How to Change Badges on Xiaomi: From Standard Themes to Manual Replacement

The look of the desktop is the first thing that catches your eye when using a smartphone. Standard MIUI or HyperOS icons can get bored in a couple of weeks, especially if you're used to personalization. Fortunately, Xiaomi offers several ways to change icons, from built-in tools to installing third-party launchers. But not all methods are equally safe and convenient.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to change icons to Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO — From simple themes from the GetApps store to manual editing APK-You will learn which methods work without root and where you will need to unlock the bootloader, and we will also warn about the risks of using informal patches that can lead to a system failure or locking your Mi Account.

1. MIUI/HyperOS Standard Themes: The Easiest Way

If you don’t want to go into the settings and risk system stability, start with the official themes. MIUI and HyperOS support changing icons through the built-in GetApps theme store (formerly Mi Themes), which works on all models, including the Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5.

To apply a new theme:

• 📱 Open the Topics app (brush icon on desktop).
• 🔍 In the search box, type a query, such as "minimalism icons" or "round icons".
• 🎨 Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. Icons, wallpaper and fonts will change automatically.
• 💰 Please note: many high-quality topics paid (from 50 to 300 rubles).

The advantage of the method is that it is safe and there is no need for root rights, but the choice of icons is limited to what Xiaomi offers, and if you want unique icons (like iOS or Pixel), you will have to use alternative methods.

⚠️ Note: Application of topics from third-party sources (APK-files) may result in the blocking of Mi Account due to a security breach.

2. Launchers from third-party developers: Nova, Apex, Lawnchair

If built-in themes aren't enough, install a custom launcher, which completely replaces the standard MIUI/HyperOS interface, allowing you to customize icons, animations and even gestures.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports icon packages (.iconpack), adjusting the size and shape of icons.
• 🔄 Apex Launcher – a lightweight alternative with wide customization options.
• 📱 Lawnchair – a launcher in the style of Pixel, with support for adaptive icons.

How to install and configure:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Install an icon package (like Whicons or Fluxo from the Play Market).
3. Press your finger on the desktop → Launcher settings → Appearance → Style of icons.
4. Select the installed icon package.

Launchers allow you to change the size of icons (from 70% to 130%), add shadows or trimmings, and hide the names of applications. Minus – some functions (for example, gestures) are available only in the paid version (Nova Prime costs ~ 350 rubles).

Download the launcher from the official store | Check compatibility with the version of Android | Make a backup of the current settings | Install the icon package (if necessary)

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3. Manually modifying icons via ADB (no root)

For users who aren’t afraid of command line, there’s a way to replace superuser-free icons using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that works on most Xiaomi models, but requires care.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools (download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock Developer Settings).
• 📁 Package of icons in.png format (size must match the original, usually the same size) 192×192 px).

Step-by-step:

adb pull /system/product/overlay/MiuiSystemUI.apk # Download file with icons

Edit MiuiSystemUI.apk with APK Editor (replace the icons in the res/drawable folder)



adb push MiuiSystemUI.apk /system/product/overlay/ # Return the file back




adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing MiuiSystemUI.apk This can cause a cyclical reboot of your phone.Before you start, back up your original file!

This method is suitable for replacing system icons (such as battery or network icons), but does not affect application icons.

4.Magisk modules (root required)

Full control of the icons will require superuser rights and the Magisk module, which is suitable for power users, as improper actions can lead to loss of warranty or device bribing.

Popular modules for customization:

How to install the module:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the official website).
2. Install Magisk and run it through TWRP.
3. Download a module (e.g. Iconify) from the Magisk repository.
4. Reboot the phone.

After installing the modules, some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) may stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger. To fix this, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate root hide modes.

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Before installing Magisk, check if your Xiaomi model supports bootloader unlocking. Some devices (like the Redmi Note 11 for China) have limitations.

5. Custom firmware: maximum freedom

If you want complete customization freedom, including replacing system icons, fonts and animations, consider installing custom firmware.

• 🌍 Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI without Chinese services, with advanced settings.
• 🤖 LineageOS – “pure” Android with support for Substratum themes.
• ⚡ Pixel Experience – Google Pixel-style firmware with Material You icons.

Installation process:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see the section about Magisk).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model (download from the official website).
3. Download firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu for Redmi Note 10 Pro from the community site).
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data, then run the firmware.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Full control of the interface (including icons, fonts, sounds).
• ✅ No Advertising and Unnecessary System Applications.
• ✅ Regular security updates.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Risk of loss of guarantee.
• ❌ Possible bugs (e.g., non-functioning) NFC camera).
• ❌ Lack of official support for Xiaomi.

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Custom firmware gives you maximum freedom, but it requires technical skills. If you're a beginner, start with launchers or themes.

6. Online services and icon generators

If you want to create unique icons yourself, use the online services:

• 🎨 Flaticon - library of vector icons (you can download in the PNG or SVG).
• 🖌️ Canva – a designer with templates for creating icons.
• 📱 IconKit – adaptive icon generator for Android.

How to use your icons:

1. Create icons in 192×192 px resolution (PNG format with transparent background).
2. Use a launcher (like Nova) and apply them through the Icon Style settings → Icon Package.
3. System icons (such as Settings or Phone) will require Magisk or custom firmware.

If you don’t want to mess with editing, you can buy ready-made icon packages on Google Play or DeviantArt. The average price is from 100 to 500 rubles.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing icons to Xiaomi