Apple emojis have long been a design benchmark: their vibrant colors, flowing animations and unique styles stand out against the standard Android emojis. Xiaomi Redmi owners often wonder if it is possible to transfer these icons to your smartphone without buying an iPhone? The answer is yes, and make it easier than it seems.
In this article, we will discuss three proven methods: from installing via third-party keyboards (without root rights) to completely replacing system fonts (for advanced users), paying special attention to the nuances for MIUI 12/13/14 firmware, because they have unique limitations, and you will learn what risks these manipulations pose and how to avoid them.
Important: the procedure does not require the purchase of additional software, but some methods can lead to a keyboard reset or temporary instability of the system – we will warn you about this in advance.
Why is the iPhone Emoji More Popular than Standard Android?
Apple's emoji designs are updated annually, while Google's emojis are changed less frequently and look more "flat" -- here are the key differences:
- 🎨 Color palette: iOS has more saturated shades (for example, red heart looks brighter).
- 👁️ Details: Smiles, shadows and textures (like emojis) 🥺 or 🤩) better-crafted.
- 🔄 Animations: In iMessage, some emojis come to life when sent (e.g, 🎉 or 💥).
- 📏 Uniformity: on iPhone, all users see the same icons, whereas on Android they depend on the OS version and manufacturer.
Xiaomi Redmi uses Google emojis (newer versions of MIUI) or hybrid versions with Xiaomi corporate identity elements by default, and the main drawback is the incompatibility of the display: if you send a smiley face to a friend on an iPhone, he will see it in the Apple design, and you will see it in yours.
Method 1: Installation through the keyboard (without root rights)
The easiest and safest method is to use an iOS-emoji-enabled keyboard, and we recommend two options:
- Gboard with emoji module: 📱 Install Gboard from Play Market. ⚙️ Go to Settings. → System system → Language and input → Virtual keyboard → Gboard. 🎨 Select Topics → Emoji → iOS (if there is no option, update the app).
Specialized keyboards
- 🔹 iFont – Emoji Keyboard (has built-in Apple packs).
- 🔹 Kika Keyboard (supports emoji customization).
- Install the emoji module: 1. Download the "iOS Emoji for Android" module from the Magisk repository. 2. Open Magisk → Modules → Install from storage. 3. Select the module and restart the device.
If the emojis have not changed after the reboot, check:
- 📁 Correctness of paths to fonts (in MIUI They may be in /product/fonts/).
- 🔧 File access rights (should be 644).
- 🔄 Cache system (clean through Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Cash).
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) system-part /system It's not even written with root, and in this case, only custom recaverion firmware will help.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Difficulty | Need root? | Global replacement? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard (Gboard) | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ❌ Only when you enter. | Absent. |
| Magisk module | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | Bootloop, conflicts with MIUI |
| Manual font replacement | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | Damage to system files |
| Custom firmware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | Loss of warranty, brick |
For most users, Xiaomi Redmi is the best way to go (via Magisk), as it combines global replacement and relative security. If you're not willing to take risks, just stick with the keyboard.
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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, manual font replacement can result in Widevine L1 certificate reset (loss of HD support on Netflix and Disney+).
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after successful installation, users are confronted with bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🔳 Emojis are displayed in squares: Reason: no Color Emoji support in firmware. Solution: Install EmojiCompat module via Magisk.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI Emoji dropped: Xiaomi sometimes overwrites system fonts when OTA-Solution: Repeat the replacement procedure or roll back to the previous firmware version.
- 📱 Some apps have not changed emoji: Apps like Facebook or Instagram use their own fonts. Solution: Install Force iOS Emoji (not all programs).
If none of the methods worked, check:
- MIUI version (on MIUI 12.5 and older, additional patches may be required)
- Antivirus (some block changes to system files)
- Free space in /system (should be at least 50 MB)
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Before experimenting with system files, disable Find My Device in Xiaomi’s settings – this will speed up recovery in the event of a crash.
Alternatives: How to get an Apple style without risks
If you need an iPhone emoji just for beauty, not compatibility, consider these options:
- 🖼️ Telegram and WhatsApp have packs of iOS-style stickers (like iOS Emoji by Bot).They don't replace emojis, but visually similar.
- 📲 Topics for MIUI: Themes Store (themes app on Xiaomi) has themes with emoji analogues (look for "iOS.
- 🎨 Launcher apps: Launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex let you install iOS-style icons, but don’t touch emojis.