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

Replacing standard icons with Xiaomi Redmi is one of the most popular ways to personalize a smartphone. MIUI offers limited customization options, but with the help of third-party tools you can install absolutely any icons: from minimalist pictograms to animated ones 3D-In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from simple (through themes and launchers) to advanced (manual modification of system files).

It is important to understand that customization options vary depending on the MIUI version and the Redmi model. For example, on devices with MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14, some methods may require additional permissions or even unlock the bootloader. We will specify all the nuances for each instruction so that you can choose the best option without the risk of “bricking” the phone.

If you’re a beginner, start with the first three — they don’t require root rights and are suitable for most models (Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5, etc.) Advanced users will need ADB sections and manual APK replacement, but this will require technical skills.

1. Use MIUI themes (the easiest way)

The official MIUI theme store contains thousands of free and paid icon packs that are installed in two clicks.This method does not require root rights and works on all Xiaomi devices, including the latest Redmi models with MIUI 15.

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 “dark icons".
  • 🖼️ Select your favorite theme and click Apply. The system will automatically replace the icons on the desktop and in the application menu.
  • 🔄 If the icons have not changed, restart your phone or check the settings in the Topics → Mine. → Elements applied.

The downside is that there's limited choice, and many themes change not just icons, but also fonts, wallpaper, animations, which is not always convenient, and some packs may contain ads or require payment for the full version.

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Before installing the theme, check out other users’ reviews – some icon packs may conflict with system apps (e.g. Google Play Services).

Installation of a third-party launcher (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

Third-party launchers allow you to flexibly configure icons without tampering with system files. The most popular options for Xiaomi Redmi are:

  • 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports icon packs in.apk and.zip format, there is a free version.
  • ⚡ Apex Launcher is lightweight and fast, but with fewer features.
  • 🎨 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi, supports gestures and dynamic icons.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

  1. Download the launcher from Google Play and install it as the default launcher.
  2. Download the icon pack (e.g. Whicons, Fluid Icons) in.apk format.
  3. Open the launcher settings: Nova Settings → Look & Feel → Icon style.
  4. Select the downloaded pack in the Icon pack section.
  5. Apply the changes and restart the launcher (long press on the desktop → Restart).

The advantage of this method is the ability to mix icons from different packs or even assign individual icons for individual applications, for example, you can put an icon from Fluid for Telegram, and for WhatsApp – from the Minimal O pack.

Download APK launcher from the official website|Create a backup of current settings MIUI|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Check the compatibility of the icon pack with your version of Android-->

3. Manually modifying icons via ADB (no root)

If you only need to replace system icons (e.g., Settings, Phone, Messages) without changing the launcher, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on MIUI 12-15, but requires debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB Tools and execute the command: adb shell pm grant com.miui.home android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
  4. Download the icon pack in.png format (resolution 192×192 pixels) and rename the files according to the table below.
  5. Upload the icons to the folder /data/system/theme/default_icon through ADB Push.
Standard iconFile name to replaceExample of a path
Phone.com.android.contacts.png/data/system/theme/default_icon/com.android.contacts.png
Communicationscom.android.mms.png/data/system/theme/default_icon/com.android.mms.png
Settingscom.android.settings.png/data/system/theme/default_icon/com.android.settings.png
Camera.com.android.camera.png/data/system/theme/default_icon/com.android.camera.png

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI. Before the changes, create a backup copy of the folder /data/system/theme/ team:

adb pull /data/system/theme/ ~/backup_theme

Official themes MIUI|Third-party launchers|ADB-team|Root access|None of the above.-->

4. Replace icons through root access (for advanced)

If your Redmi has an unlocked bootloader and root rights (for example, through Magisk), you can completely replace the system icons by editing the system. APK-This is a method that gives you maximum freedom, but it requires caution.

Tools required:

  • 📂 APK Editor (for decompilation) APK).
  • 🖌️ GIMP/Photoshop (icon-editing).
  • 🔧 Root Explorer (for file replacement) /system).

Instructions:

  1. Download the APK system application (e.g. com.miui.home for launcher) via APK Extractor.
  2. Open the APK in APK Editor and go to the res/drawable folder.
  3. Replace the icon files (for example, ic_launcher_phone.png) to their own, retaining the original names and permission.
  4. Compile the APK back and install it via ADB or Root Explorer.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect modification of the system APK It can cause bootloop. Always check version compatibility and backup through the download. TWRP.

What if the phone doesn’t turn on after replacing the APK?
If, after modification of the system, APK (com.miui.home or com.android.systemui) the phone is getting stuck on the Redmi logo, follow the following steps: 1. Download to Recovery Mode (hold power) + Volume Up). 2. Connect your phone to the PC and through ADB Sideload, you can use the original firmware. 3. If Recovery is not available, use Fastboot and the command: fastboot flash system system.img 4. After recovery, repeat the procedure with correct files or refuse to modify. 5. Creating a custom pack of icons for MIUI If you don't find the right pack in the theme store, you can create your own: 🎨 Figma/Adobe Illustrator – for icon design. 📦 MIUI Theme Editor (Official Tool from Xiaomi). 🔗 7-Zip — Creation process: Create icons in format PNG permittingly 192×192 pixels and transparent background. Download the theme template. MIUI official website. Place the icons in the drawable-xxhdpi folder of the template, following the structure: miui_theme_template/ ├── description.xml └── res/ └── drawable-xxhdpi/ ├── ic_launcher_phone.png ├── ic_launcher_messages.png └──... Edit the file. description.xml, name of the subject and version MIUI. Archive the folder to.mtz and upload it through the Topic app. The finished theme can be published in the store. MIUI Themes and even make money selling them, and the key is to follow Xiaomi's rules (e.g., no copies of existing packs) and compare methods: which one to choose? To help determine, we've compiled a comparative table of all the ways, showing complexity, risks and compatibility: Method Difficulty Required Root? Risks Compatibility Official Topics ⭐ (simple) ❌ No Low All Redmi models Third-party launchers ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) ❌ No Medium (conflicts with) MIUI) All models. ADB-team ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) ❌ No High (failure by those) MIUI 12-15 Root access ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) ✅ Yes Critical (bootloop) Only with unlocked bootloader Creating your theme ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) ❌ No Low Officials MIUI For most users, the best solution is a combination of Nova Launcher. + This is a method that allows you to have maximum flexibility without the risk of damaging the system, and if you want to make system changes (like replacing icons in the notification panel), you have to use the same system. ADB root. FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing icons with Redmi Can I return standard icons after replacing? Yes. If you used themes or launcher, just reset the settings in the application. For methods with ADB or root required: Delete modified files through ADB Shell: adb shell rm -r /data/system/theme/default_icon/* Or reinstall the original APK through TWRP. In extreme cases, reset the settings in the Settings. → System system → Reset (app data will be saved) Why did some icons not change after the icon pack was installed: 📌 Launcher cache – clear the data of the Nova Launcher app or MIUI Launcher. 📌 Pack incompatibility – some icons may not be present in the selected set. 📌 System limitations – Google apps (like Play Market) often ignore third-party icons. Solution: In the launcher settings, enable Force apply icon pack. How to make animated icons on Redmi? Animated icons (Live Icons) are supported only on the MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14 and require: Install a special pack (for example, Dynamic Icons from the theme store). → Display. → Animated icons. Launchers (like Nova) will require a plugin KWGT And manually configuring widgets. Can you replace the icons with Redmi without a computer: 📱 Through Themes. MIUI — PC-free, but the choice is limited. 📱 Through launchers – download icon packs directly to your phone (.apk format). ❌ Methods with ADB or root requires a PC. Use file managers such as Solid Explorer or FX File Manager: Why After the Update MIUI Did my icons drop? MIUI Custom settings are often reset. To avoid this: Before upgrading, back up your folder. /data/system/theme/. Use launchers (like Nova) that save settings in the cloud. Re-apply the theme or icon pack after the upgrade. If icons are lost after a major update (like MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), you will likely need to repeat the entire procedure again.