Why are Xiaomi emojis different from iPhones and can they be replaced?
If you’ve switched from iPhone to Xiaomi (or just prefer Apple’s emoji design), you’ve probably noticed that Android emojis look different, and the reason is because of font licensing — Google uses its own Noto Color Emoji set, and Apple designs unique icons for iOS. But the good news is that you can replace them with Xiaomi, and you don’t always need root rights.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from the simplest (installing the keyboard from an iPhone emoji) to advanced (modifying the system fonts). Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, which can lead to the loss of warranty on devices with MIUI Global. But there are also safe options - read more.
Before you start, check your firmware version: Settings path → About phone → MIUI version. On MIUI 14+, some methods may not work due to Xiaomi’s tightening security policy. Also note that some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have more system fonts protected – additional steps will be required.
Method 1: Install keyboard with iPhone emoji (without root)
The easiest and safest method is to use a third-party keyboard that displays Apple-style emojis, suitable for any Xiaomi model (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) and does not require technical skills.
The best options for keyboards:
- 📱 Gboard with emoji theme – in the keyboard settings you can enable the display of emoji iOS (not on all versions).
- 🎨 Emoji Keyboard - iOS 16 Style (from Google Play) - a specialized solution with support for the latest emoji Apple.
- 🔄 SwiftKey - allows you to install emoji packages through extensions (you need to download a separate one). APK smoky-eyed).
Instructions for setting:
- Download the selected keyboard from Google Play.
- Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
- Activate the new keyboard and set it by default.
- For Emoji Keyboard: Select iOS 16 Emoji in the app settings.
Download APK from official source | Check the permission to "Map on top of other windows" | Disable battery optimization for keyboard |Reboot phone after installation-->
⚠️ Note: Some keyboards (such as modified versions of Gboard) may contain ads or collect data. Check reviews and rankings on Google Play before installing. Use official apps from well-known developers for maximum security.
Method 2: Install font from iPhone emoji via Magisk (with root)
If you have a bootloader unlocked and Magisk installed, you can replace the system fonts with modified ones that include Apple emojis, which works on MIUI 12-14 and most custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).
It will require:
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions for your model look for on the XDA Developers).
- 📦 Installed by Magisk (version 25.0)+).
- 🖥️ iFont Emoji or Emoji Replacer for Magisk.
Step-by-step:
- Download the module for Magisk (e.g. iFont Emoji) in.zip format.
- Open Magisk Manager, go to Modules → Install from storage.
- Select the downloaded file and wait for the installation to be completed.
- Reboot the device. Once turned on, the emoji should be displayed in iOS style.
| Magisk module | Support for MIUI | Required version of Android | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| iFont Emoji | 12–14 | 10–13 | Supports iOS 15/16 emoji, stable on most devices |
| Emoji Replacer | 11–14 | 9–13 | Flexible settings, you can choose individual emoji packages |
| Apple Emoji Font | 13–14 | 11–13 | Requires additional font resolution settings |
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Before installing the module, back up /system/font via TWRP to help restore the original fonts if something goes wrong.
Method 3: Manual font substitution via TWRP (for advanced)
This method is suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP Recovery. It allows you to manually replace the system font files with modified ones that include iOS emoji. Risk: if you make a mistake, the device may stop booting (solved by flashing through Fastboot).
Files required:
- 📁 Archive with iOS Emoji Fonts fonts (for example, from XDA).
- 🔧 TWRP (version of your Xiaomi model).
- 📱 Backup copy of section /system (necessarily!).
Instructions:
- Download the font archive and unpack it onto your computer. You need files: NotoColorEmoji.ttf EmojiCompat.ttf fallback_fonts.xml
- Connect your phone to your PC, go to TWRP → Mount → System.
- Copy the font files into /system/fonts/ by replacing the originals.
- Change the access rights to 644 (r-w-r-----).
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13 Pro) system fonts are protected by signature verification, in which case you will need to disable dm-verity via Magisk or use special patches.
What if the phone does not boot after replacing the fonts?
Method 4: Use of Emoji-enabled launcher applications
Some launchers (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) allow you to change the display of emoji in the interface.This will not replace emojis in all applications, but will help to unify their appearance on the home screen and in widgets.
How to set up:
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- Go to Settings Nova → Icons → Style of icons.
- Select an icon package that supports iOS emojis (such as iOS Glyphs).
- Activate the option to apply to all icons.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ Emojis will only change in app names and widgets.
- ❌ In messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) emoticons will remain standard.
- ✅ Suitable for visual unification of the interface without root.
Method 5: Firmware custom MIUI with emoji iPhone
Some modified versions of MIUI (such as MIUI EU or MIUI Mix) already include Apple’s emoji packages, a method that is suitable for users ready for full flashing.
Pros of the method:
- 🔄 Complete replacement of emojis in all applications.
- 🛡️ Stability (if a verified assembly is selected).
- 🔧 Additional features (for example, unlocked themes).
Cons:
- ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader was unlocked).
- 🔄 Risk of "brick" in case of firmware error.
- 📱 The need for a complete data dump.
Where to download the firmware:
- 🌍 MIUI EU (There are versions with iOS emoji in the settings of themes).
- 📱 MIUI Mix (Telegram channel with custom assemblies).
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Custom-based firmware MIUI — The most reliable way to replace emoji globally, but requires technical skills. №1 (keyboard).
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Difficulty | Need root? | Global replacement? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard with iOS emoji | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ❌ Only on the keyboard. | Minimum (advertising possible) |
| Magisk + emoji module | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | Medium (bootloop risk) |
| Manual font replacement | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | High (possible brick) |
| Launcher with emoji | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ❌ Partially. | Absent. |
| Custom firmware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | High (loss of warranty) |
For most users, the best solution is a combination of the method. №1 (keyboard) and method №4 (launcher) This will provide visual unification without risk to the system. If you want a complete replacement of emojis in all applications, consider Magisk modules. №(2) or custom firmware (method) №5).