The smartphone interface Xiaomi Redmi over time becomes boring: standard application icons seem boring, and desire personalize your device grows stronger. Fortunately, the manufacturer and third-party developers offer several ways to change icons - from simple themes in MIUI to deep settings via ADB. But not all methods are equally safe and convenient.

In this article we will analyze 5 proven methods changing icons on Redmi (including models Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and others), their pros and cons, and also give recommendations on choosing the best option. We will pay special attention to hidden limitations of MIUI 14/15which can block changes after updating the system.

1. Standard MIUI themes: the easiest way

The manufacturer Xiaomi has built into the shell MIUI its own theme store where you can download ready-made icon packs. This method does not require root access and is suitable even for beginners.

To change icons through themes:

  • 📱 Open the application "Themes" (the brush icon on the desktop).
  • 🔍 In the search bar, enter “icons” or “icons”.
  • 🎨 Select the theme you like (for example, «Minimal Icons» or «Flat Color») and click "Apply".
  • ⚙️ In the theme settings, you can choose whether to apply it to all icons or only to system ones.

Advantages of the method: free, does not require technical skills, the changes are reversible. However, the choice of icons is limited - many themes are paid (from 50 to 300 rubles), and the quality of the design varies.

⚠️ Attention: After updating MIUI some themes may be reset to standard. Before using, check user reviews - the theme description often indicates compatibility with the shell version.
📊 What method of changing icons have you tried?
Standard MIUI themes
Third-party launchers
ADB commands
root access
Never changed

2. Third-party launchers: Nova, Apex, Hyperion

If the built-in themes are not enough, install an alternative launcher from Google Play. Popular options: Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher and Hyperion Launcher. They allow you not only to change icons, but also to customize animations, gestures and desktop layout.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

  1. Install the launcher and assign it default launcher in the system settings.
  2. Download an icon pack (for example, «Whicons» or «Delta») from Play Market.
  3. Hold your finger on the desktop → Settings → Icon style.
  4. Select downloaded package in the section «Icon Pack».

Launchers provide maximum customization, but consume more RAM (up to 150–200 MB in the background). On weak models Redmi (for example, Redmi 8A or Redmi 9C) this can slow down the system.

Launcher Free version Support for icon packs Additional. functions
Nova Launcher Yes (with limitations) Full Gestures, backup
Apex Launcher Yes Full Hide applications, transitions
Hyperion Launcher No (30-day trial) Full + animations Dynamic wallpaper, adaptive icons
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Before purchasing a paid icon pack, check its compatibility with your launcher through a free trial (if available). Some packages are optimized only for Nova or Apex.

3. Manually changing icons through “Adaptive Icons”

In MIUI 12 and newer a function has appeared "Adaptive icons"that allows you to change the shape of icons without installing themes. This method does not work for all applications, but is suitable for system utilities.

How to enable:

  • 🔧 Go to Settings → Desktop.
  • 🖼️ Select "Icon Style" → "Adaptive Icons".
  • 🎯 Click on the application icon whose shape you want to change (options available: circle, square, rounded rectangle).

Method limitations: Not all applications support adaptability (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram can ignore changes). Also, you cannot change the design of the icon itself - only its shape.

What applications do not support adaptive icons?

Among the popular applications that often ignore adaptive icon settings in MIUI: VK, TikTok, Google Maps, YouTube, as well as most banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.). This is due to the fact that the developers explicitly prohibit changing the icon shape in the application manifest.

4. Changing icons via ADB (without root)

For advanced users who are ready to work with the command line, there is a way to change system application icons via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require root access, but irreversible if an error occurs, you can lose access to the application.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable "USB Debugging" in Settings → About phone → MIUI Version (press 7 times, then return to Settings → Advanced → For Developers).
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and install ADB-tools.
  3. Open the command line and enter: 
    adb shell pm list packages -f | find "mipmap"

    to find the path to the application icons.

  4. Download a new icon in the format .png (size 192x192 pixels) and replace the file via the command: 
    adb push new_icon.png /data/local/tmp/

    adb shell su -c "cp /data/local/tmp/new_icon.png /path/to/original/icon"

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect replacement of system files can lead to I crash the application or cyclic reboot phone. Before experiments, create a backup via MIUI Backup or TWRP (if installed).

This method is suitable for replacing icons only system applications (for example, "Settings", "Phone", "Messages"). works.

5. Complete replacement of icons via root and Magisk

If you are ready for radical measures, obtaining root access will open access to changing any icons, including system ones. To do this you will need:

  • 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (bootloader) through the official site Xiaomi.
  • 📱 Install custom recovery (TWRP) and flash Magisk to control root.
  • 🛠️ Use modules Magisk (for example, «Iconify» or «Icon Pack Studio») to replace icons.

Advantages: full control over the appearance, the ability to edit even icons in the status bar Disadvantages: loss of warranty, the risk of the device being “bricked”, problems with banking. applications (due to SafetyNet).

Make a backup copy of your data|Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool|Install TWRP for your Redmi model|Download the latest version of Magisk|Disable data encryption (optional)

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Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your skills and goals:

  • 🎨 For beginners: standard themes MIUI or launcher Nova.
  • ⚙️ For advanced: ADB (if necessary change 1-2 system icons).
  • 🔧 For enthusiasts: root + Magisk (complete freedom, but high risks).

If stability is important to you, avoid ADB i root. If you want a unique design, combine the launcher with icon packs from Play Market.

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On models Redmi s MIUI 14+ some methods (for example, manual replacement via ADB) may be blocked by the system due to security policy. In this case, only rolling back to an older firmware version or using custom software will help.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing icons on Xiaomi Redmi

❓ Is it possible to return standard icons after applying the theme?

Yes, to do this, open the application "Themes", go to the "My themes" section and select "Standard". If the icons do not return, reset the launcher settings to Settings → Applications → Application management → Launcher (button "Clear data").

❓ Why were all the icons reset after updating MIUI?

This is a known problem MIUI - with major updates (for example, with 13 to 14 version) the system resets custom themes. To avoid losing the design, before updating:

  1. Take screenshots of the current desktop.
  2. Save the name of the theme/icon pack you are using.
  3. After updating, reapply the settings.
❓ How to change the icon of a specific application (for example, WhatsApp)?

If the application does not support adaptive icons, use a launcher (for example, Nova) with the function "Edit icon":

  1. Hold finger on the application icon.
  2. In the menu, select "Edit".
  3. Click on the icon → "Gallery" and select your image.

Minus: the change will only affect the shortcut on the desktop, and not the icon itself in the application menu.

❓ Why are some icon packs not applied to applications?

This is due to the fact that application developers explicitly indicate manifest (AndroidManifest.xml) prohibits changing the icon. You can get around this only through:

  • Manual editing of the APK file (requires decompilation).
  • Using modules Magisk (for example, «App Systemizer»).

In practice, it is easier to accept the limitation or use a launcher that masks the original icon.

❓ Is it possible to change the icons in the notification panel (status bar)?

Icons in the status bar (Wi-Fi, battery, network signal) cannot change using standard methods. To replace them you will need:

  1. Get root access.
  2. Edit files in /system/framework/framework-res.apk.
  3. Or install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where the theming of the status bar is supported.

Without root, the only option is to use themes MIUIthat sometimes change the color or style of system icons.