Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are often faced with the desire to personalize their gadget, making it unique and convenient. The standard MIUI or HyperOS interface, despite its functionality, does not always allow you to change visual elements the way the user wants. One of the frequent requests is to change the name of application icons on the desktop, which helps to quickly navigate the menu or simply pleases the eye.
Unfortunately, the standard tools of the Android operating system, including shells from the Chinese manufacturer, Direct renaming installed apps are impossible without the use of additional tools. The system stores application names in protected system manifest files, and simply clicking on the text will not produce the desired result. However, there are proven workarounds that allow you to achieve the desired effect without obtaining superuser rights.
In this article we will look at legal and safe methods that will help you replace standard captions under icons with any others. You will learn about methods that use built-in theming capabilities, as well as the use of third-party launchers that give complete control over the appearance of the desktop. It is important to understandthat some methods change only the shortcut, and not the internal name of the app in the system.
Features of the MIUI and HyperOS shell
Xiaomi shells have deep integration with system services, which imposes certain restrictions on interface modification. Unlike some other manufacturers, here you can’t just long press on the icon and select “Rename” in the standard launcher. System architecture is designed so that the application name is read from the APK file or system theme resources.
Users often confuse renaming a shortcut and changing the application itself. When we talk about changing the name to Xiaomi, we mean creating a new shortcut or using the theme feature that replaces the graphic assets. This does not affect the operation of the app, but changes its display in the menu and on the desktop.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to change system files through file managers with root access may lead to unstable system operation or a cyclic reboot (bootloop). Use only the secure methods described below.
It is also worth noting that Android security updates periodically close some loopholes that were previously used. Therefore, methods that work for MIUI 12may differ from those that are relevant for HyperOS. Always check your firmware version in the section Settings → About phone.
Method one: Using built-in Themes
The easiest and safest way to change the appearance of icons and their labels is to use the “Themes” application. There are thousands of designs in the official Xiaomi store, many of which allow you to edit labels. To do this, you do not need to be a programmer or have special skills.
You need to open the application Themes, go to the profile section (usually the person icon in the lower right corner) and select “Customize”. Here you can select the “Classic” or “Custom” mode, after which you will be able to edit individual elements.
- 🎨 Select the icon of the application you want to change from the proposed list or gallery.
- ✏️ Click on the name under the icon - in some versions of themes this field is available for editing.
- 💾 Save the changes and apply the theme to the desktop.
If the standard theme editor does not allow you to change the text, you can download a third-party theme that supports the “Custom Icons” or “Label Editor” function. These themes are often marked with "Edit" or "Custom" tags in the description. After installing such a theme, you get access to an expanded personalization menu.
Before installing a new theme, make a backup copy of the current one, so that in case of failure, you can quickly return to the familiar interface.
After applying the theme, application names may change globally or selectively, depending on the selected design. This is an ideal option for those who want to keep the standard Xiaomi launcher, but need visual changes.
Method two: Installing third-party Launchers
The most flexible tool for managing your desktop is a third-party launcher. Apps like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Niagara Launcher allow you to completely ignore the standard MIUI restrictions. After installing such a launcher, you get the opportunity to edit shortcuts directly.
The installation process is simple: download the APK file of the launcher or find it on Google Play, install it and agree to use it as the default application the first time you launch it. After that, press and hold your finger on any icon, select “Edit” and enter the desired name.
☑️ Installing a third-party launcher
It is important to note that some launcher functions may be paid. For example, in Nova Launcher, the ability to change icons and names is often only available in the Prime version. However, the functionality of free analogues, such as Microsoft Launcher, is also quite wide for basic tasks.
| Launcher | Renaming option | Paid function | Compatible with MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Full | Yes (Prime) | High |
| Microsoft Launcher | Full | No | Medium |
| Niagara Launcher | Limited | Yes (Pro) | High |
| Smart Launcher | Full | Partly | Average |
Use of third-party launcher may affect the operation of some Xiaomi system gestures. For example, swiping to open applications or hiding icons in “Chelka” may require additional settings in the menu of the launcher itself.
Setting up shortcuts through widgets
Another interesting method that is often overlooked is creating shortcuts through widgets. Some launchers and system utilities allow you to create application shortcuts, which are essentially copies, but with (custom) names and icons.
To do this, you need to hold down an empty space on the desktop, select “Widgets” and find the “Shortcuts” or “Shortcuts” item. Having selected the desired application, the system will offer to create a copy of it on the desktop, and during the creation process you can often specify a new name. The original application remains in the menu without changes.
This method is good because it does not require the installation of additional heavy software. You simply create a new input path to the app. However, this approach has a drawback: when updating the main application, the shortcut may stop working or be reset.
What to do if the shortcut is not created?
If the system blocks the creation of a shortcut, try clearing the cache of the “Themes” or “Security” application. Sometimes Xiaomi antivirus perceives the creation of multiple shortcuts as a suspicious activity.
It is also worth remembering that widgets take up more space on the screen than regular icons and can break the symmetry of the desktop if you do not approach their placement creatively.
Compatibility issues and interface bugs
When modifying the Xiaomi interface, users often encounter various artifacts. For example, after renaming, the text may be cut off if the title is too long. The standard desktop grid has limitations on line width.
Another common problem is icons out of sync. After updating the system or the application itself, a shortcut with a changed name may turn into a standard gray square or return to the original name. This happens because the system checks the integrity of application signatures.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI and HyperOS interfaces are constantly updated. The functions described in this section may work differently depending on the version of Android (11, 12, 13, 14) and regional firmware (Global, China, EU).
If you notice that the phone started to work slower after installing the launcher, try reducing the number of animations in the section Settings → Advanced settings → For developers. This will help smooth out the operation of the interface.
In rare cases, changing system fonts through themes can lead to Cyrillic application names being displayed incorrectly (in the form of squares or question marks). In this case, you should return to the standard font.
Security and third-party software
When using third-party applications to change the interface, it is important to remember security. Launchers have access to a list of your applications and often your usage history. Trust only trusted developers with a good reputation on Google Play.
Do not download modified versions of system applications (for example, a modified APK of the SystemUI launcher) from dubious forums. Such files may contain malicious code that steals passwords or banking data. Data security should always take precedence over the beauty of the interface.
Use only official app stores or trusted resources like XDA Developers to find interface modification tools.
Regularly check the permissions you give to new launchers. They don't need access to contacts, a microphone, or geolocation to simply change desktop icons. Limit access rights in the menu Settings → Applications → Permissions.
If, after installing a new theme or launcher, the phone begins to behave strangely (advertising on the entire screen, spontaneous transitions), immediately uninstall the recently installed application and scan with an antivirus.
Often asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to rename system applications such as “Phone” or “Messages”?
Yes, using third-party launchers (for example, Nova Launcher) you can change the name of any shortcut, including system ones. However, through the “Themes” application, system shortcuts are often protected from editing by firmware developers.
Will the application name be reset after updating Android?
With a high degree of probability, yes. Major system updates often reset the launcher or theme settings to factory defaults. Be prepared to re-apply your settings after a major update.
Does renaming a shortcut affect the operation of the application?
No, this is a purely cosmetic change. The functionality of the app, its notifications and the ability to receive updates through the Play Market do not suffer in any way from changing the name of the shortcut on the desktop.
Why can’t you change the name on some icons?
This may be a limitation of a specific theme or launcher. Some folder widgets or system shortcuts have hard-coded parameters that cannot be edited without root access.
Do you need root access to rename?
For the methods described above (themes, launchers), root access is not needed. They are required only if you want to change the name of the application itself inside the system forever, which is a complex and risky procedure.