Round icons on Xiaomi are not only a trend, but also a way to make the smartphone interface more modern and convenient. Many users of Redmi, POCO and the Mi line are faced with the fact that standard square icons look outdated against the background of streamlined designs of iOS or One UI. Fortunately, you can change the shape of the icons to round without root rights - and we will tell you how to do this on any version of MIUI (including MIUI 15).
In this article, you’ll find 4 working methods, from built-in features to third-party launchers, and unique settings for HyperOS models that haven’t officially received round icon support yet. We’ve tested each method on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 – ensuring that at least one option works on your device.
If you want to not just change shapes, but also customize colors, shadows, or animation icons, there's a bonus section at the end of this article with advanced settings. And for those who are afraid of breaking something, we've prepared step-by-step screenshots and video instructions (link to the FAQ).
1. Built-in "Shape of icons" function in MIUI (the easiest way)
Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has added official support for reshaping icons — and this is the safest method.It works on most modern devices, including the Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO X6. The main advantage is that you do not need to install third-party apps or risk system stability.
To activate round icons:
- Open the settings → Screen → The shape of the icons.
- Choose the Circle option (or Squircle for slightly rounded corners).
- Confirm the changes – the system will automatically apply the new style to all icons.
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) A2 or POCO M6 Pro) this menu item may not be available, which means your model does not support the firmware level function.
If after changing the shape of the icons look blurry or unevenly cropped, try:
- 🔄 Reboot the device (sometimes the system caches new icons incorrectly).
- 🎨 Manually update the icons through a long press on the desktop → Icon style → Update.
- 📱 Install an icon package from Google Play (such as “Whicons” or “CandyCons”) if standard icons don’t fit.
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The built-in MIUI function changes the shape of ONLY standard icons. Third-party app icons (e.g. Telegram or VKontakte) will remain square if you do not use icon packs.
2.Use of the Nova Launcher (maximum customization)
Nova Launcher is a one-stop solution for those who want not only round icons but also full control of the interface.The app is free (with paid options), compatible with all Xiaomi devices and does not require root rights. The main plus: you can adjust the size, shadow, scale and even animation icons.
Instructions for setting:
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- Make it a default launcher (the first time you start will be offered a sentence).
- Press the free space on the desktop → Settings → Appearance → Shape of icons.
- Select “Circle” or adjust the rounding level manually (Radius slider).
For advanced customization:
- 🎨 Install an icon package (e.g., the Pixel Icon Pack for the Google Pixel style).
- 🔧 Include Adaptive Icons in Nova Settings so that all icons are the same size.
- 🖼️ Customize the scale of the icons (recommended 85-90% for a compact look).
Download Nova Launcher from the official store |
Backup your current desktop settings |
Prepare a package of icons (if you need a unique style) |
Disable battery optimization for Nova in settings MIUI-->
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) After installing Nova Launcher, weather or calendar widgets may disappear. MIUI. To return widgets, temporarily switch back to a standard launcher or use alternative widgets (e.g., “Chronus»).
| Parameter | Standard MIUI | Nova Launcher |
|---|---|---|
| Support for round icons | ✅ (new-model) | ✅ (on all devices) |
| Color/shadow castomization | ❌ | ✅ |
| Adaptive icons for all applications | ❌ | ✅ |
| Impact on productivity | No. | Minimum (up to 5% battery) |
| Cost | Free of charge. | Free (premium for $5) |
3. Application of icon packages through MIUI "Themes"
If you don’t want to install third-party launchers, but the built-in feature doesn’t work, try installing the theme with round icons through the official Themes app, which is suitable for MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS devices, where there is no separate item “Icon Shape”.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Themes app (if not, download from the App Store for MIUI).
- In the search box, enter the query: “round icons” or “round icons”.
- Choose your favorite theme (we recommend “RoundX” or “Squircle UI”).
- Click Apply – the system will automatically replace the icons and background of the desktop.
💡 Tip: Not to change the whole topic, but only icons:
- 📥 Download a separate icon package (for example, “Whicons” or “CandyCons»).
- 🔧 In the theme settings, select only icons (if option is available).
- 🎨 Use the “Icon Changer” app to manually replace icons.
How to return standard icons?
⚠️ Warning: Free themes often contain ads or a limited set of icons.Paid packages (e.g. Lines Icon Pack for 100–200) ₽) Offer more options and support for updates. Check reviews before buying - some themes may not display correctly on HyperOS.
4. Manually modifying icons via ADB (for advanced)
This method is suitable for users who are ready to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), it allows you to force round icons to be enabled even on devices where this feature is disabled by default. It works on all versions of MIUI, including HyperOS, but requires a connection to a PC.
What you'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
Commands for inclusion of round icons:
adb shell settings put secure icon_shape 1 # Round icons
adb shell settings put secure icon_shape 0 # Square (for cancellation)If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:
adb shell am start -n com.miui.home/.launcher.LauncherTabActivity
adb shell settings put global icon_shape_circle 1💡
Before execution ADB-commands to back up data through Settings → System system → Backup: In rare cases, changes in system parameters can cause a launcher to fail.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 15 China ROM) These commands may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, and then only the option with Nova Launcher or custom firmware installation (e.g. xiaomi.eu) remains).
5. Bonus: Advanced customization (shadows, animations, colors)
If you have few round icons and want to make the interface truly unique, here are some advanced tricks:
Adjustment of shadows and substrates:
- 🌓 In Nova Launcher, go to Settings → Appearance → Shadow icons and choose the style "Floating" or "Neon».
- 🎨 Use the icon pack studio app to create your own icons with gradients or transparency.
Press animation:
- 🤏 Enable zoom animation in Nova settings (Settings) → Animation. → Scale of icons).
- 🔄 For smooth transitions, install the “Lawnchair Launcher” – it supports Material You-style animations.
3. Dynamic icons (change color depending on the wallpaper):
- 🌈 Install the ReColor or Dynamic Icons package from Google Play.
- 🔧 In the launcher settings, activate Dynamic Colors (works on Android 12)+).
💡 Example of configuration: Nova Launcher combination + Whicons + dynamic wallpaper gives the effect of “live” icons that adjust to the color gamut of the lock screen.
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For maximum effect, use light wallpaper with round icons - this visually enlarges the screen and makes the interface more modern.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Problem 1: Round icons don’t apply to all apps.
Decision:
- 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the system does not have time to update the cache.
- 📦 Install an icon package (such as Adapticons) that supports an adaptive format.
- 🔧 In Nova Launcher, enable Force Adaptive Icons.
Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the icons became square again.
Decision:
- 🔄 Return the icon form settings to Settings → Screen.
- 📲 If the item is gone, use it. ADB-section 4.
- 🛠️ Reset the launcher settings (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data).
Problem 3: Icons look blurry or pixelated.
Decision:
- 🔍 Check the resolution of the icon package – it should be at least 192×192 px.
- 📱 In Nova Launcher, turn off Icon Compression in Performance Settings.
- 🖼️ Try another package (we recommend "Flight Icons" or "Minima»).