How to put normal emoticons on Xiaomi: from font replacement to ADB-team

Are you tired of the ridiculous-looking emojis on Xiaomi that are different from the usual iOS or Google? The problem is familiar to many: the emojis on the brand's smartphones often have strange proportions, non-standard designs or just look outdated. Fortunately, you can fix this in several ways - from simply changing the keyboard to deep flashing system fonts.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including formal and informal solutions, taking into account the features of MIUI 14/15 and the new Redmi/POCO models. You will learn how to install emojis in the style of Apple, Samsung or even custom sets, as well as what pitfalls await with each method.

Why do Xiaomi emojis look different?

The fact that Xiaomi uses its own set of emojis, based on the open standard Noto Color Emoji from Google, but with modifications to the corporate identity of MIUI.

• 🎨 Mismatch with other platforms: Your emoticons will show differently to recipients on iPhone or MacBook.
• 🔍 Outdated design: some emojis on older versions MIUI not updated in years.
• 📱 Blurrency: Due to font optimization, emojis can look pixelated on high-resolution screens.
• ⚙️ System constraints: MIUI Blocks the replacement of system fonts without root rights.

By comparison, Apple and Google’s emoji updates are updated annually to follow trends (e.g., adding new emojis to Unicode 15.1 in 2023).

Method 1: Installation of a keyboard with alternative emojis

The easiest and safest method is to use a third-party keyboard that replaces the emoji at the input level.This won’t change the display of emojis in messages (they will still look like the recipient’s standard MIUI), but you will see them in the usual style when typed.

Best options:

• 📱 Gboard (Google): Supports Android 14-style emoji, but requires the option to “Show Gboard-style emoji” to be enabled in the settings.
• 🍎 iEmoji Keyboard: It mimics iOS 17 emojis, but can brake on weak smartphones (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3).
• 🎨 SwiftKey (Microsoft): Allows you to choose your emoji style, including Twitter and Samsung).
• 🔧 Chroomoji: open source project with support for custom kits, but requires manual installation APK.

How to determine:

1. Download the keyboard from Google Play (such as Gboard).
2. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
3. Activate the new keyboard and set it by default.
4. In the keyboard settings, find the “Emoji” section and select the desired style.

Download APK from official source | Check stability reviews | Disable battery optimization for keyboard | Make backup of current input settings

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Limitations of the method:

• Emoticons change only when typed, but not in the messages received.
• Some keyboards (e.g. iEmoji) may conflict with MIUI and cause lags.
• In messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp can display standard emoji Xiaomi.

Method 2: Replace system fonts with MIUI Themes

If you don’t want to root or unlock the bootloader, you can try changing the font through the official Theme app (com.miui.themeeditor), which works on MIUI 12-15, but does not guarantee replacement of the emoji – only the font.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Themes app and go to the “Fonts” section.
2. Find a theme marked “Emoji” or “Smiley” (like iOS Emoji Font or Google Emoji).
3. Download and apply the theme. Reboot your smartphone.
4. Check the emoji display in Messages or WhatsApp.

Where can I find the right topics?

• 🌍 Official Xiaomi Theme Store (Section "Fonts»).
• 🔗 Community VK or Telegram, for example, MIUI Themes).
• 📥 Sites like miuithemes.com (check files for viruses!).

Important: After the MIUI update, the theme may reset and you will have to install it again.

Method 3: Magisk and Emoji Replacer

For users with root rights or an unlocked bootloader, there is a reliable way to do this: the Emoji Replacer module for Magisk, which replaces the system emoji file with the set you choose (for example, iOS 17 or Samsung One UI 6).

Requirements:

• Unlocked boot loader (fastboot oem unlock).
• Installed by Magisk (version 26.0+).
• Backup of data (the risk of “brick” is minimal, but there is).

Instructions:

1. Download the Emoji Replacer module from GitHub.
2. Place it. ZIP-phone-file.
3. Open Magisk, go to the Modules section and install ZIP.
4. Reset the device.
5. In the module settings (/sdcard/emoji_replacer) Choose the right set of emojis (for example, apple_ios_17.ttf).

💡

If the emojis have not changed after installing the module, clear the Messages and WhatsApp app cache in the settings. Also check that the emoji file has the correct name (NotoColorEmoji.ttf).

Warning:

⚠️ If you use MIUI active MIUI Optimization, the module may not work. Turn it off before installing it.

Method 4: Manual font replacement via ADB

For users who don’t want to install Magisk but are willing to work with ADB, there is an alternative – manually replacing the NotoColorEmoji.ttf file. This method requires accuracy, but does not require root rights.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁.ttf emoji file (for example, downloaded from Google Noto Emoji).

Instructions:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




cp /sdcard/Download/NotoColorEmoji.ttf /system/fonts/




chmod 644 /system/fonts/NotoColorEmoji.ttf




reboot

Attention:

⚠️ On some models (Redmi Note) 12, POCO X5) The emoji file may be in /system/product/fonts/ or /vendor/fonts/. Check the way with the adb shell ls team /system/fonts/.

Challenges and solutions:

• 🚫 Read-only file system error: Perform adb disable-verity and try again.
• 🔄 Emoticons haven't changed: clear the app cache and reboot the device.
• 📉 Some Emojis Missing: Download the Complete Noto Color Emoji Pack with Unicode 15.1 Support.

Method 5: Firmware custom recovery and modified MIUI

The most radical method is to install custom firmware with already integrated emojis (e.g. xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience), which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and potentially deprives of warranty.

Pros of the method:

• 🔧 Full control of the system, including emojis.
• 📱 Regular updates and bug fixes.
• 🎨 The ability to choose firmware with the desired emoji design (e.g. PixelExperience uses Google emojis).

Cons:

• ⚠️ Risk of a “brick” (inoperability) of the device.
• 🔒 Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
• 🔄 The need for manual firmware updates.

Recommended Firmware for Popular Models:

Important:

⚠️ Before firmware check compatibility with your model in the forum XDA Developers. some firmware (for example, for Redmi) K50) You may need additional patches to work with emojis.

💡

Custom software firmware is the only way to get full-fledged iOS emojis on Xiaomi without compromise, but it requires technical skills and prepares for possible bugs (for example, a broken camera or NFC).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To help define, we have collected the key parameters of each method in one table:

If you need a quick solution without risks, choose a third-party keyboard (Gboard or SwiftKey). Magisk + Emoji Replacer is suitable for a complete replacement of emojis at all levels, but only if you are ready to unlock the bootloader.

FAQ: Frequent questions about emojis on Xiaomi