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

Replacing standard app icons with Xiaomi Redmi is one of the most popular customizations among MIUI users. Even with the fact that the brand shell offers a rich selection of topics, many want to personalize the interface to the smallest detail: install unique icons for WhatsApp, Telegram or system utilities. However, not everyone knows that the ways to change the icons depend on the version of MIUI, the model of the smartphone and even the type of launcher.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from simple (via built-in themes) to advanced (using ADB and third-party launchers), focusing on the nuances for the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other popular models, and learn why some icons do not change, how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI and what to do if notifications disappear after changing the icons.

1. Method: Using the built-in MIUI themes

The safest and most official method is to use ready-made themes from the MIUI Themes store.It is suitable for all Xiaomi Redmi models (including the Redmi 13C, Note 12 Pro+ and older devices on MIUI 12/13/14). The advantage of the method is that it does not require root or third-party applications, and the disadvantage is a limited selection of icons for specific applications.

To change icons through themes:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
• 🔍 In the search box, type a query, such as “minimalism icons” or “iOS icons".
• 🎨 Select your favorite theme and click Apply. The system will automatically replace the icons of all supported applications.
• ⚙️ For point replacement: go to Settings → Registration → Icons (not available on all versions) MIUI).

An important caveat: some system applications (like Settings or Phone) may not change, due to MIUI policies that block modification of critical icons, and after the system update, the theme may reset — you have to use it again.

Method: Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If the built-in themes aren't enough, install an alternative launcher. Popular options for Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports icon packages (.apk or.zip), flexible layout settings.
• 🔄 Apex Launcher – lightweight, with support for gestures and adaptive icons.
• 🎭 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for the MIUI, retains branded chips (for example, Super Wallpapers).

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Download the icon package (such as Whicons, Delta or CandyCons).
3. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings → Style of icons.
4. Select the downloaded package. For individual applications: press the icon → Change → Icon.

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If after installing the launcher, weather widgets or watches are missing, return them via Long Press → Widgets → Xiaomi Widgets.

Challenges and solutions:

• ❌ Icons are being dropped → Set the launcher as default in the application settings.
• ❌ Not all icons change. → Check if the package supports the desired applications (the list is usually listed in the theme description).
• ❌ Scrolling lags → Turn off animations in the launcher settings or reduce the number of icons on the screen.

Method 3: Applications for customization (Icon Changer, X Icon Changer)

If you don't want to change the launcher, use specialized utilities, they create shortcuts with new icons without affecting the original files.

• 🔄 Icon Changer – Simple interface, support.png/.jpg gallery.
• 🎨 X Icon Changer – Extended settings, the ability to change icons for Quick Settings.
• 🖼️ Shortcut Maker – Creates shortcuts with custom icons and names.

The following steps are taken for Icon Changer:

1. Open the Icon Changer and select the app from the list.
2. Click Change Icon → select an image from the gallery or downloaded package.
3. Confirm the shortcut. The original icon will remain on the app menu.

⚠️ Note: Shortcuts created through Icon Changer may not display badge notifications (digits on icons). To fix this, in the application settings, enable the option "Show notifications on shortcuts".

4. Method: Manual change through ADB (for advanced)

This method is suitable for users who are ready to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to change the icons of system applications that are usually blocked, requires on-developer mode and access to the PC.

Pre-launch warnings:

• 🔧 Incorrect commands can lead to a launcher crash or reset settings.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI change may be reset.
• 📱 Backup of data (Settings) → Additionally. → Backups) are mandatory!

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi to your PC and activate Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock the developer menu).
2. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder on your PC.
3. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: Adb devices (you should display your device).
4. Find the name of the application package you want to change (for example, com.android.contacts for Contacts).
5. Download the icon in.png format (size 192×192 px, transparent background) and place it in the /sdcard/Download/icon.png folder.
6. Follow the command (replace). PACKAGE_NAME Adb shell pm set-icon PACKAGE_NAME /sdcard/Download/icon.png

A critical nuance: on MIUI 14+, the pm set-icon command may not work due to security limitations, in which case you will need root access or a patch through Magisk.

5. Method: Changing icons through Magisk (root)

If your Xiaomi Redmi has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can use modules for deep customization.

• 🔧 Iconify – a module for Magisk that supports the replacement of icons at the system level.
• 🎨 MiuiHome Mod - modified version of the launcher MIUI high-set.
• 📦 Xposed Framework (for older versions) MIUI) — It allows you to change icons through modules like GravityBox.

Instructions for Iconify:

1. Install Magisk and download the Iconify module from the repository.
2. Reset the device.
3. Open the Iconify app, select the icon package and apply the changes.
4. For point replacement: Go to Icon Pack Studio inside the module.

⚠️ Note: Using Magisk may lead to loss of warranty and Google issues Pay/Banking applications (due to SafetyNet activation) Create a backup through the modules before installing them. TWRP.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the method, assess your needs and technical capabilities:

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For most Xiaomi Redmi users, the best solution is a combination of a third-party launcher (like Nova) and a package of icons from Google Play, which gives maximum flexibility without the risk of damaging the system.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the icons on Xiaomi Redmi, you can encounter typical errors.

Problem 1: Icons don’t change after the topic is applied

• 🔹 Check if the theme supports your version. MIUI (for example, topics MIUI 12 may not work on the MIUI 14).
• 🔹 Restart the device – sometimes the system only applies changes after a reboot.
• 🔹 Clear the launcher's cache: Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Problem 2: Missing notifications on custom icons

• 🔹 For launchers: Enable the option to “Show badge notifications” in the settings (e.g., in Nova Launcher).
• 🔹 For Icon Changer: Update the app to the latest version – new versions fix notification support.
• 🔹 If you use ADB, Check if permissions for the application have been reset (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).

Problem 3: Launcher slows down after changing icons

• 🔹 Reduce the number of animations in the launcher settings.
• 🔹 Turn off Adaptive Icons (if you have one) – they consume additional resources.
• 🔹 Clear the cache and launcher data (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions