How to install iPhone emoji on Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide with a photo

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, we’ll break down 3 working methods (including the root-free option), compare their pros and cons, and tell you how to avoid common bugs. You’ll learn which apps actually work in 2026, how to get around the limitations of MIUI, and even how to get it back if you don’t 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).

πŸ“Š What method of installing an iPhone emoji you are interested in?
Through font replacement (ADB)
With the launcher app
Installation of the MIUI custom theme
I don't know, I'll pick it after reading it.

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 β€œbeat” and fire β€œshimmer”). On Xiaomi, such animation is available only in individual messengers, but with β€œapple” 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 β€œOK” gesture may look different).

  • πŸ”Ή Pros of iPhone emoji: concise design, best animation, universal display.
  • πŸ”Ή Cons: Not all installation methods work on new versions MIUI, Possible bugs in some applications.
  • πŸ”Ή When to change: if you often communicate with iPhone users or just like minimalist style.

⚠️ 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:

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB.
  • πŸ”— [Archive with iOS fonts](https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/ios-emoji-font-for-android.3845667/) (Download the version for your screen resolution).
  • πŸ› οΈ Utility. ADB (can be installed through [Platform Tools](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools)).

Step-by-step:

  1. 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.
  2. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
  3. Unpack your iOS font archive in a folder with ADB (e.g., platform-tools).
  4. 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-->

⚠️ 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:

  • πŸ“² The launcher replaces the standard interface MIUI, including keyboard and display of emojis in some applications.
  • 🎨 You can choose a theme for iOS, which includes not only emoticons, but also icons, fonts, animations.
  • ⚑ 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:

  1. Install Nova Launcher from [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher).
  2. Download an iOS theme (such as iOS 16 Theme or iPhoney) from the Nova theme store.
  3. Go to launcher settings: Long press on desktop β†’ Settings β†’ Appearance β†’ Theme.
  4. 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.

πŸ’‘

If after installing the theme emoji in Telegram did not change, try in the settings of the messenger to disable the option β€œUse system emoji” (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 Apple’s emoji, a method that is easier than replacing fonts, but doesn’t work on all devices (especially newer models with MIUI 14).

How to find the right topic:

  1. Open the Themes app on your Xiaomi.
  2. In the search box, type in the queries: iOS emoji, Apple emoji or iPhone theme.
  3. Choose a topic with a high rating (4.5+ stars) and read reviews – they often write whether emoji work.
  4. Download and apply the theme. Reboot the device.

Popular themes with iPhone emoji (2026):

Title of the topicSupport for emojiCompatibility with MIUIRatings.
iOS 16 Dark ModeYes (full)12–144.8
Apple Style EmojiYes (partial)13–144.6
iPhoney ProYes (keyboard only)12–134.7
iOS 17 Emoji PackYeah (root requires)144.9

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?
If the theme hasn’t changed after installing the emoji, try: 1. Clear the theme app cache (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Themes β†’ Clear the cache). 2. Reboot the phone in Safe Mode (press the power button β†’ Safe Mode), then return to normal mode. 3. Check if the theme conflicts with other modifications (for example, with the previously installed font via ADB).

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:

MethodDifficultyNeed root/ADB?Works in messengers?ReversibilityRisks.
Replacement of font through ADBMediumADB (no root)Yes (fully)Yes.Failure to display text in some applications
Launcher with an iOS themeEasy.No.Partially (depends on the messenger)Yes.Minimum
MIUI's Custom ThemeEasy.Sometimes (depending on the topic)Partially.Yes.Conflicts with other topics

Selection recommendations:

  • πŸ”§ 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.
  • πŸ“± 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.
  • 🎨 If you like to experiment with the look, set a custom theme. MIUI. The main thing is to carefully read reviews before installation.

πŸ’‘

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 doesn’t 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).

    ⚠️ 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:

    1. Connect the phone to your computer and open the command line.
    2. 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
    3. 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:

    1. Open the Topic app.
    2. Go to My Themes and select Standard.
    3. Reset the device.

    If you used the launcher:

    1. Remove the theme in the launcher settings (Nova Launcher β†’ Settings β†’ Theme β†’ Standard).
    2. 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 don’t forget to back up!).

    FAQ: Frequent questions about iPhone emojis on Xiaomi

    ❓ Will the iPhone emoji be displayed in my interlocutors?
    No, the emojis only change on your device, and your interlocutors will display them depending on their operating system. πŸ˜‚ On the iPhone, the recipient will look like a standard iOS emoji, and you – like a modified version of the device.
    ❓ Does the method of replacing the font on Xiaomi work with MIUI 14?
    Yes, but with reservations. On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), the path to fonts has changed. Instead of /system/fonts/ try /system/product/fonts/ or /vendor/fonts/. You may also need to disable dm-verity, which requires unlocking the bootloader.
    ❓ Can I install an iPhone emoji without a computer?
    Yes, but with limitations. You can use an iOS launcher or a MIUI custom theme β€” both methods don't require ADB or root. But you can't completely replace emojis in all applications without a computer.
    ❓ Why after installing an iPhone emoji, some emojis are displayed incorrectly?
    This may be due to font conflict or incomplete file replacement. Try: Delete the installed fonts and repeat the procedure. Use another font archive (for example, from the forum). XDA Developers. Clear the keyboard cache (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Gboard/MIUI Klava β†’ Clear the cache).
    ❓ Can I install animated iPhone emoji on Xiaomi?
    Partially. Full animation (like iMessage) can't be ported to Android, but some launchers and themes mimic effects. For example, Nova Launcher with the iOS 16 theme has animations when you click on an emoji in the keyboard. Full animation in messengers will require root and installation of modified versions of applications.