

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI To avoid this, save your favorite pack in My Themes (heart icon in upper right corner).

2. Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher, Apex, Hyperion

If there are few built-in themes, try third-party launchers, which not only change icons, but also add new gestures, desktop grid settings, and even support adaptive icons (when icons adjust to the shape of the screen).

The most popular launchers for Poco X3 Pro:

• 🔹 Nova Launcher – flexible settings, support for icon packs from the Play Market, gestures, configuration backup.
• 🔹 Apex Launcher - lightweight, with tab support in the app menu and folder customization.
• 🔹 Hyperion Launcher - minimalist design, built-in icons, optimized for MIUI.
• 🔹 Lawnchair – open source, support for Pixel-style and dynamic icons.

To install the launcher and change the icons:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Launch the application and select it as the default launcher (the system will prompt you to do this when you first start).
3. Go to the launcher settings (long-term press on the desktop → Settings).
4. Find the Icon Pack or Icon Pack section and select the icon pack (if installed).

Many iconpaks (e.g. Whicons, Delta, CandyCons) are sold separately in the Play Market. Before buying, check whether the package supports your applications - some developers post compatibility lists.

Download the launcher from the official store|Check the Compatibility Reviews with MIUI|Backup current desktop settings|Make sure there is enough memory in the phone (launchers take up) 50-150 MB)-->

3. Iconpacks without launcher: Icon Changer and similar utilities

If you don’t want to change the launcher, but you want custom icons, use specialized applications like Icon Changer or X Icon Changer. They allow you to replace icons one by one without affecting system files.

How it works:

• 📱 You choose the app you want to change (such as WhatsApp).
• 🎨 The app offers a gallery of alternative icons or the ability to download your own (in format) PNG, preferably 192×192 px).
• ✅ Once confirmed, the new icon replaces the old one on the desktop (but not in the app menu!).

Cons of the method:

• ❌ Icons change only on the desktop, the application menu remains standard.
• ❌ Some utilities create duplicate applications (may confuse).
• ❌ After resetting the launcher or upgrade MIUI change can fly.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Icon Changer require permission to access storage and create shortcuts. Don't install them from unverified sources, which can be dangerous for security.

4. ADB-Change system icons without root

This method is suitable for experienced users who do not want to get root, but are ready to work with the Internet. ADB. It allows you to replace the icons in the system APK-Files directly, but requires caution: the wrong command can cause the application to crash.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Poco X3 Pro (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁 Ready-made icons in format PNG (You can download from icon packs or create your own).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: adb devices (should display the serial number of the device).
2. Download the APK of the app you want to change (like Calculator) from a site like APKPure.
3. Unclick APK (rename the extension to.zip and open with the archiver) and find the res/drawable folder, which stores the icons.
4. Replace the desired PNG file with your icon (save the original name and resolution!).
5. Collect the APK back (you can use APKTool).
6. Install the modified APK via ADB: adb install -r -d path to file.apk

⚠️ Note: Not all system applications can be replaced this way, such as com.miui.home. MIUI) If modified, it can cause bootloop. Before experimenting, make a backup through an adb backup or TWRP.

5.Manual editing of APK with root rights

The most radical way is to completely replace the icons in the system files through root, which gives maximum customization, but also maximum risks, from loss of warranty to "bricking" the phone, the method is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk.

What needs to be done:

1. Get root access (instructions for Poco X3 Pro here).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
3. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app and find the APK of the desired application (e.g., MiuiGallery.apk for gallery).
4. Copy the APK to your PC, unclick, replace the icons in res/drawable, then collect back.
5. Return the modified APK to the original folder by setting resolutions 644 (r-w-r-----).
6. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI all changes /system To avoid this, disable automatic updates or use Magisk Module to protect modified files.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Icons change globally (in the app menu, settings, notifications).
• ✅ You can edit system applications (calling, messages, settings).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ High risk of errors (one incorrect file can make your phone fail).
• ❌ Loss of warranty if you don’t hide root via Magisk Hide).
• ❌ It is difficult to roll back changes without a complete reset.

💡

Before editing system APKs, make a full backup via TWRP or adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab. This will help restore the phone if something goes wrong.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have collected the key parameters of each method in the table:

For most users, the best solution is to combine MIUI themes with a third-party launcher, which gives maximum risk-free flexibility. If you want unique icons for all applications, consider the method with ADB, but only if you are ready for possible problems.

💡

On the Poco X3 Pro with MIUI 13+, some system applications (such as SecurityCenter) are protected from modification, and their icons can only be changed through root or patches in Magisk.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing icons