How to rename the app to Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: from standard tools to ADB

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro with its proprietary MIUI shell offers users flexible customization options, but not all features lie on the surface. One of the frequent questions owners ask is how to rename the application so that the name on the desktop reflects its real purpose (for example, replace "Gallery" with "Photo 2026" or "Chrome" with "Working browser"). Unlike iOS, where renaming applications requires workarounds, Android provides several legal methods - from built-in tools to third-party launchers and even ADB commands.

In this article, we will discuss 3 working ways to rename an application to Redmi 8 Pro (relevant to the versions of MIUI 11-14 based on Android 9/10), their pros and cons, as well as nuances that will help avoid typical errors. We will pay special attention to methods that do not require root rights, since most users prefer not to risk the guarantee and stability of the system. If you are looking for a way to change the name of the system application (for example, “Settings” or “Phone”), we warn in advance: this is possible only through ADB or with superuser rights.

Why do standard MIUI methods not work?

The proprietary launcher MIUI Launcher on Redmi 8 Pro does not support renaming app shortcuts out of the box, a restriction that is due to Xiaomi's policy of maintaining uniformity of the interface.

• 🔄 Create a duplicate shortcut with a new name (works for custom applications, but not for system applications).
• 📱 Use third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) that support renaming.
• 💻 ADB-commands to change the tags of system applications (requires a connection to the PC).

Important: renaming does not change the internal name of the application package (for example, com.android.chrome will remain the same), but only the name displayed on the desktop. This means that the system settings, notifications and the Latest Applications menu will display the original name.

⚠️ Note: Change the name of system applications through ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI, Especially if you're using firmware betas. Before experimenting, back up your data in Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 1: Rename via Nova Launcher (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to install a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher, which is suitable for all applications, including system ones, but only works inside the launcher interface (the standard MIUI Launcher will not display changes).

Steps:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it to the default launcher (at the first start, the system will prompt you to do this).
3. Find the shortcut to the app you want to rename on your desktop and hold it with your finger.
4. In the menu that appears, select "Change" (or "Edit").
5. In the "Name" field, enter a new name and click "Done".

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need to root or connect to a PC.
• ✅ It works for all applications, including system.
• ✅ Changes are reversible – you can return the original name at any time.

⚠️ Note: If you go back to the standard MIUI Launcher, renamed shortcuts will show up with the original names. To keep the changes, use Nova Launcher constantly.

Install Nova Launcher from Google Play|

Backup your desktop (in Nova settings)|

Check that the launcher is assigned by default |

Close all background applications for stable operation-->

Method 2: Create a duplicate shortcut (for user applications)

If you don’t want to install a third-party launcher, you can create a duplicate app shortcut with a new name, which only works for user-installed applications (e.g. Telegram, VK, Spotify) and is not suitable for system applications (e.g. Camera or Contacts).

Instructions:

1. Hold your finger on the app you want to rename until the context menu appears.
2. Select "Create a shortcut" (or "Duplicate", depending on the version of MIUI).
3. A new shortcut will appear on your desktop. Hold it and select "Change the name."
4. Enter a new name and save the changes.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work for system applications.
• ❌ The original label will remain unchanged.
• ❌ There will be two shortcuts on the desktop (original and renamed).

💡

If a duplicate shortcut doesn’t appear on the menu, try dragging the app to the desktop first and then holding it to edit the title.

Method 3: Rename through ADB (for system applications)

If you need to change the name of your system application (e.g., Settings or Messages) and you are ready to connect Redmi 8 Pro to your computer, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a more sophisticated method, but allows you to rename even those applications that are not amenable to change through launchers.

Steps:

1. Turn on USB debugging on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

adb shell pm set-app-label com.android.settings "My settings"

Replace com.android.settings with your app package name and My Settings with your desired name.

Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

How to find out the name of the application package?

• Install the App Inspector from Google Play and it will show the full name of the package (com.android.xxx).
• Or use the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword" For example, for the Camera app, type grep "camera".

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) can block changes via the ADB In this case, the renaming is only possible with root rights.

How do you get the original names back?

If you have renamed the app and want to return the original name, proceed depending on the method:

• 🔄 Nova Launcher: Hold the label → "Change" → delete the text in the field "Title" → save (launcher automatically pulls up the original name).
• 📱 Duplicate shortcut: Just remove the renamed shortcut from your desktop.
• 💻 ADB: Repeat the command by specifying the original name (for example, for "Settings" it will be adb shell pm set-app-label com.android.settings "Settings").

For ADB-You can also reset all changes with one team:

adb shell pm clear-app-preferences

It will return standard tags for all applications, but it will reset other settings (for example, default permissions).

Third-party launcher (Nova, Apex) |

Duplicate label |

ADB-team|

I'm not renaming apps.-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When renaming applications to Redmi 8 Pro, users often face typical problems:

• 🚫 "Team team. ADB Not working: Make sure the debugging is done USB Try restarting the adb service with the adb kill-server && adb start-server command.
• 🚫 "New name not displayed": After use ADB Make sure to restart the phone. For Nova Launcher, check that it is assigned as the default launcher.
• 🚫 "Disappeared shortcut after renaming: This can happen if you change the system application name through ADB Restore it via adb shell pm enable com.android.xxx.

If the app stopped opening after renaming via ADB, try:

1. Reset its settings: adb shell pm clear com.android.xxx.
2. Delete the cache: Settings → Applications → Find the application → Clear the cache.
3. Reset all ADB settings (see previous section).

Alternative ways of customization

If renaming doesn’t solve your problem, consider other options for customizing the interface on Redmi 8 Pro:

• 🎨 Change icons: Use icon packs (such as Whicons or CandyCons) through Nova Launcher.
• 📂 Folder creation: Combine similar applications into folders with their own names (for example, the Social Network folder for the VK, Telegram and Instagram).
• 🔧 Hiding applications: B MIUI You can hide unnecessary applications through Settings → Annexes → Hide applications (not removes, but only removes from the desktop).
• 🖼️ Widgets: Replace application shortcuts with similar features (e.g. Quick Contacts widget instead of Phone icon").

For advanced users who are ready to get root rights, additional opportunities open up:

• Edit /system/app files for full renaming (risky!).
• Using Magisk modules (such as App Systemizer) for deep customization.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions