How to rename the application to Xiaomi: from simple ways to advanced

Renaming apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that at first glance seems trivial, but in practice faces the limitations of the MIUI shell. Unlike iOS or pure Android, where it often requires workarounds, owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi devices can use both standard system tools and third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally safe: some can lead to app malfunctions or even data loss.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to rename an app to Xiaomi, from the simplest (no superuser rights) to the most advanced (using ADB or root).We will focus on the nuances of working on different versions of MIUI 12-14, as well as the risks that these or other methods carry. If you want to not only change the display name, but also hide the application from prying eyes or optimize the desktop, here you will find the latest solutions.

Why MIUI doesn’t allow applications to be renamed by standard means

Xiaomi’s MIUI shell has historically been closed compared to other customized versions of Android, for several key reasons:

• 🔒 Security policy: Xiaomi restricts access to system files to prevent accidental data damage by the user.Renaming applications through changing *.apk files or manifestos may violate the integrity of the program.
• 📱 Unification of the interface: MIUI Allowing apps to be renamed would lead to chaos on menus and desktops, especially when synchronized via Mi Account.
• 🛠️ Technical limitations: The name of the application is often hard-written in its manifesto (AndroidManifest.xml). Change requires decompilation APK, What is impossible without special tools.

But there are workarounds, like some versions. MIUI 13-14, you can change the name of the app shortcut on the desktop without affecting the app itself. ADB-root-rights.

Method 1: Rename the shortcut on the desktop (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to change the name of the app shortcut on the desktop, and it doesn't affect the app itself, but it visually solves the problem. MIUI 12–14:

1. Press and hold your finger on the shortcut of the app you want to rename.
2. In the menu that appears, select Edit (or Change, depending on the version).
3. Slip on the current name of the label and enter a new name.
4. Press Ready or Save.

⚠️ Note: This method only works for desktop shortcuts. App menu (All apps) will keep the name the same. MIUI The label may be reset to the original name.

Make a backup of your desktop (via Settings → Desktop → Backup)

Make sure the application is not system (systems cannot be renamed even so)

Check that the device has the default theme installed (some custom themes block editing)-->

Method 2: Using a launcher from a third-party developer

If the standard MIUI launcher doesn’t suit you, you can install an alternative one, such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which allows you to rename shortcuts of any application, including system ones, without having to obtain root rights.

The following is a step-by-step instruction for Nova Launcher:

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. Click and hold the app shortcut, then select Change.
4. Put the name on the label and enter a new one.
5. Save the changes.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 It works on all versions. MIUI Android.
• 🎨 Additional customization options (change icons, gestures, folds).
• 🔒 Does not require rooting or ADB.

Disadvantages:

• 📱 App in the menu All applications will remain with the original name.
• 🔄 After resetting the launcher to the factory settings, the shortcuts will return to the original names.

💡

If the shortcut stopped opening the app after renaming it, delete it and recreate it. Sometimes Nova Launcher knocks down links to APK.

Method 3: Rename through ADB (without root but with PC)

For advanced users who are ready to connect a smartphone to a computer, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) that allows you to change the name of the application in the system, but requires caution: the wrong command can lead to a failure.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (download).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔍 Application packet name (you can find out through App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages command).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and run ADB in the command line.
2. Enter the command to rename (replace com.example.app with the package name and "New Name" with the desired name): adb shell pm set-app-link --package com.example.app --link "New Name"
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all versions. MIUI. On some devices, the name is reset after the reboot, and changing system applications (such as com.miui.home) can lead to a boot cycle.

Method 4: Editing APK-file (requires decompilation)

This method is suitable for advanced users, as it involves decompilation and recompiling. APK-It allows you to change the name of the application at the manifest level, but it requires:

• 🖥️ Computer with APKTool, Java and Android Studio installed.
• 📱 Backup of data (risk of damage) APK).
• 🔧 Knowledge of the basics of working with AndroidManifest.xml.

Instructions:

1. Download the APK application (for example, via APK Extractor).
2. Decompile it with APKTool: apktool d app.apk -o output_folder
3. Open the file. output_folder/AndroidManifest.xml and find a line: <application android:label="Old headline"...> Change the old title to a new name.
4. Recompile APK: apktool b output_folder -o new_app.apk
5. Sign up for a new APK (e.g., via Uber APK Signer).
6. Install the edited application on the device.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work for system applications and may disrupt their functionality. Some applications (e.g. banking) have modification protection and will refuse to run.

Method 5: Rename with root rights

If your Xiaomi has root installed (for example, through Magisk), you can use apps like Root Explorer or App Systemizer to rename it, which gives you maximum freedom but also maximum risk.

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer or similar file manager with root support.
2. Go to /data/app/ (for custom applications) or /system/app/ (for system applications).
3. Find a folder with the name of the application package (for example, com.whatsapp-1).
4. Rename the base.apk file or app.apk (not recommended!) or edit the AndroidManifest.xml file inside the APK (as in Method 4).
5. Reset the device.

Warnings:

• 🚨 Systemic change APK This can lead to bootloop (boot cycle).
• 🔒 Some apps (such as Google Play Services) have protection against modifications.
• 📵 After updating MIUI change may be reset.

💡

Use root methods only if you understand the risks, and for most tasks, renaming the label or using an alternative launcher is enough.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When renaming applications to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, including the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 Name resets after rebooting: This is typical of methods with ADB Or shortcut editing. Solution is to use a launcher with saving settings (e.g., Nova Launcher with backup).
• 🚫 App stops opening: Probably damaged APK Or the system file is changed, so the solution is to reinstall the application or roll back the changes through the system. TWRP.
• 🔒 It is not possible to rename the system application: MIUI Blocks changes to critical components (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) and the solution is to use the Xposed Framework (outdated) or to accept the restriction.
• ⚠️ Error "Application not installed": This means that APK was incorrectly signed after editing.The solution is to use Uber APK Signer for re-signing.

If you encounter a problem not described here, check the error logs through ADB Logcat or refer to profile forums (e.g. 4PDA or XDA Developers).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions