Smartphones Xiaomi shell-based MIUI offer some of the most flexible options for customizing the interface among all Android devices. Changing icons is not only a way to make your phone stand out, but also improve usability by making frequently used apps more visible. However, many users are faced with confusion: where to look for settings, which launchers are supported, and is it possible to install icons without root access?

In this article we will look at all the current ways to change icons on Xiaomi —from built-in tools MIUI to third-party solutions. You will learn how to work with themes from the official store, install custom icon packs through launchers like Nova Launcher or Hyperion, and also consider advanced methods using ADB for those who want complete control. We will pay special attention to the nuances of compatibility with different versions Android i MIUIto avoid common mistakes.

Standard MIUI features: changing icons through themes

The easiest way to change icons to Xiaomi —use the built-in theme store. This method does not require the installation of additional applications and works on all devices with MIUI 12 and newer. The main advantage: all topics are moderated Xiaomi, so the risk of running into malicious content is minimal.

To change icons through topics:

  • 📱 Open the application Themes (brush icon on the desktop).
  • 🔍 In the search bar, enter a query, for example, “minimalism icons” or “flat icons.”
  • 🎨 Select the theme you like and click Apply. Please note that some themes change not only icons, but also wallpaper, fonts, animations.
  • ⚙️ For fine-tuning, go to Themes → My → Setting up the theme, where you can apply only icons, leaving other elements unchanged.

It is important to consider that not all themes support selective use —some can only be installed comprehensively. Also, some themes may be paid (the price is usually indicated in the description). If the icons have not changed after applying the theme, check whether your model supports dynamic icons (a list of compatible devices can be found in the theme description). Selective application Xiaomi dynamic icons (a list of compatible devices can be found in the theme description).

⚠️ Attention: After updating MIUI some themes may be reset to standard. To avoid this, save your favorite theme to My → Favorites.
MIUI version Support for selective themes Max. icon pack size Paid themes
MIUI 12–13 Partial (wallpaper + icons only) up to 50 MB Yes (from 50 ₽)
MIUI 14+ Full (separately icons, fonts, animations) up to 100 MB Yes (from 30 ₽)
HyperOS (2026+) Full + AI recommendations up to 150 MB Yes (price dynamic)
📊 How often do you change the theme on your Xiaomi?
Once a week
Once a month
Only after updating MIUI
Never changed

Installing custom icons through third-party launchers

If built-in themes MIUI are not enough for you, you can use third-party launchers. They allow you to install icon packs from Google Play or third-party sources (for example, Icon Pack Studio). Popular launchers for Xiaomi:

  • 🚀 Nova Launcher —supports adaptive icons, gestures, settings backup.
  • ⚡ Hyperion Launcher —optimized for Xiaomi, has built-in theme support MIUI.
  • 🎨 Lawnchair —lightweight open source launcher, supports dynamic icons.

To install custom icons:

  1. Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
  2. Download an icon pack (for example, Whicons, Delta or CandyCons).
  3. Open the launcher settings, find section Icons and select the downloaded pack.
  4. Apply the changes and restart the launcher (usually just swipe down on the desktop).

Some icon packs require manual assignment for individual applications. To do this, in the launcher settings, find the “Edit icons” option and manually select an image for each application. Please note that not all icons from the pack may fit your applications - in this case, the launcher will substitute a standard icon.

Download launcher (Nova/Hyperion)|Download pack of icons (check compatibility)|Make a backup copy of current settings|Disable battery optimization for the launcher-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ and HyperOS some launchers may conflict with system animations. If lags appear after installing the launcher, try it. disable Settings → Advanced → System animation.

Manually changing icons without a launcher: ADB method

For advanced users who want to change icons without installing launchers, there is a method via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works on most devices Xiaomi, but requires a connection to a computer and basic knowledge of the command line.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔧 Does not require root access.
  • 📱 Keeps the standard launcher MIUI.
  • 🎯 Allows you to change system application icons.

Instructions:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your computer and turn on USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About the phone → MIUI version - press 7 times, then return to Settings → Advanced → For developers).
  2. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell pm list packages -f | grep -i "launcher"

    This will help you find the name of the system launcher package (usually com.miui.home).

  3. Download the icon pack in format .zip and unzip it to a folder on your phone (for example, /sdcard/IconPack).
  4. Use the command to replace icons (example for Nova Launcher): 
    adb shell "su -c 'cp /sdcard/IconPack/*.png /data/app/com.teslacoilsw.launcher-1/oat/arm64/'"
    For MIUI the path will be different: usually /data/system/theme/default, but requires superuser rights.

This method is only suitable for experienced users, since incorrect commands can lead to interface crashes. If after changes the icons are not displayed, clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear cache).

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Make sure that the drivers are installed Xiaomi USB Drivers Try changing the cable or USB port. On some devices, you may need to additionally enable debugging in the pop-up window. phone.

Problems and solutions: why do the icons not change?

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, the icons may not change. Let's consider typical causes and ways to solve them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The icons were reset after the update MIUI resets themes during major updates Apply the theme again or roll back the launcher update
Not all icons have changed The icon pack does not support some applications Assign icons manually in the launcher settings
The launcher slows down after changing icons The icon pack is too large or a conflict with MIUI Clear the launcher cache or try another pack
Icons are displayed in low resolution The icon pack is not optimized for your screen resolution Find a pack with support XXXHDPI (for example, 192×192 px)

If you use MIUI 14+ or HyperOS, check the interface optimization settings. In some cases, the system automatically “smoothes” icons to save resources, go to Settings → Screen → Screen resolution → Advanced → Interface optimization and disable it. option Adaptive icons.

💡

Before installing a new icon pack, take a screenshot of your current desktop. This will help you quickly restore the location of applications if something goes wrong.

Creating your own icons: tools and recommendations

If you haven’t found a suitable icon pack, you can create your own. To do this you will need:

  • 🎨 Image editor (Adobe Photoshop, GIMP or Figma).
  • 📏 Templates for icons (can be downloaded from Flaticon or IconFinder).
  • 📱 Packaging tool (Icon Pack Studio or Android Asset Studio).

Design recommendations:

  • 🔹 Icon size: 192×192 px (for XXXHDPI).
  • 🔹 Format: PNG with a transparent background.
  • 🔹 Style: Maintain a consistent visual language (for example, only flat icons or only 3D).
  • 🔹 Shadow: Avoid shadows - they can conflict with the stroke launcher.

To test your icons:

  1. Save them to a folder on your phone (for example, /sdcard/MyIcons).
  2. Use the application Icon Changer (from Google Play) for manual destination.
  3. For a complete icon pack, pack the files into .zip and import via Icon Pack Studio.

If you plan to share your pack, make sure that all icons have unique names (for example, com.whatsapp.png for WhatsApp). This will help launchers correctly match images with applications.

Resetting icons to standard: how to get everything back

If experiments with icons led to an undesirable result, you can return the standard view in several ways:

For built-in MIUI themes:

  1. Open the application Themes.
  2. Go to My → Current theme.
  3. Click Reset to standard.

For third-party launchers:

  • 🔄 In the launcher settings, find the section Icons and select System or Default.
  • 🗑️ Delete the icon pack via Settings → Applications.
  • 🔧 If the icons are not reset, clear the launcher data (Settings → Applications → [Launcher name] → Storage → Clear data).

After using ADB:

If you changed the icons via ADB, you can return the standard ones only by reinstalling the launcher or resetting the settings. To do this:

  1. Run the command: 
    adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

    (replace com.miui.home with the name of your launcher).

  2. Reboot the device.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the launcher data will delete all your settings desktop, including widgets and folders. Before doing this, export the backup copy (to Nova Launcher this is done in Settings → Backup).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about customizing icons on Xiaomi

Is it possible to change icons without a launcher on MIUI?

Yes, but the possibilities are limited. You can:

  • Use built-in themes from the store MIUI.
  • Apply icons via ADB (requires a PC and USB debugging).

Full customization without a launcher is only possible with root access.

Why did the icons reset after the MIUI update?

This is standard behavior MIUI for large updates. The system resets themes to be compatible with new features. To avoid this:

  • Save the theme to Favorites.
  • Use launchers like Novathat do not depend on updates MIUI.
How to change icon of a specific application?

There are two ways:

  1. Through the launcher: In the launcher settings, find the "Edit icons" option and select a new image for the application.
  2. through the app: Use Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker to create a shortcut with a custom icon.

Please note that the second method creates a duplicate application on the desktop.

Is it possible to install animated icons on Xiaomi?

Yes, but with limitations:

  • 🎬 In MIUI 14+ and HyperOS supported dynamic icons (change depending on the time of day).
  • 🔄 For full animation (for example, GIF icons) you need a launcher with support Live Icons (for example, KWGT Kustom Widget + Nova Launcher).

Animated icons can increase battery consumption.

Where to download free packs icons for Xiaomi?

Verified sources:

  • 🌐 Google Play (search for “icon pack”)
  • 🎨 DeviantArt (section Customization → Icons).
  • 📱 XDA Developers (forum with topics for MIUI).
  • 🔍 IconPackStudio (application for creating and sharing icons).

Avoid sites with suspicious links - some packs may contain adware.