The standard app icons on Xiaomi smartphones often look boring or don’t fit into the overall interface style. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to replace them, from built-in MIUI tools to third-party solutions for advanced users. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of installing icons, including nuances for new versions of HyperOS firmware and classic MIUI 14/15.
It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. For example, manually replacing icons through system files can cause failures if you do not follow the instructions. On the other hand, using themes from the official Xiaomi Themes store guarantees stability, but limits the choice of designs. We will look at each option in detail so that you can choose the best approach for your needs, whether it is a cosmetic update of the interface or a complete redesign of the appearance of the smartphone.
1. Install icons through standard MIUI/HyperOS themes
The easiest and safest way to change icons is to use the built-in theme store, which works on all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices without the need for root rights or third-party applications. The main advantage is that all themes are moderated by the company, which minimizes the risk of conflicts with the system.
To apply a new theme:
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to the Icons section in the lower menu.
- Select the package you like and click Apply.
- Confirm the changes in the window that appears.
Note that some themes change not only icons, but also fonts, wallpaper, animations. If you only need to change icons, look for packs marked "Icons" or "Icon Pack" in the title. It is also worth considering that some of themes are paid - they vary from 50 to 300 rubles.
2. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)
If the built-in themes are not enough, you can install an alternative launcher.This application completely replaces the standard MIUI desktop, allowing you to use any.apk icon packs.
- 🔹 Nova Launcher – supports adaptive icons and gestures, the paid version opens advanced settings.
- 🔹 Apex Launcher – lightweight analogue with wide customization options.
- 🔹 Lawnchair – open source launcher that simulates “clean” Android.
- 🔹 POCO Launcher – the official launcher from Xiaomi with support for third-party icons.
Instructions for setting up on the example of Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Download your favorite icon pack (such as Whicons, CandyCons or Delta).
- Press the finger free space on the desktop → Settings → Style of icons.
- Select the set pack in the list.
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If the icons are displayed in low resolution, check the launcher settings: often the problem is solved by turning on the option “Adaptive icons” or changing the size of the desktop grid.
The main disadvantage of this method is increased battery consumption (launchers work on top of the system). Also, some icon packs may not support all applications, leaving some icons standard. In this case, manual replacement through the launcher menu: long click on the icon → Edit → Change the icon will help.
3. Manual icon replacement via ADB (for advanced)
This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with system files. It allows you to replace standard icons with custom ones without installing a launcher, but requires an unlocked bootloader and ADB rights. We warn: improper actions can lead to loss of warranty or a “brick” of the device (complete inoperability).
Step-by-step:
- Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.
- Activate Debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times).
- Connect your phone to your PC and follow the command: Adb devices to make sure you connect correctly.
- Download the icon pack in.png format (the resolution must match the original, usually 192×192 px).
- Use the command to replace (example for the Telegram icon): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/new_telegram_icon.png /system/app/Telegram/Telegram.apk/res/drawable-xxhdpi/
- Reset the device.
What to do if the icon has not changed?
Key nuances:
- 🔧 The name of the icon files must be identical to the original ones (for example, the name of the icons, ic_launcher_telegram.webp).
- 🔧 For HyperOS, the path to icons may be different: they are often stored in the same format. /product/overlay/.
- 🔧 Always back up original files with the command: adb pull /system/app/Telegram/Telegram.apk/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_telegram.png
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Manually replacing icons via ADB is the most flexible method, but requires technical skills. Errors when working with system files can lead to the need to flash the device.
4. Application of icons via Xposed/EdXposed (rooted devices only)
If your smartphone has root rights, you can use modules for the Xposed Framework or its EdXposed fork, which allows you to modify system processes, including the display of icons. A popular module for this task is Iconify or XIconChanger.
Algorithm of action:
- Install EdXposed via XDA Developers (instructions depend on the phone model).
- Download the Iconify module from the module repository.
- Activate the module in EdXposed and restart the device.
- In the module settings, select the icon pack or download your own.
Advantages of the method:
- 🎨 The ability to use icons selectively (only for certain applications).
- 🎨 Support for animation icons (in.gif or.webp format).
- 🎨 Compatible with most versions MIUI HyperOS.
However, there are risks:
⚠️ Note: Xposed modules may conflict with Xiaomi system processes, especially security features (e.g. Mi Protect). → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
5. Creating your own icons: tools and formats
If you don't find the right pack, you can create your own icons.
- 🖌️ Graphics Editor: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP (free) or Figma.
- 🖌️ Icon templates for MIUI (down-to-earth XDA).
- 🖌️ Knowledge of formats: MIUI Supports.png (transparency) and.webp (lower weight).
Requirements for icons:
| Parameter | MIUI 14 | HyperOS |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | 192×192 px (recommended) | 192×192 px or 256×256 px for adaptive |
| Format | .png (alpha channel) | .png or.webp |
| Color model | RGB, 32 bits | RGB or RGBA |
| Max. File weight. | 200 kb | 300 kb |
After creating icons, they can:
- 📱 Install through the launcher (as described in section 2).
- 📱 Replace manually through ADB (section).
- 📱 Compiling in a themes pack for Xiaomi Themes (requires knowledge) XML).
Create an image in resolution 192×192 px|Save it in format PNG transparently|Check the weight of the file (no more) 200 CBB)|Test the display on the emulator-->
Frequent problems and their solutions
When changing icons, users often encounter common mistakes, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:
Problem 1: Icons don’t change after the theme is applied.
- 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the system doesn’t apply the changes right away.
- 🔄 Check if the theme supports your version. MIUI/HyperOS (Information is provided in the description of the topic).
- 🔄 Clear the cache of the “Themes” application through settings.
Problem 2: Launcher doesn’t see the icon pack installed.
- 🔍 Make sure the pack is installed as an application (a.apk file, not a.zip archive).
- 🔍 Check the compatibility of the pack with your version of Android (for example, icons for Android 12 may not work on Android 14).
- 🔍 Reinstall the icon pack and launcher.
Problem 3: After manually replacing the icons through ADB, they are reset after the update.
⚠️ Attention: System updates MIUI HyperOS and HyperOS often overwrite modified files, so to avoid this, create a script to automatically restore icons after an update or use Magisk modules (for example, use Magisk modules, MIUI System Ad Away that blocks system app updates.
Problem 4: Icons are displayed blurry or pixelated.
- 🔎 Check the resolution of the source files – it must meet the requirements (see section 5).
- 🔎 For HyperOS, try converting icons to.webp with losses (quality) 80-90%).
- 🔎 In the launcher settings, disable the option "Icon compression" (if any).