How to rename the app on Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have the most personalization capabilities, but the standard MIUI interface or the new HyperOS shell does not always allow you to do what seems basic. One of these limitations is the inability to simply rename application shortcuts right on the desktop. Users often face the need to change the name of the program to organize folders, hide the essence of the application or just for the sake of aesthetics.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to do this, why developers have restricted this feature in a standard launcher, and what alternative methods are available to circumvent this limitation without losing warranty or system stability. We will look at installing third-party launchers, using widgets and specialized utilities to create custom shortcuts.

Before we start making changes, it is worth noting that the process requires the installation of additional software. APK-The file is not possible because the name is "sewn" in the application manifest. However, the Android operating system allows you to create shortcuts with arbitrary names that will lead to the desired programs.

Why you can’t just rename your app to MIUI

Many users mistakenly believe that the renaming function is hidden in deep system settings. In fact, the Android architecture is designed so that the application name is read from the file AndroidManifest.xml. Xiaomi standard launcher simply displays what the system sends to it, without providing an interface to edit this option on the fly.

This limitation is based on security and stability concerns: if the system allowed executable file names or tags to be changed easily without creating new labels, it could lead to confusion in other services, such as some banking or security applications that could verify the integrity of the signature and packet name.

⚠️ Note: Attempts to enter system files through root rights to rename the original files APK This could lead to disruption of digital signatures, which would block access to Google banking applications and services.

But there are safe ways for the average user to make visual changes, and we're going to create new shell shortcuts that run the right programs, but have whatever name you give them, and it doesn't change the program itself, it just creates a cloak for it on the desktop.

Use of third-party launchers for customization

The most effective and reliable way to change the name of any app is to install an alternative launcher.Such programs completely replace the standard Xiaomi desktop, providing advanced shortcut management features. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchair.

Once you install and activate a new launcher, the renaming process becomes trivial, so you just hold your finger on the app icon, and you can select "Edit" from the menu that appears, and you can change not only the name, but also the icon itself by selecting the image from the gallery.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher: allows you to change names, icons and even hide apps from the menu.
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher: offers integration with Microsoft services and flexible shortcuts.
• 🌿 Lawnchair: Lightweight launcher in the style of Pixel with the ability to quickly change names through a long press.

However, most modern launchers are able to simulate the behavior of the Xiaomi system, maintaining the usual experience of use.

Method of creating widgets for changing names

If you don't want to install a third-party launcher, you can use the built-in widget function, which allows you to create a shortcut on the desktop with any name that will run the desired application, which is especially convenient for creating thematic folders or hiding frequently used programs.

To implement this method, you will need an assistant app, such as Shortcut Maker or similar, available on Google Play. After installation, open the program, select the desired application from the list and enter the desired name in the Label field.

Once created, the shortcut will appear on the desktop.The old shortcut can be removed or moved to the folder so as not to cornen your eyes., This method creates a new object on the desktop, so notifications can come to the original icon unless configured otherwise.

⚠️ Note: When using renaming widgets, make sure the shortcut creator app has permission to “Install shortcuts” otherwise the creation button may be inactive.

Folder settings and application grouping

Another way to hide or change the way you think about app names is by grouping them together, so in MIUI and HyperOS, you can create folders that will dominate the names of the attached apps if they're folded, and while that doesn't change the name of the label, it helps to visually clear the space.

To create a folder, just drag and drop one application onto another. The system automatically creates a group. By clicking on the folder name, you can rename it anything using emojis or special characters that aren't supported in normal filenames, but work in launcher folder names.

Some users go further and use empty names, so you have to insert a special divider symbol or a space from Unicode that doesn't visually show up in the renaming field of the folder, and this creates the effect of a folder without a name.

Hiding applications through the Second Space

Xiaomi's Second Space feature allows you to create a completely isolated environment with a different set of apps and passwords. While this doesn't rename the app in the main space, it allows you to hide its presence. In the second space, you can install the same apps, but call them differently using the widget techniques described above.

This is ideal for increasing privacy, so you can move sensitive apps to a second space, leave them with dummy shortcuts on the home screen, or just remove them, and access the second space with a separate password or fingerprint.

Using the second space also helps to differentiate between work and personal applications, so you can install one messenger into the main space under one name, and a copy of it in the second one under a completely different one, creating the illusion of different programs.

Problems with updates and notifications

When using custom shortcuts or third-party launchers, there may be nuances with the display of notification badges (circles with the number of unread messages). The standard MIUI notification system may not “see” the renamed shortcut, since it is technically a link, not the application itself.

Also, when you update the main application through Google Play or Mi GetApps, the custom shortcut usually saves its settings. However, if the application is removed and reinstalled with a changed batch name (rarely, but it happens when you change the developer), the shortcut may stop working.

⚠️ Note: If you update to Android or MIUI Labels are no longer open, they need to be recreated, and that's often the case with major security updates.

To minimize problems, it is recommended to use proven launchers that are regularly updated by developers. Nova Launcher, for example, has a long history of supporting new versions of Android and quickly adapts to changes in the system's API.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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Using a third-party launcher is the only way to flexibly manage icon names without creating many separate widget shortcuts.

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To create a folder with an invisible name, copy the symbol between brackets and paste it when renaming the folder on your desktop.