How to rename the application to Xiaomi: 4 proven ways

Have you noticed how some Xiaomi system apps have uncomfortable or too long names? For example, com.miui.calculator instead of the usual "Calculator" or English-language inscriptions in the firmware of MIUI Global. The good news is that you can rename the application on Redmi, Poco or Black Shark smartphones without root rights, the main thing is to know the right tools.

In this article, we will analyze all working methods: from built-in functions MIUI beforehand ADB-Note that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or installing additional software. We have noted all the nuances so that you can choose the best option for your model - whether it is Xiaomi 13 Ultra on the latest version. MIUI 15 or Redmi Note 10 Pro with custom firmware.

Why you may need to rename the app

At first glance, changing the name of the program seems like a small thing, but in practice, it solves a few real problems:

• 📱 Localization: Some applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) are displayed in English even in Russian firmware.
• 🔍 Searchability: Short names like Camera are easier to find on the menu than on the menu com.android.camera2.
• 🎨 Personalization: You can give apps creative names (e.g., “Camera” instead of “Camera»).
• 🔒 Hiding System Utilities: Rename Security to Security, You Will Make the Interface More Understandable for Beginners.

It is important to understand that renaming does not affect the functionality of the program, only the display name changes in the menu and on the desktop. However, some methods (for example, editing through ADB) can lead to failures if performed incorrectly.

Method 1: Use of built-in MIUI functions (without root)

The easiest method is to take advantage of the standard MIUI launcher.It works on most devices (including the Poco F5, Redmi K60 and older models on the MIUI 12+), but has limitations: you can only rename user applications, not system ones.

Instructions:

1. Press and hold your finger on the icon of the app you want to rename.
2. In the menu that appears, select “Change the name” (or “Rename” in English firmware).
3. Enter a new name (maximum 12 characters) and click “Done”.

If you don't have the "Change Name" option, your launcher doesn't support this function, so move on to the following.

Make sure that the application is not system-based.

Check out the MIUI version (should be 12 or newer)

Close all background processes

Make a backup copy of the data (in case of failure)-->

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI User-named applications can be reset to standard. To avoid this, fix the changes through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → [Title of the annex] → Lock down.

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

If the standard MIUI launcher does not allow you to rename the desired application, install an alternative.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher supports renaming, changing icons and hiding apps. There is a free version with basic features.
• 📱 Apex Launcher – a lightweight launcher with the ability to edit application tags.
• 🪟 Microsoft Launcher – integrates with Windows, allows you to rename applications through a long press.

Example for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click and hold the app icon → select “Change”.
3. In the "Tag" field, enter a new name.
4. Save the changes.

The advantage of this method is that there is no risk of damaging system files, since changes are only applied within the launcher, but after it is deleted or resets, all renaming will disappear.

Method 3: Editing through ADB (for power users)

If you need to rename a system application (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) and previous methods have failed, you’ll need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB
2. Connect Xiaomi to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
5. Execute the command to rename (example for com.miui.calculator): adb shell pm set-app-name com.miui.calculator

To return the original name, use:

adb shell pm clear-app-name com.miui.calculator

⚠️ Attention: misuse ADB This can cause data loss or a cyclical reboot of the device.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → System system → Backup.

Method 4: Edit strings.xml file (requires root)

For the most advanced users who have unlocked the bootloader and installed root access (for example, through Magisk), there is a way to change the name of the application at the system file level. MIUI.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/[Application folder name ]/res/values/ For example, for a calculator: /system/priv-app/Calculator/res/values/
3. Find the strings.xml file and open it in the text editor.
4. Find a line with the original name (it usually looks like this): <string name="app_name">Calculator</string> Change the text between the tags to the right one.
5. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the device.

This method gives a permanent result, but requires caution: an error in editing system files can lead to the crash of the application or even bootloop (cyclic reboot).

💡

Before editing strings.xml, make a copy of the original file to the cloud or on your PC. If the application stops running after the changes, you can quickly restore the working version.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When renaming applications to Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 The name dropped after the update: it's normal behavior for methods without root. ADB or edit strings.xml.
• ❌ It is impossible to rename the system application: most launchers require root rights to work with system utilities — ADB.
• 📵 App disappeared after renaming: most likely, you made a mistake in the team ADB or spoil strings.xml. Restore the original name or reinstall the app.
• 🔒 MIUI Check if there is a child or restrictions set through Second Space.

If after all the manipulations the application began to behave unstable (flys out, does not open), try:

1. Clear the cache: Settings → Apps → [Name] → Clear the cache.
2. Reset Launcher Settings: Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear Data.
3. Return the original name through ADB:

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

💡

For most users, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher (Nova Launcher) – it is safe, does not require root and works on all Xiaomi models.