How to change icons on Xiaomi: changing the interface

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones offer users a huge personalization experience that goes far beyond simply installing wallpaper. One of the most effective ways to make the device unique is to replace standard graphical interface elements. Visual identification of the gadget allows not only to stand out from other users, but also to improve the ergonomics of the perception of information on the screen.

The procedure for changing the appearance of applications on devices with MIUI shells and the new HyperOS is implemented with a lot of flexibility, but it requires understanding the work of system components. You do not need to have superuser rights or unlock the bootloader to achieve the desired result. There are standard tools, as well as proven methods using third-party software.

In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can transform your desktop, learn about the nuances of the built-in theme store, the features of installing third-party launchers and methods for manually replacing graphics files. Deep customization is available to anyone who is willing to spend a little time learning the settings of their smartphone.

Theme capabilities in MIUI and HyperOS

The easiest and safest way to change the look of icons is to use the built-in Themes app, which is integrated deep into the shell and allows you to apply complex design changes without risking disruption to the system’s stability. The official catalog contains thousands of design options created by both the company and independent designers from around the world.

To access the functionality, you need to run the Themes app on the home screen or in the Tools folder. At the bottom of the interface, there is a navigation bar where you should select the Profile tab (usually denoted by a person icon). The menu that opens you need to find the Icons item, which displays all available character sets that can be applied to the current topic or used independently.

It is important to note that some icon sets may be paid or require a Xiaomi Premium subscription. However, there is also plenty of free content. When choosing a set, the system will offer to apply it to all applications or only to select ones. The flexibility of customization allows you to combine different styles to create a unique visual range.

• 🎨 A huge selection of styles: from minimalism to complex 3D-charting.
• 🔄 Possibility to preview changes before final application.
• ⚙️ Automatic update of sets when new versions are released.

⚠️ Note: When downloading themes from third-party sources (not through the official application), there is a risk of installing malicious code. Use only proven resources and carefully read the reviews of other users before installing.

Once you have a new set of icons, the changes take effect instantly, and if you don't like the result, you can go back to the standard view on the same menu by selecting "Default" or resetting the theme to factory settings, and the standard method is ideal for those who value stability and don't want to load the device with additional processes.

Using third-party launchers for complete freedom

If the built-in MIUI shell capabilities aren’t enough, third-party launchers will come to the rescue. These apps completely replace the standard desktop, providing advanced functionality for managing icons, widgets and animations. The alternative shell often offers finer adjustments to grid, sizes and indentations.

Popular solutions are Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher. Once you install such an application from the Google Play store, you need to give it permissions. The system can warn you several times about the potential risks of replacing a standard launcher - this is a standard Android protection that you can ignore if you trust the developer.

Third-party launcher settings usually have a "Look" or "Icons" section, where you can select a pre-made character pack from installed applications or download a new one. Customization peaks when you can change the shape, size and even the click animation for each item separately.

It is worth considering that using a third-party launcher can consume more battery and RAM resources than the standard solution. Xiaomi system optimization is sharpened for the native interface, so when installing heavy launchers, micro-latency when unlocking or switching windows is possible.

• 🚀 Advanced animation and transitions between screens.
• 📂 Flexible folder management and grouping of applications.
• 🖌️ Support for almost any graphical icon file formats.

⚠️ Note: Some launcher features, such as gestures or Always On Display, may conflict with HyperOS system features.

Manual replacement of icons through file manager

For advanced users who want to manually replace a particular application’s graphics, there is a direct file management method that requires careful understanding of the structure of the Android file system, and direct replacement allows you to use any images, even if there is no ready-made thematic set for them.

To start, you'll need a PNG image with a transparent background, preferably a resolution that matches the pixel density of your screen (usually 192×192 or 512×512), and you can create it in a graphics editor or download it online.

The next step is to install an icon-change app, like X Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker, which creates a shortcut on the desktop that visually replaces the original, and it's important to understand that it's not the file that changes the application, but the shortcut.

The path to setup: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select an application] → Labels

In some cases, especially on older versions of Android, it was possible to replace files directly in the system folder /system/media/theme/default, but on modern devices with HyperOS this requires unlocking the bootloader and Root rights, which is highly discouraged for ordinary users due to the risk of losing warranty.

• 🖼️ The ability to use any images from the gallery.
• 🔧 Spot replacement without affecting the rest of the interface.
• 📱 Creating unique shortcuts for frequently used functions.

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When you create a shortcut through a third-party app, the original app icon in the All Apps menu will remain unchanged.

Adaptive icons in Android 12-14

Since Android 12, Google has introduced a "Material You" system that dynamically changes the colors of the interface depending on the wallpaper chosen, a feature that has made its way to Xiaomi devices, and while the icons remain standard, their color gamut can adapt to the overall style of the system.

To activate this feature, go to Settings and select Wallpaper and Personalization, where you will find the option Color Scheme, and enable it, you will allow the system to generate a palette based on your background. Dynamic colors affect not only icons, but also widgets, settings panels and menus.

However, if you want to change the shape (e.g. make all icons round or square), in MIUI it often depends on the theme you choose. In pure Android (AOSP), the form is set by the system, but launchers can override this parameter.

The use of adaptive icons ensures visual integrity of the interface; the harmonious combination of colors reduces visual noise and makes working with a smartphone more enjoyable; however, for fans of radical changes, the Material You color scheme may seem too conservative.

Compatibility issues and display bugs

When actively customizing, users often find that new icons are not applied to all applications at once. Some programs, especially system utilities or bank clients, may ignore specified styles.

A common problem is that you have a standard green android instead of a beautiful picture, which means that the chosen set of themes simply does not have a graphic file for that particular application, and you can solve this by finding a universal set of icons or creating a manual shortcut, as described above.

There are also possible errors after the HyperOS system update. New firmware versions can reset the theme settings or disrupt third-party launchers. In such cases, it is recommended to clear the theme app cache through the application management menu.

Another nuance is the impact on performance: Heavy themes with live icon animation can cause interface twitches on budget Redmi or Poco models, and resource optimization is more important than beauty in these cases.

• 🐛 No icons for new versions of popular apps.
• ⚡ Increased charge consumption when using live icons.
• 🔄 Resetting settings after operating system update.

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone starts to work unstable, heat up or spontaneously reboot after changing the theme, immediately return the standard theme.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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The main conclusion: The most stable way is to use an official theme store, and the most flexible is third-party launchers, and the choice depends on your priorities: reliability or maximum customization.

To sum up, replacing icons with Xiaomi is an easy way to bring the interface to life.Whether it's using built-in tools or installing powerful launchers, you can always make the device your own. Experiment with caution and your smartphone will always be pleasing to the eye.