How to Change App Icons on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 Ways to Work (2026)

App icons on Xiaomi Redmi are the first thing that catches your eye when you unlock the screen. The standard MIUI design is not popular: some want originality, some want minimalism, and some just get tired of the monotonous theme. Fortunately, you can change icons to Redmi without complex manipulations - and even without root rights.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to change icons, from built-in MIUI tools to third-party launchers and manual replacement via ADB. Each method is suitable for different firmware versions (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) and models – whether it’s the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or the budget Redmi A2. Importantly, some methods require caution, so we’ll point out the risks and limitations for each option.

If you want to change your icons, and completely transform the interface — at the end of this article there is a bonus section about creating custom themes for Xiaomi. And for those who are afraid of breaking something, we have prepared an FAQ with answers to frequent questions.

1. Method: Built-in MIUI themes (the easiest)

The safest and fastest method is to use built-in themes in MIUI. Xiaomi offers hundreds of free and paid themes that change not only icons, but also fonts, wallpaper, animations. This method works on all Redmi models (from Note 8 to Note 13 Pro) and does not require the installation of additional applications.

How to do this:

📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
🔍 In the search box, type a query, for example: “minimalism icons", "3D icons" or "iOS style".
🎨 Choose the theme you like and click Apply. The icons will change automatically.
💰 Please note: some themes are paid (from 50 to 300 rubles), but there are also free options.

Advantages of the method:

✅ No need for root rights or technical knowledge.
✅ All changes are reversible – you can return standard icons in one click.
✅ Not only icons change, but also the overall style of the interface.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI To avoid this, save your favorite theme to Favorites (heart icon in the Topic app).

📊 How often do you change the topic on your Xiaomi?

Once a month

Six months

Never.

Only after the purchase

2. Method: third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If built-in themes aren't enough, you can install an alternative launcher, an app that completely replaces the standard MIUI interface, allowing you to customize icons, gestures, transitions, and even hide unnecessary apps. Popular launchers for Xiaomi Redmi:

🌟 Nova Launcher – the most flexible, with support for icon packs).
🔄 Apex Launcher – lightweight and fast, suitable for weak smartphones (for example, Redmi) 9A).
🎨 Hyperion Launcher – Minimalistic, with a focus on performance.

Instructions for installation and configuration (for example, Nova Launcher):

Download Nova Launcher from Google Play.
Install any icon pack (such as Whicons, CandyCons, or Fluid).
Press the finger free space on the desktop → Settings → Style of icons.
Select the icon pack installed and apply the changes.

Launcher	Support for icon packs	Free version	Features
Nova Launcher	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes (with limitations)	Maximum customization, gestures, backup settings
Apex Launcher	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	Lightweight, suitable for weak devices
Hyperion Launcher	❌ No.	✅ Yes.	Minimalism, high productivity
Lawnchair	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	Pixel Style, Open Source

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (such as Nova Launcher) may conflict with gestures MIUI. If after installation, swipes stopped working down to call the notification panel, turn off the launcher gestures in its settings.

Backup your desktop (in Nova: Settings → Backup)

Check the compatibility of icon pack with your version of Android

Disable battery optimization for launcher (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Battery Optimization)

Restart the phone after installation-->

3. Method: manually replacing icons through ADB (for advanced)

If you want to change icons selectively (like WhatsApp or Settings only), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires USB debugging and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to change icons without launchers and themes.

Step-by-step:

Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

Redmi

ADB Tools

Command line.

Terminal

ADB

Chrome

adb shell pm install-existing --user 0 com.android.chrome


adb shell cmd shortcut set-icon --package com.android.chrome --resource "packet with new icon"

Note: This method requires pre-unpacking the APK with a new icon and pointing the right path to the resource. A mistake in the command can lead to the icon being reset to a standard one.

Advantages of the method:

✅ Spot replacement of individual icons.
✅ Doesn't require root rights.
✅ It works on all versions. MIUI.

Disadvantages:

❌ Hard for beginners.
❌ When you update the application, the icon may be reset.
❌ Requires a connection to the PC.

What if the ADB can’t see the device?

1. Check if Xiaomi drivers are installed USB Drivers on PC. 2. Try another one USB-cable (preferably original). 3. In the developer settings, enable Debugging by USB (security parameters) and Unlocking OEM. 4. Restart your phone and PC. 5. If you are using Windows, run the command prompt on behalf of the administrator.

4. Method: Using apps to replace icons (without root)

If ADB seems too complicated, you can use specialized apps that change icons without root rights.

🎨 Icon Changer is a simple tool to replace icons with one.
🔄 Awesome Icons – Supports icon packages and creates shortcuts.
🖼️ Shortcut Maker – allows you to create custom shortcuts with any icons.

How to work with Icon Changer:

Download the app from Google Play.
Select the app you want to change (e.g. Telegram).
Click Change the icon and select an image from the gallery or icon pack.
Save the changes – a new label will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Icon Changer don't replace the original icons in the app menu, they create shortcuts. If you remove the shortcut, the icon will return to the standard icon.

Where to get the icons to replace:

📥 Download free icon packs from sites like Icon Pack Studio.
🎨 Create your icons in Canva or Figma (size should be) 192×192 px 512×512 px).
🔍 Search by hashtags on Pinterest or DeviantArt (e.g. #minimal icons).

💡

If the icon looks blurry after you replace it, check its resolution. The optimal size for a MIUI is 192×192 pixels. For best results, use PNG images with a transparent background.

5. Method: custom firmware (for experienced users)

If you are willing to take drastic measures, you can install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS), which will not only change the icons, but also completely remake the interface for pure Android or other styles.

Advantages of custom firmware:

✅ Full customization freedom (including icons, fonts, animations).
✅ No restrictions. MIUI (For example, blocking topics).
✅ Regular security updates.

How to install custom firmware on Xiaomi Redmi:

Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (can take up to 7 days).
Install TWRP Recovery (instructions are available on XDA Developers).
Download firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience for your Redmi model).
Go to TWRP, do wipe (data cleanup) and flash the firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware resets all data on the phone and can lead to loss of warranty.Be sure to back up through the phone before the procedure TWRP Mi Cloud.

Popular firmware for Xiaomi Redmi:

Firmware	Xiaomi support	Features	Complexity of installation
Pixel Experience	✅ Yes (many models)	Interface like Google Pixel, stable operation	Medium
LineageOS	✅ Yes (limitedly)	Pure Android, minimalism	Tall.
Havoc-OS	✅ Yes (popular models)	Maximum customization, frequent updates	Tall.
MIUI EU	✅ Yes, all models)	MIUI without Chinese services, more so	Low.

💡

Custom firmware gives maximum freedom, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP. This method is suitable only for advanced users, ready for possible bugs and loss of warranty.

Bonus: How to Create Your Theme for MIUI

If you don't find the right theme in the MIUI store, you can create your own!

🖥️ Computer with software MIUI Theme Editor (download at Xiaomi.eu).
🎨 Set of icons in.png format (size) 192×192 px).
📁 Knowledge of the basics of working with.mtz archives (theme format) MIUI).

Step-by-step:

Download and install MIUI Theme Editor.
Create a new theme or import an existing one (.mtz file).
Replace the icons in your icons folder with your own (saving the original file names!).
Export the theme to.mtz format.
Transfer the file to your phone and import through the Themes app.

Where to get templates for themes:

📂 Archive of the Standard Theme MIUI (can be extracted from com.android.theme.default.mtz).
🌐 Sites like MIUI Themes (there are free templates there).
💬 Telegram chat rooms and forums (e.g, @miuithemes Telegram).

If you do not want to understand MIUI Theme Editor, you can order a custom theme from designers on:

🎨 Fiverr. $10 for a simple topic).
🖌️ Upwork (Professional Designers).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I change the icons without the launcher and themes?

Yes, but with limitations. For example, through apps like Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker, you can create shortcuts with new icons, but the original icons in the app menu will remain the same. A full replacement without a launcher can only be done through ADB or root.

Why did the icons drop after the MIUI update?

This is standard MIUI behavior — after major updates, the system resets some settings, including themes and launchers. To avoid this: Save the theme to Favorites in the Themes app. Back up the launcher settings (in Nova Launcher: Settings → Backup). Use ADB to fix the icons (but this is a temporary solution).

How to return standard icons to Xiaomi Redmi?

The way you changed them depends on how you changed them: If you used themes → open the Themes app → My Themes → select Standard. If you used the launcher → delete it or reset it to Launcher Settings → Reset. If you changed them through ADB → repeat the command by pointing the way to the original icon.

Can I change my Xiaomi Redmi icons without a computer?

Yes, it's good for icon replacement apps (Icon Changer, Awesome Icons), third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Lawnchair), embedded MIUI themes (no PC required), without a computer you can't use ADB or install custom firmware.

Why are some icons not changing in Nova Launcher?

This is because: The App does not support icon packs (such as some MIUI system utilities). The icon pack selected does not contain an icon for that application. The launcher settings disabled the option to Apply the icon theme. Solution: Try another icon pack or manually assign an icon through Nova Settings → Icon Style → Assign an icon.