How to Change App Icons on Xiaomi Redmi 9: A Complete Guide with 5 Proven Ways

App icons on your Xiaomi Redmi 9 are becoming boring or out of style? The good news is that they can be changed without complex system manipulation. Depending on your preferences — whether it's minimalist design, animation icons or full customization — there are several ways to transform the look of the desktop. In this article, we'll look at all the available methods, from built-in MIUI features to installing third-party launchers and manually changing icons.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 9 runs on MIUI’s proprietary shell, which offers limited customization options compared to Android’s naked, but even within these limitations, you can achieve impressive results. We’ll also look at the nuances of security when using third-party apps and give recommendations on how to choose the best method for your tasks.

1.Using the built-in MIUI themes

The easiest and safest way to change icons is to use the built-in theme gallery in MIUI. This method does not require installing additional applications and is suitable even for beginners.

To apply a new theme:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the Topics section in the lower menu.
3. Choose your favorite theme from the collection (pay attention to the mark "Icons" in the description).
4. Click Apply – the system will automatically update the icons and wallpaper.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Instant application – changes take effect without rebooting.
• 🛡️ Security – all topics are moderated by Xiaomi.
• 🎨 Uniform style – themes usually include wallpaper, fonts and animations.

⚠️ Note: Some topics may contain ads in widgets. Before using, check other users' reviews in the topic description.

If you don't like standard themes, you can download additional ones from MIUI Theme Store.

1. In the Topics app, go online.
2. Use keyword searches (such as “minimal icons” or “dark theme”).
3. Pay attention to the rating and number of downloads.

Installation of third-party launchers

To get more customization, you'll have to use third-party launchers that not only change icons, but also customize gestures, animations, and even hide apps.

Launcher installation process:

1. Download the selected launcher from Google Play.
2. After installation, click Home and select a new launcher as your primary.
3. In the launcher settings, find the Icons or Themes section.
4. Select an icon package (you may need additional installation from the store).

On Redmi 9 with MIUI 12+, when using Nova Launcher, it is recommended to disable MIUI optimization for the launcher in the battery settings, otherwise lags are possible.

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher) may conflict with Xiaomi’s branded services, such as Second Space or App Lock.

Backup your current desktop settings |

Check the compatibility of the launcher with MIUI 12/13|

Disable battery optimization for launcher |

Download the icon package in advance (if required)|-->

3 Manually changing icons through packets

If you want unique icons that are not part of the standard themes, you can use specialized packages from Google Play.

• 🎨 Whicons are minimalist white icons.
• 🌙 Delta Icon Pack – Dark Icons AMOLED-screen.
• 🍭 CandyCons – bright and juicy icons.
• 🔮 Lines Icon Pack - geometric icons with a winding.

How to use the icon package:

1. Install a pack of icons from the store.
2. Install a supported launcher (like Nova Launcher).
3. In the launcher settings, select Icons → Icon Package.
4. Find the package installed in the list and apply it.

For manually changing individual icons (if the launcher supports this feature):

1. Hold your finger on the app icon.
2. In the context menu, select Change or Edit.
3. Click on the icon and select an alternative from the package.

💡

If after using the package, some icons remained standard, try to turn on the option “Close inappropriate icons” in the launcher settings – this will apply the style of the package to all icons.

4. Use of applications for customization

For advanced users, there are apps that allow you to change icons without changing the launcher, and one of the most popular is Icon Changer (requires Android 8.0+).

Instructions for use:

1. Download and install Icon Changer from Google Play.
2. Open the application and provide the necessary permissions.
3. Select the app you want to change the icon.
4. Upload your own image or select from the app gallery.
5. Apply the changes and confirm the creation of the label.

Limitations of this method:

• ⚠️ Labels are created, not replaced by original icons.
• ⚠️ When updating the application, the shortcut may be reset.
• ⚠️ Not all system applications are supported.

Alternative annexes:

• 📱 Awesome Icons – More than 5,000 free icons.
• 🖼️ Icon Pack Studio – Creating your own icons.
• 🔄 X Icon Changer – Support for Animated Icons.

5. Change icons through ADB (for advanced)

This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and can affect the stability of the system, it allows you to replace system icons directly, but is not recommended for beginners.

Conditions required:

• 🔧 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 💻 Established ADB-PC drivers.
• 📁 Backup copy of the original icons (located in the /system/app or /system/priv-app).

Example of an icon replacement command (requires root access):

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




cp /sdcard/Download/new_icon.png /system/app/Hours/Hours.apk/res/drawable/




chmod 644 /system/app/ Watch/Hour.apk/res/drawable/new_icon.png




reboot

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can lead to bootloop or data loss. On Redmi 9, without an unlocked bootloader, this method will not work.

💡

Changing system files via ADB voids Xiaomi’s warranty and may disrupt MIUI. This method is only appropriate for power users with an unlocked bootloader.

6.Creating your icons at Icon Pack Studio

If you want unique icons that you can't find in the packages, you can create them yourself with Icon Pack Studio.

• 🎨 Draw icons from scratch or edit existing ones.
• 🔍 Automatically select colors for your theme.
• 📦 Export ready-made packages for use in launchers.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Icon Pack Studio from Google Play.
2. Select Create a new package and specify the name.
3. Add the apps you want to change the icons for (you can import the list from the launcher).
4. For each icon, select a template or upload your image.
5. Adjust the mask (icon shape) and effects.
6. Export the package and apply it in the launcher.

Design tips:

• 📏 Use the size. 192×192 pixels for clarity on the Redmi screen 9 (permit 720p).
• 🌈 Stick to one color palette for a harmonious look.
• 🔍 Check contrast – icons should be clearly visible on any wallpaper.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the best way, evaluate your needs and technical skills:

For most Redmi 9 users, the best solution is a combination of Nova Launcher + a free icon package, which balances customization with stability. If you want unique icons, try Icon Pack Studio.

FAQ: Frequent questions