Have you ever wanted to rename a standard Xiaomi app (e.g. Camera to Camera or Gallery to My Photos)? Or do you get in the way of the English name of the app after installing APK? On smartphones with MIUI firmware, this is possible — but not through the standard settings. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods (including the hidden functions of MIUI 14/15) that will allow you to change the app’s display name without losing functionality.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t provide a direct renaming feature in the interface, as Samsung does with Secure Folder or Huawei does through App Twin. However, workarounds exist, from using launchers to editing system files (the latter requires caution). We will consider options without ROOT-And we'll give you a warning about the risks, and if you're willing to experiment, let's go!
Why Xiaomi does not allow to rename applications with standard means
MIUI is built on Android, but has a number of security restrictions related to Xiaomi's security policy, and here are the key reasons for the lack of feature:
- 🔒 Protecting system applications: MIUI block the changes in /system/app, where standard programs are stored (e.g. Mi Browser or Security) This prevents accidental damage to critical components.
- 📦 Integrity APK-Files: Application name is written in the manifesto AndroidManifest.xml inside APK. Changing it requires repackaging the file, which can break the digital signature.
- 🔄 Conflicts with updates: After update MIUI through OTA All user changes to system applications are reset.
However, there are workarounds, such as Xiaomi allowing app shortcuts to be renamed on the home screen through some launchers (like POCO Launcher or Nova Launcher), and system changes will require tools like ADB or Magisk.
Method 1: Rename the shortcut on the home screen (without ROOT)
The easiest and safest method is to change the name of the app shortcut without affecting the app itself. APK-This works for all applications (including system applications), but only works on the home screen.
The instructions are suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark smartphones on MIUI 12-15:
- Keep your finger on the shortcut of the app you want to rename until the menu appears.
- Select Change (or Edit in English firmware).
- Tap the text box with the name of the app (e.g. Chrome).
- Enter a new name (such as My Browser) and click Ready.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI (For example, 14.0.5) the option to edit the title may be hidden:
Install Nova Launcher from [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher)
Open Launcher Settings → Home Screen Settings → Icons and Shortcuts
Enable the option to edit shortcuts
Create a duplicate label (long press → Duplicate)
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This method does not require superuser rights and is completely reversible, but it only works for visual display on the desktop — the phone’s settings and app menus will retain the old name.
Method 2: Using ADB to rename system applications
If you need to change the name of a system application (e.g. Mi Video to the Movie) in all menus, you will need an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool. This method does not require ROOT, but involves working with the command line.
Warning: Incorrect ADB commands may disrupt firmware. Before you start, back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup.
What is ADB and how to turn it on?
When ADB is ready, follow the following steps:
- Find out the current name of the application package. To do this, type in: adb shell pm list packages | grep -i "part of the name" For example, for the Camera, use grep -i "camera." You will get a response like com.android.camera.
- Download. APK-Application file on your computer: adb shell pm path com.android.camera adb pull /data/app/com.android.camera-1/base.apk
- Use the APK Editor tool (such as APKEditor Studio) to edit the base.apk file. In the AndroidManifest.xml section, find the line: <application android:label="Camera"...> Change the Camera to the desired name (such as the Camera) and save the file.
- Remove the original application (only for custom APKs, not system ones!): adb uninstall com.android.camera
- Install the modified one. APK: adb install base_modified.apk
⚠️ Attention: Systemic change APK (e.g. com.miui.gallery ADB For system applications, this method is recommended only to experienced users with access to Fastboot for recovery.
adb shell dumpsys package com.android.camera | grep "signatures"If you have a signature error, use the uber-apk-signer tool to re-sign the modified file.-->
Method 3: Magisk editing (for advanced users)
If you have ROOT-Right (installed by Magisk), you can change the name of the application directly in system files. This method is suitable for deep renaming, including displaying in the Settings menu → Annexes.
You will need to:
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk (instructions for unlocking: official Xiaomi website).
- 💻 Root Explorer (such as Root Explorer) or Mixplorer with enabled ROOT-access.
- 🔧 Magisk module for editing system files (optional).
Step-by-step:
- Open Root Explorer and go to /data/app/[packet name]-1/base.apk For example, for Google Chrome, the path will be /data/app/com.android.chrome-1/base.apk.
- Copy the base.apk file to any user folder (e.g. /sdcard/Download).
- Open the APK in APK Editor and change the android:label string in AndroidManifest.xml as described in Method 2.
| Method | ROOT is required | Works for system applications | Risk of system damage | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rename of the label | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Completely. |
| ADB + APK Editor | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Partially (risk of error) | ⚠️ Medium. | ✅ Yes (through restoration) APK) |
| Magisk + Root Explorer | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ High (in case of errors) | ✅ Yeah (through backup) |
💡
For most users, the first method (renaming the shortcut) is sufficient, and the methods with ADB and Magisk are designed for advanced users who are ready for possible system failures.
Method 4: Special applications for renaming (without ROOT)
If you don't want to work with ADB or launchers, you can use third-party utilities that don't change system files, but allow you to create custom shortcuts with new names.
The best applications for this task:
- 📌 Shortcut Maker (Google Play): Creates duplicate shortcuts with a custom name and icon. Supports system applications.
- 🎨 Icon Changer (Google Play): Allows you to change not only the names, but also the icons of the applications.
- 🔧 App Cloner (Google Play): Clones the app with the ability to rename (useful for duplicate messengers).
Example of Shortcut Maker:
- Install and open the application.
- Find the right app (for example, YouTube).
- Click Create and select Shortcut.
- In the Title field, type a new name (for example, My YouTube).
- Click Create a shortcut - it will appear on the home screen.
These apps don't require ROOT, but create duplicate shortcuts rather than modify the original APKs.The original app will remain on the menu with the same name.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When renaming apps to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here’s how to prevent them:
- 🚫 App does not open after renaming: This occurs due to damage to digital signature APK. The solution is to use a uber-apk signer to re-sign a file before installing it.
- 🔄 The name was dropped after the update. MIUI: System applications are restored when OTA-The solution is to repeat the procedure after the update or use Magisk to block the updates of a specific update. APK.
- ⚠️ Phone reboots in cycle: This happens when system editing errors APK (So the solution is to boot up to Fastboot and reflash your phone using the Mi Flash Tool.
- 📱 The new name does not appear in the app menu: This is normal for the shortcut method. To change the name globally, use Method 2 or 3.
⚠️ Note: If you rename a system application (e.g. com.android.settings), do not use Cyrillic characters in the package name – this can lead to the collapse of the interface. MIUI. Stick to the Latin and numbers.