How to change the app icon on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The standard app icons on Xiaomi smartphones often look monotonous, especially if you use a proprietary shell MIUI or the new HyperOS. The good news is that you can change the icon without root rights and complex manipulation. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from built-in launcher functions to advanced methods using ADB.

It’s important to understand that icon editing capabilities depend on the firmware version and device model. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with HyperOS, the algorithm differs from the POCO F5 on MIUI 14. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices from 2020-2026.

If you want to not just replace an icon, but completely customize your desktop, there's a bonus section at the end of this article about the best launchers with support for themes, and for those who are afraid of breaking something, we've added a list of safe methods that do not require superuser rights and do not violate the warranty.

1. Method: Using the built-in icon editor in MIUI/HyperOS

Starting with MIUI 12.5 and HyperOS, Xiaomi’s brand launcher introduced a feature to change icons without third-party apps. It does not work on all models, but it is worth checking its availability first.

To find this tool:

• 📱 Take a long time to touch an empty place on the desktop. → Select Screen Settings.
• 🎨 Scroll down to the Icon Styles or Icon Themes section (name depends on the firmware version).
• 🔍 If the option is not available, then your model does not support it – go to the following ways.

If the function is available, you can:

• 🖼️ Apply ready-made icon packages from Themes MIUI (Internet connection required).
• 🔄 Return the standard icons in one click.
• 🎭 Change the shape of the icons (round, square, rounded).

⚠️ Note: On some devices, after upgrading to HyperOS, the built-in icon editor may disappear. In this case, use alternative launchers (see section 5).

2. Method: Replace icons through Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher is one of the most popular desktop customization solutions on Android, allowing you to change the icons of individual applications, apply themes from Icon Packs, and even create your own icons.

Instructions for setting:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Launch the launcher and select it as the main one (when a request appears).
3. Take a long time to tap the app icon → click Change.
4. From the menu that opens, select Icon → Gallery and upload your image (recommended size: 192×192 px).

The advantages of Nova Launcher:

• 🎨 Support for Icon Packs (e.g. Whicons, CandyCons).
• 🔧 Flexible size and indentation settings of icons.
• 📁 Ability to hide applications without removal.

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If you want to apply the icon theme to all apps at once:

1. Download your favorite Icon Pack (like Minimal O Icon Pack).
2. In the Nova Launcher settings, go to Appearance → Icon Styles.
3. Select the installed icon package.

3. Method: Use of the Icon Changer application

For those who don’t want to install a full launcher, there are specialized utilities like Icon Changer or Awesome Icons, which allow you to change the icons of individual applications without global interface changes.

The following steps are taken for Icon Changer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to Special Opportunity Settings (required for the function to work).
3. Select the app you want to change the icon.
4. Click Select an image and upload your own or select from the options offered.
5. Save the changes – a new icon will appear on the desktop.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It doesn’t work on some versions. MIUI owing to the limitations of the shell.
• ❌ After restarting the device, the icons can be reset (re-use is solved).
• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB.

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If the icon is reset after the reboot, try using Nova Launcher or create a shortcut through the Activities widget (available in Nova).

4. Method: modifying icons via ADB (for advanced users)

If you’re ready to work with the command line, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to change the icons of system and user applications at the system level. This method is suitable for Xiaomi on MIUI and HyperOS, but requires the inclusion of debugging over USB.

Warning: Incorrect commands can cause applications to crash, and we recommend backing up data before starting.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: Adb devices
3. Download the icon in.png format (size 192×192 px) and place it in the /sdcard/Download folder on your phone.
4. Use the command to replace the icon (example for Google Chrome): adb shell cmd shortcut set-icon com.android.chrome /sdcard/Download/new_icon.png

List of popular application packages for teams:

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS, some system icons can be protected from changes through the ADB. This will require the use of Magisk and Iconify.

5. Method: Customization through MIUI Themes

Xiaomi’s official theme store offers thousands of free and paid themes that change not only icons, but also wallpaper, fonts, animations, and is the safest way to do so, as it doesn’t require third-party tools.

How to apply the topic:

1. Open the Themes app (usually preinstalled on Xiaomi).
2. Go to the Icons or Full Themes section.
3. Select your favorite theme and click Apply.
4. If the theme is paid, confirm the purchase (the price usually does not exceed 50-100 rubles).

Pros of the method:

• 🔄 Automatic update of icons when updating the theme.
• 🎨 A uniform style for all interface elements.
• 📱 It works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO.

Cons:

• ❌ Limited selection of free themes.
• ❌ Not all themes support customization of individual icons.

6. Method: Manual modification through file system (root)

For root-right users, the most flexible method available is direct replacement of icon files in system folders, which is suitable for deep customization, but requires caution.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the application icon folder. Paths may vary: /system/app/[application name]/ for system applications. /data/app/[packet name]-1/apk for user applications.

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ic_launcher.png

Create a backup copy of the original file.

Replace it with your icon (it’s important to keep the original file name and resolution).

Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly replacing system files can lead to bootloop.Before experimenting, create a full backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox.

If you are not sure about your skills, use the modules for Magisk:

• 🔧 Iconify – allows you to change icons without manual file editing.
• 🎨 Hex Installer supports Substratum themes and OMS.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

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For most users, the best solution is Nova Launcher or Icon Changer – they do not require technical skills and are safe for the system.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions