Why are iPhone emojis so popular among Xiaomi owners?
Xiaomi smartphone owners often find that standard MIUI emojis look less expressive than Apple’s animated and detailed emojis. This is especially noticeable in instant messengers, where iPhone emojis are displayed as static pictures on Android, losing their “livelines.” But what if we say that you can completely replace the system emoji with iPhone emojis – and they will be displayed everywhere: WhatsApp, Telegram, VK and even SMS?
In this article, we will discuss three working methods for installing iOS emojis on Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO and Mi models), their pros and cons, and give recommendations for security. Importantly, not all methods are equally simple - some require root rights or unlock the bootloader.
Before you start, check:
- 📱 Xiaomi model: on new devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Xiaomi) POCO F6) It may be necessary to circumvent restrictions MIUI 15.
- 🔒 Version. MIUI: On custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience) the process is simplified.
- 🔄 Backup: Create a data backup in Settings → Google → Backup.
Method 1: Installation through applications (without root)
The easiest method is to use third-party apps that replace the display of emoji in instant messengers.It is suitable for all Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5), but only works in individual programs, not systemically.
The best applications for this task:
- 🎨 Emoji Changer (Play Market) – Supports iOS emoji 16/17, Works on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram.
- 🔄 Textra SMS — replaces emoji SMS (requires installation as SMS-default).
- 📱 iFont (Ex Font Installer) – installs emoji fonts, but needs rights ADB.
The following is a step-by-step instruction for Emoji Changer:
- Download the app from the Play Market.
- Open it and select the iOS 17 emoji package (or newer version).
- Click Apply and confirm permissions.
- Reset messengers - emojis will change.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Emoji Changer do not change system emojis MIUI. They only work in supported instant messengers, and in the browser or system notifications, emoji will remain standard.
Method 2: Replace the font through ADB (for advanced)
This method allows you to globally replace emoji at the system level, but requires a connection to a computer and ADB commands. Suitable for Xiaomi on MIUI 12-15 and Android 10-14.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Android installed SDK Platform-Tools.
- 📲 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Press 7 times; then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 📁 Font file with iOS emoji (e.g. NotoColorEmoji.ttf with modified emojis).
Instructions:
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC and confirm the debugging.
- Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: Adb devices (you should display your device).
- Download a modified font (such as from XDA Developers) and place it in a folder with ADB.
- Follow the commands: adb shell su mount -o rw, remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/NotoColorEmoji.ttf /system/fonts/ chmod 644 /system/fonts/NotoColorEmoji.ttf reboot
| Xiaomi model | ADB support | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Yes (needs unlocked bootloader) | Low (with the right commands) |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | Yes. | Medium (possible display bugs) |
| Xiaomi 13/14 | Yes (MIUI 14+ required) | High (risk of loss of warranty) |
⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB If you are not sure about your actions, use Method 1 or consult a specialist. MIUI fonts can be dropped.
Download Android SDK Platform-Tools|Enable USB debugging on Xiaomi|Download modified font |Create a backup of data |Check battery (minimum 50%)
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Method 3: Complete replacement with Magisk (root required)
For those who are willing to go further, there is a method using the Magisk module, which allows you to completely replace the system emoji with iPhone, including their display in the browser, settings and notifications.
- 🔓 Open the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
- 🛠️ Install custom recovery (TWRP).
- 🌱 Get root rights through Magisk.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 7 days to wait).
- Install TWRP for your model (see instructions at twrp.me).
- Run Magisk through TWRP.
- Download the iOS Emoji Magisk Module (such as with GitHub) and install it through Magisk Manager.
- Reset the device.
Advantages of this method:
- 🌍 System replacement of emojis in all applications.
- 🔄 Possibility of rollback through Magisk.
- 🎨 Support for animated emojis (if the module allows it).
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! also it can deprive you of warranty (on some Xiaomi models, the bootloader lock is restored only in the service center).
What if the emojis have not changed after the installation?
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table:
| Method | Difficulty | Systemic replacement | Risks. | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications (Emoji Changer) | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No (only in messengers) | No. | All Xiaomi models |
| ADB (font replacement) | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ✅ Yes (partially) | Average (bootloop) | MIUI 12–15, Android 10–14 |
| Magisk (root) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes (fully) | High (loss of warranty) | Any model with an unlocked loader |
If you want maximum compatibility and you are not willing to take risks, choose Method 1. For experienced users who want a complete replacement, Method 3 will do. Method 2 is the middle ground, but requires care.
💡
On Android 13+ and MIUI 14+ devices, the ADB method may not work due to tighter security policies, leaving only root methods or apps.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with proper installation, there can be difficulties.
Problem 1: Emojis are displayed as squares or question marks.
- 🔹 Reason: Font incompatibility with Android version.
- 🔹 Solution: Download the font for your version MIUI (for example, for Android 13 need NotoColorEmoji_Android13.ttf).
Problem 2: After the reboot, the emojis reset.
- 🔹 Reason: The system has restored the standard fonts.
- 🔹 Solution: For ADB-method add the chmod command 444 /system/fonts/NotoColorEmoji.ttf (For Magisk, check if the module is active.
Problem 3: Some apps haven't changed the emojis.
- 🔹 Reason: The app uses its own fonts (like Facebook or Snapchat).
- 🔹 Solution: Try clearing the app cache or using the Magisk method for a global replacement.
💡
If some characters (such as flags or new emojis) are not displayed correctly after replacing the font, download the NotoSans-Regular.ttf font with Unicode 15.0 support and install it in a similar way.
Security: Risks and how to minimize them
Any manipulation of system files carries potential threats, and consider the main risks and ways to avoid them:
1. Loss of guarantee
- 🔹 Unlocking the bootloader and getting root will void the warranty on most Xiaomi models.
- 🔹 Solution: Before contacting the service center, return the device to standard firmware via the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Bootloop (rounded reboot)
- 🔹 Most often occurs when errors in teams ADB Incompatibility of Magisk modules.
- 🔹 Solution: Create a backup in advance through TWRP or adb backup.
Security vulnerabilities
- 🔹 Modified system files may contain gaps.
- 🔹 Solution: Download fonts and modules only from verified sources (XDA Developers, GitHub, well-known developers).
⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi to handle sensitive data (such as banking applications), do not install root. Many banks block access when root rights are detected (checked through SafetyNet).