How to put emojis like on iPhone on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: 3 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 9C emojis are the default emoji set from Google, which is markedly different from Apple iOS. If you prefer rounded, bright and "puffy" emojis from your iPhone, they can be installed on your smartphone. But it's important to understand that this is not just replacing pictures, but tampering with system files or using third-party apps.

In this article, we will discuss three proven methods:

1. Installation through third-party keyboards (the easiest and safest way).

2. Replacement of fonts with emoji without root rights (requires accuracy).

3. Manual editing of system files (only for experienced users with an unlocked bootloader).

Each method has its pros and cons, from installation speed to the risk of disrupting the system, and choose the option based on your skills and willingness to experiment.

Method 1: Install the keyboard with an iOS emoji (without root)

The easiest and safest way is to use a third-party keyboard that supports iOS-style emojis, a method that doesn’t require superuser rights and is suitable even for beginners.

The most popular applications for this task:

  • πŸ”Ή Kika Keyboard – has built-in iOS emoji pack, supports themes and gestures.
  • πŸ”Ή Fleksy – lightweight keyboard with the ability to choose the style of smiley.
  • πŸ”Ή Gboard (Google) – Alternative emoji styles can be enabled in the settings (but not iOS directly).
  • πŸ”Ή SwiftKey – allows you to install additional emoji packages through the theme store.

Step-by-step instructions for Kika Keyboard (as in Redmi 9C):

  1. Download Kika Keyboard from Google Play.
  2. Open the application and follow the setup wizard. Allow access to the keyboard in Settings β†’ System β†’ Language and input β†’ Virtual keyboard.
  3. In Kika settings, go to Themes β†’ Emoji and select the iOS Style package.
  4. Activate the keyboard in any messenger (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram) and check the display of emojis.

⚠️ Note: Some messengers (for example, Viber) can automatically change the style of emoji to your own, in which case the emoji will appear in the style of iOS only for you, and the recipient – in the standard form.

πŸ“Š What keyboard do you use on Xiaomi?
Gboard
SwiftKey
Kika Keyboard
Fleksy
Another.
Standard MIUI

Method 2: Replace fonts with emojis via Magisk (without root, but with bootloader unlocking)

If you don't want to install third-party keyboards, you can replace the system fonts with emojis with those from iOS.

  • πŸ“± Unlocked bootloader on Redmi 9C (guideline).
  • πŸ”§ Installed Magisk (for module management without full root).
  • πŸ“ iOS Emoji Font Module for Magisk.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

On Xiaomi Redmi 9C (an angelica model), unlocking is done through the official Mi Unlock Tool app:

  1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings β†’ Xiaomi account.
  2. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings β†’ About Phone).
  3. Activate. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB In Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  4. Download Mi Unlock Tool, connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down) and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone! be sure to back up via Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.

Step 2: Installation of Magisk and Emoji Module

After unlocking:

  1. Install Magisk via custom recovery (e.g. TWRP).
  2. Download the iOS Emoji Font module (for example, from here).
  3. Install the module via Magisk Manager and restart the phone.

Backup data |Unlock bootloader |Install Magisk | Download iOS Emoji Font |Reboot phone-->

Result:

After the reboot, all emojis on the system (including keyboard, messengers and browser) will be displayed in the style of iOS. However, some apps (such as Instagram or Facebook) can ignore the system fonts and show their emojis.

What to do if the emojis have not changed?
If the smileys remain the same after installing the module, check: 1. Is the module installed correctly (Magisk Manager should have green status). 2. Does not override the settings of any application (for example, a keyboard or messenger). 3. Try clearing the cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ [Keyboard name] β†’ Clear the cache. If the problem persists, try another module, like iFont (requires root).

Method 3: Manual replacement of system files (for power users only)

This method involves a complete replacement of system font files and requires:

  • πŸ”“ Root rights (full access to the system).
  • πŸ› οΈ Ability to work with ADB file manager with root access (e.g. Root Explorer).
  • πŸ“‚ Backup of original files (in case of error).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download the archive with iOS fonts (e.g. from here). You need NotoColorEmoji.ttf and AppleColorEmoji.ttf files.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and use the ADB or file manager to copy files to /system/fonts/.
  3. Change the file permissions: chmod 644 /system/fonts/AppleColorEmoji.ttf
  4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly replacing system files can lead to bootloop (cyclical phone reboot).If you are not sure about your actions, use Method 1 or 2.

MethodDifficultyNeed root?Risk to the systemCompatibility with messengers
third-party keyboard⭐ (simple)❌ No.⚠️ Low.βœ… Partially (depends on the messenger)
Magisk + module⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)⚠️ Partially (Magisk)⚠️⚠️ Medium.βœ… Almost complete.
Manual font replacement⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)βœ… Yes.⚠️⚠️⚠️ High-pitchedβœ… Complete.

πŸ’‘

For most Redmi 9C users, the best solution is to install a third-party keyboard (Method 1).

Problems and Solutions: Why Do Smileys Not Change?

Even after successfully installing an iOS-style emoji, you may run into problems.

1. The smileys are displayed correctly only for me, and the recipient is not.

This is normal behavior! Most messengers (including WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) replace emojis with server ones. Solution: Use a sticker-enabled keyboard (for example, you can send iOS-style stickers to Telegram).

2 After the fonts are replaced, some characters are displayed with squares.

This means that the font does not support all characters Solution: Install additional font via iFont or return the original files.

3.The phone stopped booting after the system files were replaced.

If you encounter bootloop, try booting into recovery mode (press Power + Volume up) and restoring backup via TWRP. If there is no backup, you will have to refashion the phone through the Mi Flash Tool.

πŸ’‘

Before any manipulation of system files, check if your Redmi 9C model has custom firmware with iOS emojis already built in. For example, firmware based on Pixel Experience often includes alternative smiley styles.

How to return standard emojis to Xiaomi Redmi 9C?

If you don’t like the result or have problems, you can return the original emoji in the following ways:

For Method 1 (keyboard):

  • πŸ”„ Return the standard keyboard MIUI In Settings β†’ System system β†’ Language and input β†’ Virtual keyboard.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Remove the third-party keyboard via Settings β†’ Annexes.

For Method 2 (Magisk):

  1. Open Magisk Manager.
  2. Go to the Modules section.
  3. Find the iOS Emoji Font module and remove it (swipe left).
  4. Reboot the phone.

For Method 3 (manual replacement):

If you backed up your files to /system/fonts/, restore them via Root Explorer or ADB. If you don’t have a copy, reflash your phone via Fastboot:

fastboot flash system system.img


fastboot reboot

Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them

Any changes to system files carry potential risks. On the Xiaomi Redmi 9C, this could lead to:

  • 🚨 Loss of warranty (if bootloader unlocked).
  • πŸ”„ Bootloop (Cyclical Reboot).
  • πŸ“΅ Unstable operation of messengers or keyboard.

How do you minimize the risks?

  1. Always make a full backup through TWRP or Mi PC Suite.
  2. Use proven sources to download fonts and modules (e.g. XDA Developers).
  3. Before replacing system files, check their compatibility with your version of MIUI.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 12/13 for Redmi 9C Anti-Rollback protection can work, which blocks changes to the system partition. Before experimenting, check if your firmware supports modifications.

How to check MIUI and Anti-Rollback?
1. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version. 2. Remember the build number (e.g. V12.0.4.0.QCFMIXM). 3. Check the list of supported versions for modifications on the Xiaomi.EU forum. If your version is marked as ARB 4+, changes to system files may result in a bootloader block!

FAQ: Frequent questions about iOS emojis on Xiaomi

Can I put smileys like on an iPhone without rooting and unlocking the bootloader?
Yes, but only through third-party keyboards (Method 1). Complete replacement of emojis in a system without root is impossible, since font files are protected.
Will iOS emojis be displayed in my interlocutors?
No, people will see smileys in the style that their device or messenger supports, for example, WhatsApp brings all emojis to a single standard.
Can I install animated emojis like on an iPhone?
Redmi 9C does not have hardware support for Animoji/Memoji, but you can use alternatives like Telegram stickers or Bitmoji app.
After the fonts were replaced, some characters stopped working. How do you fix them?
Chances are, the iOS font doesn't support all Unicode characters. Try: Install an additional font via iFont. Return the original NotoColorEmoji.ttf. Use a keyboard with advanced character support (e.g. Gboard).
How to make a backup copy before changes?
For Redmi 9C, it is recommended to: Create a backup using MIUI Backup (Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup and Reset). Copy /system/fonts/ on your PC (if you plan to manually replace it), install TWRP Recovery and take a full system snapshot (Nandroid Backup).