Apple emojis have long been the benchmark of style - their design is concise, colors are brighter, and animations are smoother than standard MIUI emojis. But what if you're a dedicated Xiaomi user but dream of "apple" emojis in instant messengers? Fortunately, there are several proven ways to transfer iOS emojis to any Redmi, Poco or Mi smartphone - from simple font change to custom themes.
In this article, weβll break down 3 working methods (including the root-free option), compare their pros and cons, and tell you how to avoid common bugs. Youβll learn which apps actually work in 2026, how to get around the limitations of MIUI, and even how to get it back if you donβt like it. Importantly, changing the system font through ADB works on all versions of MIUI 12-14, but requires care β wrong actions can cause text to fail in some applications.
Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI version. If you have MIUI 14 or later, the method of replacing the font through ADB may require additional steps (we will talk about this in the appropriate section).
1.Why are iPhone emojis better than standard ones on Xiaomi?
At first glance, it may seem like the difference between emojis is minimal, but in practice, it affects the perception of messages.Apple's emojis have several key benefits:
First, design. iOS emojis are visually simpler and more versatile β they don't have the extra detail that you sometimes find in Google or MIUI emojis. For example, compare a smiley to tears of joy: on the iPhone it looks like a classic yellow circle with two drops, and on Xiaomi it looks like a more elongated face and accent on the mouth.
Second, animation: In iMessage and some other Apple services, emojis support smooth effects (for example, hearts βbeatβ and fire βshimmerβ). On Xiaomi, such animation is available only in individual messengers, but with βappleβ emojis, it looks more harmonious.
Finally, compatibility: If you communicate with iPhone users, your messages will be displayed to them exactly as you sent them. Standard MIUI emojis are sometimes distorted on Apple devices (for example, the βOKβ gesture may look different).
- πΉ Pros of iPhone emoji: concise design, best animation, universal display.
- πΉ Cons: Not all installation methods work on new versions MIUI, Possible bugs in some applications.
- πΉ When to change: if you often communicate with iPhone users or just like minimalist style.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and newer system font replacement through ADB can cause a failure of the text display in banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff!
Method 2: Replace the system font with ADB (without root)
This is the most reliable method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices, and does not require superuser rights, but requires a computer connection and an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) installation.
What you need:
- π» Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
- π± Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB.
- π [Archive with iOS fonts](https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/ios-emoji-font-for-android.3845667/) (Download the version for your screen resolution).
- π οΈ Utility. ADB (can be installed through [Platform Tools](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools)).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB debugging on your smartphone: go to Settings β About Phone, tap 7 times on MIUI Version, then go back to Settings β Additional β For Developers and activate debugging.
- Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
- Unpack your iOS font archive in a folder with ADB (e.g., platform-tools).
- Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on the macOS/Linux) and execute the commands: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell su -c"mount -o rw,remount /system" exit adb push iOS_Emoji.ttf /system/fonts/ adb push iOS_Emoji_Color.ttf /system/fonts/ adb reboot
After the reboot, the emojis in most apps (including WhatsApp, Telegram and the Gboard keyboard) will change to iOS style. If the emojis haven't changed, try clearing the Settings app cache β Apps β [Messaging Name] β Clear the cache.
Download Platform Tools from the official Android website|Enable debugging on USB Xiaomi|Download the archive with iOS fonts (version for your screen)|Make a backup copy of important data-->
β οΈ Note: On some devices with MIUI 13/14 If the adb push command is an error, check the correct path through the command: adb shell ls. /system/fonts/ Sometimes the fonts are stored in /system/product/fonts/ or /vendor/fonts/.
3. Method 2: Using a launcher with support for iOS emoji
If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can go a little easier by installing an alternative launcher that supports emoji change, like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, which lets you change the style of emojis through themes.
How it works:
- π² The launcher replaces the standard interface MIUI, including keyboard and display of emojis in some applications.
- π¨ You can choose a theme for iOS, which includes not only emoticons, but also icons, fonts, animations.
- β‘ The method does not require rooting or ADB, But it does not work in all messengers (for example, in Viber emojis can remain standard).
Instructions:
- Install Nova Launcher from [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher).
- Download an iOS theme (such as iOS 16 Theme or iPhoney) from the Nova theme store.
- Go to launcher settings: Long press on desktop β Settings β Appearance β Theme.
- Choose a downloaded theme and apply it. The emojis will change in the launcher keyboard and some widgets.
The downside is that it doesn't affect system emojis in MIUI, like standard SMS or notes, but it's completely safe and reversible, just return the standard launcher.
π‘
If after installing the theme emoji in Telegram did not change, try in the settings of the messenger to disable the option βUse system emojiβ (Settings β Chat β Emoji).
4. Method 3: Install a custom MIUI theme with an iPhone emoji
The official MIUI theme store offers hundreds of styles, including those that mimic the iOS interface, some of which include Appleβs emoji, a method that is easier than replacing fonts, but doesnβt work on all devices (especially newer models with MIUI 14).
How to find the right topic:
- Open the Themes app on your Xiaomi.
- In the search box, type in the queries: iOS emoji, Apple emoji or iPhone theme.
- Choose a topic with a high rating (4.5+ stars) and read reviews β they often write whether emoji work.
- Download and apply the theme. Reboot the device.
Popular themes with iPhone emoji (2026):
| Title of the topic | Support for emoji | Compatibility with MIUI | Ratings. |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS 16 Dark Mode | Yes (full) | 12β14 | 4.8 |
| Apple Style Emoji | Yes (partial) | 13β14 | 4.6 |
| iPhoney Pro | Yes (keyboard only) | 12β13 | 4.7 |
| iOS 17 Emoji Pack | Yeah (root requires) | 14 | 4.9 |
Note: Many topics change emojis only in the MIUI-Keyboard or system applications. On WhatsApp or Telegram, emoticons may remain standard. Some topics also require unlocking the bootloader or root rights - read the description before installing!
What to do if the topic is not applied?
5. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and to make it easier for you to define, we have compiled a comparative table:
| Method | Difficulty | Need root/ADB? | Works in messengers? | Reversibility | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement of font through ADB | Medium | ADB (no root) | Yes (fully) | Yes. | Failure to display text in some applications |
| Launcher with an iOS theme | Easy. | No. | Partially (depends on the messenger) | Yes. | Minimum |
| MIUI's Custom Theme | Easy. | Sometimes (depending on the topic) | Partially. | Yes. | Conflicts with other topics |
Selection recommendations:
- π§ If you need an iOS emoji in all apps (including WhatsApp and the likes of the app) VK), Choose a replacement font through ADB. This is the most reliable way, but it requires care.
- π± If you want minimal change and aren't willing to take risks, try an iOS theme launcher.It's safe, but emojis won't change everywhere.
- π¨ If you like to experiment with the look, set a custom theme. MIUI. The main thing is to carefully read reviews before installation.
π‘
On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the ADB font replacement method may not work due to changes in the system file structure, in which case, try the launcher or theme method first.
Possible problems and solutions
When you install an iPhone emoji on Xiaomi, there may be errors, and we've collected the most common ones and ways to fix them.
Problem 1: After replacing the font, some applications display characters or Krakozabras.
Decision:
- Clear the cache of the problem application (Settings β Apps β [Application] β Clear the cache).
- If it doesnβt work, return the standard font with the command: adb shell su -c"mount -o rw,remount /system" rm /system/fonts/iOS_Emoji.ttf rm /system/fonts/iOS_Emoji_Color.ttf reboot
Problem 2: Emojis have changed, but Telegram or WhatsApp are still old.
Decision:
Problem 3: After applying the MIUI theme, the phone started to brake.
Decision:
- Remove the theme and return the standard (Settings β Themes β My Themes β Standard).
- Clear the system cache: go to Settings β Memory β Clean.
- If the brakes are left, reset the settings (Settings β Additional β Recovery and Reset β Resetting).
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or Poco) M4 Pro) substitute font through ADB This may result in a loss of warranty if the service center detects changes in system files!
7.How to get back Xiaomi's standard emojis?
If you don't like iOS emojis or have trouble displaying text, you can go back and it depends on what installation method you used.
If you change the font through ADB:
- Connect the phone to your computer and open the command line.
- Follow the commands: adb shell su -c"mount -o rw,remount /system" rm /system/fonts/iOS_Emoji.ttf rm /system/fonts/iOS_Emoji_Color.ttf reboot
- If files are not deleted, check the correct path (possibly fonts are in /product/fonts/ or /vendor/fonts/).
If you have been setting up the MIUI theme:
- Open the Topic app.
- Go to My Themes and select Standard.
- Reset the device.
If you used the launcher:
- Remove the theme in the launcher settings (Nova Launcher β Settings β Theme β Standard).
- If necessary, return the standard MIUI launcher: go to Settings β Applications β Default β Launcher and select System Launcher.
If some apps still display iOS emojis after returning standard fonts, clear their cache and data (Settings β Apps β [Application] β Storage β Clear cache and data) as a last resort, reset (but donβt forget to back up!).