How to change app icons on Xiaomi: a guide to personalization

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the desire to make the device interface unique, reflecting their individuality. The standard set of graphic elements provided by the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS can seem boring or simply do not match personal preferences. Fortunately, the Android system on which these devices are based allows for deep customization of the appearance.

The process of replacing graphical characters for startup programs does not require complex programming or obtaining advanced access rights to the system. There are several proven methods to implement what you want to do, from using built-in tools of the theme store to installing third-party launchers. Personalization of the interface is not just aesthetics, but a way to improve navigation by making important applications more visible.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all the ways you can change the look of your desktop, learn how to safely experiment with design, where to look for quality graphics sets, and what to do if standard methods do not produce the desired result on your device model.

Use of the built-in “Themes” application

The easiest and safest way to change the visual design is to use a regular tool from the developers. Themes app is preinstalled on all smartphones of the company and contains millions of design options. To start, you need to start the program and go to the bottom menu, where the Profile tab is located. This is where the settings that allow you to manage the components of the system are hidden.

In Profile, select My Themes, where you'll see a list of all the designs ever downloaded or purchased. However, we're not interested in the whole theme, but in editing it. Click on the "Configure" button under the active theme, and open a menu where you can change the lock screen, system fonts, sounds and, most importantly, app icons separately.

Clicking on Icons will get you into the catalog of available sets. The system will offer to download new packages or select from already downloaded ones. Once you select the set, the system will automatically apply changes to all supported programs. If any software remains unchanged, it can be replaced manually by selecting the desired graphic element from the proposed list or downloading an image from the gallery.

• 🎨 Thousands of Free Styles at the Official Mi Themes Store.
• ⚙️ The ability to manually replace each individual icon.
• 🔄 Quickly switch between different sets without reinstalling.
• 📲 Support for uploading your own images for customization.

Installation of third-party launchers

If you don't have enough of the standard shell, you'll find third-party shells known as launchers that completely replace the desktop, notification panel, and settings menu. The most popular options for Xiaomi devices are Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, and Microsoft Launcher. They provide unprecedented control over the look and feel.

Once you install this app from the Google Play Store, the system will ask permission to use it as the default home screen, and you'll get access to advanced settings. Unlike standard themes, launchers allow you to change not only images, but also desktop grids, swipe animations, folder behavior, and even hiding unnecessary system applications.

To replace graphics in the launcher, it is usually enough to pinch your finger on the icon, select “Edit” and click on the image. A gallery of styles compatible with the launcher will open. Often users download individual icon packages (Icon Packs) specifically for such shells, giving access to tens of thousands of design options that are not available in the Xiaomi store.

⚠️ Note: Some launchers may conflict with Xiaomi’s control gestures. If gestures are missing or delays appear after installation, try enabling the “Use System Gestures” option in the launcher settings or temporarily switch to button navigation.

Manual replacement through system settings

The latest versions of the HyperOS shell and the updated MIUI have the ability to change the icons of individual applications without using themes. This is convenient when you need to highlight only a couple of important programs, such as instant messengers or banking applications.

Press and hold your finger on the shortcut of the application you want to change. In the context menu that appears, select Edit (usually represented by a pencil or gear). If this option is available for this item, you will see the ability to change the name or replace the image. By clicking on the current picture, the system will prompt you to select a new one from the built-in collection or gallery of the device.

This method is ideal for minimalist changes. It doesn't require heavy themes that can consume RAM. However, it should be noted that when you update the main application, its shortcut may return to its original form, and the procedure will have to be repeated. Manual replacement works locally and does not affect other elements of the interface.

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Use PNG images with a transparent background for manual replacement so they look organic on any desktop background.

Application of icon packages from Google Play

Google Play is full of specialized applications that are just sets of graphics elements. They are not launchers in themselves, but serve as libraries for them. Popular examples include Whicons, LineX, CandyCons, and many others. These packages are often updated and support thousands of popular applications.

To use this package, you first need to install it. After installation, most packages offer an “Apply” button that automatically redirects you to a compatible launcher or system theme manager. If the automatic application does not work, you will need to open your launcher settings, find the “Look and Feel” or “Icons” section, and select the installed package from the list.

The advantage of this method is that there's a huge variety of styles, from neon and voluminous to flat and monochrome. You can change packages every day, creating a new mood for your smartphone. Some packages are paid, but they usually have better drawing quality than free ones.

Creating your own shortcuts through Shortcut Maker

When the standard methods are exhausted and the desired design is nowhere to be found, heavy artillery comes in to create custom labels, and there are special utilities, led by the Shortcut Maker app, that allow you to create a new label for any application by assigning it any image and name.

The way it works is simple: you open the program, you select Apps, you find the right software in the list, then you select Gallery in the image field, and you upload any picture, photo or logo you find on the Internet, you can even select a color background or gradient, and after you set the name, click Create a shortcut, and a new object will appear on your desktop.

It is important to understand the technical nuance: such a shortcut is a separate object. When you remove the original application, the created shortcut will cease to work. In addition, notifications on such shortcuts may not appear correctly or at all, since it is not a native system shortcut, but a wrapping link.

Compatibility problems and error solving

In customization, users often find that new images are not applied to all applications at once, and some programs, especially Google system services or banking applications with increased security, may ignore third-party themes, because the developers of these applications use their own vector adaptive icons.

To solve the problem of white squares or standard green robots instead of beautiful pictures, you can use the Hide feature in the Xiaomi theme manager. You hide the standard icon and replace it manually. Also helps to clean the cache of the Themes application through the Settings menu → Apps → All Apps → Themes → Clear the cache.

Another common problem is desynchronization after a system update. Large Android or MIUI updates can reset the launcher settings. Always back up the launcher settings if it has one, so you can quickly restore the familiar environment after the firmware update.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing modified system themes from unverified sources (forums, Telegram channels) that require superuser rights.This can lead to a bootloop (cyclic reboot) of the device, and the phone can only be restored by flashing it back.

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The most stable way to change icons to Xiaomi is to use official themes from the Mi store, as they are guaranteed to be compatible with your shell version and do not cause system conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)