How to change the app icon on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular smartphones in the Xiaomi lineup, but its MIUI proprietary shell doesn’t always offer the flexibility to customize the look and feel. Many users want to personalize the device, starting with something as simple but noticeable as app icons. Unfortunately, standard MIUI settings don’t allow you to change icons out of the box — you’ll have to use workarounds to do that.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change icons on the Redmi Note 9: from built-in functions (which few people notice) to third-party launchers and manual editing of APK. Special attention will be paid to the nuances of working with MIUI 12/13/14 — new versions of the shell introduce restrictions, but also open up hidden opportunities. If you are tired of a monotonous desktop or want to highlight frequently used applications, this instruction will help make the smartphone unique.

Why can’t you just change the icon on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9?

Unlike iOS or some custom firmware on Android, Xiaomi’s MIUI shell blocks direct icon replacement for several reasons:

• 🔒 Xiaomi aims to uniformity of the interface on all devices, so that users easily navigate the menu.
• 📦 Restrictions of the launcher: Standard launcher MIUI Launcher does not support changing icons without third-party tools.
• 🛡️ Security: Arbitrary replacement of icons could be used to mask malicious applications (e.g. counterfeiting of a banking app icon).
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: With each new version of the shell, Xiaomi tightens control over system files, making manual edits more difficult.

But these limitations are not absolute. There are legal and semi-legal ways to bypass, from installing alternative launchers to deep customizing through ADB. The key is to understand the risks: some ways can lead to a launcher reset or conflict with MIUI updates.

⚠️ Note: If you use a corporate smartphone or work-mail-based device (e.g., Microsoft Intune), changing icons may violate the company's security policies.

Method 1: Use of MIUI themes (official method)

The safest and easiest way to change icons is to use the built-in design themes feature in MIUI. This method does not require root rights or install third-party applications, but has a limitation: you change all icons at once, not selectively.

How it works:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the Icons section in the lower menu.
3. Select your favorite icon pack and click Apply.
4. Confirm the changes – the system will automatically update the icons on the desktop and in the application menu.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require technical skills.
• ✅ Compatible with any updates MIUI.
• ✅ Free (there are both free and paid icon packs).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ No selective replacement – all icons change at once.
• ❌ Limited choice in the free version (many quality themes paid).
• ❌ Some icons of system applications (Settings, Phone) may remain unchanged.

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If after applying the theme, some icons have not changed, try restarting your smartphone or clearing the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Clear the cache.

Method 2: Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If the built-in MIUI themes don’t work, the best solution is to install an alternative launcher, a special application that completely replaces the standard desktop interface, adding flexibility to customize icons, widgets and animations.

Top.-3 launcher for Redmi Note 9:

Instructions for setting up icons in Nova Launcher (for example):

1. Install Nova Launcher and make it the default launcher (the system will prompt you to do so when you first start).
2. Download a pack of icons (such as Whicons, Delta or CandyCons) from Google Play.
3. Press your finger on the free space of the desktop → Settings → Appearance → Style of icons.
4. Select the downloaded icon pack and apply the changes.
5. For selective replacement: Press the app icon → Edit → Icon → Select a new one from the gallery or pack.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 Some launchers may conflict with system services (e.g., the swipe down to search gesture stops working.

Make a backup of the desktop (in Nova: Backups → Save)

Check the compatibility of the launcher with the version of MIUI (in the description on Google Play)

Disable battery optimization for launcher (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All applications → Nova Launcher → No restrictions)

Download the icon pack in advance (some packs require payment)

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Method 3: Manually changing icons through "Tags" (without root)

If you only need to change the icon for one or two apps, you can do without launchers using the standard shortcut creation function in MIUI. This method does not change the original icon in the application menu, but allows you to place a custom shortcut with any picture on the desktop.

Step-by-step:

1. Download from the Internet or create an image for the icon (recommended size: 192×192 pixels, PNG format with a transparent background).
2. Place the picture in the folder on the device (for example, Downloads).
3. Press your finger on the free space of the desktop → Widgets.
4. Find the shortcuts widget and drag it to the screen.
5. Select the application you want to change the icon for.
6. Click on the shortcut icon → select the Gallery and indicate the path to your image.
7. Save the changes – a shortcut with a new icon will appear on the desktop.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ The original icon in the app menu will remain unchanged.
• ❌ When updating the application, the shortcut may be reset.
• ❌ Does not work for system applications (such as Settings or Phone).

Method 4: Change icons through ADB (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with the command line and have basic knowledge of Android Debug Bridge (ADB).It allows you to change the icons of system applications, but requires caution - the wrong commands can disrupt the MIUI.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi Note 9 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁.png icon packs with the correct file names (must match the original icon names in the file). APK).

Instructions:

1. Connect the smartphone to the PC and authorize debugging (on the phone screen will appear a request).


2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:




adb devices




(Your device should be displayed)




3. Copy the APK of the application you want to change:




adb pull /system/priv-app/[Names]/[Names].apk




4 Unpack APK with a tool like APKTool, replace the icons in the res/drawable folder.




5. Collect the APK back and set the command:




adb install -r [Names].apk

⚠️ Attention: Systemic change APK It can cause a cyclic bootloop or reset. Before experimenting, back up through the backup. TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

💡

This method is only suitable for advanced users. If you are not sure about your skills, use launchers (Method 2) or shortcuts (Method 3).

Method 5: Applications for changing icons (Icon Changer, Shortcut Maker)

For those who don’t want to install launchers or work with ADB, there are specialized applications that create custom shortcuts with new icons. They are easy to use, but have the same limitations as manual shortcut creation (see Method 3).

The best apps for changing icons:

• 🎨 Icon Changer – allows you to select icons from the gallery or built-in packs, supports adaptive icons.
• 🔧 Shortcut Maker – creates shortcuts with custom icons and names, works even for system applications.
• 🖼️ Icon Pack Studio – for those who want to create their icons from scratch.

Example of Icon Changer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select the app you want to change the icon.
3. Click Change the icon and select an image from the gallery or built-in directory.
4. Save the changes – a new label will appear on the desktop.
5. (Optional) Remove the original icon to avoid duplicates.

Warning: Some antiviruses (like Avast or Dr.Web) may mark such apps as "potentially dangerous" because of access to shortcut creation.This is a false positive, but if in doubt, check the reviews on Google Play.

MIUI's built-in themes

Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex)

Manual shortcutting

Apps like Icon Changer

ADB (for experienced users)

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Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change icons on Redmi Note 9, users face common errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: Some functions may be blocked in regional firmware (e.g, MIUI Global vs MIUI China).
• 🔒 Security settings: Turn off Application Protection in Settings → Privacy.
• 🔄 Launcher Cash: Clear the Louncher application data in the settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions