How to change the app icon on Xiaomi: 5 ways to use photos and videos

Are you tired of the standard icons on your Xiaomi desktop and want to personalize the look of your smartphone? Replacing app icons is one of the easiest ways to refresh the MIUI interface, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly. In this article, we’ll break down 5 proven methods, from built-in launcher features to third-party apps that work even on the latest versions of Android 14 and HyperOS.

It's important to understand that the process can vary depending on the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the firmware version. For example, in MIUI 14 and later, some options are hidden deeper, and on HyperOS devices, the icon swapping algorithm has changed, we took into account all the nuances and prepared current instructions for 2026, including bypassing restrictions for Chinese firmware versions.

If you've never customized an interface before, don't worry: we'll explain each step in detail, provide screenshots and video examples, and for power users, we've stocked advanced methods using the same tools. ADB and manual editing APK-file.

1. Method: Using the built-in MIUI launcher

The easiest method is to take advantage of the standard MIUI launcher features.It does not require installing additional programs and works on most devices, including Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi based on Android 11-14.

However, there is a limitation: this method allows you to change icons only for standard Xiaomi applications (for example, Camera, Gallery, Settings).For third-party programs (WhatsApp, Telegram, games) you will need other methods, which we will discuss below.

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Themes (or Themes and Wallpapers in New Versions).
• 🎨 Select the Icons section (may be called Icon Styles).
• 🔍 Scroll down to the My icons block and click Edit.
• ✏️ Slip on the application for which you want to change the icon, and select a new option from the proposed ones.

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If the Icons section is missing, update the Themes app in Google Play or check the launcher settings in Settings → Home → Screen Style.

The main disadvantage of this method is the limited selection of icons. Xiaomi offers only a few dozen options, all of which are made in the same style. If you need something unique (for example, icons in the style of iOS or pixel-art), move to the next method.

Method: Installation of a third-party launcher (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

Side launchers offer many more customization options, including replacing icons for any application, resizing, animations, and even icon shapes. We recommend three proven options:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – the most popular launcher with support for icon packs and gestures.
• ⚡ Apex Launcher – Lightweight and fast, ideal for weak smartphones (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3).
• 🎯 Lawnchair is an open source launcher that mimics the Pixel Launcher, but with advanced settings.

Let’s look at the example of Nova Launcher:

1. Download and install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Launch the launcher and install it as the main one (when a request appears).
3. Press and hold your finger in the free desktop space → select Settings Nova.
4. Go to the Appearance. → Icon style.
5. Choose Iconpac (if you have a pack of icons installed) or Adaptive Icons for a unified style.
6. For manual replacement: long tap on the icon → Edit → Change the icon.

Download the launcher APK (if there is no Google Play)

Make a backup copy of the current desktop

Disable battery optimization for launcher

Install pack icons (e.g., "Whicons" or "CandyCons")

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Advantages of this method:

• ✅ It works on all Xiaomi models, including POCO F5 Xiaomi 14.
• ✅ Support for thousands of icon packs from Google Play.
• ✅ The ability to adjust the size, indentations and shadows of icons.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Some features (such as gestures) are only available in the paid version of Nova Prime.
• ❌ On weak smartphones (Redmi) 8A) There may be a lag in animations.

3. Method: Application of icon packs (Icon Packs)

Iconpacks are icon sets created by designers to completely redesign the look of a smartphone. They work in tandem with third-party launchers (Nova, Apex) and allow you to replace the icons of all applications at a time.

Popular icons for Xiaomi:

• 🎨 Whicons are minimalist white icons.
• 🍬 CandyCons – bright and juicy icons.
• 🖤 Darkon – Dark Icons for the AMOLED-screen.
• 🍎 iOS 17 Icons – icons in the style of the latest iPhone.

How to install the icon pack:

1. Download your favorite icon from Google Play (such as Whicons).
2. Install a third-party launcher (see Method 2).
3. In the launcher settings, select the Icon Style → Iconpac and apply the downloaded set.
4. For manual replacement of individual icons: long tap on the application → Edit → Change the icon.

Tip: Before buying a paid icon, check if it supports masking (adaptive icons), which allows you to apply the style to all icons, even those for which there is no separate design in the pack.

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

If you are not afraid of the command line, you can change the icons of system applications directly through ADB. This method is suitable for deep customization, but requires caution: improper actions can lead to malfunctions in the firmware.

Warning: This method does not work on applications installed through Google Play. It is only for system APKs (e.g. Camera, Phone, Messages).

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Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shoot 7 times) → Additional → For developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and check the connection with the command: Adb devices
3. Download the icon in format PNG (size 192×192 pixels) and rename it to ic_launcher.png.
4. Extract. APK-system application file (e.g., by using APK Extractor).
5. Open the APK through the archiver (7-Zip, WinRAR) and replace the icon file in the res/drawable folder.
6. Install the modified APK back: adb install -r -d filename.apk

⚠️ Attention: Replacement of system APK It can cause firmware errors. Before experimenting, back up through adb backup or MIUI Backup (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup).

An alternative method for those who do not want to understand APK:

• Use the Icon Changer app (requires root or Shizuku).
• XIconChanger for Magisk devices.

5. Method: Use of widgets and shortcuts

If you need to replace the icon for only one or two applications, you can do without launchers and ADB. It is enough to create a shortcut with a custom icon through standard Android tools or widgets.

Instructions for MIUI 14/HyperOS:

1. Press and hold the free space on the desktop → Widgets.
2. Find the shortcuts widget and drag it to the screen.
3. Select the application you want to change the icon for.
4. Slip on the icon in the shortcut settings and select a new image from the gallery.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require root or third-party launchers.
• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI, including Chinese firmware.
• ✅ You can use any images from the gallery.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ The label takes place as a separate item (not a substitute for the original icon).
• ❌ Not all widgets support icon changes (depending on version) MIUI).

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Widgets are the safest way to replace an icon without the risk of damaging the system, but they are only suitable for single applications, not for a complete interface redesign.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing icons with Xiaomi, users often encounter common mistakes, and we have collected the most common ones and ways to fix them.

If after replacing the icons on the screen appeared black squares or applications stopped opening, follow the following steps:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. Clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Nova Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache).
3. If the problem remains, remove and install the launcher again.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) after the icons have been changed ADB You may not have access to push notifications for modified applications. To return notifications, reset the application settings to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Reset.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions