Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the desire to personalize their device’s interface. One of the most noticeable design elements is app icons that can be changed through both standard MIUI settings and third-party tools. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change icons on Xiaomi devices in 2026, from simple theme settings to install custom launchers and manually change through ADB.
It's important to understand that icon editing capabilities depend on the firmware version (MIUI 14/15 or HyperOS), the smartphone model, and the availability of an unlocked bootloader. Some methods require additional knowledge, but most options are available even for beginners. If you want to change icons, but completely transform the desktop, read on.
Standard MIUI themes offer a limited set of icons, but they are enough for basic customization. However, deep personalization will require third-party solutions, from launchers like Nova Launcher to manual editing of system files, the latter is only suitable for advanced users, as it requires working with ADB and can lead to system failures if you do the wrong thing.
1. Changing icons through standard MIUI themes
The easiest way to change icons to Xiaomi is to use the built-in Themes app, which requires no additional software installation and is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13.
Open the Themes app and go to the Icons section, where you'll see a collection of free and paid icon packs that can be applied with a single click. Note that some themes change not only icons, but also background wallpaper, fonts and interface animations.
- 🎨 Free packs: Basic icon sets are available, but their design is often repeated.
- 💎 Paid themes: Unique styles (e.g. Minimal) UI Neumorphic Icons, the cost is from 50 to 300 rubles.
- ⚙️ Customization of individual elements: In some themes, you can change the shape of the icons (round, square, rounded).
After selecting your favorite pack, click Apply and the system will automatically update the icons on the desktop and in the application menu. Limit: standard MIUI themes do not allow you to change icons for individual applications - changes affect all icons at the same time.
⚠️ Note: Some topics may conflict with the cover MIUI, If the smartphone is slower after applying the theme, return the standard settings in the Topics section → Mine. → Reset.
2.Using third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Apex, Lawnchair)
If the built-in MIUI themes aren't enough, the best solution is to install an alternative launcher.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher – supports custom icons, gestures and setting up the desktop grid.
- 🎯 Apex Launcher – a lightweight launcher with wide customization options.
- 🌿 Lawnchair – open launcher with support for Pixel-style icons.
To change icons through Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
- Download a pack of icons (such as Whicons, Delta or CandyCons).
- Press your finger on your desktop → Settings → Style of icons → select the downloaded pack.
- For individual applications: Press the icon → Change → Icon → Select an alternative icon.
Advantages of launchers:
- 🔄 The ability to change icons selectively (only for the right applications).
- 🎨 Support for animated icons (in some packs).
- 📱 Compatible with most Xiaomi models, including POCO F5 redmi K60.
⚠️ Note: Some launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher) do not support changing icons to new ones. MIUI Before installing, check compatibility in the application description.
Download APK launcher from the official website|Make a backup of current settings|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Check compatibility with the Android version-->
3. Manually modifying icons via ADB (for power users)
If you want to completely replace system icons without launchers, you can use the ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge), which requires an unlocked bootloader and enabled debugging mode over USB. Warning: improper actions can lead to system failure!
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times.
- Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm grant com.android.launcher3 android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
- Download the icon pack in.png format (resolution 192×192 pixels) and replace the files in /system/app/Launcher3/res/drawable (root rights required).
| Method | Root is required. | Difficulty | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard MIUI themes | ❌ No. | ⭐ Very simple. | Low (possible lags) |
| Third-party launchers | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ Easy. | Medium (conflicts with MIUI) |
| ADB + manual replacement | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hardly. | High (risk "brick") |
What to do after ADB-The icon teams haven't changed?
4. Applications for customization of icons (Icon Pack Studio, X Icon Changer)
For those who don’t want to install launchers or work with ADB, there are specialized applications:
- 🖌️ Icon Pack Studio – allows you to create your own icons or edit existing ones.
- 🔄 X Icon Changer – Changes icons without launcher ADB-permitting).
- 🎭 Shortcut Maker – creates shortcuts with custom icons (a workaround for the user) MIUI).
Examples of X Icon Changer:
- Install the application and grant it permission through ADB: adb shell pm grant com.jy.iconchanger android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
- Select the app you want to change the icon.
- Upload a new image (.png format, transparent background).
- Apply the changes and restart the launcher.
💡
If after changing the icons they return to the standard, clear the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache.
5. Reset icons to standard settings
If customization experiments have caused a breakdown or you just didn’t like the new design, you can return standard icons in several ways:
- 🔙 Through Subjects: Go to My → Reset → Standard theme.
- 🗑️ For launchers: delete the current pack of icons in the launcher settings.
- 🔧 Through ADB (If you have changed system files: adb shell cmd overlay reset com.android.theme.icon_pack.generic
If the icons are not restored, try restarting the device or resetting the launcher to the factory settings, as a last resort, resetting MIUI to standard settings (without losing data):
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Reset interface settings.
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting the interface settings will remove all custom themes, wallpaper and launcher settings, but will not affect personal data (photos, contacts, messages).
Frequent problems and their solutions
When changing the icons on Xiaomi, users face typical errors:
- ❌ Icons don't change: Check that the launcher has rights to change system settings.Nova Launcher may require a premium version.
- 🔳 Black squares instead of icons: This means that the icon pack is incompatible with your version of Android.
- 🐢 Lags after applying the theme: Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Topics → Warehouse.
- 🔒 ADB Does not recognize the device: Install Xiaomi drivers on your PC and enable Debugging by USB.
💡
Before any manipulation of system files via ADB, back up your data. Use MIUI Backup or TWRP (if installed).
7.The best icon packs for Xiaomi in 2026
If you are looking for inspiration for customization, here is the TOP-5 Icon packs optimized for MIUI 14/15 HyperOS:
- 🏆 Whicons – Minimalist white icons with shadows (free).
- 🎨 Delta – geometric design with support for adaptive icons.
- 🌈 CandyCons – Bright Color Icons in the Style of Material You.
- ⚫ Oxygen – dark icons with neon accents (ideal for the AMOLED-screen).
- 🔺 Fluid – dynamic icons with the effect of “liquid".
All of these packs are available on Google Play or on the Icon Pack Studio website. For best results, combine them with wallpapers from the Backdrops or WallpapersCraft collection.