Xiaomi Redmi 8 owners often face the limitations of the standard MIUI interface when it comes to customizing the look. One of the most sought-after options is to replace boring standard icons with unique icons that reflect your style. However, not everyone knows that Redmi 8 can do this in several ways, from simple theme tweaks to advanced manipulation through ADB.
In this article, we’ll look at three working methods for changing app icons, their pros and cons, and common mistakes users make: how to get around the limitations of MIUI 12/13 without root rights, which launchers are best for Redmi 8, and why new icons sometimes fly off after a system update, if you’re tired of monotony or want to highlight frequently used apps, this guide is for you.
Why can’t Xiaomi Redmi 8 just replace the icon manually?
Unlike iOS or some custom firmware on Android, the standard MIUI shell does not provide a direct tool to replace the icons of individual applications.
- 🔒 Security policy MIUI: Xiaomi blocks changes to system files without root rights to prevent accidental crashes.
- 📁 Structure APK-Files: Application icons are stored inside their.apk packages, which are signed by the developer.
- 🔄 Caching icons: The system caches icons into /data/system, So even after replacing the files, the icons may not update without restarting.
However, these limitations are bypassable! Next we will look at methods that work without losing warranty and without having to unlock the bootloader.
Method 1: Using MIUI themes (the easiest method)
The safest and most official way to change icons is to apply one of the themes to MIUI Themes, which requires no additional software and is suitable even for beginners.
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to the icon tab in the lower menu.
- Select your favorite icon pack and click Apply.
- Confirm the changes in the pop-up window.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Does not require root rights or technical knowledge.
- ✅ Icons are updated automatically when the theme changes.
- ✅ Compatibility with system updates.
Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)
Clear the cache of the “Themes” application (Settings → Applications → Application Management)
Connect to Wi-Fi (theme packs can weigh up to 50MB)
Make a backup of current settings-->
However, this method has disadvantages:
- ❌ Limited selection of free themes.
- ❌ Not all icons are replaced (e.g., Xiaomi system apps may remain unchanged).
- ❌ When resetting settings or updating MIUI theme may fly.
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If the theme directory doesn’t have a suitable icon pack, try downloading the.mtz theme file from forums (e.g. XDA Developers) and importing it through Local → Import in the Themes app.
Method 2: Installation of a third-party launcher (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)
If standard MIUI themes don't suit you, the best option is to install an alternative launcher. Redmi 8 works perfectly:
- 🌟 Nova Launcher is the most flexible, with support for adaptive icons.
- 🎨 Apex Launcher – lightweight, with wide gesture settings.
- 🚀 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi, supports dark mode.
Instructions for setting up (for example, Nova Launcher):
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Click the Home button and select Nova as the default launcher.
- Press your finger on the desktop → Desktop settings → Style of icons.
- Select Adaptive Icons or download a pack of icons (e.g. Whicons, CandyCons).
| Launcher | Icon support | Cons | Cost Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Adaptive, packages from the Play Market | Paid functions (gestures, backup) | ~350 ₽ |
| Apex Launcher | Manual replacement,.png support | Outdated interface design | ~200 ₽ |
| Hyperion Launcher | Integration with MIUI, dark icons | Less customization than Nova | Free of charge. |
Important nuance: When using third-party launchers, MIUI system notifications (such as low battery charge) may not be displayed correctly. To avoid this, turn on the Display MIUI notifications option (if any) in the launcher settings.
How to return the standard MIUI launcher?
Method 3: Change icons through ADB (for advanced users)
If you need to replace an icon of a particular app (such as WhatsApp or Google Maps), and themes and launchers are not suitable, you can use the app. ADB-This method requires you to connect your phone to your PC, but it doesn't need root rights.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers (you can download from the Android Developers website).
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB Redmi 8 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers).
- 🖼️ New.png icon (size recommended) 192×192 px).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: Adb devices must display the serial number of your Redmi 8.
- Download the icon to your phone (for example, in the Download folder).
- Find out the name of the application package you want to replace: adb shell pm list packages | grep "app name" For example, for Chrome it is com.android.chrome.
- Copy the icon into the system folder (permission required) WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/new_icon.png /data/local/tmp/ chmod 644 /data/local/tmp/new_icon.png
- Change the path to the icon in the MIUI database (this step is individual for each application and may require editing the SQLite database).
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The ADB method is only suitable for power users. A mistake in commands can cause a system application to crash!
⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI All changes made through ADB, Some apps (such as Mi Home or Security) may block access to their icons due to security. MIUI.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you change your icons to Redmi 8, users experience common errors.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Icons have not changed after the application of the theme | Launcher cache not cleared | Restart your phone or clear the cache in Settings → Applications → MIUI Launcher |
| Side launcher slows down | The conflict with MIUI Optimization | Turn off optimization in Settings → Additional → Special features → MIUI Optimization |
| ADB does not see the device | Not installed drivers or not included debugging | Check Adb Devices and Reinstall Xiaomi USB Driver |
| Icons dropped after update | MIUI overwrites system files | Use a launcher with backup (e.g. Nova Launcher Pro) |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 📌 Version MIUI: Redmi 8s MIUI 14+ Some theme packages may not be supported.
- 📌 Availability of updates for launcher: compatibility patches often come out in Google Play.
- 📌 Access rights: for ADB-The method may require temporary root rights through Magisk.
How to create your own icon for the application?
If you don't find the right icon pack, you can design a unique icon yourself. Here's a quick guide:
- Choose the base: Use services like Canva or Figma with 192×192 px icon templates.
- Save in PNG format with a transparent background (if necessary).
- Check contrast: the icon should be clearly visible on any background of the desktop.
- Download to your phone and use it through the launcher (for example, in Nova Launcher you can assign a custom icon for each application manually).
For inspiration, check out the collections at:
- 🎨 Flaticon – Free Vector Icons.
- 🖌️ Icons8 — single-style icon packs.
- 📱 r/AndroidThemes — community where custom themes are shared.
⚠️ Note: When creating icons for system applications (such as Settings or Phone), avoid using brand logos (such as Google or Mi). MIUI.