How to change the app icon on Xiaomi Redmi Note: 5 working ways

Replacing standard icons with Xiaomi Redmi Note is a popular way to personalize the smartphone interface. However, unlike devices with pure Android, firmware is a popular way to personalize the smartphone interface. MIUI It imposes restrictions on changing system elements, and in this article we will examine all the current methods, from the use of third-party launchers to editing. APK-file.

It is important to understand that replacement options depend on the MIUI version (12, 13 or 14) and the Redmi Note model (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi Note 12).Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which may affect the warranty, we will specify which methods are safe and which are only for power users.

1. Replace icons through third-party launchers

The easiest and safest way to install is an alternative launcher from Google Play, popular options such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Microsoft Launcher, which allow you to change icons without tampering with system files.

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

• 📱 Install the launcher from Play Market and select it as the main one in Settings settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher
• 🎨 Hold your finger on the desktop → Launcher settings → Icon style
• 🔍 Choose an icon package (such as Whicons or CandyCons) or upload yours through Adaptive Icons.
• 🔄 Apply the changes and restart the launcher (long press). → Reset)

Advantage: It does not require root rights and works on all Redmi Note models (from Note 8 to Note 13), but some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) may not support replacement.

2.Use MIUI themes to modify icons

MIUI has a built-in theme system that allows you to change icons without installing additional programs, but the choice is limited to official themes from the Mi Themes store.

Instructions:

1. Open the Themes app (Brush icon on desktop)
2. Go to the Icons section in the lower menu
3. Choose your favorite package (e.g. Minimal UI or Pixel Icons)
4. Click Apply – the icons will change automatically

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all apps support replacement (for example, Google Play is often left unchanged)
• ❌ Version requirements MIUI: on MIUI 12 choices are wider than the MIUI 14
• ❌ Some topics are paid (cost from 50 to 300 rubles)

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If the desired theme does not apply, try clearing the cache of the Themes application in Settings → Apps → Application Management → Themes → Clear the cache.

3. Editing APK-Application files (for experienced applications)

This method requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights, but allows you to change the icons of any application, including system. APK Editor Pro or APKTool.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK-application file (for example, through APK Extractor)
2. Open it in APK Editor Pro and go to Resources → drawable
3. Replace the icon files (usually have names) ic_launcher.png or app_icon.png)
4. Save the modified APK and install it on top of the old one

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing APK This can cause an application to crash or loss of functionality before changing the system. APK (For example, com.android.settings, make a backup through TWRP.

For Redmi Note 11/12 models with MIUI 13/14, this method works consistently, but on the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12, there may be problems with the APK signature.

adb install -r -t name apk

4.Use of Xposed Framework (only for MIUI 12 and below)

Xposed Framework allowed you to flexibly customize the Android interface, including replacing icons. However, on MIUI 13/14, this method does not work due to security changes. If you have a Redmi Note 8/9 with MIUI 12, you can try the GravityBox module.

Instructions for compatible devices:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
• 📱 Install. TWRP and stream Xposed Installer for your version of Android
• 🔧 Activate the GravityBox module and find the Icon Theming option
• 🎨 Download the icon package in.zip format and apply it

On MIUI 13/14, LSPosed is the alternative to Xposed, but its icon support is limited. For the Redmi Note 10/11, it is better to use the methods from section 1 or 3.

5. Replace icons through ADB (no root)

The method is suitable for users who do not want root rights, but are willing to use ADB. It works on all Redmi Note models with MIUI 12-14, but requires a connection to a PC.

Algorithm of action:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → More → For Developers
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm grant com.lawnchair.launcher android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS (Replace com.lawnchair.launcher with your launcher package)
3. Use an ADB-enabled launcher (like Lawnchair) to replace icons

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They give the launcher extended rights, which can be used by attackers. Once set up, revoke the permission: adb shell pm revoke com.lawnchair.launcher android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your Redmi Note model, MIUI version and risk preparedness.

For most Redmi Note users, the best solution is a combination of launcher and MIUI themes. If you need a full customization, you will have to unlock the bootloader and use APK Editor or LSPosed.

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On MIUI 14, the most reliable way is third-party launchers (Nova or Lawnchair) with packages of icons from the Play Market.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When replacing icons, users of Xiaomi Redmi Note often face typical problems.

• 🔄 Icons reset after reboot: Clear the launcher cache in Settings → Annexes → [Launcher's name] → Clear the cache. If the problem persists, disable battery optimization for launcher.
• 🚫 System application icons do not change: This is a limitation MIUI. Decision — editing APK (Section 3) or use of Xposed (section 4).
• 📱 Launcher does not save settings: Check if storage rights have been reset. Go to Settings → Annexes → [Launcher] → Rights. → Memory and allow access.
• 🔒 Error "failed to install package" when editing APK: Make sure installation from unknown sources is enabled (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications).

If after replacing the icons, the application stopped opening, try:

1. Remove application updates (Settings) → Annexes → [Annex] → ⋮ → Remove updates)
2. Clear the app data (carefully – this will remove all settings!)
3. Reinstall the original APK via APKMirror

Backup important data

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Install ADB-Drivers (if you plan to use them) ADB)

Download an alternative launcher in advance

Disable battery optimization for launcher-->

FAQ: Answers to popular questions