How to change app icons on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Standard app icons on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones can get bored quickly — especially if you’ve been using the device for several years. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to change them, from built-in MIUI tools to install third-party launchers.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to change icons on Xiaomi devices in 2026, from simple themes from the store to manually modifying them through ADB. You’ll learn which methods work without root rights and where you’ll need to unlock the bootloader. We’ll also talk about hidden nuances that are not mentioned in standard instructions, such as why some icons don’t change or how to return everything if something went wrong.

1. Standard MIUI themes: the easiest way

The fastest and safest method is to use built-in themes in the MIUI shell. This method does not require the installation of additional applications and works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (except for Android One devices where MIUI is absent).

To change icons through themes:

• 📱 Open the Topics app (brush icon on desktop).
• 🔍 In the search bar, type in an “icon pack” or “icon pack” or style name (e.g., “minimalism»).
• 🎨 Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. The system will automatically replace the icons of the application, wallpaper and sometimes even fonts.
• 🔄 If the theme is paid, you can first watch the preview or use the free trial (if available).

⚠️ Note: Not all themes change all icons – some only affect system applications (e.g. Settings, Phone, Messages) Third-party icons (e.g. Telegram or VK) often remain unchanged. MIUI The theme used may be reset – you will have to install it again.

2. Use of third-party launchers

If the built-in themes are not enough, you can install an alternative launcher - a program that completely replaces the standard MIUI desktop. Popular options are Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Hyperion Launcher (optimized for Xiaomi).

The advantage of this method is that many launchers support icon packs from Google Play, for example, you can download the style of Pixel Icons, Minimal O or Whicons and apply it to all applications.

Instructions for setting:

• 📲 Install a launcher from Google Play (for example, Nova Launcher).
• 🎯 Download your favorite icon package (for example, Pitang Icon Pack).
• ⚙️ In the launcher settings, find the Icon or Icon Pack section and select the installed package.
• 🔄 Restart the launcher (usually a swipe down on the desktop is enough).

Make a backup of the desktop (screenshots or export settings)

Check the compatibility of the launcher with the Android version

Download 2-3 packs of icons for comparison

Disable battery optimization for launcher (in settings) MIUI)-->

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (such as Nova Launcher) require a paid version to unlock all features, including changing icons. MIUI, So, you know, you know, dual apps or kid mode, and you're going to have to reconfigure them.

💡

If the weather or calendar widgets are missing after installing the launcher, try reinstalling the MIUI Weather system application through Settings → Applications → App Management → Show Everything → Weather (click on three dots → Install APK).

3. Manually modifying icons via ADB (for advanced)

This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with the command line and have basic knowledge of Android Debug Bridge (ADB), it allows you to replace icons selectively without changing the whole topic. However, there are risks: if you fail, you can damage system files, which will lead to bootloop.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁 Package of icons in.png format with resolution 192×192 or 108×108 (model).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices (your device should appear).
2. Download the icons to your phone folder (e.g. /sdcard/Download/icons/).
3. Use the command to replace (example for the Settings icon): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/icons/settings.png /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png chmod 644 /system/app/Settings/res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher_settings.png reboot

Critical nuance: the paths to icons differ depending on the version of MIUI and the phone model. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro (MIUI 14), the icons can lie in /product/overlay/, and on POCO F3 - in /system/priv-app/. Before replacing, make sure to back up the original files!

4. Apps for changing icons without root

If ADB seems too complex, you can use specialized applications that change icons without superuser rights.

• 🎨 Icon Changer – allows you to replace icons one by one, creating shortcuts on the desktop.
• 🖼️ Awesome Icons – Offers over 10,000 free icons with preview options.
• 🔄 X Icon Changer – Supports icon packages and has a built-in editor.

How it works:

1. Install an app (like Icon Changer) from Google Play.
2. Select the app you want to change your icon (e.g. Chrome).
3. Download your picture or select from the app gallery.
4. Create a shortcut on your desktop – the original icon will remain in the app menu, but a new one will appear on the screen.

⚠️ Note: These apps don't replace the original icons in the system, they only create shortcuts:

• 📌 In the application menu (All applications) will remain the old icon.
• 🔄 After resetting settings or updating MIUI labels will disappear.
• 📱 Some launchers (e.g. standard) MIUI) They may not support custom labels.

💡

Apps to change icons without root is the safest way, but it only works at the desktop level. Root rights or ADBs will be required to completely replace icons in the system.

5. Complete icon replacement with Magisk and Substratum

For those willing to take drastic measures, there is a way to completely replace the icons in the system with Magisk (an alternative to root) and the Substratum theme.This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 📱 Installed Magisk (instructions are available on the XDA Developers).
• 🎨 Installed Substratum Theme Engine app and compatible theme.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).
2. Install Magisk and check for root rights with Magisk Manager.
3. Download Substratum and a compatible theme (like Swift Black or PitchBlack).
4. In Substratum, select a theme, tick the icons and click Compile and Install.
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 with) MIUI 14) Substratum may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case try the alternative - Andromeda (a plug-in for Substratum that requires additional configuration). MIUI The topic will have to be reused.

6. Reset icons to standard settings

If you want to return everything as it was, there are several ways:

For MIUI's:

• 🎨 Open the Topics app → My subjects. → Choose Standard.
• 🔄 If the theme is not reset, clear the theme app cache in the settings.

For the launchers:

• ⚙️ In the launcher settings, find the Icons section and select Standard or System.
• 🗑️ Remove the launcher and return to the standard desktop MIUI (default).

For ADB/root:

• 🖥️ If you have replaced the icons through ADB, Restore the original files from backup.
• 🔄 For Substratum, open the app, select your theme and click Delete.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the icons are displayed incorrectly (for example, in the form of white squares), clear the cache of the Launche application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → If this doesn't help, restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button). → Restart in Safe Mode and remove all third-party launchers.

FAQ: Frequent questions