How to rename the application to Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The name of the app on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO screen can be annoying for many reasons: too long a name, inconvenient display in Russian, or just want to personalize the interface. Unfortunately, MIUI does not provide a built-in feature for direct renaming of applications - but this does not mean that the task is impossible. There are at least 5 working ways to change the program's display name, from simple tricks with launchers to deep system modifications.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current techniques, including ADB modification, third-party launchers, APK file editing, and workarounds for system applications. We’ll focus on the risks of each method, from the harmless to the ones that could cause system failure. If you’re willing to experiment with your Xiaomi interface, read on.

It's important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which automatically disqualifies you, while others work without any modifications, depending on how deeply you want to tamper with the system, and let's start with the safest options.

Method 1: Using a third-party launcher (without root)

The easiest and safest way to rename an app is to install an alternative launcher, and popular solutions like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, or Microsoft Launcher allow you to change shortcut names directly from the interface, with the advantage of not having to root, not having to disrupt the system, and being reversible in two clicks.

How it works:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Make it the default launcher in Xiaomi settings (Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher).
3. Press your finger on the shortcut of the app you want to rename and select the option to Change the Name (in Nova Launcher – Edit).
4. Enter a new name and save the changes.

✅ Pluses:

• 🔄 Reversible Change – Deleting the Launcher Will Return the Original Names.
• 📱 It works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11.
• 🎨 Additional customization options (badges, gestures, themes).

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (e.g. Settings or Phone) may not be renamed even through the launcher. MIUI, Not the launcher itself.

Install a launcher from Google Play|

Make it a default launcher |

Press the label of the editing application |

Introduce a new name and keep it-->

Method 2: Editing through ADB (without root, but with debugging)

If the launcher doesn’t work, you can go further and use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that allows you to change the name of applications at the system level, but does not require root rights.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging on Xiaomi: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB
2. Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB Tools.
3. Run the command to rename (replace com.example.app with the application package and "New name" with the desired name): adb shell pm set-app-label com.example.app "New name"
4. Reboot the phone.

🔍 How to find out the application package?

Use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, for Telegram:

adb shell pm list packages | grep telegram

⚠️ Note: After updating the app, its name may be reset to the original, and this method does not work for Xiaomi system applications (for example, com.miui.home).

Method 3: Change APK-File (requires retrieval and repackaging)

For advanced users, there is a method of editing an AndroidManifest.xml file inside the APK app, which allows you to change the name permanently, but requires repackaging the APK and can disrupt the program.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the APK application (for example, via APKCombo or adb pull).
2. Uncivilize. APK using APKTool: apktool d app.apk -o output_folder
3. Open the file. output_folder/res/values/strings.xml Find the line with the name of the application (usually app_name).
4. Change the text to the desired one and save the file.
5. Re-assemble APK: apktool b output_folder -o modified_app.apk
6. Sign up. APK using the Uber-apk-signer: Java -jar uber-apk-signer.jar --apk modified_app.apk
7. Install a modified APK on your phone.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work for Xiaomi system applications, as they are signed with the manufacturer's key, and some applications (for example, banking) can detect modifications and block work.

💡 Tip: Before editing, back up the original APK. If the app stops working, you can return it back.

💡

If you are editing an APK for personal use, add a suffix (like “Mod”) to the new name so as not to confuse it with the original version on Google Play.

Method 4: Root access + edit system files

For system applications (e.g. Camera, Gallery, Settings), the only reliable way is to obtain root rights and manually edit files in the system. /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/. This method is risky: wrong actions can lead to bootloop ( looped boot) or loss of functionality.

Instructions for experienced users:

1. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi via the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install custom recovery (such as TWRP) and get root through Magisk.
3. With Root Explorer or Mixplorer, go to the folder with the system application (for example, /system/priv-app/MiuiCamera).
4. Copy the APK on your PC, edit strings.xml (as in Method 3) and replace the original file.
5. Change the rights to the file: chmod 644 /system/priv-app/MiuiCamera/MiuiCamera.apk
6. Reboot the phone.

❌ Limitations:

• 🚫 Does not work on devices with Dynamic Partitions (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI change.
• 🛡️ It can affect your system security (some apps, such as Google Pay, will stop working).

Yeah, if that's the only way.|

Only for critical applications |

No, the risks are too high.|

I already have root, I've tried it.-->

Method 5: Bypasses for system applications

If you need to rename your system application (like Security or Themes) but don’t want to root, there are a few workarounds:

🔹 Duplicate labelling:

• 📌 Use a launcher with support for duplicate shortcuts (for example, Nova Launcher).
• 📝 Create a copy of the label and rename it.
• ❌ The original shortcut will stay in place, but you can hide it in a folder.

🔹 Use of the widget:

• 🧩 Some launchers allow you to create widgets with arbitrary text that can be placed on top of the original shortcut.
• 🎨 For example, Nova Launcher has a Shortcut widget that can be renamed.

🔹 Installation of an alternative application:

• 🔄 For many system utilities Xiaomi has analogues in Google Play, for example, instead of the Gallery you can use Google Photos.
• 📱 After installing the alternative, the original application can be disabled (Settings) → Annexes → Shut down).

Important: Disabling system applications can cause MIUI to work unstable. For example, disabling com.miui.analytics will disrupt the collection of statistics, which can affect the operation of certain functions.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

💡 Recommendation:

• For most users, a third-party launcher (Nova Launcher) is optimal.
• If you need to rename a custom app, try ADB.
• For system applications without root, it is better to use workarounds.
• Root-method is suitable only for experienced users, ready for risks.

💡

On devices with MIUI 14+ and newer models (e.g. Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 13), some methods (e.g. APK editing) may not work due to enhanced system protection.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When renaming applications to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

🔘 Mistake 1: ADB fails to find the device

• 🔌 Check that the cable supports data transfer (not all) USB-cables are suitable for debugging).
• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers on PC.
• 📱 In the developer settings, turn on debugging by USB (security).

🔘 Error 2: After editing APK application not running

• 🔧 Make sure you sign correctly APK (Use an uber-apk signer).
• 📝 Check that you have not removed important lines in AndroidManifest.xml.
• 🔄 Try to reassemble. APK differentially (--use-aapt2).

🔘 Error 3: Name reset after update

• 🔄 This is normal behavior for rootless methods.
• 📌 If you use a launcher, check if its settings have reset.

🔘 Error 4: The system application is not renamed by ADB

• 🚫 That's a limitation. MIUI. System applications need root or workarounds.
• 🔧 Try to disable the application via adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 Application package and install an alternative.

⚠️ Note: If after editing system files, the phone stopped booting, try going to Fastboot Mode (press Power). + Vol Down) and reflash the device via the Mi Flash Tool!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions