How to replace standard icons on Xiaomi: 5 ways to MIUI

Replacement of standard icons on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones POCO — It's a popular way to personalize the interface, and many users want to get rid of the monotonous design. MIUI But the process of replacing them has nuances, from simple launchers to complex modifications to the design of the new model. ROOT-rights.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change icons to Xiaomi in 2026, including solutions for the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14. You will learn how to circumvent the system limitations without losing warranty, which applications to use for safe replacement, and what to do if errors occur after changes.

Why is it so hard to change your icons on Xiaomi?

Unlike pure Android, MIUI is actively restricting users in customization.

• 🔒 Closed file system - without ROOT It is impossible to directly replace.apk system files with icons.
• 📱 Lack of built-in function - in settings MIUI There is no option to change the packages of icons, as in the Samsung One UI or OxygenOS.
• 🔄 Automatic updates after the update MIUI All changes can be reset if they were made without ROOT.
• 🛡️ Security Policy – Xiaomi blocks installation of third-party launchers as default system.

But you can get around these limitations, and then you can work from the simplest to the most complex.

Method 1: Use of third-party launchers (without ROOT)

The safest and most versatile method is to install an alternative launcher, which completely replaces the standard MIUI desktop, allowing you to use any icon package, suitable for all models from the Redmi Note 12 to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

The best launchers for changing icons:

• 🎨 Nova Launcher supports adaptive icons, gestures, settings backup. There are free and paid (Nova Prime) versions.
• 🖼️ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for the MIUI, It has a built-in gallery of icons and widgets.
• 🌈 Lawnchair – open source launcher, imitates Pixel Launcher with support for icons from Google.
• ⚡ Smart Launcher 6 – automatically sorts applications and supports dynamic icons.

Instructions for setting:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Download your favorite icon package (such as Whicons, Flight or CandyCons).
3. Open the launcher settings → Appearance → Icon Style → Select the package installed.
4. To apply icons to system applications (for example, Settings or Phone), use the option Adaptive icons.

Download APK launcher from the official website|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Download the icon package in.apk format|Make a backup copy of the current desktop-->

⚠️ Note: Some icon packs may not support Cyrillic app names, in which case the icons will appear as standard squares with the program name.

Method 2: Install MIUI themes with custom icons

Xiaomi's official way of doing this is to use themes from MIUI Themes, which doesn't require ROOT and is compatible with all devices on MIUI 12 and up, but the choice of icons is limited and many themes are paid.

How to install a theme with new icons:

1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on your desktop).
2. Go to the Icons section or search for icon pack.
3. Choose your favorite theme (iOS 17 Icons or Material You Icons).
4. Click Apply – the icons will change on all screens.

💡 Tip: Check reviews before buying a theme – some users complain about icon display bugs after rebooting. Also note the date of the last theme update: if it was more than a year ago, there is a high probability of incompatibility with the new version. MIUI.

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If after applying the theme, some icons have not changed, try clearing the cache of the Themes app in your phone settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Themes → Storage → Clear the cache).

Method 3: Using Magisk modules (for ROOT devices)

For advanced users who are ready to receive ROOT-The method of replacing icons through Magisk modules is available, allowing you to change system files without the risk of "bricking" the device (if you follow the instructions). 13T, Redmi K60, POCO F5 and others with an unlocked loader.

Popular modules for changing icons:

• 🔧 MiuiHome Mod - modified version of the standard launcher MIUI icon-packed.
• 🎭 Iconify – allows you to replace system application icons (including Settings and Calls).
• 🖌️ Xiaomi EU Icons – a package of icons in the style of Google Pixel, optimized for MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader and get ROOT through Magisk (see instructions for your model on 4PDA or XDA Developers).
2. Download a module (e.g. Iconify) in.zip format.
3. Open Magisk Manager, go to Modules → Install from storage.
4. Select the downloaded file and wait for the installation. Reboot the device.
5. After the reboot, open the module app (like Iconify) and select the icon package.

⚠️ Note: Installing incompatible modules can lead to bootloop (a looped reboot).Always check the module's compatibility with your version. MIUI And Android on forums, like modules for MIUI 14 may not work on MIUI 15.

Method 4: Manually Replace Icons via ADB (for Power Users)

The method is for those who do not want to install ROOT, but are ready to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), allows you to replace the icons of system applications directly, but requires care. It works on Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11 and other models with enabled debugging over USB.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to press to unlock the developer settings).
• 📁 Package of icons in.png format with resolution 192×192 or 256×256.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and execute a command to check the connection: Adb devices must display your device’s serial number.
2. Download replacement icons (e.g. from Icon Pack Studio) and rename them to the original ones (e.g. com.android.settings.png for Settings).
3. Copy the icons into a folder on your phone: adb push your icon.png /sdcard/
4. Replace the original icons (example for Settings): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/com.android.settings.png /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ chmod 644 /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/com.android.settings.png reboot

Critical! Incorrectly replacing system files can lead to app crashes.Always back up original icons with the adb pull command /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ /backup/.

Method 5: Castomy through the Xposed Framework (Outdated Method)

The Xposed Framework was used to replace icons, but with the release of Android 9+ and MIUI 12+, this method has become irrelevant, however, some users still try to use it on older devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi A2 or Redmi 5 Plus).

Problems with method:

• ❌ It does not work on newer versions of Android (10 and higher).
• ❌ Conflict with Magisk and SafetyNet.
• ❌ Xposed modules not updated since 2019.

If you still want to try it,

1. Install Xposed for your version of Android.
2. Download the Xposed Icon Changer or GravityBox module.
3. Activate the module and restart the device.

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On Android 10 and later, the Xposed Framework doesn’t work. Use Magisk+ modules (like Iconify or MiuiHome Mod) instead.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When replacing icons with Xiaomi, users face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If after installing custom icons, system applications (such as Settings or Phone) stop working, this means that you have replaced critical files. You can only restore them through Fastboot or flashing. Always backup before manual changes!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions