Apple emojis have long been the benchmark of emoji design β their bright colors, detail and universal perception are popular with millions of users. Xiaomi smartphone owners often complain that standard MIUI emojis look faded or incorrectly displayed in messengers when communicating with iPhone users. Fortunately, you can replace them with iPhone in several ways, from simple applications to deep customization of the system.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including installation through APK-Files, system font modification, keyboards with Apple Emoji support, and manual file editing for advanced users, each method tested on current versions. MIUI 14/15 It is compatible with most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. Important: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights β weβll point out where itβs needed.
Why are Xiaomi emojis different from iPhones?
The difference in displaying emojis is that each manufacturer uses its own set of graphic files for emojis.Apple designs the emoji itself, whereas Xiaomi (like other Android makers) relies on:
- π± Noto Color Emoji fonts are a standard set for Android that often looks simplified.
- π¨ Customized versions from Google or Samsung licensed for MIUI.
- π Unicode updates β new emojis appear later than on iOS due to delays in adaptation.
In addition, in messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), emojis can be downloaded from the server side, rather than from the system files of the phone, which creates confusion: your iPhone interlocutor sees some emojis, and you on Xiaomi β completely different, the solution can be by replacing system files or using third-party keyboards with Apple Emoji support.
Method 1: Install Emoji Font 3 (without root)
The easiest method is to use the dedicated Emoji Font 3 app from Google Play.It replaces the display of emojis in all apps without requiring superuser rights.It is suitable for most Xiaomi models on Android 10+.
How to determine:
- Download Emoji Font 3 from Play Market.
- Open the app and select the iOS 16/17 Emoji style (the most current set).
- Press Apply and confirm installation. The app will ask permission to Overlay over other windows -- let me.
- Reboot your phone. Once you turn on, the emojis in all messengers and social networks will appear in the style of the iPhone.
β οΈ Note: The app only works to display emojis. If you send an emoji to an iPhone user, they will see it in their own style, not yours).
Download APK from official source | Check the Android version (minimum 10) | Allow overlaying of windows in settings |Reboot the phone after installation-->
Method 2: Using a keyboard that supports iOS Emoji
If you want an iPhone emoji when typing (not the entire interface), change the keyboard.
- π Gboard (Google Klava) β Select the style of the iOS emoji (not available in all regions).
- β‘ SwiftKey β Supports alternative emoji sets through themes.
- π± Fleksy β has built-in emoji packages, including Apple style.
Instructions for Gboard:
- Install the Gboard.
- Open keyboard settings: Languages and input β Virtual keyboard β Gboard β Themes.
- Select a theme marked iOS Emoji (if not, try changing the region in your phone settings to the US).
- Activate the keyboard in any messenger and check the display of emojis.
πΉ Pros of the method: does not require root, works on any Xiaomi models, including Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5.
πΈ Cons: emoticons change only when typed, not in the entire interface.
π‘
If Gboard doesnβt have an iOS Emoji style, try downloading it. APK-Keyboard version from the US region from APKMirror.
Method 3: Manually modify system fonts (Magisk required)
To completely replace the emoji at the system level, you will need Magisk (an alternative to root) and the iFont module. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recavator (for example, TWRP).
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi via Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 7 days to wait).
- Install TWRP for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
- Sweep Magisk through the Recovery.
- Download the iFont Emoji module (select the iOS 16/17 version).
- Install the module via Magisk Manager and restart the phone.
Once rebooted, all emojis on the system (including WhatsApp, Instagram and SMS) will be displayed in the style of the iPhone.
β οΈ Warning: Incorrect firmware Magisk or modules can lead to bootloop ( looped reboot). TWRP Check the compatibility of the module with your version. MIUI.
What if the phone does not turn on after installing the module?
Method 4: Replacement through ADB (without root but with limitations)
If you donβt have root, but you have access to ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can try replacing fonts via a computer.This method doesnβt work on all versions of MIUI, but it can work on the Xiaomi 11/12/13 series.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- π± Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Press 7 times, then additionally β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- π Archive of iOS Emoji fonts (can be downloaded here).
Instructions:
adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
cp /sdcard/Download/emoji.ttf /system/fonts/
chmod 644 /system/fonts/emoji.ttf
rebootβ οΈ Attention: On new versions MIUI 14+ The system can block changes in /system even ADB. If the mount command -o Rw,remount is an error, this method will not work β root will be required.
π‘
ADB-This method is only suitable for older versions. MIUI (No new root-free firmware cannot replace fonts because of dm-verity protection.
Method 5: Install custom firmware (for enthusiasts)
The most radical way is to flash custom firmware with support for iPhone emoji.
| Firmware | Support for iOS Emoji | Unlocking required | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel Experience | Yes (via Magisk modules) | Yes. | Xiaomi Mi 11, POCO F3, Redmi K40 |
| LineageOS | Partially (patch needed) | Yes. | Most models with Snapdragon |
| MIUI EU | No (standard emojis) | Yes. | All models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO |
Firmware process:
- Unlock the bootloader (see Method 3).
- Download firmware for your model with XDA or Telegram channels.
- Sweat through TWRP or Fastboot (instructions are attached to the firmware).
- After installation, run Magisk and the iFont module (see Method 3).
β οΈ Warning: Castom firmware can take you out of warranty, and cause problems with Google Pay, Netflix, and banking apps due to a lack of SafetyNet.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To determine the best way, assess your needs and technical capabilities:
- π No root: Use Emoji Font 3 (Method 1) or Gboard keyboard (Method 2).
- π§ S root/Magisk: Install the iFont module (Method) 3) full replacement.
- π» For experienced: Sweat custom firmware (Method 5) or use ADB (Method 4).
Important: On Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (like the Redmi Note 10), unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP are often impossible due to the manufacturerβs closed policy.