Replacing app icons with Xiaomi: 5 working ways for MIUI

Replacing the standard icons on Xiaomi smartphones is a popular way to personalize the MIUI interface. Many users of Redmi, POCO and Black Shark want to make their phone stand out with a unique design, but do not know how to do it correctly. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of changing icons, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party applications, including nuances for different versions of the firmware.

It’s important to understand that customization options depend on the MIUI version (12, 13, 14 or 15) and the device model. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15 has advanced themes available, while the budget Redmi 10A has only basic settings. We’ll look at the generic solutions that work on most devices, and also point out the limitations for specific models.

Why standard MIUI icons are not suitable for users

The icon designs in MIUI are often criticized for being monotonous and out of step with current trends, and here are the main reasons why users want to replace them:

• 🎨 Unusual – Millions of Xiaomi smartphones look the same.
• 📱 Style mismatch – default icons don’t always harmonize with wallpaper or theme.
• 🔍 Poor readability on some models (e.g, POCO F5) pins.
• 🎭 Lack of dynamism - in MIUI 14+ There is no icon animation like in iOS or One UI.

Also, after upgrading to MIUI 15, many users complain about the forced design change of icons. For example, in the firmware for Xiaomi 14, the icons have become flatter, which is not popular, and fortunately, there are ways to return the familiar look or install fully customized images.

Method 1: Using the built-in MIUI themes

The easiest and safest method is to use ready-made themes from the official MIUI Themes store. This method does not require root rights and works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with a firmware version at least MIUI 10.

To change icons through themes:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Icons section in the lower menu.
3. Choose a set you like (e.g. Minimal UI or Glass Morphism).
4. Click Apply – the icons will change automatically.

Note that not all themes support replacing all icons, for example, system applications (Settings, Phone) may remain unchanged, and some themes are paid – their cost varies from 50 to 300 rubles.

💡

Check other users' reviews before using the theme. Some icon sets may contain errors (such as cropped icons or incorrect colors).

Method 2: Manual change via Nova Launcher

If built-in themes are not enough, you can use a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher, which allows you to change the icons for each application separately, as well as adjust their size, shape and animation.

Instructions for setting:

Install Nova Launcher from Google Play| Set it as the default launcher in the settings | Download the icon pack (e.g. Whicons or Delta) | Open the Nova settings → Appearance → Icon Style | Select the downloaded icon pack | Apply the changes

-->

The advantages of Nova Launcher:

• 🎛️ Flexible adjustment of size and indentation of icons.
• 🔄 Ability to use adaptive icons (round, square, rounded).
• 📁 Support for gestures and double tap on icons.
• 🔒 No need for root rights.

However, there are drawbacks: some features (for example, opening animation) are available only in the paid version of Nova Launcher Prime (cost ~ 300 rubles). Also on Xiaomi with MIUI 15, conflicts with the system launcher can occur - in this case, resetting the launcher settings through Settings → Applications → Nova Launcher → Storage → Clear data.

Method 3: Applications for replacement icons (Icon Packs)

If you don't want to change the launcher, you can use customized icon replacement apps called Icon Packs, which run on top of the standard MIUI interface and allow you to change icons without deep settings.

Popular icon packs for Xiaomi:

• 🎨 CandyCons – bright and juicy icons in the style of Material Design.
• ⚫ Minimal O Icon Pack – Minimal Black and White Icons.
• 🌈 Whicons - pastel colors and smooth shapes.
• 🤖 Glim Icon Pack – futuristic design with a glowing effect.

To apply the Icon Pack:

1. Install your favorite pack from Google Play.
2. Open the app-pack and click Apply.
3. Choose a launcher (Nova, POCO Launcher or standard MIUI Launcher).
4. Confirm the change.

Important: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with MIUI 14), the standard launcher does not support full icon replacement via Icon Packs, in which case you will have to use Nova Launcher or other alternatives.

Method 4: Manual change through ADB (for power users)

For those willing to take more drastic measures, there is a way to replace icons via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to change any system icons, including Settings icons and Phone icons.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
4. Open the command line and type: adb shell pm list packages -f | find "mipmap" This command will show the paths to the system icons.
5. Download the icon pack in.png format (resolution 192×192 or 256×256).
6. Replace the icon files with the command: adb push local_icon.png /system/app/PackageName/res/drawable/ (where PackageName is the name of the application package, and local_icon.png — file).
7. Reset the device.

💡

The ADB method is only suitable for advanced users, and improperly replacing system files can cause a launcher crash or even a bootloop (cyclic reboot).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 and above the system section /system It can be protected from recording, and you'll need to temporarily get root rights through Magisk or roll back to an older version of the firmware.

Method 5: Create your own icons in Photoshop or Figma

If you want unique icons that you can't find in ready-made packs, you can create them yourself, and graphics editors like Adobe Photoshop, Figma, or even free GIMP can do that.

Requirements for icons for MIUI:

• 📏 Size: 192×192 pixels (optimally), 256×256 high-resolution.
• 🎨 Format:.png with transparent background.
• 🔲 Shape: square or with a given mask (for example, rounded corners).
• 🎭 Style: It is recommended to stick to one design code (color palette, line thickness).

After creating icons, they can:

• 📲 Apply via Nova Launcher (Change the icon for each application).
• 🖼️ Replace system icons through ADB (4).
• 📦 Construct your own Icon Pack with the Icon Pack Studio app.

You can use services like Flaticon or Iconfinder to inspire you, where there are thousands of free vector icons, and the key is to adapt them to the requirements of MIUI and your screen resolution.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing icons with Xiaomi, users often encounter common mistakes, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 📋 Version MIUI — Some features may not be available on older firmware.
• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions – some models (e.g. Black Shark) block the replacement of system icons.
• 🛠️ Application Conflicts – Disable other launchers or optimizers via Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new shell from Xiaomi, which came to replace the new model) MIUI In 2026, some methods may not work. Before experimenting, check the version of the OS in Settings. → The phone. → HyperOS version.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions