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

Why Change Standard Icons and What You Need to Know Before You Start

App icons on Xiaomi 9 are the first thing that catches your eye when you unlock the screen. The standard design from MIUI is not popular: someone wants uniformity with wallpaper, someone lacks originality, and some just get tired of the same icons. Fortunately, the system allows you to flexibly customize the appearance without having to install custom firmware.

Before you start making changes, consider a few key points: first, on Xiaomi 9 with MIUI 12 and later, some of the features for changing icons are moved to the “Themes” section, and in older versions (MIUI 11 and below), a third-party launcher may be required. Second, not all applications support dynamic change icons – some (for example, system utilities like “Settings” or “Phone”) may remain unchanged. Finally, if you use Safe Mode, all the changes to the appearance will be reset after rebooting.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways, from built-in MIUI tools to third-party solutions like Nova Launcher or Icon Pack Studio. Each method is suitable for different tasks — whether it’s a spot replacement of a single icon or a complete redesign of the desktop design. If you’re a beginner, start with the first two: they don’t require root rights and minimally affect smartphone performance.

Method 1: Use of the built-in MIUI theme editor

The easiest and safest method is to use standard MIUI tools. It does not require installing additional applications and works on all firmware versions for Xiaomi 9 (codename cepheus).

To change icons through themes:

  1. Open the "Themes" app (the brush icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the "Icons" tab in the lower menu.
  3. Choose your favorite pack from the collection (for example, Minimal Round or Pixel Icons).
  4. Click "Apply" and confirm the changes.

If the desired pack is not in the recommendations, use the search by keywords:

  • 🔍 For minimalists, type "minimal", "line" or "monochrome"
  • 🎨 For color icons, try "colorful", "gradient" or "neon"
  • 📱 To simulate other OSes: look for "iOS", "Pixel" or "One" UI"

⚠️ Note: After applying the theme, some icons of system applications (such as "Camera" or "Gallery") may remain unchanged.This is due to Xiaomi's security policy - critical utilities are not subject to modification through standard means.

📊 How often do you change the topic of your smartphone?
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when you buy a phone
Never.

Method 2: Point replacement of icons through the "Desktop Editor"

If you only need to change the icon for one or two apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram), you don’t need to install a full pack. MIUI 13/14 has a hidden point replacement feature that works without root rights.

Step instructions:

  1. Press and hold your finger on your desktop, then select Desktop Settings.
  2. Go to the "Badge Style" section (some versions call it "Change icons").
  3. Slip on the icon of the application you want to modify.
  4. In the menu that opens, select “Change icon” and upload your image (PNG format with transparent background is recommended).

Requirements for user image:

  • 📏 Resolution: optimal 192×192 pixels (maximum) 512×512).
  • 🎨 Background: must be transparent (.png format).
  • 🖼️ Style: Avoid small details – they will be illegible on screen.

Download the transparent PNG template (192×192)

Cut the image by contour (use Canva or Photoshop)

Remove background (the Magic eraser tool in most editors)

Save in PNG format with transparency

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If the icon is displayed blurry or with artifacts after replacement, check:

  • Resolution compliance (do not stretch small pictures).
  • No compression when saving (select "Maximum quality" in the export settings).
  • Color gamut – too bright colors can merge with wallpaper.

Method 3: Installation of a third-party launcher (Nova Launcher)

For advanced users who want complete customization freedom, the best solution is Nova Launcher. This application allows you not only to change icons, but also to customize gestures, animations and even hide unnecessary icons. MIUI — Support for icon packs from third-party developers (such as Whicons or Delta).

Step-by-step:

  1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
  2. Download your favorite icon pack (e.g. CandyCons or Lines).
  3. Press your finger on your desktop → “Nova Settings” → “Look” → “Icon Style”.
  4. Select the icon pack installed and apply the changes.

Comparison of Nova Launcher and standard MIUI launcher:

FunctionNova LauncherStandard MIUI
Support for third-party icon pack✅ Yes (thousands of options)❌ Official topics only
Point replacement of icons✅ Yes, for each appendix)✅ Yes (but with limitations)
Set up animations✅ Yeah (speed, style)❌ No.
Hiding app icons✅ Yes.❌ No.
Impact on productivity🟡 Minimum (optimized)🟢 No influence.

⚠️ Note: Some chips are turned off when using Nova Launcher MIUI, For example, built-in navigation gestures or smart assistant, if they're critical to you, consider alternative launchers like Lawnchair or Hyperion, which integrate better with Xiaomi's shell.

💡

Before installing Nova Launcher, back up your current desktop: Go to Settings → Applications → Launcher → Backup. This will allow you to quickly return the standard look if something goes wrong.

Method 4: Creating custom icons in Icon Pack Studio

If you want unique icons that don't come with ready-made packs, use Icon Pack Studio, which allows you to create icons from scratch or modify existing ones, especially for designers or those who want complete personality.

How to create your own icon:

  1. Install Icon Pack Studio.
  2. Select "Create a new pack" or "Edit an existing one".
  3. Upload the basic image (for example, the application logo in the vector).
  4. Customize the shape, background color and effects (shadow, gradient, etc.).
  5. Export the pack and apply it through Nova Launcher or another supported launcher.

Here are some examples of what you can do in Icon Pack Studio:

  • 🎨 Minimalist icons: single-color icons with thin lines.
  • 🌈 Gradient: smooth transition of colors (for example, from blue to purple).
  • 🖼️ 3D-Effect: Adding shadows and volume for realism.
  • 📱 Adaptive: icons that change color depending on wallpaper.

How can we maintain transparency in exports?
In the export settings (Menu → Export Settings), select the PNG-32 format and tick the "Transparency" box. If the option is not available, check that the original image does not have a white background (use the "Magic Eraser" tool to delete).

Ready-made packs from Icon Pack Studio can be sold on Google Play or shared through Xiaomi communities. If you plan to distribute your work, consider licensing requirements: some brands (like Google or Apple) prohibit modifying their logos without permission.

Method 5: Replace icons via ADB (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for those who are not afraid of the command line and want to change system icons that are usually not amenable to modification. It requires on-debugging over USB and installed ADB drivers on the computer. Note: the wrong commands can cause MIUI to malfunction!

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi 9: go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate “Debugging by USB”.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute: Adb devices (you should display your device).
  4. Download. APK-file with the desired icon (for example, through APK Editor and install it with the command: adb install -r path to file.apk

List of system applications whose icons can be changed through ADB:

  • 📞 com.android.contacts (Contacts)
  • 📷 com.android.gallery3d (gallery)
  • 🔧 com.android.settings (Settings)
  • 🌐 com.android.browser (Browser)

⚠️ Attention: Systemic change APK-Files can cause errors in operation MIUI, including the inability to update through OTA. Before experimenting, create a full backup through adb backup or TWRP. If the phone stopped loading after the modifications, try resetting the settings via Fastboot with the command: fastboot erase userdata (this will delete all user data!).

💡

Use ADB only if you are confident in your actions, and most tasks will be done in the first four ways, which are safer and require no technical skills.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing icons with Xiaomi 9, users face common mistakes.

Problem 1: Icons are reset after rebooting.

  • 🔹 Reason: Launcher does not save settings due to restrictions MIUI.
  • 🔧 Solution: In Nova Launcher, go to Settings → Backup and save the current configuration. Restore it after you restart.

Problem 2: Some icons don’t change (e.g., “Settings” or “Phone”).

  • 🔹 Xiaomi blocks changing icons of system applications for security reasons.
  • 🔧 Solution: Use ADB (method 5) or install an alternative launcher with icon masking support (e.g., Apex Launcher).

Problem 3: Icons are blurred or pixelated.

  • 🔹 Reason: Inconsistency of resolution or image format.
  • 🔧 Solution: Use sized images 192×192 pixel-format PNG-32 Use Icon Pack Studio or Adobe Illustrator to create the right icons.

Problem 4: After applying the theme, the widgets disappeared.

  • 🔹 Reason: Conflict between launcher and system widgets MIUI.
  • 🔧 Solution: Restart your phone or return the standard launcher to Settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.

Can I change the icon for a specific application without changing the whole theme?
Yes, it can be done in two ways: through the built-in desktop editor (method 2 in the article); through a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher) that supports point replacement. Note: system applications (like "Settings") may not be changeable without root rights.
Why did my custom icons disappear after the MIUI update?
Xiaomi regularly resets launcher settings for major updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14).To avoid losses: Before upgrading, back up the launcher settings (in Nova Launcher: Settings → Import/Export). Use cloud services to save custom icon packs (e.g., Google Drive). If icons are gone, just re-apply the saved theme or pack before upgrading.
How to return standard MIUI icons?
To roll back changes: For embedded themes: open the Topics app" → Select "Standard" or "Default." For Nova Launcher, go to Settings. → Reset settings. For manual replacement through ADB: reinstall the original APK-file.
Can I change the icons without the launcher and root rights?
Yes, but with limitations. You can: Use the built-in desktop editor (method 2) for point replacement. Apply official themes from the MIUI store (method 1). However, full customization (including system applications) will require either a third-party launcher or root access.
Where to download quality icon packs for Xiaomi 9?
Recommended sources: 🌐 Google Play (official packs tested for compatibility). 🎨 XDA Developers (Unique Designs from the Community). 📱 Official Xiaomi Theme Store (optimized for the MIUI). Avoid downloading packs from unverified sites – they may contain malicious code.