How to change the name of the application to Xiaomi: 5 working methods for MIUI

Why users want to rename apps and can it be done officially?

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to change the app’s display name – whether to personalize the interface, hide standard services (e.g. com.miui.analytics) or just for the sake of experimentation. However, MIUI does not provide a built-in renaming feature out of the box: unlike iOS, where it is possible through shortcut settings, Android limits such manipulation at the system level.

The reasons for changing the name range from aesthetic (an uncomfortable name in Russian/English) to practical: for example, to hide system applications from prying eyes or unify names in the launcher. But it is important to understand that renaming does not change the internal package name, but only its visual display in the menu and on the desktop, which means that updates, notifications and functionality will remain the same.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, from simple (through launchers) to advanced (using ADB and APK modifications). Each method has its own limitations and risks, so we recommend you to read the compatibility table below before starting.

Method 1: Use of third-party launchers (without root)

The safest and most versatile method is to install an alternative launcher, programs like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher allow you to rename app shortcuts without interfering with system files, which works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of MIUI or Android version (9 to 14).

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Install the launcher from Google Play (recommend Nova Launcher as the most stable one).
• 🔧 Set it as the default launcher in the system settings (Settings) → Annexes → By default. → Launcher).
• ✏️ Long click on the app shortcut → select "Change» → enter a new name.
• 💾 Save the changes. The app will only show up with the new name in this launcher.

⚠️ Note: When returning to the standard launcher MIUI Some system applications (e.g. com.xiaomi.mipicks) may not be renamed due to security restrictions.

Make sure that the device has enough memory (minimum 200 MB)|Turn off battery optimization for launcher in settings MIUI|Backup your current desktop (screenshot or backup via Titanium Backup)|Check the launcher reviews for compatibility with your Xiaomi model-->

Method 2: Editing through ADB (without root, but with debugging)

For users willing to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there is a method of renaming via the pm set-install-location command. This method does not require root rights, but you need access to debugging over USB and a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the developer mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times.
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and execute: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 Then find the name of the application package (for example, via adb shell pm list packages | find "keyword") and use: adb shell pm set-app-link --package com.example.app --new-name "New name"

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all versions. MIUI (particularly MIUI 14+ Android 13/14). After the device is restarted, changes may reset, and some system applications (such as com.miui.home) are protected from such modifications.

Method 3: Modification APK-file (requires root or decompilation)

For advanced users, there is a radical method of editing an AndroidManifest.xml file inside an APK application, which allows you to change the name at the code level, but requires:

• 🔓 root rights (for system applications) or decompilation capabilities APK.
• 💻 APKTool Program Program Program Program Program, JADX or MT Manager (for code editing).
• 📝 Knowledge XML and the structure of Android applications.

Instructions:

1. Download the APK application (for example, via APK Extractor).
2. Decompile it with APKTool: apktool d app.apk -o output_folder
3. Open the file. output_folder/res/values/strings.xml Find the line with the name of the application (usually <string name="app_name">Old name.</string>).
4. Change the value, save the file and recompile APK: apktool b output_folder -o modified_app.apk
5. Sign an APK (for example, via uber-apk-signer) and install it on the device.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work for system applications without root. APK may not be updated via Google Play and cause signature errors. MIUI Actively checking the integrity of system files (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro) this can lead to locking the device.

Method 4: Create a duplicate label with a new name

If the goal is simply to hide the original name, you can create a duplicate shortcut with a user name. This won't change the app itself, but will add an alternative shortcut to the desktop. Suitable for MIUI 12-14.

How to do this:

• 📲 Keep your finger on the desktop. → select "Widgets» → Find “Application Shortcuts” (or App Shortcuts).
• 🔍 Select the desired application → Hold his icon and drag it to the desktop.
• ✏️ Call the label whatever you want (e.g., “Camera (Personal)” instead of the standard “Camera»).

Limitations:

• 🚫 The original app will remain on the menu with the same name.
• 🔄 Update MIUI duplicates may disappear.
• 📱 Does not work for hidden system applications (e.g. com.xiaomi.micloud).

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If you want to hide the original shortcut, move it to a folder on your desktop called System or Hidden, and then hide the folder itself in the launcher settings (if you have such an option).

Method 5: Using the Xposed Framework (root only)

For devices with root access and the Xposed Framework installed (or its analogue LSPosed for newer versions of Android), you can use modules like App Settings or Xposed App Settings, these tools allow you to change the display names, icons and even application resolutions.

Instructions:

1. Install LSPosed (for Android 10+) or EdXposed (for Android 9).
2. Activate the App Settings module in the Xposed manager.
3. Reset the device.
4. Open App Settings, find the app you want and change the App Name field.

⚠️ Note: Xposed may conflict with MIUI Optimization (optimization) MIUI). On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5) This results in a cyclical reboot. Before installation, disable signature verification in the developer settings (Disable verification). MIUI).

Third-party launchers|ADB-team|Editing APK|Duplicate labels|Xposed/LSPosed|Another option-->

Comparison of methods: which to choose for your Xiaomi model

Not all methods are equally effective for different devices and versions of MIUI. Below is a table of compatibility with the popular models of 2022-2026:

For most users, the best solution is to use third-party launchers (method 1) or duplicate shortcuts (method 4). If you want to rename the system application (for example, com.miui.securitycenter), you can not do without root and editing APK.

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On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13/14 (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), most methods without root have stopped working due to tightening security policies, and in such cases, the only reliable way is to use launchers or root editing.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to rename apps to Xiaomi, users face typical problems, including the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 Name resets after rebooting: This is typical of methods with ADB The solution is to use a launcher with saving settings (for example, Nova Launcher Prime) or edit APK.
• 🚫 You cannot rename the system application: System APK (For example, com.android.settings are protected, bypassing only through root or decompilation followed by manual installation.
• ⚠️ Device locked after modification: This happens when editing system files on devices with active integrity check (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra.The solution is to reset or reflash the device via Fastboot.
• 🔧 ADB Does not see the device: Check the drivers, cable and enable debugging by USB (security parameters in the developer settings. on some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) further confirmation required RSA-key.

If you plan to experiment with renaming, back up your system in advance via Mi Cloud or TWRP (if there is root) to help restore the system in the event of a crash.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions