How to rename the icon to Android Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Are you tired of the standard app names on Xiaomi’s desktop? Want to personalize your smartphone by replacing boring shortcuts with creative? In this article, we’ll explore all the possible ways to rename the icon to MIUI – from simple methods through a standard launcher to advanced tricks with ADB and third-party utilities.

It’s important to understand that renaming an icon is not the same as changing the name of the app itself on the system. We only work with shortcuts on the desktop, and the original name in Settings β†’ Apps will remain the same. This is a limitation imposed by the Android architecture itself, but there are several ways to get around it.

If you are using a Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or any other model on MIUI 14/15, the instructions below are for you, as well as the main thing is to consider the firmware version and the type of launcher (standard or third-party).

1.Renaming through the standard MIUI launcher

The easiest way is to use the built-in capabilities of the MIUI launcher. It works on all Xiaomi smartphones without root rights and additional programs, but has limitations: you can only rename shortcuts on the desktop, not in the application menu.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Long click on the icon of the application you want to rename.
  2. In the menu that appears, select Change the name (on some versions of MIUI, this item may be called Edit).
  3. Enter a new name (maximum 20 characters) and click Ready.

⚠️ Note: If there is no item Change the name, then your device uses a lightweight version of the launcher (for example, on budget models Redmi). A2 or POCO C50). In this case, proceed to the following methods.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Make sure the shortcut is on the desktop (not in the folder)|Check if the "Light Launcher" mode is turned off in the special features settings-->

2. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If the standard Xiaomi launcher does not allow you to rename the icon, install an alternative.

  • πŸ“± Nova Launcher supports customization of icons, gestures and even animations. There is a free version with basic features.
  • 🎨 Apex Launcher – lightweight and fast, with the ability to change shortcut names and hide applications.
  • πŸš€ Lawnchair is an open source launcher that mimics the Pixel Launcher, but with advanced settings.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

  1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one (a sentence will pop up when you first start).
  2. Long press on the icon β†’ Change β†’ Edit.
  3. In the Title field, enter a new text and save it.

πŸ’‘ Useful tip: Nova Launcher not only renames the icon, but also replaces it. To do this, select Change the icon in the editing menu and upload your picture in.png format (at least a resolution of at least one). 192Γ—192 px).

Standard. MIUI|Nova Launcher|Apex Launcher|Lawnchair|Other-->

3. Rename through ADB (for power users)

If you want to change the name of not only the shortcut, but also the application itself, you have to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a connection to the computer and basic command line knowledge.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Before you start, back up your data and make sure that your PC has drivers installed for your Xiaomi model (such as the Redmi Note 11 or Xiaomi). 13T).

Step-by-step:

  1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (click 7 times) β†’ Additional β†’ For developers).
  2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
  4. Use the renaming command (replace com.example.app with the app package and "New Name" with the desired name): adb shell pm set-app-label com.example.app "New Name"

Important: After the device is restarted, the original name of the application can be restored. To fix the changes, you will need to repeat the command or use the Magisk module (requires root rights).

How to find out the package name of the application?
Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management, select the right one and scroll down to the Package Information section. Or use the ADB command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "key word" For example, for WhatsApp, type grep "whatsapp"

4. Apps for renaming icons (without root)

If ADB seems too complex, you can use specialized utilities. They don't require superuser rights, but some features may be limited.

AnnexFunctionsConsReference
App Label EditorRename tags, change iconsAdvertising, limit on the number of changes in the free versionGoogle Play
Shortcut MakerCreating custom labels with any nameDoes not change the original name in the app menuGoogle Play
Icon ChangerReplacement of icons and names, support for icon packagesPaid features may conflict with MIUIGoogle Play

πŸ”Ή How to Work with Shortcut Maker:

  1. Install the application and open it.
  2. Select the desired application from the list.
  3. Click Create β†’ Enter a new name in the Title tag field.
  4. Save the label on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as App Label Editor) may not work on the app. MIUI 15 due to security restrictions.If the icon disappears after renaming, try clearing the launcher cache (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Launcher β†’ Clear the cache).

5. Renaming by root rights (Magisk)

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can use modules for deep customization, for example, the App Systemizer module allows you to rename system applications, and the Xposed Framework (through the App Settings module) - change the labels of any program.

Instructions for Magisk:

  1. Install Magisk Manager and check root status.
  2. Download the App Systemizer module from the Magisk repository.
  3. Restart the device and open Terminal (or use ADB).
  4. Enter the command: su pm set-app-label com.example.app "New name"

πŸ’‘ If after renaming the system application (for example, Camera or Gallery) it stops opening, restore the original name or remove the module through Magisk.

πŸ’‘

Using root rights gives you maximum customization freedom, but it deprives you of guarantees and can lead to unstable MIUI operation.

6.Duplicate a label with a new name

If none of these methods worked, you can do a trick: create a duplicate shortcut with the right name, which doesn't change the original application, but allows you to put an icon on your desktop with any text.

How to do this:

  1. Install the Desktop VisualizeR app (or similar) from Google Play.
  2. Select the application you want to create a duplicate for.
  3. Enter a new name and save the shortcut to the desktop.
  4. The original icon can be hidden in a folder or removed from the screen (but not uninstalled!).

βœ… Pros of the method:

  • πŸ”„ Does not require root rights or ADB.
  • πŸ“± It works on all versions. MIUI.
  • πŸ”§ You can create multiple shortcuts for one application with different names.

❌ Cons:

  • πŸ“‚ Takes up space on the desktop (you have to hide the original icon).
  • πŸ”„ When updating the application, the duplicate can be reset.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When renaming icons to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem.Reason.Decision
No "Change the name" item in the launcherUsed lightweight version of MIUI or launcher from the manufacturerInstall a third-party launcher (Nova, Apex) or update the firmware
After renaming through ADB, the name is reset.The system restores the original tags when restartingUse the App Systemizer Magisk Module to fix changes
The icon disappears after the name change.Conflict with launcher cache or MIUI restrictionsClear the launcher cache or restart the device
You can not rename the system applicationMIUI blocks changes to prevent disruptionsGet root rights or use a duplicate label

πŸ”§ Expert advice: If after manipulating icons launcher began to slow down, reset its settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Launcher β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data. Attention: this will remove all your widgets and icon locations!

Can I rename the icon to the app menu (not desktop)?
No, standard MIUI tools don’t allow you to change the names in the app menu.You can only rename shortcuts on the desktop or use third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) that support this feature for all icons.
Why are icon names dropped after MIUI update?
For major updates (e.g., from MIUI 14 to MIUI 15), the system resets the launcher cache and some custom settings. To avoid this, before updating: Take screenshots of the icons' location. Save backup via Titanium Backup (requires root). Use a cloud-backed launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher).
How to rename the WhatsApp or Telegram icon without root?
Any of these methods will work for instant messengers, except for ADB (because they are not system-based). Best options are: Create a duplicate shortcut through Shortcut Maker. Use Nova Launcher to rename it. Install a themed icon package (like Whicons for WhatsApp). If you want to change the name in notifications, you will need an Xposed Framework or Magisk.
Will the renaming of the POCO F5 or Redmi K60 work?
Yes, all of the methods described are compatible with the latest Xiaomi/POCO/Redmi models based on MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14. Except for lightweight firmware devices (e.g. Redmi A2+), where some launcher features may not be available, in which case use third-party apps or ADB.
Can I get the original name of the icon back?
Yes, for this: If you were renamed through the launcher β€” long-press icon β†’ Delete the name. If you used ADB, repeat the command with the original name: adb shell pm set-app-label com.example.app "Original name" If you used Magisk β€” delete the corresponding module or roll back changes through Magisk Manager.