Why iPhone emojis look different β and how to transfer them to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Have you ever noticed how emojis on iPhones look brighter, more modern and just βcoolerβ than standard emojis on Android? Apple regularly updates the design of its emojis, adding details, animations and even hidden shades (for example, the emojis). π On iOS, the eyes are slightly squinted, and on most Android devices they are wide open. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 know firsthand that standard emojis are not very familiar with the fact that the owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 are not familiar with the fact that the standard emojis. MIUI It is often simplified or even outdated compared to iOS.
Fortunately, moving emojis from iPhone to Android is a real challenge, and it can be solved in several ways, from simple keyboard installation to deep system font replacement. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including root-free options for advanced users. Importantly, not all methods are equally safe, and some can affect the stability of the system - so we will describe the risks in detail and give recommendations for each method.
Before you start, check the MIUI version on your Redmi Note 9 (path: Settings β About Phone β MIUI version). This depends on the compatibility of some solutions. Also note that after the system update, you may need to repeat the procedure.
Method 1: Install the keyboard with an iOS emoji (the easiest method)
If you want an iPhone-like emoji when typing (not all apps), you just need to install a dedicated keyboard, which doesn't require root rights, doesn't affect system files, and is reversible -- you can go back in two clicks.
The best keyboards for iOS emoji on Android:
- πΉ iFont β Emoji Keyboard: Free Keyboard with Full iOS Emoji 15/16, Support for themes and gestures.
- πΉ Kika Emoji Keyboard: More than 3,000 Apple-style emojis, including animated ones.There's a emoji prediction feature.
- πΉ Emoji Keyboard β Cute Emoticons: lightweight keyboard with the ability to customize the size of emoticons.
How to determine:
- Download the selected keyboard from Google Play.
- Go to Settings β System β Language and input β Virtual keyboard.
- Activate the new keyboard and set it by default.
- In the keyboard settings, select the theme βiOS Emojiβ or similar.
β οΈ Note: Some keyboards (like Kika) request access to your messages to βimprove predictions.β Disable this option in the app settings if youβre concerned about privacy.
Method 2: Replacement of the system font emoji without root (for MIUI 12-14)
If the keyboard isn't enough, you can replace the system emoji font with a Redmi Note 9 without getting root rights. MIUI 12-14 and requires installation APK-Important: once the system is updated, you'll have to repeat the procedure.
Instructions:
- Download the archive with the font iOS Emoji for MIUI (for example, XDA Developers. Popular versions: π iOS 16 Emoji Font (Relevant for iOS) MIUI 13β14) π Twitter Emoji (Twemoji) is an open source alternative
.apk
EmojiFontMIUI.apk
Settings β Applications β Special access β Installation of unknown applications
annexes
| Font emoji | Compatibility with MIUI | Need root? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS 16 Emoji | 12β14 | β No. | They may be reset after the update. |
| Twemoji (Twitter) | 11β14 | β No. | Some emojis are different from iOS |
| Samsung One UI Emoji | 12β13 | β No. | Design isn't identical to iOS |
β οΈ Attention: Installation of third-party APK-file may cause conflicts with system updates. Before the procedure, back up your data through Settings β Additionally. β Backup and reset.
Download the correct font version for your MIUI| Backup important data | Allow installation from unknown sources |Reboot phone after installation-->
Method 3: Manual editing of system files (root required)
To completely replace the system-level emoji, root rights are required, a method that is suitable for advanced users, as it involves editing system files, which can cause the phone to fail if it fails, but the result will be identical to iOS in all applications, including system notifications.
What you need:
- π§ Root access (for example, via Magisk)
- π± Root Explorer (Root Explorer or Mixplorer)
- π₯ Archive with iOS fonts (e.g. NotoColorEmoji.ttf or AppleColorEmoji.ttf)
Step-by-step:
- Download the archive with iOS fonts (such as GitHub) and unpack it.
- Open Root Explorer and go to /system/fonts/.
- Find the files: NotoColorEmoji.ttf EmojiCompat.ttf and rename them to NotoColorEmoji.ttf.bak and EmojiCompat.ttf.bak (these are backups).
- Copy your iOS font files into /system/fonts/.
- Set access rights 644 (rw-r----) for new files.
- Reboot the phone.
If the emojis havenβt changed after the reboot, clear the cache of the system applications (Settings β Applications β Application Management β Three Points β Clear the cache of all applications).
What if the phone does not turn on after replacing the fonts?
Method 4: Using a Magisk module (for root users)
If you already have Magisk installed, the safest way to replace an emoji is to use a pre-built module, which automates the process and reduces the risk of errors. MIUI 12-14 on the Redmi Note 9.
The best Magisk modules for iOS emoji:
- π¨ iOS 16 Emoji Magisk Module β a complete replacement of fonts and emoji on the latest versions from Apple.
- π¨ Twemoji Magisk β Twitter-style emoji (open source alternative to iOS).
- π¨ Samsung One UI Emoji β if you want emojis like Samsung (not iOS, but more modern than standard ones).
How to determine:
- Download the module (a file with the.zip extension) from XDA Developers or GitHub.
- Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
- Click Install from Storage β select the downloaded file.
- Reboot the phone.
β οΈ Note: Before installing the module, check its compatibility with your version. MIUI. Some modules may conflict with Xiaomiβs shell, causing system applications to crash (e.g. com.android.systemui).
π‘
Before installing the Magisk module, back up your current firmware via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery, which will allow you to roll back to the working version if something goes wrong.
Method 5: Applications for replacing emoji without root (alternative solutions)
If you don't want to risk system files, but you don't have enough keyboards, there are apps that replace emojis on the fly in certain messengers, and they work as an add-on to standard emojis and don't require root.
Top.-3 applications:
- π² Emoji Changer: Replaces Emoji in WhatsApp, Telegram and other SMS iOS style. Works through accessibility (must be enabled in settings).
- π² Textra SMS: SMS-Messenger with support for customization of emoji (including the style of iOS).
- π² Z Font 3 (iOS Emoji): Changes fonts and emojis in selected apps without rooting.
How to set up Emoji Changer:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Go to Settings β Special Features β Emoji Changer and turn on the service.
- Select the style of βiOS 16β in the application settings.
- Add messengers to the list of supported applications.
Limitations of the method:
- β It does not work in all apps (for example, Instagram or Instagram). VK Emojis will remain standard).
- β Can cause lags when typing in large chat rooms.
- β Requires constant operation of the service in the background (consumes battery).
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To help you make your point, we've compiled a comparison table of all ways, and keep in mind that safety and stability are more important than the look of emojis - especially if you're using the Redmi Note 9 for work.
| Method | Need root? | Works everywhere? | Risks. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard with iOS emoji | β No. | β Only when recruiting | Low. | β |
| Replacement of font without root | β No. | β Yes. | Medium (may reset) | ββ |
| Manual file editing | β Yes. | β Yes. | High (brick risk) | ββββ |
| Magisk module | β Yes. | β Yes. | Medium (depending on the module) | βββ |
| Add-ons | β No. | β Partially. | Low. | ββ |
Selection recommendations:
- πΉ If you only need emojis in messengers β Use the keyboard or Emoji Changer.
- πΉ If you want a full replacement in all applications without root β try out APK-Typeface (but be prepared to repeat after updates).
- πΉ If you have root and experience β Magisk module or manual replacement will give the best result.
π‘
The most secure and versatile method for most users is to install a keyboard with an iOS emoji. It doesn't require root, doesn't affect the system, and rolls back easily.