How to rename apps to Xiaomi: all ways with pictures and warnings

Ever wanted to call the Google Play Store simply “Store” and WhatsApp “Chats” to make the smartphone interface more convenient? On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark), you can rename apps in a number of ways, from standard MIUI features to hidden commands for power users. But not all methods are equally safe: some require unlocking the bootloader, others can reset after a system update.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to rename applications to Xiaomi in 2026, including working workarounds for models with MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS. You’ll learn how to change the name without root rights, which launchers support this feature out of the box, and why some system applications (for example, Security or Themes) may resist renaming.

1. Standard method: through the MIUI launcher (without root)

The easiest method is to use the built-in capabilities of the MIUI launcher. It works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with a firmware version at least MIUI 12. The main plus is that you do not need to install additional programs or get root access.

Here's how to do it:

• 📱 Press and hold your finger on the icon of the app you want to rename until the context menu appears.
• ✏️ Select the "Change the title" option (in some versions - "Edit»).
• 🔤 Enter a new name (maximum 12 characters in Cyrillic or 16 characters in Latin).
• ✅ Click on "Ready" or "Save».

If there is no “Change Name” option, your launcher does not support this feature, in which case try updating your firmware to the latest version or using alternative methods from the following sections.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro with HyperOS) renamed applications can reset to original names after the system update. To avoid this, back up the launcher settings in Settings before upgrading. → Annexes → Launcher → Backup.

2. Rename through ADB (for power users)

If the standard method does not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — This method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer, but allows you to rename even those applications that the launcher blocks, POCO F5 and Black Shark 5.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 Smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the smartphone to the computer and enter in the command line: adb devices Make sure that the device is determined (should appear its serial number).
2. Find out the package name of the application (for example, for WhatsApp it is com.whatsapp). You can do this through the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "whatsapp" or using the App Inspector app from Google Play.
3. Enter the renaming command (replace com.example.app with the real package name and "New Name" with the desired name): adb shell pm set-app-link --package com.example.app --link "New Name"
4. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

Install ADB Tools on PC|Enable debugging on USB Xiaomi|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the visibility of the device by the team `adb devices`|Know the package name of the target application-->

This method works even for system applications, but has a limitation: the new name will only appear in the launcher, and the original name will be shown in the system settings, the Latest Applications menu and notifications.

3. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, POCO, Apex)

If the built-in MIUI launcher doesn't suit you, you can install an alternative. Many of them support renaming apps out of the box.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher is the most flexible, with gestures, themes and icon renaming. The free version limits the number of changes.
• ⚡ POCO Launcher – optimized for devices Xiaomi/POCO, Easy and fast, but the renaming functionality is more modest.
• 🎨 Apex Launcher – suitable for older models (e.g. Redmi) 9A), Supports changing names and icons.

How to rename the app to Nova Launcher:

1. Hold your finger on the app icon → select “Change”.
2. Tap the text under the icon → enter a new name.
3. Click "OK" and save the changes.

Third-party launchers have the advantage of saving changes after system updates, but some MIUI features (such as Game Turbo or Second Space) may not work properly.

💡

If navigation gestures have disappeared after installing the alternative launcher (for example, swipe up to return to the main screen), return them in the launcher settings in the Gestures section.

4. applications for renaming (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB or change the launcher, you can use specialized utilities. They don't require root rights, but some features can be paid.

• 🔧 App Cloner – creates a copy of the application with a new name (suitable for messengers, but not system utilities).
• 📝 Rename App – a simple tool for renaming icons on the home screen.
• 🖼️ Icon Changer – allows you to change both names and icons (there are templates for popular applications).

Example of working with App Cloner:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select the target application (e.g. Telegram).
3. In the "Clone Settings" section, specify a new name.
4. Click “Clone” and a copy with a new name will appear on the home screen.

⚠️ Note: Clone applications take up additional memory space and may conflict with the originals (e.g. duplicate notifications). Do not clone system utilities (Settings, Phone, Messages) - this can cause crashes.

5. Rename system applications (root required)

Changing the names of system applications (e.g. Security, Themes, Camera) requires root rights, a method that is risky—incorrect actions can lead to bootloop, and is only suitable for power users.

Instructions:

1. Get root access with Magisk (XDA-Developers has instructions for Xiaomi).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app (depending on the application).
4. Find the folder with the target application (e.g., MiuiSecurity for Security).
5. Open the file. AndroidManifest.xml in a text editor and find a line: <application android:label="@string/app_name"...> Change the meaning. @string/app_name The name of the name (for example, android:label)="Protection").
6. Save the file, set the correct resolutions (644 or 755) and restart the smartphone.

This gives you maximum freedom, but it cancels the warranty and can disrupt MIUI, for example, if you rename Security, the fingerprint scanner or face unlock may stop working.

Bypasses: labels and widgets

If none of these methods worked, you can do the trick of creating a shortcut or a widget with the right name, and it won't change the original name of the app, but it will hide it on the home screen.

Ways:

• 🔗 Tags: Keep your finger in the free screen space → «Widgets» → «Application labels» → Select the app and rename the shortcut.
• 📱 Folders: Place the application in a folder and name the folder as you want (for example, the folder “Social network” with the name of the folder). VK Telegram inside).
• 🎨 Third-party widgets: Applications like UCCW or KWGT Allows you to create custom icons with any names.

The downside of this approach is that it has dual icons: the original one will remain on the app menu, and the renamed one will only be on the home screen, but it is completely secure and does not require superuser rights.

💡

Shortcuts and widgets are the only way to rename apps to Xiaomi without the risk of system failures.Suitable for users who don't need global change, but only home screen convenience.

Frequent problems and solutions

It can be difficult to rename applications to Xiaomi, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If after renaming through ADB, the application stopped opening, try resetting its settings:

adb shell pm clear com.example.app

(Replace com.example.app with the real package name)

If the smartphone stopped booting after editing system files, do not panic - in 90% of cases, resetting via Fastboot helps:

fastboot flash system system.img

(You need a unique design for your model).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions