How to change application icons on Android Xiaomi Redmi: from MIUI themes to manual editing

Replacing standard icons with Xiaomi Redmi is one of the most popular ways to personalize a smartphone. MIUI It offers limited options through themes, but if you want unique icons, you'll have to use third-party tools or deep system settings. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods, from simple (through launchers) to advanced (editing). APK-file).

It is important to understand that the features depend on the MIUI version and the Redmi model. For example, on devices with MIUI 14+, the locking of system files is strengthened, so some methods may require unlocking the bootloader or root rights. We will note these cases separately so that you can choose the best option without the risk of “bricking” the phone.

1. Replace icons through standard MIUI themes

The safest and easiest way is to use a built-in theme gallery. Xiaomi offers thousands of free and paid packages, many of which change not only the wallpaper, but also the app icons. Here's how it works:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the icon tab in the lower menu.
3. Select the package you like and click Apply.
4. Confirm the changes – the icons will be updated automatically.

⚠️ Limitations of method:

• 🔄 Not all themes change all icons – some leave standard icons for system applications.
• 💰 Paid themes require purchase (price - from 50 to 300 rubles).
• 🔒 After updating MIUI topic may be thrown off.

If the gallery doesn’t have a suitable option, try downloading themes from third-party sources (such as the official Chinese theme store).

1. Download the theme file with the.mtz extension.
2. Move it to the MIUI/theme folder on your phone.
3. Open the Topics → Mine → Local application and apply the downloaded file.

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Before installing third-party themes, check reviews – some packages may contain ads or incorrectly display icons.

2. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

Launchers are alternative shells for Android that completely replace the standard MIUI interface. They allow you to install custom icons without interfering with system files.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – the most flexible, supports icon packages from Google Play.
• 🎨 Lawnchair is a lightweight open source launcher optimized for Android 12+.
• ⚡ Apex Launcher – good for older Redmi models (like Redmi Note) 5/6).

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Download a pack of icons (such as Whicons, Delta or Fluxo).
3. Press your finger in the free space of the screen → Settings → Appearance → Style of icons.
4. Select the downloaded package.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 13/14 After installing the launcher, a warning about an "unoptimized application" may appear.

3. Manual replacement of icons via ADB (no root)

If you only need to change icons for specific apps (like YouTube or Chrome), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but only works on MIUI 12 and below (on newer versions, Xiaomi blocks such changes).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🖼️ New icons in.png format (size) 192×192 px 256×256 px).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the adb folder.
2. Enter the command to copy the icon: adb shell pm set-icon --package com.android.chrome --icon /sdcard/Download/new_chrome_icon.png Here: com.android.chrome is the batch name of the application (you can find out through the App Inspector). /sdcard/Download/new_chrome_icon.png — The path to a new icon on the phone.

Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 13/14 This method does not work due to blocking of commands. ADB The alternative is to use Shizuku (an application for remote execution of commands without any need to use it). ADB), But it requires Wi-Fi connectivity and manual adjustments.

4. Replace icons via APK editing (requires root)

To fully control the icons, you will need root rights and a file manager with access to system folders (such as Root Explorer), which is suitable for advanced users, since careless actions can lead to the collapse of system applications.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the icon in.png format (the size should match the original, usually 192×192 px).
2. Open Root Explorer and go to /system/app/[Application Name]/ For example, for Gallery, this will be /system/priv-app/Gallery2/.
3. Find the file. res/drawable-xxhdpi/ic_launcher.png (Or similarly, and replace it with your icon.
4. Change the file permission to 644 (so that the system can read it).
5. Reboot the phone.

Instructions for Icon Changer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select the application you want to change the icon for.
3. Click Change the icon and select an image from the gallery or package.
4. Save the changes – a new label will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 14 Some applications (e.g. Icon Pack Studio) may not use icons properly due to shell limitations. In this case, try using Nova Launcher paired with these utilities.

6. Reset icons to standard settings

If after the experiments the icons began to glit (not displayed, stretched or with artifacts), you can return everything to its original state in several ways:

• 🔄 For those. MIUI: Get into Themes. → Mine. → Current theme → Drop it.
• 📱 For launchers: In the launcher settings, select the Icon Style → By default.
• 🔧 For manual changes (root): Restore the original files from the backup or reinstall the application.

If the icons are lost after the MIUI update, try:

1. Clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache).
2. Restart your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Restart in Safe Mode).
3. If the problem remains, reset the launcher settings to factory settings (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Delete Data).

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Before resetting your launcher settings, export its configuration (in Nova Launcher: Backup/Restore).

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing icons with Xiaomi Redmi