Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the desire to personalize the appearance of their device, and one of the first steps is to change the shape of the application icons. The standard MIUI or HyperOS interface offers many features, but by default, the icons can remain square or have a slight rounding that not everyone likes. The visual component of the Android operating system allows you to easily change these parameters, making the desktop more aesthetic and modern.
There are several proven methods to achieve the perfect round shape of icons without the need to obtain root access rights. You can use the built-in system tools, download a specialized theme from the store or install a third-party launcher that completely replaces the standard shell. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in detail in this article.
Before we make any changes, it’s worth noting that the interface looks like it depends on the firmware version and model of your gadget. On new HyperOS devices, the theme algorithms may be different from older versions of MIUI 12 or 13. However, the basic principles remain the same, and you’re guaranteed to find the right option for your smartphone.
Use of built-in theme settings
The easiest and safest way to change the look of icons is to use the standard Themes app, which is pre-installed on every device in the company. Unlike third-party solutions, this method ensures the stability of the system and no conflicts with other applications. You do not need to download anything from unverified sources, you just need to have a Mi Account account.
To start, open the Themes app on the home screen or in the Tools folder. In the lower right corner, click on the profile icon and then select Subjects. In the search bar, type in the "Round icons" or "Round icons." The system will offer you many design options where the app icons are already in shape.
Once you select the right theme, click Download and then Apply. The system will prompt you to select the elements to use: lock screen, wallpaper, system sounds and, most importantly, icons. Make sure that you are on the Icons item so that you don't completely change the entire visual style of the interface. After applying the changes, the desktop will reboot, and you will see the result.
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If after applying the theme icons became round, but the signatures disappeared or the font changed, try to apply only the “Icons” component in the theme settings, leaving the remaining parameters unchanged.
It is worth considering that some third-party themes may not perfectly display all applications. For example, icons of recently installed programs may remain square if they are not included in the author's set of the topic, in which case you will either need to update the topic or use another method of customization.
Application of third-party launchers
If the built-in features don’t suit you or you want to gain deeper control over the appearance of the desktop, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher, special applications that completely replace the standard MIUI Launcher shell, providing advanced customization capabilities.
One of the most popular and functional solutions is Nova Launcher. Once you install the application from Google Play, you need the necessary permissions to display on top of other windows and access storage. In the launcher settings, go to the Appearances section and find the Icon Style item, where you can choose a round shape, and also adjust the angles rounding by hand.
Another powerful tool is Smart Launcher 6, which automatically sorts apps and offers unique icon styles. Unlike standard solutions, this launcher allows you to apply different icon shapes for different folders or categories, creating a truly unique interface.
With third-party launchers, navigation gestures or widgets can be problematic. Some features, such as Second Space or Game Mode, may not work properly, so it is recommended to test the launcher for a few days before migrating fully.
Configure through the Themes app (detailed analysis)
Xiaomi’s theme store is a huge library of custom content, where you can find designs designed specifically for round icons. An important nuance is that not all the themes in the catalog change the shape of icons, many of them change only wallpaper and colors, so you need to pay attention to the preview and description when searching.
When searching for a theme store, use keywords in English, as the theme database is global. Query like “iOS icons,” “Circle icons” or “Minimal round” will yield much more results than a search in Russian. Authors often create themes that mimic the style of iOS, where all icons are perfect round or rounded.
⚠️ Note: When downloading themes from third-party sources or unofficial theme stores, there is a risk of getting virus software. Use only the official Themes app for the security of your data.
After you download a theme, take your time to apply it fully. Click on the theme title in Profile → Topics, select Set Theme (if available), or just take a closer look at the preview of the components. If you like the theme, apply it, and then, if necessary, return your old wallpaper through the gallery settings, as the the theme may have changed them too.
☑️ Checking before setting the topic
Interestingly, some themes may conflict with system fonts. If you notice that text is unreadable or missing after installation, try changing the font in your screen settings or choosing a different theme.
Comparison of methods of changing icons
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table of basic methods that will help you estimate the time spent, the risks and the end result for each option.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Flexibility of setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in themes | Low. | Tall. | Medium |
| Third-party launchers | Medium | Tall. | Very high. |
| Third-party packs of icons | Tall. | Medium | Tall. |
| System modification | Very high. | Low. | Maximum |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the optimal balance between simplicity and result is built-in themes or third-party launchers. Using icon packages requires additional software installation, and system modification (rooting) carries the risk of loss of warranty.
The choice of method also depends on your technical literacy, and if you are not sure about your actions, it is better to stay within the standard functionality. HyperOS and MIUI are constantly updated, adding new personalization features without having to get into the wilds of settings.
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The best choice for 90% of users is to use official themes from the store or install a proven launcher like Nova Launcher.
Use of icon packs (Icon Packs)
For advanced users who don’t have enough standard themes, there are special icon packages, which are graphics file sets that replace standard app images with new ones, but to use them on Xiaomi, a third-party launcher is often required, since the standard interface does not support direct installation of such packages.
A popular application for managing these sets is XIcon Changer or Icon Pack Studio, which allows you to create your own icon sets by taking images from the Internet or from a gallery, and you can make round even icons that weren't originally like this by just cropping them in the app editor.
The process is like this: you install the assistant app, select the desired icon package (for example, “Whicons” or “LineX”), and then apply it through the launcher settings, which gives maximum freedom, but takes time to initially set up and select a quality visual style.
⚠️ Note: When using icon-change applications, display artifacts may occur. Some system applications may stop opening when you click on a modified icon if the path to the executable file is disrupted.
Remember that installing a lot of graphics can slightly increase the loading time of the desktop. On older smartphones with a small amount of RAM, this can be noticeable. So use heavy icon packages with caution on budget devices.
Frequent problems and their solution
When you change the look, you might encounter a number of common problems, such as when you use a round theme, some icons may remain square, because the theme writer didn't draw the icon for the particular application, and you can solve this by manually creating a shortcut through the "Replace the icon" function in the desktop editing menu.
Another common problem is de-synchronization of widgets: after changing the launcher or theme, the weather or watch widgets may get lost or stop updating, in which case it is recommended to remove the widget from the desktop and add it again through the widget menu.
Also worth mentioning is the notification problem: Some versions of MIUI may stop displaying notification badges (circles with a number on the icon) after changing the launcher. To fix this, go to the launcher settings, find the "Badge" or "Notifications" section, and turn on the display for the desired applications.
What to do if the phone starts to brake?
Remember, any changes to the system can be rolled back. If you get bored or start to annoy, you can always go back to factory settings through the themes menu or reset the launcher settings. The flexibility of the Android platform allows you to experiment without fear of ruining the device.