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

Renaming apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that many users face: Some want to hide the name of the messenger from prying eyes, some need to organize the desktop, and some are just tired of English-language names in the Russian-language interface. Unlike iOS, where app renaming is possible only through workarounds, Android on Xiaomi offers several official and informal methods.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to change the name of the app, from built-in MIUI features to third-party launchers and developer tools. It’s important to understand that not all methods are equally secure: some require root rights, others can be reset after a system update. We’ll detail the pros and cons of each approach, and give you recommendations for choosing the best option for your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO model.

If you've never worked more deeply with Android than wallpaper, don't worry, we'll start with the simplest, most technically-aware, advanced instructions for advanced users using ADB and modified firmware. Let's get started!

1. Rename through built-in MIUI functions (without root)

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added a limited ability to edit app names right in the standard launcher, a method that doesn’t work on all models and firmware versions, but it’s worth trying first, as it doesn’t require third-party software installation and is completely secure.

To rename the application through standard settings:

1. Press and hold your finger on the icon of the app you want to rename until the context menu appears.
2. Select Change the title (or Rename in English). If this is not the case, your version of MIUI does not support the function.
3. Enter a new name (up to 12 characters) and click Ready.

Important: the changed name will only appear on the home screen and in folders, but not in the menu of all applications or in the system settings. Also, after the MIUI update, the name can be reset to the original. This method works on most models of Xiaomi 11/12/13 series, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F3/F4.

• ✅ It works without root and third-party programs
• ✅ Quick and simple.
• ❌ Not supported on older versions MIUI (12th)
• ❌ The name is reset after some updates

⚠️ Warning: If the app stops opening after renaming it, restart your smartphone. MIUI may not properly handle changing labels, which leads to a failure of the launcher cache.

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

If the built-in MIUI feature is not available or does not satisfy the title length limit, the best option is to install a third-party launcher. Popular solutions like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Lawnchair allow you not only to rename applications, but also completely customize the appearance of the desktop.

Consider the process using the example of Nova Launcher (free version available on Google Play):

1. Install Nova Launcher and select it as the default launcher in Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher.
2. Press and hold the app icon, then tap the Change button (pencil).
3. In the Title field, enter a new text (up to 30 characters).
4. Save the changes. The name will be updated immediately.

The advantage of this method is that the changes will persist even after the MIUI update, since the launcher runs on top of the system.

Nova Launcher Prime (a paid version) also allows you to create groups of icons with a common name and change their appearance through themes, which is useful if you want to not only rename but also visually highlight frequently used applications.

Download APK from the official website | Make a backup of current settings |Disable battery optimization for launcher |Reboot phone after installation-->

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (such as Lawnchair) may conflict with gestures MIUI. If after installation, swipes stopped working to return back or open the menu – turn off gestures in the launcher settings or return to the standard interface.

3. Editing via ADB (for power users)

If you need to completely change the name of the application in all menus of the system (including the list of all applications and settings), you will have to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), this method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and basic command line knowledge, but it gives the most durable result.

Before you start, make sure that:

• 🔧 On the smartphone included debugging on USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 💻 Drivers are installed on the computer ADB Fastboot (you can download from Google or via Google) SDK Platform Tools).
• 📱 Smartphone connected to PC via cable (preferably original).

Instructions for renaming through ADB:

1. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
3. Find out the current name of the application package (for example, for WhatsApp it is com.whatsapp): adb shell pm list packages | grep "key word" Replace the key word with the part of the name (for example, whatsapp).
4. Use the command to rename (example for WhatsApp): adb shell pm set-app-link --package com.whatsapp --link "New name" Attention: this will only change the name in the launcher, not in the system!

To rename the entire menu, you will need to edit the strings.xml file in the app’s APK, which requires root rights and decompilation, a process described in the next section.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not change the name of system applications (for example, com.android.settings) - this can make the phone inoperable!

4. Renaming with root rights (for advanced)

If you have root access (for example, through Magisk), you can change the name of the application at the system level, which is the most reliable way, since the changes will persist even after resetting the settings or updating the MIUI. However, it requires caution: wrong actions can damage the firmware.

The work will require:

• 📱 Xiaomi with unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed.
• 💻 Programme APK Editor Pro or MT Manager (for editing) APK).
• 🔧 Backup copy of the original APK applications.

Step-by-step:

1. with the help of Root Explorer or MT Manager find APK-file /data/app/ or /system/priv-app/.
2. Copy the APK to your computer and open it in APK Editor Pro.
3. Go to Resources → res → values → strings.xml.
4. Find a line with the original name (usually app_name) And change it: <string name="app_name">New name</string>
5. Save the changes, sign the APK (if required) and install on top of the original app.

This method allows you to change any text elements of the application, including menu descriptions and notifications.

• ❌ When you update the application through the Play Market, changes will reset.
• ❌ Some applications (e.g. banking) may block access if modified APK.
• ❌ Wrong signature APK will cause installation error.

💡

Before editing the APK, back it up via Titanium Backup or Swift Backup. If the app stops working after the changes, you can quickly restore the original version.

5. Specialized applications for renaming

If the previous methods seem too complicated, you can use special utilities that simplify the process. These programs do not require root rights, but their capabilities are limited.

Top.-3 name-appendix:

1. App Name Changer (Free, No Root): 🔹 Changes names only in the launcher. 🔹 Supports batch renaming. 🔹 Works on MIUI 12-14 HyperOS.
2. Rename App (paid version with advanced features): 🔹 Allows you to change icons along with names. 🔹 Save the changes after the reboot. 🔹 There is a function of export / import settings.

Icon Changer & Rename (with theme support):

• 🔹 Built-in icon editor.
• 🔹 Ability to hide original icons.
• 🔹 Integration with Nova Launcher and Apex.

Limitations of such applications:

• ❌ Do not work with system applications (Settings, Phone, etc.).
• ❌ Name reset when launcher cache is reset.
• ❌ Some antiviruses (such as Avast) can block their operation.

💡

Specialized apps are the easiest way to rename icons, but they don't change the name on the system. ADB.

6. Features of renaming on different Xiaomi models

Depending on the Xiaomi model and the MIUI version, the available ways to rename may vary, and below we have collected data on popular devices:

On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the built-in renaming function is more stable than on MIUI 12-13. However, on budget models (such as the Redmi A2 or POCO M6), this option is often missing due to simplified firmware.

If your model does not support any of the methods described, try:

• 🔄 Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 📥 Install an alternative firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) where renaming is available by default.
• 🛠️ Use the Xposed Framework (requires root) with the App Settings module.