How to rename your app to Xiaomi: A complete guide for MIUI and HyperOS

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, offer users huge personalization options. However, the standard interface often limits customization options, especially when it comes to the names of shortcuts on the desktop. Many device owners are wondering how to rename the app to Xiaomi to create a unique menu structure or simply remove the extra letters in the title. This is especially true for those who like minimalism or create themed folders.

It should be noted immediately that standard system tools to change the name of an already installed application, for example, to turn Google Chrome into a Browser, directly through the settings is impossible. APK-However, there are several proven methods that circumvent this limitation and achieve the desired result. You can use built-in theme features, third-party launchers or specialized utilities to create shortcuts.

In this article, we will go into detail all the ways to change icon names. We will look at both safe methods that do not require deep intervention in the system, and more advanced options for power users. Changing the name through creating a shortcut does not remove the original application, but only creates a copy-link with a new name. This is an important nuance that allows you to experiment with the appearance of the desktop without the risk of data loss or disruption of the system.

Use of built-in themes and theme editor

The easiest and safest way to change the look of icons and, in part, their signatures is to use a theme. There are thousands of designs in the MIUI or HyperOS theme store that completely change the visual style of the system. Some themes include not only new images, but also changed names for standard applications. To use this method, you need to go to the Themes app and choose the appropriate design.

However, if your goal is to rename a particular application rather than changing the entire interface, the built-in Theme Editor tool will come to the rescue, allowing you to modify the installed theme by replacing individual elements. You can choose a theme that you like visually but change the shortcut names in it. You can download the theme, go to the profile, select “Tune” and find the section responsible for icons or desktop.

• 🎨 Open the “Themes” app and go to the user profile.
• 🔧 Select the set theme and click the “Set up” button».
• 📱 Find the “Icons” or “Work Desktop” section to edit.
• 💾 Save the changes and apply the modified theme.

It's important to understand that the capabilities of the theme editor can vary depending on the version of the shell. In some cases, you can only change the graphic image, but not the text signature. If the standard functionality does not allow you to make text edits, you will have to resort to more flexible tools. This method is good because it is fully integrated into the system and does not require the installation of additional software.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party themes from unverified sources, there is a risk of malicious code. It is recommended to download designs only from the official GetApps store or community-verified resources.

Creating shortcuts using the “Themes” app

Newer versions of the HyperOS shell and current MIUI builds have a handy feature for creating application shortcuts directly through the system menu, allowing you to create a copy of the icon on the desktop with any name you specify, while the original application remains on the menu with its standard name, which is ideal for those who want to clean up the main panel without unnecessary complications.

To implement this method, press your finger on the application icon in the menu of all programs. In the context menu that appears, select the option “Create a shortcut.” The system will prompt you to choose a placement and, most importantly, will allow you to enter a new name. Once confirmed, a new icon with the name you give will appear on the desktop, while the original can be hidden or moved to the folder.

The advantage of this method is that it is nativity: shortcuts created through the system menu work correctly with shell functions such as Second Space or One Hand mode. In addition, they do not consume additional CPU resources, unlike third-party launchers.

Application of third-party launchers for full customization

If the built-in features don't seem flexible enough, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher. Launcher is an application that completely replaces the standard desktop and app menu. The most popular options for Xiaomi owners are Nova Launcher, Lawnchair and Microsoft Launcher. They provide almost unlimited opportunities for renaming icons.

Once you install and activate the launcher, the renaming process becomes rudimentary, and you can take long enough to click on any icon on your desktop, select "Change" or "Edit" (often denoted by a pencil), and enter any text into the title field. You can use emojis, special characters, or even leave the field blank to create a minimalist interface without signatures.

It’s worth noting that third-party launchers can consume more RAM than standard shells. On devices with a small amount of RAM, this can lead to more frequent unloading of background applications. In addition, some MIUI features, such as gestures or widgets, may not work properly or require additional adjustment of permissions in the special features menu.

Use of specialized utility for labels

There is a category of applications that don't replace the desktop completely, but serve as a tool for creating custom shortcuts. Examples of such programs are Shortcut Maker or XIconChanger. These tools allow you to create a shortcut for any installed application, assign it any name and select any icon from a gallery or set. Once created, the shortcut is placed on the desktop on a par with regular applications.

The process of using such programs is usually as follows: you open the utility, select the target application from the list, then enter the desired text in the Label or Name field, then you can select the image of the icon and click the Create button. The system will request permission to place the shortcut on the home screen, after which the new object will appear in the selected place.

The main advantage of this approach is that you can combine different styles, and you can leave the standard launcher for performance, but you can use custom shortcuts for the most important applications, but if you remove the shortcut creator program, all the icons created through it will stop working, because they are essentially links processed by this application.

Limitations and technical nuances of renaming

Despite the various methods, it is important to be aware of the technical limitations of the Android operating system. The renaming discussed in this article only concerns the shortcut on the desktop. The internal name of the application, which appears in the settings, in the task manager or when requesting permissions, remains unchanged. This is done for security reasons, so that the user can always identify the system process or program.

In addition, automatic app updates through the Google Play store or GetApps do not affect the shortcuts you create, but can reset if the update affects the structure of the package itself. In rare cases, after a major update to the MIUI shell, custom icons may not display correctly, turning into a standard green Android robot, in which case the shortcut will have to be recreated.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to rename critical system applications (e.g., Phone, Messages, Settings) with root rights or system editors.This may result in system instability or inability to boot your smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Renaming applications to Xiaomi is a secure interface customization process that is best implemented through shortcuts or third-party launchers, avoiding modification of system files.