Apple’s emojis have long been a design benchmark — their bright colors, drawn details, and versatile readability set them apart from standard Android emojis. Xiaomi owners (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) often want to replace native icons with iPhone ones, but face challenges ranging from the lack of root rights to font incompatibility. In this article, we’ll examine all the current ways to install iOS emojis on MIUI, including methods without a root, using Magisk, as well as legal alternatives through keyboards.
It’s important to understand that replacing system fonts is a firmware intervention that can cause messaging (like WhatsApp or Telegram can display emojis curved) or even loss of warranty. We’ve tested each method on devices with MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, so you’ll get up-to-date information without outdated tips.
If you are not ready to risk the stability of the system, at the end of the article we will talk about safe ways to get iPhone emojis through third-party keyboards – this will not replace them globally, but will allow you to use them in chat rooms.
1.The method without root: installing APK with emoji fonts
The easiest way is to download and install APK-An iPhone emoji file that doesn't require superuser rights, but only works in certain applications (like Telegram or Telegram). VK, Principle of operation: the app replaces the display of emojis in supported messengers via overlay.
Step-by-step:
- Download. APK-File from a verified source (recommended) emoji.apk or XDA Do not use unknown sites - the risk of viruses!
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Installation of unknown applications.
- Install the APK and restart the smartphone.
- Open a messenger (like Telegram) and check the display of emojis. If they haven't changed, clear the app's cache.
⚠️ Note: This method won't replace emoji globally - they will only appear in apps that support overlays. on WhatsApp, Instagram and system notifications, emojis will remain standard.
Installed APK emoji|Installation from unknown sources is allowed|Rebooted smartphone|The messenger cache cleared|Checked mapping in Telegram/VK-->
If the emojis are shown as squares or blank fields, then the font is not picked up. Try another APK or move on to root-right methods.
2. Replace system fonts through Magisk (root required)
To completely replace the system-level emoji, you’ll need root rights and a Magisk module, which works on all versions of MIUI and HyperOS, but requires caution: wrong actions can lead to a bootloop.
What you need:
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk (instructions for obtaining root here).
- 💾 iFont or Emoji Replacer for Magisk.
- 🔧 Backup of the system (required!)
Instructions:
- Download a module for Magisk (like Emoji Replacer) and transfer it to your phone’s memory.
- Open Magisk Manager, go to Modules and click Install from Storage.
- Select the downloaded module and wait for the installation to be completed.
- Reboot the device. Once you load the emojis should change globally.
⚠️ If after the reboot the smartphone stuck on the logo or stopped turning on, then the module is incompatible with your version MIUI. In this case:
- Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
- Select Uninstall Magisk or roll back to backup.
What to do if emojis are displayed curved?
3. Use of keyboards with iPhone emojis
If you don't want to tamper with system files, the safest way is to install an iOS-enabled emoji keyboard that won't replace emojis globally, but will allow you to insert them into your messages.
Top.-3 Keyboard with emoji from iPhone:
| keyboard | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gboard (Google) | Free, supports GIFs and stickers | Emoji from iPhone only in the form of stickers | Play Market |
| SwiftKey (Microsoft) | Customization of themes, cloud backup | Emojis are not completely identical to iOS | Play Market |
| Kika Emoji Keyboard | Large library of iOS stickers | Advertising, collecting data | Play Market |
How to set up:
- 🔹 Install the keyboard from Play Market.
- 🔹 Activate it in Settings. → System system → Language and input → Virtual keyboard.
- 🔹 In the keyboard settings, find the Emoji/Stickers section and select the package with iOS design.
Important: On WhatsApp and Instagram, emojis will be displayed as the recipient sees them (i.e. on iPhone they will be iPhone, and on Android – standard).
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If you want animated emojis, try Snapchat's Bitmoji app. It lets you create personalized emojis. 3D-iOS-style emojis and insert them into chat rooms.
4. Manual font replacement via TWRP (for advanced)
This method is suitable for those who are ready to manually edit system files. It requires TWRP Recovery and backup, but gives a 100% replacement of emoji at the OS level. The risk is high - if the system fails, the system can stop booting.
Files required:
- 📁 Archive with NotoColorEmoji.ttf and AppleColorEmoji.ttf fonts (you can download here).
- 🔧 TWRP Recovery for your Xiaomi model.
- 💾 Backup copy of section /system.
Step-by-step:
- Download the font archive and unpack it. You need files: NotoColorEmoji.ttf AppleColorEmoji.ttf EmojiCompat.ttf
- Reboot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power).
- Connect your phone to your PC and copy the fonts to /system/fonts folder, replacing existing files.
- Change the rights to files: chmod 644 /system/fonts/NotoColorEmoji.ttf chmod 644 /system/fonts/AppleColorEmoji.ttf
- Clear the cache (Wipe) → Dalvik/ART Cache and reboot.
⚠️ Note: If some applications (e.g. Google Play Services) have stopped working after replacing the fonts, you have replaced critical system files.
5.Alternatives: How to make emojis look like iPhones without replacing them
If you don’t really need to have Apple’s system emojis, but you want them to look similar, there are a few legal ways to do this:
Options without risk to the system:
- 🎨 Use a dark theme in the MIUI — It makes standard emojis more saturated, like in iOS.
- 🖼️ Install an iPhone-style sticker package (like iOS Emoji Stickers in Telegram).
- 📱 Change the color scheme in the display settings: go to Settings → Screen. → Colors and choose Saturated.
Example of mapping comparison:
| Method | It looks like | Where does he work? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard MIUI emojis | 😊 Flat, less detailed | Everywhere. |
| APK-overlay | 😊 Similar to iOS, but not everywhere | Only in supported applications |
| Gboard keyboard with stickers | 😊 A replica, but in the form of pictures. | In chat rooms when inserted |
If you want authenticity but don’t want to take risks, try Emoji Changer (available on Play Market) which doesn’t change system fonts, but lets you copy iOS-style emojis and paste them into your messages.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When replacing emojis, Xiaomi users often encounter common mistakes.
Problem 1: Emojis are displayed as squares (□)
- 🔹 Reason: Not all fonts are replaced or access rights incorrect.
- 🔹 Solution: Check that in /system/fonts All three files are: NotoColorEmoji.ttf, AppleColorEmoji.ttf, EmojiCompat.ttf. 644.
Problem 2: After the reboot, the emojis reset
- 🔹 Cause: The Magisk module has not been activated or MIUI rolled back.
- 🔹 Solution: Enable Core Only Mode in Magisk Settings and reinstall the module.
Problem 3: WhatsApp emojis haven’t changed
- 🔹 Reason: WhatsApp uses its own fonts that are not dependent on the system.
- 🔹 Solution: Install a modified WhatsApp (like FMWhatsApp) with custom emoji support.
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If you’re not sure what you’re doing, start with the safest method, the keyboard with an emoji, and replacing system fonts always carries risks, especially on devices with a locked bootloader.