How to install your icons on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Replacing standard icons with Xiaomi is one of the most popular ways to personalize a smartphone. Even with MIUI and the new HyperOS offering extensive theme settings, many users want to use unique icons downloaded from the Internet or created independently. However, the procedure is not always obvious: the manufacturer limits the depth of customization, and some methods require technical skills.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to install custom icons on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices – from simple (using launchers) to advanced (via ADB and modification of system files), pay special attention to the nuances for different firmware versions: MIUI 14, MIUI 15 and HyperOS, and also warn against typical errors that can lead to interface failures.

1. Method: Use of third-party launchers

The safest and most versatile method is to install an alternative launcher, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 14, regardless of the firmware version. Launchers allow you not only to change icons, but also to customize animations, gestures and even hide unnecessary applications.

The most popular solutions are:

• 🎨 Nova Launcher supports.apk icon packages, flexible layout and gesture settings. There is a free version with basic functionality.
• 🔧 Apex Launcher – an alternative with a focus on performance and minimalist design. Supports responsive icons.
• 🌈 Lawnchair is an open source launcher that mimics the Pixel Launcher, but with advanced customization options.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – optimized for Xiaomi, retains branded chips MIUI (For example, Second Space).

To install custom icons through the launcher:

1. Download the icon package (for example, from the sites of Icon Pack Studio or Play Store), popular collections: Whicons, CandyCons, Delta.
2. Install the selected launcher and assign it to the default launcher in the settings (Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher).
3. In the launcher settings, find the Icons or Themes section and select the downloaded package.

⚠️ Note: Some icon packages may not support responsive icons (e.g., Google Pixel).In this case, in the launcher settings, disable Adaptive icons.

2. Method: Install themes from MIUI Theme Store

If you don’t want to use third-party launchers, you can replace icons through the official MIUI Theme Store, which works on all devices with MIUI 12+ and HyperOS, but has a limitation: theme is applied globally, including wallpaper, fonts and sounds.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Themes app (icon in the form of a brush).
2. Go to the Icons section (in the lower menu).
3. Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. Some themes require purchase (50 to 300 rubles).
4. If the icons have not changed, restart the device or clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Clear the cache).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Secure – does not require root rights or system modification.
• 🎨 A large selection of free themes (new ones added weekly).
• 🔄 It is easy to return standard icons with one tap.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS, some topics from MIUI Theme Store may not work properly. Check other users' reviews before using.

3. Method: Manually modifying icons via ADB (without root)

For advanced users who are ready to work with the command line, there is a method of replacing icons through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires a computer and basic knowledge of ADB.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the version number → Return to the Extra → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁 Package of icons in.png format with resolution 192×192 pixels (can be created through Icon Pack Studio).

Instructions:

adb devices # Checking the connection of the device


adb shell # Going to the shell




Su # Only if there is root (optional)




pm list packages | grep launcher # Find the name of the launcher package (e.g. com.miui.home)

Next, you need to replace the icon files in the launcher folder. The path may vary depending on the model, but usually this is:

/data/app/com.miui.home-*/base.apk/res/drawable-*dpi/

Copy your icons into this folder by renaming them according to the original names (e.g, ic_launcher_phone.png).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect file replacement can cause launcher crash. Create a backup of drawable folder before you start manipulating.

Install ADB Tools on PC

Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi

Download the icon package in PNG 192×192 format

Create a backup of the original icons

Connect your phone to your PC via USB (file transfer mode)

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Method: Modification of system files (requires root)

If you have root rights, you can replace the icons directly in the system files, which gives you maximum freedom, but it is risky: wrong actions can lead to a “bootloop”.

Tools required:

• 🔧 Root Explorer (such as Solid Explorer or Root Explorer) FX File Explorer).
• 📂 Backup of original files (required!).
• 🖼️ Icons in.png format with transparent background.

Where to look for icons:

Algorithm of action:

1. mount /system in write mode (mount -o rw, remount /system).
2. Find the right icon files (usually have names like ic_launcher_*.png).
3. Replace them with your files, retaining the original names and permissions (chmod 644).
4. Reset the device.

💡

Before modifying your system files, make a full backup via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery, which will allow you to restore the device in the event of a failure.

5. Method: Creating a custom theme for MIUI

For those who want to go beyond just replacing icons, there is an option to create a full MIUI theme with its own icons, wallpaper and fonts, a method that takes time, but gives you complete control over the appearance of the system.

What you need:

• 🎨 MIUI Theme Editor (official app from Xiaomi, available in the MIUI Theme Store).
• 📁 Sets of icons in.png format (recommended size: 108×108, 144×144, 192×192).
• 🖥️ Computer for editing graphics (optional).

Step-by-step:

1. Install MIUI Theme Editor and create a new project.
2. Import your icons to the Icons section. The app automatically scales them to different resolutions.
3. Customize additional theme elements (wallpaper, fonts, colors) if necessary.
4. Save the theme in.mtz format and apply through the MIUI Theme Store.

Advantages of the method:

• 🌍 Complete customization of the interface, not just icons.
• 🔄 It is easy to share the topic with other users.
• 🛡️ Secure – does not require rooting or modification of system files.

💡

Creating a custom theme is the only way to replace icons in system applications (for example, Settings or Phone) without root rights.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing icons with Xiaomi, users often encounter typical errors. Let’s consider the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Icons don’t change after the theme is applied.

• 🔹 Restart the device – sometimes the launcher cache is reset only after the reboot.
• 🔹 Clear the launcher cache (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🔹 Check if your Xiaomi model supports the theme you choose (some themes only work on Chinese firmware).

Problem 2: The launcher stopped working after replacing the icons through ADB.

• 🔹 Remove the launcher cache or reinstall it through ADB: adb shell pm clear com.miui.home
• 🔹 If the launcher is dyed, restore the original icons from the backup.

Problem 3: Icons are displayed blurry or incorrectly sized.

• 🔹 Make sure your icons have the correct resolution (recommended) 192×192 for HyperOS).
• 🔹 In the launcher settings, disable the option Adaptive icons.
• 🔹 Check that the icons are saved with a transparent background (PNG-32).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions