Why change the standard charging icon and can it be done?
The battery icon on Xiaomiβs screen is one of the most visible interface elements users see every day. The standard battery icon with a percentage of charge or lightning when connecting a charge can get boring, especially if you like customization. Fortunately, MIUI offers several ways to change its appearance, from simple themes to deep system modifications.
But before you get started, itβs important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. For example, changing system files via ADB or editing framework-res.apk can cause shell failures or even a βbrickβ of the device if you do something wrong. In this article, weβll look at all the current ways to change the charging icon to Xiaomi in 2026, including official and semi-official, with an indication of the risks and requirements for the MIUI version.
If youβre a beginner, start with the first two methods β they donβt require root rights and are suitable for most models, from the Redmi Note 11 to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Experienced users can pay attention to the ADB sections and modification of system files, but remember: these actions are performed at your own risk.
Method 1: Using themes from the MIUI store
The easiest and safest way to change the charging icon is to install a decor theme from the official MIUI Themes store.Many themes include not only app wallpaper and icons, but also alternative styles for the notification panel, including the battery indicator.
Here's how to do it:
- π± Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
- π In the search bar, enter the query: battery icon or battery icon.
- π¨ Look at the available topics. Pay attention to the screenshots, and you should see what the charging indicator looks like.
- πΎ Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. Some topics may require payment (usually 10-50 rubles).
Advantages of this method:
- β No need for root rights or technical skills.
- β All changes are reversible β you can return the standard theme at any time.
- β Suitable for all devices on MIUI 12-14, including POCO and Black Shark.
β οΈ Note: Some themes can only change the appearance of the icon in the notification bar, but not in the quick settings block.
Method 2: Configure via the "Theme Lab" (hidden function)
MIUI has a hidden feature called Theme Lab that allows you to more flexibly configure interface elements, including the charging icon, which is not available on all devices, but can be activated via ADB or special commands.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings β Additional β For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your computer and execute the command in ADB: adb shell am start -n com.android.thememanager/.activity.ThemesLabActivity
- In the menu that opens, find the Status Bar section and select an alternative style of battery icon.
If the team doesnβt work, try an alternative:
adb shell am start -n com.miui.home/.settings.ThemesLabSettingsActivityInstall ADB-PC drivers
Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi
Download the ADB platform (e.g. Minimal ADB and Fastboot)
Connect your phone to your computer with the original cable
-->
In the "Theme Lab" you can choose from several preset styles:
| Icon style | Description | Supported versions of MIUI |
|---|---|---|
| Digital percentage | Displays only a number (e.g., "85") without a battery icon | 12β14 |
| Round indicator | The charge is shown as a completed circle | 13β14 |
| Minimalist stripe | Thin horizontal line with percentage | 12β14 |
| Lightning badge | Standard icon, but with animation when charging | All versions. |
β οΈ Note: Some firmware (e.g. global versions for Europe) may not have a theme lab even after activation via ADB. In this case, try the method with modification of system files (method 4).
Method 3: Applications for customization (without root)
If you donβt like standard themes, you can use third-party apps that change the appearance of the notification panel, such as the Energy Bar or Battery Style, which allows you to add your own charging icon on top of the standard one.
Popular applications:
- π Energy Bar β adds a color charge bar along the edge of the screen (works on the screen) MIUI 13/14 restrictively).
- π¨ Battery Style β replaces the standard icon with a custom icon (requires permission to overlay).
- β‘ Super Status Bar β Full flashing of the notification panel (may conflict with the MIUI).
How to determine:
- Download the app from Google Play (e.g. Energy Bar).
- Grant permission to Overlay over other apps in Android settings.
- Customize the style of the icon in the app menu (color, shape, animation).
π‘
If the icon hasnβt changed after installing the app, restart the phone. Some apps require additional permissions in Settings β Applications β Special Access.
Limitations:
- β Not all apps are compatible with the latest versions. MIUI 14.
- β There may be an overlap of two icons (standard and custom).
- β Some features are paid (for example, removing ads in Battery Style).
Method 4: Editing System Files (for experienced)
This method is only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights. It allows you to manually replace the graphics of the battery icons in the system folders. On devices with MIUI 14 and new versions of Android 13+, this method can lead to a failure of the system integrity check (DM-Verity) and "brick".
Instructions:
- Install Root Explorer (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) and provide root access.
- Go to /system/framework/framework-res.apk/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ or (for newer versions): /system/product/overlay/MiuiSystemUIOverlay.apk/res/drawable/
- Find the files that are responsible for the battery icons, usually called the "battery icons: stat_sys_battery_0.png β 0% charge, stat_sys_battery_100.png β 100% charge, stat_sys_battery_charge_anim0.png β charging-animation.
Copy the original files to a backup folder, then replace them with your own (size and format should match!).
Reset the device.
Where can I get custom icons?
- πΌοΈ Create your own in Photoshop or GIMP (size 48x48 px, format PNG).
- π₯ Download ready-made sets on forums XDA Developers or 4PDA (Look for topics for your model).
β οΈ Attention: After update MIUI All changes will reset and the procedure will have to be repeated, and editing system files can cause errors in the shell, such as the loss of the notification panel.
What if the phone doesnβt turn on after replacing the files?
Method 5: Castom firmware (for enthusiasts)
If you want complete customization freedom, consider installing custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid, which lets you change battery icons through built-in settings or Magisk modules.
Popular firmware for Xiaomi:
| Firmware | Support for customization of icons | Do you need to unlock the bootloader? |
|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | Magisk modules (e.g. Battery Styles) | Yes. |
| Pixel Experience | Built-in settings in Settings β Battery | Yes. |
| crDroid | Extended options in Settings β crDroid Settings | Yes. |
| MIUI by XDA (modified) | Additional Styles in the Theme Lab | No (but you need rights) |
How to install custom firmware:
- Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).
- Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
- Download firmware from the official site (for example, LineageOS) and Gapps (if you need Google services).
- Fly through TWRP (Wipe β Install β Reboot).
π‘
Custom firmware gives you maximum freedom, but it deprives you of official updates and can disrupt some features (such as NFC or cameras).
Problems and Solutions: What to Do When the Icon Is Not Changing?
Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the charging icon remains standard.
Problem 1: I set the theme, but the icon hasn't changed.
- π Restart the device β sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.
- π§ Check if the theme supports your version. MIUI (The subject description usually includes compatible versions).
- π± Try to apply another topic, then return the one you want.
Problem 2: After the ADB command, the Theme Lab does not open.
- π Make sure the debugging is on USB The cable is connected correctly.
- π Check if your model supports this feature (on some devices, for example, POCO F5, it's off).
- π Try the alternative command: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d"miui://themelab"
Problem 3: The customization app doesn't work.
- π‘οΈ Check if permission is given to Overlay over other applications.
- π΅ Disable Battery Optimization for the Application in Settings β Annexes β Permits.
- π Reinstall the app and clean its cache.