How to change the name of the application to Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Renaming apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that many users face: Some want to hide the name of the messenger from prying eyes, some don’t like the English name of the program, and some just want to get the desktop in order. Unlike iOS, where renaming apps is only possible through workarounds, MIUI offers several official and informal methods.

It is important to understand that the standard launcher Xiaomi does not support the direct function of renaming icons – this is a limitation of the Android architecture. However, there are workarounds: from using the built-in capabilities of MIUI Launcher to installing third-party launchers or working with ADB. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including their pros, cons and potential risks to the system.

If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with the simplest methods (sections 2 and 3), and experienced users can immediately move to advanced settings through ADB or change system files. Remember that some actions require root rights or may lead to resetting, we will warn you about this in advance.

1. Rename through built-in MIUI Launcher (no root)

The safest and easiest way is to use the hidden MIUI launcher feature.It is available on most devices with MIUI 12 and newer, but does not work on all models (for example, on the POCO F5 may not be available).

Instructions:

• 📱 Long click on the icon of the application you want to rename.
• 🔄 In the menu that appears, select “Change the name” (if there is no item, the method is not supported).
• ✏️ Enter a new name (up to 12 characters, no emojis).
• ✅ Click “Ready” – the changes will apply immediately.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ It doesn't work on all versions. MIUI (Redmi Note 11 may not be available).
• ⚠️ After the launcher update, the name may be reset.
• ⚠️ Does not support Cyrillic on some firmware.

2. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If the built-in feature is not available, the best solution is to install an alternative launcher.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – Supports renaming, gestures, backup.
• 🎨 Apex Launcher – lightweight, with customization of icons and folders.
• 🚀 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi, Minimalist Design.

The following is a step-by-step instruction for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Make it a default launcher (the first time you start will be offered a sentence).
3. Click on the icon for a long time → “Change” → “Edit”.
4. Enter a new name and save it.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI Android.
• ✅ Supports emoji and long titles (up to 30 characters).
• ✅ Doesn't require root rights.

3. Rename through ADB (for power users)

If you need to change the name of a system application (e.g. com.android.contacts), you will need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.

Pre-launch warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB This may cause data loss or system failure.We recommend backing up through Mi PC Suite before the start.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the terminal (or Command Prompt on Windows).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
4. Use the command to rename (example for Google Chrome): adb shell pm set-app-label com.android.chrome "My Browser"

To return the original name, do:

adb shell pm clear-app-label com.android.chrome

4. editing system files (requires root)

Full control over application names (including system ones) requires root rights, a method that is only suitable for advanced users, as it risks damaging the firmware.

Tools required:

• 🔧 Magisk (to obtain root).
• 📁 Root Explorer or Solid Explorer (root access file manager).
• 📝 SQLite Editor (for editing the launcher database).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Root Explorer and go to /data/data/com.miui.home/databases.
2. Find the launcher.db file and copy it to the backup folder.
3. Open the file through SQLite Editor and find the favorites table.
4. In the title column, change the name of the application you want (see intent with the package, for example #Intent;component=com.android.chrome/.Main;end).
5. Save the changes and restart the launcher (or device).

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI Any changes to launcher.db will reset. To avoid this, use the automatic editing script (available on the forum). 4PDA).

5. Duplicate an application with a new name

If you can't rename the original app, you can create a copy of it with a different name, and this is the App Cloner utility (available on Google Play).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Doesn't require root rights.
• ✅ Allows you to customize the icon and name regardless of the original.
• ✅ The clone works in parallel with the main application.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Takes up extra space in memory.
• ❌ Not all applications support cloning (e.g., banking or cloning). DRM-protection).
• ❌ Notifications may be duplicated.

Instructions:

1. Install App Cloner and open it.
2. Select a cloning app (such as Telegram).
3. In the Title section, enter a new name (e.g., Work Telegram).
4. Click "Clone" and wait for the installation.

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If the cloned app is not updated via Google Play, download the APK from the developer’s official website and install it manually.

6. Features for different Xiaomi models

Not all methods work equally well on different Xiaomi devices, and the table below shows how well they are compatible with popular models:

On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), some methods may not work due to a modified system architecture, in which case we recommend using Nova Launcher or App Cloner.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When renaming applications, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones:

• 🔄 The name is reset after rebooting → Check if the file rights have been reset. /data/data/com.miui.home (Use the auto-application script for change.
• 🚫 The paragraph “Amend the title” does not appear» → Update. MIUI Launcher through Settings → The phone. → Update the system or install the beta version.
• 📵 ADB can't see the device → Make sure that the debugging is enabled USB, drivers are installed, and the command is executed in the terminal from the folder with adb.exe.
• 🔒 You can not rename the system application → Use it. ADB Or App Cloner. Direct editing of system APK rooting is impossible.

If after renaming the application stopped opening, try:

1. Clear the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Reset the device.
3. Return the original name via ADB (see Section 3).

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On devices with a locked bootloader (most modern Xiaomi), editing system files without root is impossible. Use only secure methods (launchers or ADB).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions