How to make round icons on Xiaomi: 4 working ways for MIUI

Are you tired of the standard square icons on your Xiaomi and want to give the interface a fresh look? Round icons are one of the most popular trends in MIUI design, which visually simplifies the experience of the desktop and adds personality to the device. In this article, we will discuss 4 proven ways to change the shape of icons, from built-in MIUI functions to the use of third-party launchers and themes.

It is important to understand that the configuration options depend on the firmware version (MIUI 12-15) and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.). Some methods require unlocking the bootloader, others work out of the box. We will specify all the nuances so that you can choose the best option without risk to the system.

If you've never changed your system settings, don't worry: most of the ways don't require technical knowledge, and for advanced users, we've prepared instructions using ADB and custom solutions. Let's start with the simplest ones!

Method 1: Built-in MIUI themes with round icons

The safest and fastest method is to use official themes from Xiaomi, which already include round icons, which is suitable for all devices on MIUI 12 and later, including Redmi, Poco and Black Shark.

How does it work? There are hundreds of free and paid designs with round icons in Themes, some of which only change the shape of icons, others completely transform the interface (fonts, wallpaper, animations), plus the main advantage: you don't need to install third-party apps or receive them. ROOT-rights.

• 🔍 Step 1. Open the Themes app (some firmware called Themes).
• 🖼️ Step 2: Type “round icons”, “icon pack” or “round icons” in the search box".
• ⭐ Step 3. Select your favorite theme (recommended for "Roundify", "Minty Icons" or "Whicons").
• 📥 Step 4. Click Apply – the icons will change automatically.

⚠️ Note: Some themes may not display correctly on screen resolution devices FHD+ and above (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra). Before using, check the reviews of other users in the topic section.

Check out the screenshots of the theme (not all round icons are the same)

Check the rating and number of downloads

Make sure the theme is compatible with your version of MIUI

Backup your current settings (optional)

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Method 2: Using third-party launchers

If the built-in themes don't suit you, you can install an alternative launcher that supports round icons, which gives you more customization options, but requires third-party software installation.

• 📱 Nova Launcher – supports icon packs and allows you to change the shape of icons.
• 🎨 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for the MIUI, has built-in round icons.
• ⚡ Lawnchair – Lightweight launcher with Adaptive Icons function).

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Go to Settings → Appearance → Style of icons.
3. Select Adaptive or install an icon package (e.g., “CandyCons”).
4. Activate the icon mask option and select the Circle form.

Important: On devices with MIUI 14+, some launchers may conflict with the system shell. If after installation, you have lags, try turning off animations in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times).

Nova Launcher|Hyperion Launcher|Lawnchair|Standard. MIUI Launcher|Other-->

Method 3: Manual change through ADB (for advanced)

This method is suitable for those who are willing to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge allows you to force rounded icons on the system level, even if your firmware does not officially support this feature, USB-cable and on-debugging USB.

Warning: Incorrect ADB commands can disrupt the interface, and if you’ve never used ADB, skip this section or practice backup first.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 and HyperOS, this method may not work due to changes in system parameters. Before executing commands, check the firmware version in Settings → The phone.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode (tap 7 times on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put secure icon_shape 1 (where 1 — circle, 0 — square, 2 — round-square).
4. Reset the device.

If the command doesn’t work, try an alternative for the new MIUI versions:

adb shell cmd overlay enable-xml com.android.theme.icon_pack.roundicons.config

Method 4: Castom firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you're willing to go beyond standard settings, you can install custom firmware with support for round icons. Popular options for Xiaomi:

• 🔄 LineageOS – pure Android with the ability to choose the shape of icons.
• 🎭 Pixel Experience – Google Pixel-style firmware (round default icons).
• ⚡ crDroid - customizable firmware with support for themes.

Advantages of this method:

• Complete control over the appearance of the system.
• No MIUI restrictions (e.g., blocking themes)
• Regular updates from the community.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires an unlocked bootloader and may take away your warranty.On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) Unlocking takes up to 720 hours of waiting! Before you start, study the guides for your specific model on the forum XDA Developers.

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Before installing custom firmware, make a full backup via TWRP. This will restore the system if something goes wrong, especially for dynamic memory devices (LPDDR5), where firmware errors can lead to a "brick."

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make your decision easier, we've compiled a comparison table of all the ways, and evaluate your technical skills and choose the best option:

For most Xiaomi users, we recommend starting with built-in themes or Nova Launcher. These methods do not require deep technical knowledge and are easily canceled. If you want maximum customization, explore the possibilities of ADB or custom firmware, but be prepared for the potential risks.

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On devices with MIUI 15 and HyperOS, round icons can be automatically applied to system applications (Calls, Messages), but not to all third-party programs, in which case only a launcher with icon packs support will help.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change icons, users often encounter common mistakes, and we've collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 The icons didn't change after applying the theme Solution: Reboot the device or clear the cache of the Themes app (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• ⚠️ The launcher brakes after changing the icons Solution: Turn off animations in the launcher settings or try another one (like Lawnchair instead of Nova).
• 🚫 ADB-Solution: Check if debugging is on. USB Whether the team is properly entered (registration is important!).
• 📱 Round icons do not apply to all applications Solution: Use the launcher with icon packs and install a full set of icons (for example, "Whicons Full").

If none of these methods worked, check if the antivirus or MIUI optimizer is blocking the changes (Security → Optimization → AutoRun). Sometimes, temporarily disabling the MI-Cloud feature, which can reset theme settings, helps.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions