Tired of the monotonous icons on your Xiaomi Redmi screen? Want to give your smartphone a unique style, but do not know where to start? Replacing standard icons is one of the easiest ways to customize the MIUI interface, which does not require deep technical knowledge. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from the use of embedded tools to advanced techniques for power users.
Many people mistakenly believe that changing icons requires root access or complex manipulation of system files. In fact, even on stock firmware Redmi Note 12, Redmi 13C or POCO X5 you can radically change the appearance of the desktop in 5 minutes, just know the right tools. And if you are willing to go further, with ADB or custom launchers, you will open access to thousands of themes and styles.
It is important to understand that the methods differ in complexity and consequences, for example, installing a third-party launcher will not affect performance, whereas manual editing of system files can lead to failures, we will describe in detail the pros and cons of each approach, and also give recommendations on security.
1. Method: Using the built-in MIUI themes
The easiest and safest method is to use ready-made themes from the official MIUI Themes store. This method does not require the installation of additional applications and works on all Xiaomi Redmi models with MIUI 12 and higher.
The Theme Store has more than 10,000 free and paid packages that change not only icons, but also fonts, wallpaper, animations and even system sounds. For example, the theme “Dark Nebula” completely transforms the interface into dark tones with futuristic icons, and “Minimal OS” offers minimalist design in the style of iOS.
- 📱 Suitable for: All Redmi models (including Redmi) 10/11/12/13, Note series, POCO)
- ⚡ Advantages: No root, reversible process, regular updates to themes
- ⚠️ Restrictions: Not all icons are replaced (system applications may remain unchanged)
To apply a new theme:
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to the Popular or Icon tab.
- Select your favorite theme and click Apply.
- Confirm the changes in the window that appears.
⚠️ Warning: Some themes may contain ads or paid items. Check other users' reviews before installing them to avoid unexpected "surprises" like sudden banners on your desktop.
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If the icons haven't changed after you use the theme, restart your smartphone. Sometimes MIUI caches old icons and requires a system restart to update.
Method: Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)
If built-in themes aren’t enough, the next step is to install an alternative launcher, apps like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Hyperion Launcher allow you to not only change icons, but also customize gestures, animations, and even hide unnecessary apps.
Nova Launcher is the most popular choice among Xiaomi users due to its flexibility and stable work. It supports.apk icon packages that can be downloaded from Google Play or specialized sites (for example, Icon Pack Studio). For example, the Whicons package offers white minimalist icons, and CandyCons – bright and juicy icons in the style of material design.
- 🎨 Popular packs of icons: 🖌️ Fluxo – dynamic icons with glowing effect 🌌 Oxygen – flat design with emphasis on geometric shapes 🍭 CandyCons – bright colors and round shapes
- ⚙️ Additional Launcher Features: Customize icon sizes and indentations between them Hiding Gesture app names for quick access (e.g. swipe up to search for)
Instructions for setting:
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- Download your favorite icon package (for example, Fluxo Icon Pack).
- Click the empty space on the desktop → Settings → Style of icons.
- Select the package from the list.
- If necessary, adjust the size of the icons in the section Size of the icon.
| Launcher | Support for icon packages | Additional chips | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | ✅ Full (including adaptive icons) | Gestures, backup settings, hiding applications | Premium version for some functions |
| Apex Launcher | ✅ Complete. | Support for gestures, changing animations | The interface is less intuitive than Nova’s. |
| Hyperion Launcher | ✅ Partial (requires manual adjustment) | Minimalist design, low resource consumption | Less opportunities for customization |
Method: Manual modification via ADB (without root)
For those who want to go beyond standard methods but are not ready to get root access, there is a way to change icons through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to replace the icons of system applications that are usually not amenable to change through themes or launchers.
The advantage of ADB is that it doesn't require unlocking the bootloader or installing a customized backup. However, the process is more complex and requires care: error in commands can cause an application to crash. Importantly, this method only works on devices with MIUI 13 and below. On MIUI 14+, Xiaomi blocked the ability to change system files through ADB without root.
- 🔧 Tools required: Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Package of icons in.png format (resolution) 192×192 pixels annex MIUI Hidden Settings to identify paths to icons
- ⚠️ Risks: The wrong command can “break” the application icon (you will have to reset settings) After the update MIUI change
Step-by-step:
- Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times) → Additional → For developers).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices (your device should appear).
- Download the icon you want to replace (for example, for com.android.contacts). ic_launcher.png.
- Copy the file to the device: Adb push ic_launcher.png /sdcard/
- Find the way to the original icon (for example, /system/priv-app/Contacts/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher.png) And replace it with: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/ic_launcher.png /system/priv-app/Contacts/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ chmod 644 /system/priv-app/Contacts/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher.png reboot
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ This method will not work because of the limitations of DM-Verity, and if you try to change the system files, you will get the read-only file system error, and then you will only get root or launchers.
How to find out the path to the application icon?
4. Method: Installation of custom firmware (for experienced)
If you’re ready for a radical change, installing custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS will give you access to a full customization of the interface, including icons. These firmware are based on pure Android (AOSP) and are free of the limitations of MIUI.
On custom firmware, you can:
- Install any icon packages without restrictions
- Use Substratum or LSPosed for deep thematics
- Change system fonts and animations
However, this method has serious disadvantages:
- 🔓 It requires a fastboot oem unlock that resets all data.
- 📵 Possible problems with the camera, NFC or by gesture (depending on the firmware).
- 🔄 Updates MIUI They will no longer automatically come.
Installation instructions (briefly):
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires an account binding Mi).
- Install the custom TWRP recavator.
- Download firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience for Redmi Note 10 Pro) and GApps (Google services).
- TWRP: Wipe → Format Data → Install ZIP.
⚠️ Note: on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) K50 or POCO F5) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to an Anti-Rollback.Be sure to check the compatibility of your model on the forum before the procedure. XDA Developers.
5. Method: Use of Xposed/LSPosed (for root devices)
If you already have root access, the most powerful icon-change tool is the LSPosed framework (the successor to Xposed), which allows you to modify system files on the fly without editing them directly.
Popular modules for LSPosed:
- 🎨 Iconify – allows you to apply icon packages to all applications, including system.
- 🔄 GravityBox – advanced customization of the interface (including icon size, animations, status bar).
- 🖼️ XIconChanger – manual replacement of icons for individual applications.
How to determine:
- Install LSPosed from the official repository (GitHub).
- Activate the module in the LSPosed settings.
- Download the Iconify module and select the icon package.
- Reset the device.
Advantages of this method:
- You do not need to edit system files manually.
- Changes are reversible (sufficient to disable the module).
- Adaptive icons are supported (for Android 8.0+).
Make sure all the conditions are met:
1.The device has root access (Magisk)
2.Installed by Magisk 24.0+
3. Zygisk option is enabled in Magisk settings
4. Downloaded the latest release of LSPosed with GitHub
5 Data backup (in case of conflict)-->
6. Method: Manual replacement through file manager (with root)
To control icons, you can manually replace files in system folders, a method that requires root and care, but can achieve unique results such as installing animated icons or icons in.webp format.
Where the icons are kept:
- /system/app/[application name]/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ are standard applications.
- /data/app/[packet name]-1/apk/res/drawable/—custom applications.
- /system/priv-app/ – System applications (e.g. Settings, Phone).
Replacement algorithm:
- With Root Explorer or Mixplorer, find the folder with the icon (for example, /system/priv-app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png).
- Copy the original file to a backup folder.
- Replace it with your icon (required to have the same name and permission!).
- Change the access rights to 644 (rw-r----).
- Reset the device.
Tips for manual replacement:
- 🖼️ Use permission icons 192×192 or 256×256 better quality.
- 🔄 For adaptive icons (Android) 8.0+) I need two files: ic_launcher_foreground.png and ic_launcher_background.png.
- 🛠️ For backup, use the command: adb pull /system/priv-app/Settings/ /sdcard/backup_settings/
⚠️ Note: when you manually replace the icons of system applications (for example, com.android.phone for Phone), there is a risk of getting a bootloop. /system/framework/ — It's almost guaranteed to cause a failure.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To facilitate the choice, we will bring all methods into one table, taking into account the complexity and result:
| Method | Difficulty | Need root? | Are system icons supported? | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI's built-in themes | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Partially. | ✅ Yes. |
| Third-party launchers | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ❌ No, only through the launcher) | ✅ Yes. |
| ADB (no root) | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. MIUI 12-13) | ⚠️ Partially (may require resetting) |
| Custom firmware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes (unlock the loader) | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially (reflashing required) |
| LSPosed (root) | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Manual replacement (root) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially (needs backup) |
Selection recommendations:
- 🆕 For beginners: Start with built-in themes or Nova Launcher.
- 🛠️ For the advanced: try it. ADB (if MIUI 12-13) or LSPosed (if rooted).
- 🔧 For enthusiasts: custom firmware will give maximum freedom, but takes time to set up.
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On devices with MIUI 14+ The only reliable way to change icons is through third-party launchers or root. MIUI Limited due to Xiaomi’s security policy.