Modern smartphones, including popular models like the Xiaomi Redmi 9, offer users a huge opportunity to personalize the interface. However, the standard MIUI shell, despite its functionality, has a number of limitations that may seem strange even to experienced users. One of these limitations is the inability to change the name of the application by standard means of the system. Many device owners face a situation where the label on the desktop has a name that does not correspond to their preferences, or they need to hide the real purpose of the program to improve privacy.
The name change problem is solved in several ways, depending on your Android operating system and the installed version of the firmware. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to rename the application to Xiaomi Redmi 9 using both built-in launcher features and third-party utilities. You will learn about the nuances of working with shortcuts, thematic features and methods that will allow you to completely transform the appearance of the desktop. Personalization is not just beauty, but a way to make using the gadget more convenient and logical for you.
It is worth noting that the standard renaming procedure may differ depending on whether you use the MIUI stock launcher or have installed an alternative interface. Direct renaming of the.apk system file without the relevant rights and knowledge can lead to the inoperability of the application. Therefore, we will use secure methods that do not require obtaining superuser rights (Root) and do not violate the device warranty. Below are proven methods that are relevant to current versions of MIUI 12, MIUI 13 and later.
Use of built-in MIUI launcher functions
The first and most obvious way that most users think of is to find the right option in the desktop settings. Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners are often surprised, but in some versions of the MIUI shell, the shortcut renaming function is implemented natively, although it is hidden in an unobvious way. To try to change the name, you need to make a long tap on the application icon on the desktop. If the context menu appears there is an item "Edit" or a pencil icon, you're in luck.
However, if you didn't find one, it doesn't mean that the system doesn't allow you to do anything. In newer versions of MIUI, renaming is often only available when using the default theme or certain themes. Try to go to the Themes app, select a standard theme "Classic" or "No Limits" and apply it. After applying the stock theme, the shortcut algorithm may change, and the ability to edit the title will become available through a long click on the icon.
It's important to understand that renaming through the launcher only changes the shortcut's displayed name, but it doesn't affect the internal name of the package in the system. This means that in the application settings, in the permission list or in the task manager, the program will still be called its original name. The desktop shortcut is just a link, and we will modify the label exactly. If you reset the launcher settings or change the topic to another, your changes may be lost, so be careful when experimenting with the design.
☑️ Testing the launcher's capabilities
Application of third-party launchers for flexible settings
If the built-in MIUI doesn't satisfy you, the most effective solution is to install a third-party launcher, which completely replaces the standard desktop, providing advanced functionality for managing icons, widgets and, of course, application names. Xiaomi Redmi 9 is great for solutions like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchair. They allow you to change the shortcut name in one click.
The process of installing a third-party launcher is simple: download the application from the Google Play Store, launch it and follow the configuration instructions. Once you activate the new launcher as the main one, you just click on the icon of any application (usually you need a double tap or a long tap with the choice of "Edit"), and the system will prompt you to enter a new name. Nova Launcher, for example, is considered a benchmark in this area, providing maximum flexibility without the need for deep programming knowledge.
Using a third-party launcher offers another important benefit: the ability to create groups of applications with unique names or hide certain icons. However, it is worth remembering that replacing the system launcher can affect the operation of some Xiaomi branded features, such as control gestures or built-in weather widgets. Before installation, it is recommended to back up important data so that in the event of a conflict of systems, you can quickly return to the original state.
⚠️ Note: When installing a third-party launcher, make sure you give it all the necessary permissions to display over other windows and access storage. Without these permissions, the icon renaming function may not work correctly or new names may not be saved after the device is restarted.
Creating shortcuts through editorial applications
There's another elegant way to save the native MIUI launcher, but change the names and icons of the applications, and that's specialized utilities like X Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker. These apps don't replace the desktop completely, but create new shell shortcuts on top of existing applications, which is ideal for those who want to change the name of a particular application without touching the entire system.
The way these programs work is to create a new shortcut that leads to the same application, but has a user name and, if you want, a different icon. When you click on that shortcut, the system launches the target application. The algorithm is simple: you select the application in the list, you specify a new name, you select an image and you confirm the creation. The old shortcut can be removed or moved to the folder, and the new one can be placed in a prominent place.
The main advantage of this method is its security and reversibility. You can delete the created shortcut at any time, and the original application will remain in place with all its data. In addition, such editors often allow you to create shortcuts for specific actions within applications, such as immediately opening the camera in selfie mode or running a certain chat in the messenger. Shortcut Maker also supports the creation of widgets, which makes this tool a universal assistant in customization.
The following is the shortcut maker:
1. Open the Shortcut Maker app.
2. Go to the "Applications" section.
3. Select the desired program from the list.
4. Enter the desired name in the "Name" field.
5. Click "Create a label."Use of design themes to change names
Xiaomi’s theme ecosystem is a powerful tool that is often underrated. In the MIUI theme store, you can find designs that already contain changed system application names or allow you to edit them through an embedded theme editor. Some theme authors create modifications where standard titles like “Camera” or “Gallery” are replaced with stylized or even hidden. Although this is less flexible than using launchers, it allows you to maintain the native speed of the system.
To use this method, go to the Topic app, search for queries like “Custom Labels”, “Rename” or simply browse popular themes. Before installing, carefully review the screenshots of the topic: often authors show what shortcuts look like. If the theme supports editing, after applying it, you can change the shortcut text with a long press, even if this feature was not available in the standard theme.
Consider that themes affect the entire visual style of the system, including the notification bar, settings menu and lock screen. Setting a theme to rename one application can be redundant if you don’t like the overall design. However, for aesthetics fans, this is a great opportunity to completely transform the Redmi 9 interface. Remember that some themes may be paid or contain ads, so check the ratings and reviews before downloading.
Where to find hidden themes settings?
Table of comparison of renaming methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method in the context of using the Xiaomi Redmi 9.
| Method | Need a Root. | Impact on the system | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI launcher | No. | Minimum | Low. |
| Third-party launcher | No. | Medium (shell replacement) | Medium |
| Editorial annexes | No. | Minimum (labeling) | Low. |
| Design topics | No. | High (visual changes) | Low. |
As you can see from the table, most methods don't require superuser rights, which makes them available to a wide range of users. The choice of the specific method depends on your goals: if you want to change one or two names, you will need a shortcut editor. If you want to completely redesign the interface for yourself, you should look at third-party launchers. Optimizing workspace is the key to productive work with a smartphone.
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Before installing a new launcher or theme, export the current icon arrangement. In MIUI, this can be done through desktop settings to quickly return things to the way they were if you don’t like the new interface.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to use third-party launchers on Xiaomi?
Will the app names reset after the system update?
Can I rename system applications such as "Phone" or "Messages"?
Why did the icon become standard after the renaming?
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The most stable way to rename without losing MIUI functionality is to use shortcut editor applications such as Shortcut Maker, as they do not conflict with system processes.
To sum up, the challenge of renaming an app to Xiaomi Redmi 9 is simple enough with the right tools. Whether it's built-in features, third-party launchers or customized utilities, every user will find a convenient option. Experiment with settings, create a unique interface and make using your smartphone as comfortable as possible. Don't be afraid to try new personalization apps is the best way to unlock the potential of your device.
⚠️ Warning: If after installing a new launcher or theme, your phone started to run slower or there were failures in the interface, try clearing the launcher cache in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → All applications → [Your launcher] → Clear) or temporarily return to a standard launcher MIUI diagnosing the problem.