How to Change App Icons on Xiaomi: 5 Ways to Use MIUI Settings and Third-Party Tools

The standard app icons on Xiaomi smartphones get boring over time, especially if you’ve been using the device for several years. Fortunately, the MIUI shell and third-party solutions allow you to completely transform the look of the desktop — from replacing individual icons to installing global themes with a unique design. But how do you do it right so as not to face bugs or loss of functionality?

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change icons on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO – from built-in tools MIUI Themes to advanced launchers like Nova Launcher or Hyperion. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12-14) and smartphone models, as well as how to avoid common errors, such as when icons are reset after a system update.

If you want to change your images, you want to create a unique interface style, read on. We will explain in detail which tools are suitable for beginners and which require root rights or additional knowledge. And yes, on some Xiaomi models (for example, the POCO F5), the standard launcher does not support replacing icons without third-party applications - this is important to consider when choosing a method.

1. Method: Standard MIUI themes (without root and launchers)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Themes app (MIUI Themes), which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones and allows you to change icons along with other interface elements (wallpaper, fonts, animations), the main advantage is that you do not need to install anything additional, and all changes are applied systematically.

How it works:

• 📱 Open the Topics app (brush icon on desktop).
• 🔍 In the Icons section, select your favorite pack (e.g. Minimalist or Glass Morphism).
• 🎨 Click Apply – the system will automatically replace the icons of all supported applications.
• ⚙️ In the theme settings, you can turn off replacements for individual applications (if the icon looks ugly).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all apps are supported — some icons (e.g., system or Google) may remain unchanged.
• ❌ Theme choices are limited – many beautiful packs are only available in the Chinese version MIUI or require purchase.
• ❌ After the MIUI update, the theme may reset (especially in beta versions).

⚠️ Warning: On some models (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14), the desktop weather widget may disappear after applying them. To return it, restart the device or reset the launcher settings to Settings → Home Screen → Reset settings.

2. Method: Manually modifying icons through MIUI Launcher

If you only need to change the icon for one or two apps, you can do without completely changing the theme. MIUI Launcher (a standard launcher of Xiaomi) has a hidden function of replacing icons manually.

1. Press your finger on the icon of the app you want to change.
2. In the menu that appears, select Change (or Edit on some firmware).
3. Click on the current icon – a gallery will open where you can select any image from your phone’s memory.
4. Cut the picture under the square (recommended size - 192×192 pixels) and save.

This method is suitable for:

• 📌 Quickly replace 1-2 icons (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 🎨 Use your designs (you can download icon packs from sites like Icon Pack Studio).
• 🔄 Temporary Changes – The original icon is easy to return via the same menu.

Cons:

• ⚠️ When you update the app, the icon may reset (especially if it is system-based).
• ⚠️ Not all versions of the MIUI Launcher support this feature (on POCO X3 with MIUI 12.5 it may not be available).

Download the icon pack in format PNG|Cut images to size 192×192 px|Save pictures in a separate folder|Check the version. MIUI Launcher (must be no lower than the 4.20)-->

Method 3: Third-party launchers (Nova, Hyperion, Apex)

If the built-in MIUI tools don't suit you, the best solution is to install an alternative launcher.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher is the most flexible, supports icon packs and gestures.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – optimized for Xiaomi, has built-in themes.
• 🎯 Apex Launcher is lightweight and fast, but with fewer settings.

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

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
2. Download your favorite icon pack (such as Whicons or Delta).
3. Open the Nova settings, go to the Appearance → Icon Style.
4. Select the downloaded pack - the icons will change automatically.
5. For manual replacement, press the icon → Edit → Change the icon.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🔧 Complete control of design (icon size, indentation, animation).
• 📥 Support for thousands of icon packs from Play Market.
• 🔄 Ability to backup settings and transfer to another phone.

⚠️ Warning: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12), the MIUI gesture functionality (e.g. swipe down for the notification panel) may be lost when using Nova Launcher (e.g., swipe down for the notification panel). To return it, turn on the option to use full-screen gestures in the launcher settings.

4. Method: Applications for replacement of icons (Icon Changer, X Icon Changer)

If you need to change your icons without changing your launcher, you can use specialized utilities that create shortcuts with new icons without affecting the original apps.

• 🛠️ Icon Changer is a simple interface, support for icon packs.
• 🔄 X Icon Changer – allows you to change icons for individual users (on Android 12+).
• 🎨 Icon Pack Studio – to create your icons from scratch.

Instructions for Icon Changer:

1. Install Icon Changer from Google Play.
2. Select the icon you want to change.
3. Upload a new image (from the gallery or icon pack).
4. Create a shortcut on your desktop – the original icon will remain in the app menu.

Features of the method:

• ✅ Does not require root rights or a launcher change.
• ✅ You can test different designs without fear of breaking the system.
• ❌ Labels take up space on the desktop (the original icons don't disappear).
• ❌ Some apps (e.g. Google Pay) may not be opened through shortcuts for security reasons.

💡

If the icon doesn’t open after you replace it with Icon Changer, try turning off battery optimization for that application in the MIUI settings (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Auto Run).

5. Method: Root access and manual editing of system files

For advanced users willing to risk system stability, there is a radical method of editing system icon files through root, which allows you to change the icons of all applications, including system ones, but requires caution.

What you need:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader and root access (for example, via Magisk).
• 📂 File Manager with support for root (such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
• 🖼️ Icon packs in.png format with a resolution of 192×192 or 256×256.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the icon pack and unpack it on your phone (for example, in /sdcard/IconPacks folder).
2. Open Root Explorer and go to /data/app (for custom applications) or /system/priv-app (for system applications).
3. Find the folder with the app you want to replace (e.g. com.android.chrome for Google Chrome).
4. Inside the folder, find the *.apk file and extract it (for example, using APK Editor).
5. In the extracted files, find the res/drawable folder – here are the icons stored.
6. Replace the original files (ic_launcher.png, ic_launcher_round.png, etc.) with your own.
7. Collect.apk back, sign it and install it on top of the original app.

Risks of the method:

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI 13/14 and Android 12+, editing the system APK may cause Google Play Protect to work and block certain features (e.g., Google Pay or Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD).

💡

Root is only suitable for power users. If you are not sure about your skills, use third-party launchers or apps to replace icons - they give a similar result without risk to the system.

6. Method: ADB-commands for changing icons (without root)

A little-known way to change system icons without root rights is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge).This doesn’t work on all Xiaomi models, but it can be useful for power users.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers and Platform Tools.
• 📱 Enable Debugging Mode on USB on the phone (Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI → 7 times tap on version → Return to Additional → For developers).
• 🖼️ Pack icons in.png format with the correct names (e.g. ic_launcher_calendar.png).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
2. Check the connection command: adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
3. Download the icon pack and place it in the /sdcard/IconPacks folder on your phone.
4. Use the command to replace the icon (example for Calendar): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/IconPacks/ic_launcher_calendar.png /system/priv-app/Calendar/res/drawable/ chmod 644 /system/priv-app/Calendar/res/drawable/ic_launcher_calendar.png reboot

Limitations:

• ❌ It does not work on all the firmware (on the MIUI 14 may need to be disconnected MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings).
• ❌ After updating MIUI change.
• ❌ Not all system icons can be replaced this way (e.g. Settings or Phone are often protected).

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table of methods:

Selection recommendations:

• 🆕 For beginners: Start with standard themes MIUI or install Nova Launcher with a pack of icons.
• 🛠️ For power users: If you want full customization, use root or ADB, but don't forget the backup.
• ⚡ For quick replacement: Icon Changer or manual editing via MIUI Launcher.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change your icons to Xiaomi, users often encounter common mistakes, and we have collected the most common ways to fix them: