Visual personalization is one of the strengths of MIUI’s shell, allowing users to turn a standard interface into a unique space. Many owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones sooner or later wonder how to change the appearance of applications to move away from the usual factory design. Standard graphic elements may seem boring or simply do not match the aesthetic preferences of the user who wants to stand out.
The process of replacing the application graphical shells does not require deep knowledge of programming or obtaining superuser rights. Modern versions of the Android operating system in conjunction with the MIUI shell or HyperOS provide flexible tools for managing visual style. You can choose the way to install ready-made themes from the official store or go the more difficult way, using third-party launchers for maximum customization.
In this guide, we will discuss all available methods of changing graphics, from simple settings to advanced techniques of working with the computer. APK-It is important to understand the differences between changing the whole theme and replacing individual elements, as this affects the stability of the system and resource consumption. The right approach will allow you to update the appearance of the device, retaining its performance and functionality.
Official method through the Topics app
The easiest and safest way to change the visual design is to use the built-in Theme app, which ensures that all interface elements are compatible, as designers check packages before publishing. To get started, you need to open an application that usually has an icon in the brush or is located in the Tools folder.
After you start the app, go to the Profile section, which is often indicated by the little man icon in the lower right corner, and here you need to find the Topic item in the list of files you have purchased or downloaded. If you haven't downloaded anything yet, go to the search tab and type in a query, such as "iOS style" or "Minimal icons," to find the right options.
The theme you select must be downloaded and click Apply. The system will alert you that wallpaper, lock screen and icon style will be changed. If you are only interested in the graphics of the applications, in some versions of MIUI you can select the option "Theme Settings" and leave a tick only opposite the item "Icons".
The official store offers thousands of options, but it’s worth considering that not all themes support your region. Chinese versions of themes may not display app names in Russian correctly. So when searching, pay attention to other users’ ratings and comments to avoid visual bugs.
Use of third-party launchers
If standard MIUI shell capabilities seem limited, third-party launchers come to the rescue, special desktop replacement apps that completely change the interface logic and look of elements, with Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and Lawnchair being the most popular solutions.
Once you install the launcher from Google Play, the system will suggest you choose it by default, and you will have access to new grid settings, animations and, of course, icon packages. Launchers allow you to use icon packages regardless of the rest of the theme, which gives you tremendous flexibility in setting up.
☑️ Launcher installation
To apply new graphics in the launcher settings, look for the Icon Pack or Style section. Here you can select the installed package or download a new one directly from the built-in store. Many launchers support automatic application of icons from those installed, which greatly simplifies the process.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers on Xiaomi, you may experience problems with control gestures. If the swipes stop working, go to the launcher settings and turn on the option "Use system gestures" or adjust them manually.
Some launchers require additional permissions to allow notifications and widgets to work properly. Once installed, be sure to grant all the rights requested, otherwise the functionality may be curtailed, which is especially important for applications that actively use notifications, such as instant messengers.
Manual installation of icon packets
For advanced users, it is possible to manually install icon packs in APK format. Such files can be found on specialized resources such as XDA Developers or 4PDA. This method allows you to set graphics that are not available in the official Play Market store.
Before installing the downloaded file, you must allow the installation of applications from unknown sources. APK-The file system will redirect you to the security settings where you need to activate the appropriate switch for your browser or file manager.
Once installed, it won’t appear on the desktop as a separate application. To activate it, you need to use the Theme app or the launcher settings again. In the Themes app, go to profile, select the Icons section, and find the manual package installed there.
Where to look for quality icon packs?
Manual installation gives access to exclusive designs, but carries compatibility risks. Icons may not be replaced for all applications at once, as the package may not contain graphics for specific programs, in which case standard icons will remain, which can disrupt visual harmony.
Comparison of personalization methods
The choice of method depends on your goals and level of technical training, each method has its advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered before starting a system modification.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official themes | Low. | Tall. | Medium |
| Third-party launchers | Medium | Tall. | Tall. |
| APK manual installation | Tall. | Medium | Maximum |
| Shift through ADB | Expert | Low. | Maximum |
The official themes are ideal for those who want to quickly update the interface without the risk of errors. Launchers are suitable for users who want to change not only icons, but also the behavior of the desktop.
Remember that installing a large number of graphics elements can take up space in the memory of the device. Periodically clear the cache of the Themes application and remove unused packets to keep the smartphone running.
Advanced customization through ADB
For users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method of replacing system icons through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to implement changes at a deep level without obtaining root rights, but you need to be careful.
The first step is to enable USB debugging in the Developer Menu. If this is hidden, click seven times on the build number in the About Phone section. Once you connect your smartphone to your PC, follow the adb device command to confirm the connection.
adb shell pm grant com.xiaomi.thememanager android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGEThis command (or its counterparts for specific packages) allows you to manage access rights necessary to modify system resources. ADB root-free is restricted to Android security policies. ADB Used to install launchers as system or hide standard components.
⚠️ Attention: Unjustified use of commands ADB To remove system packets can cause a cyclic reboot. Always back up your data before tampering with the system partition.
A safer use case for ADB is to install the launcher as a system application, which allows you to use all its functions, including gestures, without the limitations of MIUI. This uses the adb shell pm install-existing command or installing APK into the system partition through receivers, which already requires an unlocked bootloader.
Solving problems and bugs
In customization, users often find that icons are not applied to all applications, because there is no graphics file for a particular application in the package, and you can solve the problem by creating your own icon through the Shortcut Maker app or similar utilities.
Another common problem is desynchronizing icons after a system update, and updating MIUI or HyperOS can reset the launcher or theme settings, in which case you need to re-apply the theme or activate the icon pack in the launcher settings.
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Use the “Create a Shortcut” function in the launcher settings to manually assign an icon to an application that is not supported by the selected package.
If the phone is slowing down after changing icons, try reducing the number of widgets on your desktop or turning off the live wallpaper. Graphics consume GPU resources, and their overabundance can affect the smoothness of animations, especially on Redmi budget models.
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The most stable result is a combination of the official launcher MIUI and the right theme from the official store, which has been tested by Xiaomi.
In conclusion, replacing icons with Xiaomi is a fascinating process to bring the device to life: Start with simple themes, experiment with launchers, and gradually move on to more sophisticated methods if standard features become insufficient.