How to change the icons on Xiaomi on your own: 5 proven ways

Standard MIUI icons on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones can get bored quickly, especially if you’re looking for a unique design. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to replace them: from simple themes from the official store to deep customization through ADB or third-party launchers. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and popular models from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. For example, changing system files through ADB can cause failures if you do not follow the instructions. On the other hand, using themes or launchers are the only methods that do not require root rights and do not affect the warranty. We will describe each option in detail so that you can choose the best one for your model and level of training.

1. Replacement of icons through official MIUI themes

Xiaomi offers thousands of free and paid icon packages that change in a few clicks, and works on all devices with MIUI 11 and newer, including the POCO F5 or Redmi K60.

To apply a new theme:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
• 🔍 In the search box, type a query, such as "minimalism icons" or "flat icons".
• 🎨 Select your favorite theme and click Apply. The system will automatically replace icons, wallpaper and fonts (if included in the package).
• ⚙️ For fine-tuning, go to Settings. → Registration → Themes and disable unnecessary items (e.g., changing fonts).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require root rights or ADB.
• ✅ It works on all Xiaomi, Redmi models, POCO.
• ✅ You can return standard icons in one click.

⚠️ Note: Some themes may contain ads or plugins that slow down the system. Before installing, read reviews from other users in the theme store.

2. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If the built-in themes aren't enough, you can install an alternative launcher from Google Play, popular options are Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Hyperion Launcher, which allow you not only to change the icons, but also customize animations, gestures and desktop layout.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the default launcher.
2. Download a pack of icons (such as Whicons, Fluxo or CandyCons) from the store.
3. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings → Style of icons.
4. Select the downloaded package and apply the changes.

Comparison of popular launchers:

Nova Launcher Prime offers advanced features like creating gesture folders or hiding apps. If you want maximum customization, this launcher is the best choice for Xiaomi.

3. Manually modifying icons via ADB (no root)

For advanced users who want to replace system icons without root rights, the method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is suitable. This method works on MIUI 12-14, but requires caution - incorrect commands can lead to failures.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
4. Open the command line in the ADB folder and do:

adb shell pm list packages | grep launcher

This command will show the name of the system launcher (usually com.miui.home), then you need to replace the icons in the launcher folder, but this will require:

• 📁 Download the icon package in.png format with resolution 192×192.
• 🔄 Use it. ADB push to upload files to /data/local/tmp.
• 🔧 To issue rights to record via adb shell chmod 777.

⚠️ Note: Replacement of system icons through ADB Before experimenting, back up your data via adb backup or Mi Cloud.

4. Replace icons with root rights

If you have a bootloader unlocked and Magisk installed, you can edit system files directly, a method that gives you maximum freedom but is unwarranted and can lead to a device blinking when errors occur.

Instructions for devices with MIUI:

1. Install Root Explorer or Mixplorer with superuser rights.
2. Go to /system/app/Launcher or /system/priv-app/Launcher (the path depends on the version of MIUI).
3. Find icon files (usually in.png format inside res/drawable).
4. Replace them with your files, retaining the original names and permissions.
5. Reset the device.

Safety recommendations:

• 🔄 Always backup the original files.
• 🛡️ Check the file access rights (must be rw-r)--r--).
• 📱 Use it. TWRP Create a full backup system before changes.

Example of the icon folder structure in MIUI 14:

/system/priv-app/Launcher/Launcher.apk/res/drawable-xxxhdpi/


- ic_launcher_calendar.png




- ic_launcher_contacts.png




- ic_launcher_settings.png

💡

If the icons are blurred after replacing, check their resolution. For MIUI, the optimal size is 192×192 pixels with a transparent background (PNG).

5.Creating your own icon package for MIUI

If you want unique icons, you can create your own package and upload it to the system.

• 🎨 Graphics Editor (Photoshop, GIMP or Figma).
• 📦 Tool for packing themes (MIUI Theme Editor).
• 📱 Phone with MIUI test.

Creation process:

1. Download the icon template for MIUI (e.g. from xiaomi.eu).
2. Edit each icon according to your design (size: 192×192, format: PNG).
3. Use MIUI Theme Editor to pack icons into a.mtz file.
4. Upload the theme to your phone through Settings → Design → Local Themes.

Popular styles of icons for MIUI:

• 🖼️ Minimalism – monochromatic icons without shadows.
• 🎨 Gradient - smooth transitions of flowers.
• 📐 Geometry – strict shapes and angles.
• 🌈 Neumorphism – soft shadows and volume.

💡

Creating your own theme is the only way to get unique icons that don’t repeat themselves to other users, but it takes time and graphics skills.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing icons with Xiaomi, there may be errors. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Icons don’t change after the theme is applied.

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🧹 Clear the launcher cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Clear the cache.
• 📥 Check if your version supports it. MIUI Theme selected (some topics only work on the subject) MIUI 13+).

Problem 2: After using ADB, the launcher stopped working.

• 🔧 Run adb shell pm clear com.miui.home to reset settings.
• 📥 Reinstall the launcher via adb install (download). APK APKMirror).
• 🔄 If nothing helps, reset your settings through Recovery.

Problem 3: Icons are displayed blurry or incorrectly sized.

• 📏 Make sure that the icons are allowed — 192×192 pixel.
• 🎨 Save files in format PNG transparently.
• 🔄 Restart your phone after replacing it.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions