How to change the app icon on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways from themes to ADB

App icons on Xiaomi Redmi are the first thing that catches your eye when unlocking a smartphone. The standard MIUI design is not popular with everyone: someone wants originality, someone wants uniformity with wallpaper, and someone just got tired of the same icons. Fortunately, the manufacturer and third-party developers offer several ways of customization, from simple to advanced.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of changing icons on Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and other models running MIUI 14/15 (including hyperos), learn how to do without root rights, which applications will help automate the process, and what to do if the icons are reset after changes, and also a unique life hack with ADB for those who want to replace the system icons without the risk of bricking.

1. Standard MIUI themes: the easiest way

Xiaomi offers thousands of free and paid themes in the brand store, many of which change not only wallpaper, but also icons, fonts, animations.

How to apply the topic:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
• 🔍 Enter the search for “icon pack” or “icon icon».
• 🎨 Choose your favorite theme and click Apply.
• 🔄 If the icons have not changed – restart the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Some themes only change icons for standard applications (Calls, Messages) for third-party programs (e.g. Telegram or Telegram) VK) Additional actions will be required – read about this in the next section.

2. Applications for customization of icons (without root)

If you don't have a lot of themes built in, use third-party launchers or utilities that let you install icon packs from Google Play or manual APKs.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Download any icon pack (such as Whicons or CandyCons).
3. Press the finger free space on the desktop → Settings → Style of icons.
4. Choose a downloaded package of icons.

Make sure that the launcher is set as the main

Download icon pack in APK format

Clear the launcher cache in the application settings

Reboot the smartphone after application-->

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 14+ Some launchers may conflict with the system shell. If you have lags after installing Nova Launcher, turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 5 times to tap according to the version).

3 Manually changing icons through "Tags"

If you only need to change the icon for one or two apps, you don't have to install a launcher. MIUI has a built-in custom shortcut creation feature:

Steps:

1. Press your finger on the app icon → select Application Information.
2. Slip the app icon in the top corner.
3. Choose to edit → Icon.
4. Upload your image (at least 192×192 px resolution).
5. Save the changes – a new label will appear on the desktop.

🔹 Limitations of method:

• 🚫 Does not change the icon in the app menu (only on the desktop).
• 🚫 When updating the application, the shortcut may be reset.
• 🚫 Does not work for system applications (Settings, Phone).

💡

To avoid resetting icons after the update, back up shortcuts through the Swift Backup app (root or ADB required).

4. ADB-commands to replace system icons (advanced method)

This is a good way for advanced users who want to replace system application icons (like Settings or Camera), with the advantage of being globally applied, not just on the desktop, but there are risks: if you make a mistake, you can damage system files.

📌 Requirements:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁 Ready-made icons in.png format (size) 108×108 px MIUI 14).

Step-by-step:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




cp /sdcard/icon.png /system/app/Appendix/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher.png




chmod 644 /system/app/ Appendix/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher.png




reboot

⚠️ Warning: Replacing system files can lead to bootloop.Before experimenting, back up the partition /system through TWRP Or OrangeFox.

5. Use of Xposed Framework (for hardened devices only)

For Redmi owners with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, the Xposed module with the Iconify or GravityBox extension is available.

• 🎨 Change icons for any application (including system).
• 🔄 Apply animations when pressed.
• 📏 Customize the size and indentation of icons.

🔧 How to install:

1. Install Magisk and LSPosed (Xposed alternative for Android 10+).
2. Download the Iconify module from the LSPosed repository.
3. Activate the module in LSPosed and restart the smartphone.
4. In Iconify settings, select an icon package or download yours.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 15 (HyperOS) Some Xposed modules may conflict with security MIUI Optimization. If after activation of the module there are lags, disable optimization through ADB:

adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful icon change, Xiaomi Redmi users are faced with typical bugs.

💡 Advice for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+: If after changing themes, notification icons disappear - reset the Topic settings to standard (Settings) → Topics → Reset) and apply the topic again.

💡

On HyperOS devices (MIUI 15), some older icon customization techniques may not work. Use Nova Launcher 8.0+ or Icon Pack Studio for compatibility.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions