How to make emoticons on Xiaomi as on iPhone: 5 proven ways

If you've moved from iPhone to Xiaomi and are used to Apple's emoji style, standard Android emojis may not seem as expressive. Apple emojis are more rounded, with soft shadows and unique details (for example, the face of a smiley face with “tumbs” on the cheeks or a heart with a gradient). MIUI, Visually simpler and less detailed.

Fortunately, there are several ways to replace Xiaomi emojis (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, and others) with those used in iOS 16/17. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from simple keyboard change to deep modification of the system fonts. Importantly, some methods require root rights or install third-party applications, so assess the risks and compatibility with your version of MIUI in advance.

Before you start, check the Android and MIUI version on your device: go to Settings → About Phone, which will help you avoid conflicts when installing modifications. Also note that after the system update, some changes may reset — they will have to be re-used.

1.Installation of the keyboard with an emoji from Apple

The easiest and safest way is to use a keyboard that supports iOS-style emojis.This method doesn't require root and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10 and the like. POCO F4. Cons: Emoji will only be displayed correctly in messengers, where they are sent as pictures (for example, in WhatsApp or Telegram (SMS, Notes) they will remain standard.

The best options for keyboards:

🔹 iFont Emoji Keyboard – Free Keyboard with support for iOS emoji 16/17, customizable themes and gestures. Available on Google Play.
🔹 Emoji Keyboard Pro – a paid version with an expanded set of emojis and the ability to export to other applications.
🔹 Gboard with modified emojis – requires manual installation APK-file (see instructions below).

How to determine:

Download. APK-Keyboard file (e.g. iFont Emoji Keyboard) and install it by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications).
Activate the keyboard in Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
In the keyboard settings, select the iOS emoji theme (usually called “Apple Style” or “iOS 16”).

⚠️ Note: Some keyboards (e.g. iFont) may collect data about your messages. → Annexes → Permits and disable access to contacts or SMS, unless required.

📊 What keyboard do you use on Xiaomi?

Gboard (Google)

SwiftKey

iFont/Sogo

Another.

Standard MIUI

2. Replacement of system fonts without root (method for MIUI 12-14)

If you want emojis to be displayed everywhere (including system apps), you’ll need to replace the fonts. MIUI. This can be done without root, but you will need to unlock the bootloader and install a modified Recovery (TWRP). The method works on most Xiaomi devices with Snapdragon processors (e.g. Redmi). K50, Xiaomi 12T).

Step-by-step:

Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-14 days).
Install TWRP Recovery for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
Download the archive with iOS fonts for MIUI (for example, MiuiFonts in Telegram).
Reboot to TWRP, backup the section. /system/font, then stitch ZIP-font-box.

Once rebooted, the emoji will change across all applications, including SMS, Contacts and the Browser, but there are risks:

🚨 Display artifacts are possible in some apps (such as Instagram or Instagram). VK).
🚨 After updating MIUI The fonts will be reset - you will have to repeat the procedure.

☑️ Preparation for font replacement

Make a backup of data (Mi Cloud or PC)Check the compatibility of TWRP with the modelDownload the correct version of fonts (iOS 16 or 17)Charge your phone at least 50%

Done: 0 / 4

3.Use of Magisk and iFont module

If your Xiaomi already has Magisk installed (to get root), the most reliable way is to use the iFont module. This method ensures that the emoji display correctly in all applications, including system ones, suitable for Android 10-14 devices.

Instructions:

Install Magisk (if not already installed) via TWRP or boot.img patch.
Download the iFont for Magisk module.
Install the module through Magisk Manager (Modules → Install from storage).
Reset the device.

After application of the module:

📱 Emojis will change in all apps, including Chrome and Google Messages.
🔄 You can easily go back to standard fonts by disabling the module in Magisk.
⚡ Does not affect performance (unlike replacing fonts through a TWRP).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14 iFont module may conflict with system updates. Before installing updates, temporarily disable the module.

What if the emojis have not changed after the iFont installation?

Check if the module is active in Magisk (Modules section). If so, clear the app cache in Settings → Apps → App management → Cash. Also try restarting the phone twice in a row.

4. Manual editing of system files (for advanced)

This is a tool that works for those who are willing to work with ADB and edit system files, and it allows you to replace the emoji selectively without affecting the other fonts, and you need root or TWRP.

Steps:

Connect Xiaomi to your PC and activate Debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to enable Developer Mode, then Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB).
Download the archive with Apple Color Emoji fonts (e.g., from here).
Using ADB Shell or Root Explorer, copy the files of AppleColorEmoji.ttf and AppleColorEmoji@2x.ttf to /system/fonts/.
Change the access rights to 644 (readable for all, record only for the owner).
Reset the device.

Teams for ADB:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




cp /sdcard/AppleColorEmoji.ttf /system/fonts/




chmod 644 /system/fonts/AppleColorEmoji.ttf




reboot

This method provides maximum control, but requires caution:

🔧 An access rights error can lead to bootloop (a looped boot).
🔧 Not all apps support external emoji fonts (for example, Facebook Messenger may ignore them).

💡

Before editing system files, make a full backup via TWRP or adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab. This will allow you to restore the system in the event of a failure.

5. Apps for replacing emoji without root

If you don't want to risk system stability, you can use applications that replace emojis on the fly, they work as overlays and don't require changes to system files.

Top.-3 applications:

🎨 Emoji Changer – replaces emoji in real time, supports the styles of iOS, Samsung and Twitter.
🎨 Textra SMS — Messenger with customizable emoji (you can choose the style of Apple).
🎨 ZFont 3 – allows you to install fonts and emoji without root, but requires MIUI 12+.

How to set up Emoji Changer:

Install the app from Google Play.
Select the iOS 16/17 style in the settings.
Activate the availability service (Settings → Special features → Emoji Changer).
Restart messengers to make changes take effect.

Limitations:

🚫 In some applications (for example, Viber), emojis may not be displayed correctly.
🚫 It works only in those instant messengers where emojis are loaded as images (not system ones).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To help you decide, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method. Consider your Xiaomi model, MIUI version and risk-awareness.

Method	Need root?	Support for all applications	Difficulty	Risks.
Keyboard (iFont, Gboard)	❌ No.	❌ Only in messengers.	⭐⭐ (simple)	Minimum (the application may collect data)
Replacement of fonts through TWRP	✅ Yes (unlock the loader)	✅ Yes.	⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)	Reset after update, artifacts possible
Magisk + iFont module	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)	Conflicts with MIUI updates
Manual editing through ADB	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)	High (bootloop risk)
Applications (Emoji Changer)	❌ No.	❌ Partially.	⭐ (simple)	Lags in messengers

Important: On Xiaomi devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi 9, POCO M3), unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP is often impossible due to the manufacturer’s closed policy, in which case only root-free methods (keyboard or applications) remain.

💡

For most users, the best option is the iFont keyboard or the Magisk module, which strikes a good balance between the outcome and the risks.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing emoji with Xiaomi, you may have errors. Here's how to fix them:

Problem 1: Emojis are displayed as squares (□) question-mark.

🔹 Check if the app supports external fonts (e.g. WhatsApp supports and supports a SMS MIUI — no).
🔹 If you've used TWRP, Make sure the font files are copied to the correct folder (/system/font).
🔹 For Magisk: Update the iFont module to the latest version.

Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the emojis reset.

🔹 It's normal, system updates overwrite fonts. Repeat the replacement procedure.
🔹 For Magisk: Disable the iFont module before upgrading, then turn it on again.

Problem 3: Some messengers make emojis look different than others.

🔹 Apps like Telegram or Signal use their own emoji fonts, and you can only change them through modified versions. APK.
🔹 On Instagram and Facebook, emojis are often displayed in the style of the platform, regardless of the system settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can I return the standard emoji after replacement?

If you used Magisk, just turn off iFont. If you replaced fonts with TWRP, swipe through the original /system/font partition backup. For keyboards, return the standard in the input settings.

Will the iOS emojis be displayed in my interlocutors?

No, your interlocutors will see the emoji in the style that supports their device, for example, if you send them a message. ❤️ From the iFont keyboard, it's going to be like Apple's standard heart on the iPhone, and Samsung's going to be like Samsung's emoji.

Does this method work on the POCO F5 and Redmi Note 12 Pro+?

Yes, but with reservations: 🔹 Nana POCO F5 (Snapdragon 7+) You can use Magisk or a replacement through TWRP. 🔹 On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (MediaTek Dimensity unlocking the bootloader is often blocked – only methods without root (keyboard or Emoji Changer) remain).

Can you change your emoji only on WhatsApp?

Yes, for that: Set your keyboard with an iOS emoji (like iFont). On WhatsApp, set that keyboard as your primary (Chat Settings → Keyboard). Emojis will be sent as images, and your interlocutors will see them in an Apple-style way (if their device supports such display).

Why have some characters not changed since iFont?

It's related to the fact that: 🔹 Not all Unicode characters are supported by Apple fonts (for example, rare flags or new emojis from iOS 17). 🔹 Some apps (such as Gmail) ignore system fonts and use their own fonts. 🔹 If you used the iFont module for Magisk, try clearing the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Cash).