Standard icons in the shell MIUI or HyperOS like not all users of Xiaomi. Someone wants to return the classic design of Android, someone needs minimalist icons, and someone dreams of thematic styling for iOS or Windows 11. Fortunately, you can change the icons on Redmi, POCO or Black Shark smartphones in several ways - from simple themes from the official store to manually install custom packs through ADB.
In this article, we will look at all the current methods of changing icons, including hidden MIUI functions, third-party launchers and even modifying system files for advanced users. We will focus on compatibility with the latest firmware versions (MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), and also warn against typical errors that can lead to interface failures. If you want to not just change icons, but completely transform the desktop, read on.
1. Official MIUI Topics: The Easiest Way
The safest and fastest method is to use the built-in MIUI theme store, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones (except for devices for the European market with “lightweight” firmware), and the themes already include not only icons, but also wallpaper, fonts, animations and even sounds.
To apply a new theme:
- 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
- 🔍 In the search bar, type a query, for example: “iOS icons”, “minimalism” or “pixel art".
- 🎨 Choose the theme you like and click Apply. The icons will change automatically.
- 💾 Some themes require downloading – keep an eye out for free space (packages weigh between 5 and 50MB).
Advantages: no need to root the device, all changes are reversible, and the themes are regularly updated, but there are also disadvantages: the choice is limited to official packs, and some topics are paid (from 50 to 300 rubles), and after updating MIUI theme can reset to standard.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) Theme store may not be available, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.
2. Third-party launchers: Nova, Apex, Lawnchair
If built-in themes aren't enough, install an alternative launcher, which completely replaces the standard MIUI/HyperOS desktop, allowing you to customize icons, animations, and even gestures.
- 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports icon packages (.iconpack), icon size settings and adaptive icons.
- ⚡ Apex Launcher – a lightweight alternative with wide customization options.
- 🍃 Lawnchair is an open source launcher that mimics Google’s Pixel Launcher.
- 🎨 Microsoft Launcher – for fans of the style of Windows 11 (integration with OneDrive and widgets).
Instructions for setting up (for example, Nova Launcher):
- Download the launcher from Google Play and install it as the default launcher (when you first start the system will offer a choice).
- Then download the icon package (such as “Whicons”, “Delta” or “CandyCons”) from the Play Market.
- In the launcher settings, go to Appearance → Icon Style and select the downloaded package.
- If necessary, adjust the size of the icons to the size of the desktop → the size of the icons.
Warning: Some launchers may conflict with MIUI gestures (e.g. swipe up to call the app menu) in which case, turn off conflicting gestures in the launcher or system settings.
Download APK launcher from the official website|Make a backup of current settings|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Check compatibility with the Android version-->
Manual installation of icon packs (.iconpack)
If you don’t want to change the launcher but need custom icons, you can install packages in.apk or.iconpack format. These packages contain only icons and are compatible with most launchers (including the standard MIUI Launcher, but with restrictions).
Where to download the icon packs:
- 🛒 Google Play – Search for “icon pack” and “miui icon pack".
- 🌐 Sites like IconPack Studio or DeviantArt (free and paid packs).
- 📱 Telegram channels dedicated to Xiaomi customization (for example, @miuithemes).
How to apply the package:
- Install the icon package as a regular application (.apk file).
- If you use a third-party launcher, select the package in its settings (see section above).
- For standard MIUI launcher: Settings → Desktop → Icon Style → Select Package Note: Not all packages are supported by standard launcher!
⚠️ Note: Some icon packages may contain ads or tracking. Before installing, check the reviews and permissions of the app on Google Play.
How to create your own icon package?
4. Change icons through ADB (for advanced)
If you're ready to experiment, you can change system icons through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires USB debugging and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to replace icons even without root rights.
Step-by-step:
- Enable Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices (your device should appear).
- Download the icon package in.zip format (for example, with XDA Developers) and unpack it into a folder on your PC.
- Use the command to replace icons (example for the Settings icon): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/new_settings_icon.png /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png chmod 644 /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png reboot
Important: the path to icons depends on the version MIUI/HyperOS And the model of the device. 13T or POCO F5 Also note that after the system update, the changes will reset.
adb pull /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ C:\backup_icons\This will help restore the badges if something goes wrong.-->
5. Magisk modules (root required)
If your device is unlocked and installed by Magisk, you can use the modules to replace the icons, which gives you maximum freedom, but requires root rights and can disrupt MIUI if you configure it incorrectly.
Popular modules for customization of icons:
- 🔧 MiuiMix – allows you to change icons, fonts and animations.
- 🎨 Iconify – supports icon packages and adaptive icons.
- 🛠️ GravityBox - advanced interface setting (including icons).
How to install the module:
- Download the module file (.zip) from XDA Developers or Telegram channels.
- Open Magisk Manager and go to Modules → Install from Storage.
- Select the downloaded file and wait for the installation.
- Reset the device.
- Configure the icons in the module menu (usually added to Settings → More).
⚠️ Note: Some modules are in conflict with HyperOS or MIUI 15.Pre-installing check compatibility on the developer forum.Never install multiple modules at once - this can lead to a bootloop (a looped reboot).
6. Hidden MIUI settings: adaptive icons
MIUI 12.5+ and HyperOS have a hidden adaptive icon feature that allows you to unify the shape of all icons (round, square, rounded, etc.) without changing the design of the icons, but giving them a single style.
How to turn on:
- Keep your finger free on the desktop.
- Select Desktop Settings (or Icon Style).
- Find the option Shape of icons (or Adaptive icons).
- Choose your favorite style: Circle, Rounded Square, Drop, etc.
This feature works with all icons, including system and third-party apps, but it doesn’t change the color or internal design of icons, only their shape.
| Method | Root is required. | Compatibility | Difficulty | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official themes | ❌ No. | All devices. | ⭐⭐☆ | Yes. |
| Third-party launchers | ❌ No. | All devices. | ⭐⭐☆ | Yes. |
| Icon packs (.iconpack) | ❌ No. | Depends on the launcher. | ⭐⭐☆ | Yes. |
| ADB | ❌ No, but I need a PC) | MIUI/HyperOS | ⭐⭐⭐ | Yeah (backup) |
| Magisk modules | ✅ Yes. | Only with the rue. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Partially. |
💡
For most users, the best option is a third-party launcher (Nova/Apex) + This gives you maximum flexibility without the risk of damaging the system.