How to make your icons on Xiaomi: 5 ways to MIUI 14/15

Want to make your Xiaomi stand out among millions of other smartphones? Custom icons are one of the most visible ways to personalize, transforming the interface beyond recognition. Unlike the standard themes from the Mi Theme Store, custom icons allow you to express your personality, from minimalist icons to thematic packs in the style of cyberpunk or retro.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to install your icons on Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and Black Shark – from simple (no root rights) to advanced (with modification of system files). All methods are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and new versions of HyperOS. You will learn what tools you need, how to circumvent system limitations and avoid errors when applying themes.

Important: Not all methods are equally secure. For example, changing system files through ADB can cause you to reset your settings the next MIUI update if you don't follow the backup rules. But don't worry, we'll explain in detail how to minimize the risks.

1. Method: Use of launchers with icon support

The easiest and safest method is to install a third-party launcher, which does not require root rights and works on any Xiaomi model, including the Redmi Note 12 or Poco F5. Launchers replace the standard MIUI Launcher interface, allowing custom icon packs in.apk or.zip format.

The most popular launchers with icon support:

• 🎨 Nova Launcher - flexible settings, support for adaptive icons and gestures. MIUI 14/15.
• 🔧 Apex Launcher – lightweight, with the ability to customize animations and hide applications.
• 🌈 Lawnchair – open source, Pixel Launcher style with icon support.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for performance, supports dynamic icons.

How to install icons through the launcher:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Install a pack of icons (.apk file) – you can find them on sites like Icon Pack Studio or DeviantArt.
3. Open the launcher settings → Appearance → Icon Style and select the downloaded pack.
4. Apply the changes. If the icons don't show up, reboot the launcher.

⚠️ Note: Some icon packs may conflict with Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Browser or Security) in which case the icons will remain standard. The solution is to manually replace them through the launcher settings (Option "Edit the icon").

2. Method: Application of themes through Mi Theme Editor (without root)

If you don’t want to change the launcher, you can integrate your icons directly into the MIUI theme. This will require the official Mi Theme Editor app (available on Google Play for Mi Theme Store-enabled regions), which works on Xiaomi 13, Redmi K60 and other models with MIUI 14+.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Mi Theme Editor.
2. Create a new theme or import a finished one (.mtz file).
3. In the Icons section, upload your images in PNG format (recommended size is 192×192 px).
4. Export the theme and apply it through Settings → Themes.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔄 Icons will only apply to system applications. Third-party programs will require manual replacement.
• 📱 The topic may be reset after the update MIUI.
• 🎭 Not all interface elements support customization (e.g., icons in the notification bar).

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Before creating a theme, check if your Xiaomi model supports the “User Themes” feature in Settings → Additional. On some devices (e.g. Poco X5), this option is disabled by default.

3. Method: Manually changing icons through ADB (for experienced)

For those who are ready to dive into the technical details, there is a method of changing icons through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to replace system files without root rights, but requires accuracy. Suitable for Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 and other models with an unlocked bootloader.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools and Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 Initiated Debugging Mode USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer options).
• 📁.png icon pack with correct file names (e.g. com.android.contacts.png for Contacts app").

Icon replacement commands:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




cp /sdcard/icons/*.png /system/app/[application folder name]/res/drawable/




chmod 644 /system/app/[application folder name]/res/drawable/*.png




reboot

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can lead to bootloop. Before you start, back up the partition. /system through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool. Also note that after the update MIUI change.

4. Method: Install custom icons through Magisk (root)

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can use modules for deep customization of icons. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires root rights and can disrupt MIUI if you do not configure it correctly.

Popular modules for Magisk:

How to install the module:

1. Download the module file (.zip) from the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum.
2. Open Magisk Manager → Modules → Install from storage.
3. Select the downloaded file and wait for the installation.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Modules for Magisk may conflict with updates MIUI. Before installing the update, disable the modules via Magisk → Modules. → Turn everything off to avoid mistakes.

Make a backup copy through TWRP

Check out Magisk version (should be ≥26.0)

Disable the antivirus (it can block the installation)

Download the module from a verified source (XDA, 4PDA)

Check the compatibility of the module with your version MIUI-->

5.The Way: Creating Your Icons from Zero

If you didn't find the right icon pack, why not design your own? You don't have to be a designer -- you just have the basic skills of working with graphic editors. We'll tell you how to make MIUI icons that fit harmoniously into the interface.

Tools for creating icons:

• 🎨 Adobe Illustrator or Figma – for vector icons (scalable without loss of quality).
• 🖌️ GIMP Photoshop – for raster images.
• 📱 Icon Pack Studio (Android) – an application for creating icons directly on your phone.
• 🌐 Canva is a simple online editor with templates.

Requirements for icons for MIUI:

• 📏 Size: 192×192 px (for high screen density).
• 🎭 Format: PNG transparently.
• 🔍 Style: minimalist, no shadows and gradients (as in standard icons) MIUI).
• 📌 Name: Files should be named by the com.name.packet.png template (e.g. com.android.chrome.png for Google Chrome).

Where to get the templates:

• 🔗 Flaticon – Free Icons in the Format SVG/PNG.
• 🔗 Material Icons – Official Google Icons.
• 🔗 Iconfinder – Premium and Free Packs.

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To test your icons, use the Icon Changer app (available on Google Play), which allows you to temporarily replace your icons without making changes to the system.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

1. Icons do not apply to certain applications

Reason: The launcher or theme does not support replacement icons for system applications (e.g. Mi Home or Security).

Solution: Use the launcher with the option “Forced use of icons” (for example, Nova Launcher Prime) or replace the icons manually through ADB.

2.After the MIUI update, the icons dropped

Reason: Updates overwrite system files, including custom icons.

Solution: Save a backup of the icon pack and repeat the procedure after the update. For Magisk modules, disable them before upgrading.

3.Icons are displayed blurryly

Reason: Incorrect size or resolution of images.

Solution: Use 192×192 px icons for high-pixel density (400+ PPI) screens. Use the DevCheck app to check the screen density.

4. Can't install the theme through Mi Theme Editor

Reason: Region restrictions (Mi Theme Store blocked in some countries)

Solution: Change the region in your phone settings to India or China (via Settings → Additional → Region).

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If after applying themes, some interface elements (such as icons in the notification panel) remained standard, try clearing the theme app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Themes → Storage → Clear cache).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions