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

App icons on Xiaomi Redmi are the first thing that catches your eye when unlocking a smartphone. The standard design of MIUI is not like everyone: someone wants to stand out, someone wants to be minimalist, and someone just gets tired of being the same. Fortunately, you can change icons on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 or flagships like Redmi K50 in several ways - from simple to advanced.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods, from built-in MIUI features to third-party launchers to even manual modifications via ADB. It’s important to understand that not all methods are equally safe: some require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can affect the warranty, but most solutions work out of the box without risks.

If you want to just refresh the look of the screen or completely redesign the interface for yourself, you'll find a suitable option here, and for those who are afraid of breaking something, we have separately identified the safest methods with minimal requirements.

1. Standard MIUI themes: the easiest way

The most obvious and safe method is to use the built-in design themes feature in MIUI. Xiaomi offers thousands of free and paid themes, many of which change not only wallpaper but also app icons. This works on all modern models, from the Redmi 9A to the Redmi Note 13 Pro+.

To change icons through themes:

1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on your desktop).
2. Go to the Themes tab and select the Icons category or Full Themes.
3. Look at the options available. Pay attention to the reviews and ratings — some topics may contain ads.
4. Click Apply to set your favorite theme.

✅ Pros: does not require root rights, works on all versions MIUI 12-14, You can return standard icons in one click.

❌ Cons: the choice of icons is limited to what is in the theme store, some themes are paid (from 50 to 300 rubles).

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If after applying the theme icons have not changed, restart your smartphone or clear the cache of the application Themes in the settings.

2. Use of third-party launchers

If you don't have a lot of built-in themes, you can install a third-party launcher, a program that completely replaces the standard MIUI. Popular options are Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion Launcher. They allow you to not only change icons, but also customize animations, gestures and even hide applications.

How to change icons through the launcher (for example, Nova Launcher):

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Make it the default launcher (at the first start the system will prompt you to do this).
3. Press your finger on the free space of the desktop → Settings → Appearance → Style of icons.
4. Select the Icon Package and install your favorite from the store (such as Whicons, CandyCons or Delta).
5. Apply the changes and restart the launcher.

🔹 Recommended Icon Packages for Redmi:

• 🎨 Fluxo Icon Pack – Minimalist design with pastel colors.
• 🖤 Oswald Icon Pack – Dark Icons with Geometric Shapes.
• 🌈 CandyCons – bright and juicy icons in the style of “sugar glaze».
• 🔷 Minima Icon Pack – strict monochrome icons for lovers of minimalism.

An important nuance: some icon packages may not cover all applications, in which case the launcher will suggest creating an icon based on a template or leaving a standard one. It is also worth remembering that launchers consume additional RAM (about 100-200 MB), which can be critical for low-end models like the Redmi 8A.

3. Manually modifying icons via ADB (for advanced)

If you’re ready to experiment and want to change your icons without launchers, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and basic command line knowledge. On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), this method may not work due to MIUI restrictions on changing system files.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁 Package of icons in.png format with resolution 192×192 or 256×256 pixel.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Redmi to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and check the connection: Adb devices must show the serial number of your device.
3. Download and unpack the icon pack to your computer. The icons should be named the same as the original APK files (e.g. com.android.chrome.png for Chrome).
4. Copy the icons into the system folder: adb push path_to_icon /sdcard/ Then transfer them to the system directory (root rights required!): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/com.android.chrome.png /system/app/Chrome/
5. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss or a cyclical reboot of your smartphone.Before experimenting, make a backup through Settings → System system → Backup: On devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi from official stores), this method will not work.

4. Apps for changing icons without root

If ADB seems too complex, you can use specialized apps that change icons without superuser rights.

• 🛠️ Icon Changer – allows you to replace icons one by one, creating shortcuts on the desktop.
• 🎭 X Icon Changer – Supports icon packages and has a built-in editor.
• 🖼️ Shortcut Maker – creates shortcuts with custom icons and names.

How it works with the Icon Changer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select the icon you want to change.
3. Download a new icon from the gallery or download from the built-in library.
4. Create a shortcut on your desktop. The original icon will remain on the app menu.

⚠️ Limitation: these apps don’t change icons globally, they only create shortcuts, which means that old icons will remain on the app menu (Swipe up), and some apps (like Shortcut Maker) may conflict with optimization. MIUI, What causes labels to disappear after rebooting.

Download APK only from official sources (Google Play, APKMirror)

Check the reviews about the application (avoid programs with a rating below 4.0)

Make a backup of your desktop (in Nova launcher: Long press → Backup)

Disable battery optimization for the application (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Optimizing the battery)-->

5. Change icons through batch files (APK)

For those who are not afraid to dig into system files, there is a way to change the icons by modifying the system. APK-Application files. It requires:

• 📥 decompiler APK (For example, APKTool).
• 🖌️ Image editors (such as Photoshop or GIMP).
• 🔧 Building and signature knowledge APK.

Instructions:

1. Download the APK of the application you want to change (for example, via APK Extractor).
2. Decompile it with APKTool: apktool d app.apk -o output_folder
3. In a file. output_folder/res Find icon files (usually in drawable-xxxhdpi or mipmap-xxxhdpi).
4. Replace them with your images (save the original name and format!).
5. Gather it. APK back: apktool b output_folder -o modified.apk
6. Sign a new APK using a uber-apk-signer and install it on your smartphone.

❗ Warning: This method is only suitable for custom applications (e.g. Telegram or Telegram) VK). System modification APK (For example, com.android.settings without root rights will lead to errors, and after updating the application through Google Play, all changes will be reset.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a comparative table of all methods with their pros, cons and requirements:

For most Xiaomi Redmi users, MIUI themes or third-party launchers are the best solution. They require no technical skills and are safe. Methods with ADB and APK modification will only be suitable for advanced users who are ready for possible problems.

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If you're a beginner, start with either MIUI or Nova Launcher. These are root-free and easily rolled back.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When changing icons on Xiaomi Redmi, you may experience errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

1. icons do not change after the application of the theme

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🧹 Clear the app cache Themes (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Clear the cache).
• 📥 Check if your model supports you. MIUI Theme selected (some topics only work on the subject) MIUI 14).

2. Launcher brakes or flies off

• 🛑 Turn off animations in the launcher settings.
• 🗑️ Clear the launcher's cache.
• 🔋 Check if it is optimizing. MIUI Launcher (disable battery optimization for it).

3.After the MIUI update, the icons dropped

• 🔄 Apply the theme or launcher settings again.
• 📁 If you've used ADB, Repeat the procedure (updates) MIUI drop off system files).

4. Cannot connect via ADB

• 🔌 Check the cable (use the original from Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Reinstall the drivers ADB PC-only.
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB (security parameters in the developer settings.

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If after changing the icons through ADB, the smartphone stopped loading, try going to Fastboot (press Power + Vol Down) and execute the command fastboot reboot. If this does not help, you will need to flash it.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions