How to create and install your icons on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Boring standard icons on the Xiaomi desktop have long been boring? Want to give your smartphone a unique style with custom icons? You are in the right place! In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to create and install your own icons on devices with custom icons. MIUI 14/15 — From built-in features to advanced solutions using third-party applications.

It's important to understand that customization options depend on the firmware version and the device model. 13/14 Redmi Note 12 It supports more options than budget models like Poco. M5. But even on the simplest devices you can achieve impressive results - the main thing is to know the right tools and sequence of actions.

We're not going to limit ourselves to superficial tips like "install launcher," but instead, you'll get detailed instructions that take into account all the nuances, from creating icons in Figma to circumventing restrictions. MIUI. At the end of the article, you are waiting. FAQ answering the most difficult questions that are not covered even in thematic forums.

1. Built-in capabilities MIUI: What can be done without third-party applications

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi added basic tools for customizing icons that are limited in functionality, but allow you to quickly change the appearance of the most used applications without risking the system.

The main options are available in the Settings menu → Desktop → Badge style. Here you'll find:

• 🎨 Pre-installed icon packages (3 to 7 options depending on the model)
• 🔄 Adaptive icons – automatic change of shape to the chosen style
• 🖼️ Change in size (from 70% to 130% of the standard)
• 🔳 Background of icons - on / off substrate

The most useful feature is the manual replacement of icons for individual applications.

1. Hold your finger on the right icon on your desktop
2. Select Change in the context menu
3. Click on the application icon in the window that opens
4. Select one of the suggested images or click Gallery to upload your own.

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If the desired application is not on the desktop, first add its shortcut from the menu of all programs (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).

Limitations of the built-in method:

• ❌ You can not change the icons of system applications (for example, Settings or Phone)
• ❌ No support for animated badges
• ❌ Changes are reset after resetting settings

2. Creating icons from scratch: tools and technical requirements

If you want to have completely unique icons that are customized to your style, you have to create them yourself, and you can do that with both professional tools and simple mobile apps.

Minimum technical requirements for the icons for Xiaomi:

The best tools for creating icons:

• 💻 Figma – Professional Editor with Templates for Icons (there is a free version)
• 📱 Icon Pack Studio – a mobile application with ready-made elements
• 🎨 Adobe Illustrator for high quality vector icons
• 🖌️ Canva is a simple online editor with templates

The creation process in Figma:

1. Create a new project with canvas 192×192 px
2. Use the Frame (F) tool to build the foundation.
3. Add graphical elements (Icons can be found in the Community) → Icons)
4. Export in PNG transparent background (Export) → Format: PNG → Background: Transparent)

3. Installation of custom icons through launchers: Nova vs Hyperion

Standard launcher MIUI There's a lot of customization limitations, and you'll need to install a third-party launcher to have complete freedom of action. The two most popular options, Nova Launcher and Hyperion Launcher, have different advantages.

Comparative table of opportunities:

Instructions for installation via Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play
2. Download your favorite icon package (such as Whicons or Delta)
3. Go to the Nova Settings → Appearance → Badge style
4. Select the installed icon package
5. For manual replacement: press the icon → Change. → Icon → select the file

Download the launcher APK (if there is no Google Play)

Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special access)

Make a backup copy of the current desktop settings

Prepare a pack of icons or your images

Disable battery optimization for launcher (Settings → Battery → Optimization)

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Important nuance: on some Xiaomi models (especially with the MIUI 15) after installing a third-party launcher, navigation gestures may be problematic:

1. Go to Settings. → System system → Gestures
2. Select Navigation buttons instead of gestures
3. In the launcher settings, enable the option to Use Full Screen Mode

4.Use of the topics MIUI complex-style

One of the most underrated customization methods is installing themes through the official Themes app, which, unlike launchers, not only icons change themes, but also fonts, animations, sounds and even system dialogues.

How to find and install a theme with custom icons:

1. Open the Themes app (all Xiaomis are available by default)
2. Go to the Icons section in the lower menu
3. Choose your favorite package (pay attention to the rating and number of downloads)
4. Click Apply - the changes will come into effect immediately.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Automatic updates to themes when new versions are released
• 🎯 100% compatibility with MIUI (No bugs with animations)
• 🆓 Most of them are free (there are also premium options for the 1-3$)
• 🔧 Ability to mix elements from different topics

The best themes with unique icons for 2026:

• Minimal UI — monochrome icons with geometric shapes
• Neumorphic Icons — 3D-soft-shade
• Glassmorphism – translucent icons with blur
• Retro Wave – neon icons in the style of the 80s

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Topics from the official store MIUI are moderated for compatibility, so they are guaranteed not to cause system failures (unlike homemade icon packages).

If you didn't have enough built-in themes, you can install custom.mtz files.

1. Download the theme file from a trusted source (e.g, XDA Developers)
2. Put it in a folder. MIUI/theme internal
3. Open Themes. → Mine. → Local and select the downloaded file

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Before installing custom themes, back up the current one through Themes → Mine. → Backup: This will quickly bring back the standard look if the new theme is unstable.

5. Advanced customization: ADB-commands and hidden settings

For those who are willing to go beyond standard methods, there is a way to change system icons through the use of the standard. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires caution, but allows you to replace even those icons that are usually blocked.

What you'll need:

• 💻 Computer with ADB-tools installed
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB)
• 🖼️ Prepared icons in format PNG filename

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm access ADB
2. Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
4. Copy the icons to the device: adb push local_icon_path /sdcard/Download/custom_icons/
5. Replace system icons (example for Settings icon): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/custom_icons/settings.png /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png chmod 644 /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png mount -o ro,remount /system reboot

Important warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can cause data loss or device failure.Always back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset before manipulation.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (most Xiaomi) some commands ADB Check the status of the bootloader with the command: fastboot oem device-info If Device unlocked: false, you will need official unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

6. Animated icons: how to make a dynamic desktop

Static icons are boring. Current trends dictate the use of animated elements that respond to touch or change the look depending on the time of day. At Xiaomi, this can be done in two ways.

Method 1: Through the Kvaesitum launcher

This launcher specializes in animation and supports:

• 🌀 Smooth transitions between screens
• 🎞️ Animated icons in format APNG or GIF
• 🌈 Dynamic wallpaper with paralax effect
• ⏱️ Changing icons on schedule

Instructions for setting up animated icons:

1. Install Kvaesitum Launcher and Kvaesitum Icons from Google Play
2. Download animated icons (e.g. Dynamic Icons or Alive Icons)
3. In the launcher settings, select Icons → Animated packages
4. Set the animation speed in additional → Productivity

Method 2: Use the Icon Changer application

If you want animated icons for individual applications only, Vertumus's Icon Changer is the right fit.

• 🖼️ Replace the icons with GIF or APNG
• 🔄 Adjust the speed of reproduction
• 🎨 Add guidance effects (e.g., increase by touching)

Limitations of animated icons on Xiaomi:

• ⚠️ On some models, animation works only on the home screen, not in the app menu.
• ⚠️ GIF-Icons can slow down the interface on budget devices
• ⚠️ System applications (calls, messages) do not usually support animation.

7. Solving the Problem: Why Icons Don't Change or Are Reset

Even with the most careful approach, you may encounter problems when replacing icons, and these are the most common mistakes and solutions.

Problem 1: Icons are reset after rebooting

Causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Launcher's cache: Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Your launcher] → Warehouse → Clear the cache
• 📱 Optimization MIUI: Add a launcher to battery exclusions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → [Launcher] → No restrictions)
• 🔧 Default settings: Check that your launcher is set as primary (Settings) → Annexes → By default. → Launcher)

Problem 2: Not all icons change in the package

It's a problem. MIUI. Decisions:

• 🔍 Check if the icon package supports your model (some packages are optimized for Samsung or Pixel only)
• 📦 Install Icon Pack Studio and manually assign missing icons
• 🔄 Try another package – some developers indicate in the description which icons will be replaced

Problem 3: Icons are displayed blurry

Most often, it's due to the wrong resolution.

• 📏 Make sure your icons are sized 192×192 px (for px) XXHDPI)
• 🖼️ Save the icons in format PNG-32 transparently
• 🔍 Check the screen density of your device with the command: adb shell wm density 480 above, permission may be required 256×256 px

Problem 4: Animated icons don't work

Possible causes:

• 📱 The device doesn't support APNG (Check on apng.info)
• 🔋 Aggressive battery optimization for launcher enabled
• 🖼️ The format of the animation is incorrect (try to convert) GIF into APNG via ezgif.com)

8.Security and Backup: How Not to Lose Your Settings

After hours of customization, it's going to be a shame to lose all settings to a crash or update. Here's how to avoid that.

Methods of backup:

• 📱 Built-in reservation MIUI: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local Backup Saves desktop settings, but doesn’t always restore custom icons.
• ☁️ Cloud reservations: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup Works only for standard settings, custom icons are not saved.
• 💾 Manual saving: Copy the folder with icons (/sdcard/Download/custom_icons/) For launchers, use their built-in export features (in Nova: Backup/Restore).

How to restore the settings after resetting:

1. Install the same launcher that you used earlier
2. Restore backup through the launcher menu
3. If the icons are not restored, manually assign them again (files must be in the same folder)
4. For ADB-Icons: Repeat the process of replacing system files

Precautions:

• 🔒 Regularly (once a month) take screenshots of your desktop as a visual copy
• 📝 Keep a text file with paths to custom icons and packages used
• 🚫 Don't update. MIUI Right after the release, wait. 2-3 Weeks in case of customization bugs

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Before any system update (Settings) → System updates) make sure to back up your current settings. MIUI Reset custom icons to standard ones.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions