Modern smartphone users strive for maximum personalization of their device, turning the standard interface into a unique working tool. Owners of gadgets from the company Xiaomi are often faced with the desire to change the usual appearance of their home screen so that it reflects their individual style or is simply pleasing to the eye. However, the standard shell MIUI or the new one HyperOS by default does not provide a simple “Rename” button for installed apps, which raises a number of questions for beginners.
The need to change the signature under an icon can arise for various reasons: from the desire to hide the contents of folders from prying eyes to aesthetic minimalism, when long names violate the visual harmony. Fortunately, the ecosystem Android has sufficient flexibility, allowing you to implement this task in several effective methods. In this material we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from using built-in themes to installing specialized launchers.
It is important to understand that changing the display name does not affect the operation of the software itself. This is purely a cosmetic edit and only changes how you see the shortcut on your desktop. At the same time, the application itself in the system remains with its original package name, which guarantees stable operation and the absence of conflicts when updating.
Using the built-in “Themes” application
The simplest and safest method, which does not require the installation of additional software, is to use the official design store. In the catalog Themes there are special packages that change not only wallpapers and icons, but also caption fonts or app names themselves. This approach is ideal for those who want to change the appearance of all shortcuts at once in the same style.
To implement your plan, you need to go to the pre-installed application Themes and use the search. In the search bar, you should enter queries like “Change Name”, “Rename Icons” or simply “Title”. In the search results you will find specialized themes where the developers have already written new names for popular social networks and utilities.
After installing such a theme, the system will offer to apply the changes. Please note that applying a theme will affect not only the names, but also the appearance of the icons, if this is provided by the author of the design. If you only need new names, but the icons should remain stock, this method may not be suitable, since in MIUI it is difficult to separate these parameters without root access.
⚠️ Attention: Using third-party themes from unofficial sources or dubious stores may lead to unstable operation of the interface or the appearance of advertisements. Always check the theme rating and reviews before installing.
It is worth noting that the functionality of the theme store may vary depending on the account region Mi Account. In some regions (for example, Russia or India), the catalog may be limited compared to the global or China version. If you don't find the themes you need, try changing the region in your account settings, although this will require re-authorization.
Installing third-party launchers
If the built-in shell capabilities HyperOS or MIUI seem not flexible enough for you, third-party desktops will come to the rescue. Launchers are applications that completely replace the standard home screen interface, providing advanced customization options. Among them are solutions that allow you to edit the signature of any label in a couple of touches.
One of the most popular and functional options is Nova Launcher. Once installed and set as your default launcher, you have full control over your workspace. To rename an application, simply hold down the icon on the desktop with your finger and select “Edit” in the context menu.
In the window that opens, you can change not only the name, but also the icon itself, as well as adjust the font size and color. This allows you to create truly unique combinations, for example, replacing the name “VKontakte” with the neutral “Communication” or removing the text altogether, leaving only a graphic symbol.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher —a standard of stability and a huge number of settings, supports gestures and hiding applications.
- 🎨 Smart Launcher 6 —automatically sorts apps into categories and has a built-in icon editor with the ability to change name.
- 🛠️ Microsoft Launcher - an excellent option for integration with the Windows ecosystem, also allows you to edit shortcuts on the desktop.
- 🌌 Lawnchair - a lightweight and open launcher that imitates the interface of a pure Android Pixel with the ability to customize.
When using a third-party launcher, it is important to correctly configure the permissions in the system Xiaomi. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications, find the installed launcher and make sure that it has the rights to display on top of other windows and autorun. Without these permissions, the system may periodically reset it to the standard desktop.
Before installing a new launcher, create a backup copy of the arrangement of icons in the current launcher, if such a function is provided, in order to quickly return to the usual view in case of failure.
Using shortcut widgets
An alternative method that does not require changing the entire desktop or installing themes is to use widgets. Many launchers and even some system widgets allow you to create application shortcuts with a custom name and icon. Essentially, you create a new desktop shortcut that launches the app you want, but looks the way you want.
This method is especially useful if you only need to rename a few specific applications, rather than the entire list. You can create a shortcut for the messenger, call it “Work” and put a strict icon, thereby visually separating it from entertainment content.
The process of creating such a shortcut usually looks like this: you pinch an empty space on the desktop, select the “Widgets” section, find the “Application Shortcut” tool (often from the same Nova Launcher or similar utilities) and drag it onto the screen. Next, the system will prompt you to select the target application and enter a new name.
| Method | Complexity | Impact on the system | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI Themes | Low | Minimum | Depends on the theme author |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Interface replacement | Maximum |
| Shortcut widgets | Low | Absent | Only for selected icons |
| APK editing | High | Risk of breakdown | Full (requires skills) |
The main disadvantage of the widget method is that the original application icon does not disappear from the general menu (drover). You will have two shortcuts: one original in the application menu and one custom one on the desktop. To avoid confusion, the original shortcut can be hidden in the launcher settings or simply removed from the main screen.
Advanced customization via APK Editor
For experienced users who are not afraid to experiment with system files, there is a method of directly editing the application installation package. This method allows you to change the name at the level of the file itself APKso that the new name will be displayed everywhere: in the menu, in settings and in the list of recent applications.
To implement this method you will need an application like APK Editor Pro or a similar tool that allows you to decode and collect packets. The process begins by selecting the "Common Edit" mode for the installed application. In the list of parameters that opens, you need to find the field App Name and enter the desired value there.
Path to editing:1. Launch APK Editor
2. Select "Select APK from device"
3. Find the desired application
4. Select "Common Edit"
5. Change the "App Name" field
6. Click "Save" and confirm the installation
After saving the changes, the system will offer to reinstall the application with new parameters. It is important to understand that when updating this application through the official store Google Play or GetApps, your changes will be reset, as the original version of the file will be installed. You will have to repeat the procedure after each update.
⚠️ Attention: Directly editing system applications or critical Google services may result in an “App not installed” error or a cyclic reboot of the device. Do not edit applications whose purpose you are not 100% sure of.
What to do if the installation is blocked?
If the system writes “The package is damaged” or prohibits installation, go to the security settings and allow installation from unknown sources for a specific editor application. It may also be necessary to delete the original version of the application before installing the modified one, which will lead to data loss if there is no backup.
Features of working in the HyperOS shell
With the release of the new operating system HyperOS, which replaced MIUI 14, the company Xiaomi slightly changed the logic of the interface and security restrictions. Users note that some old customization methods may not work correctly or require additional permissions.
In particular, the mechanism for applying themes has become more strict in matters of compatibility. Themes created for older versions of Android or MIUI may not display fonts or names correctly in the new skin. Theme developers are forced to update their products to comply with new icon rendering standards.
In addition, HyperOS there is increased control over background activity of applications. If you're using a third-party launcher, the system may be more aggressive in unloading it from memory to save battery power. This may lead to the fact that after locking the screen, you will see the standard MIUI lock screen, and not the custom one from the launcher, until you unlock the device.
To minimize problems, it is recommended to pin the launcher in memory. To do this, open the menu of running applications (swipe up and hold), find the launcher window and click on the lock icon. This will prevent the system from automatically closing the process, ensuring stable operation of the custom interface.
In HyperOS, it is critically important to correctly configure autostart and the absence of battery restrictions for a third-party launcher, otherwise the customization will be reset after a reboot.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the application name be reset after system updates?
If you used the method with themes or a third-party launcher, the settings will be saved, since they are stored in the user profile or settings of the launcher itself. However, if you edited the APK file itself, then when you update the application through the store, the name will return to the original, since a new, clean version of the file will be installed.
Is it possible to rename system applications like “Phone” or “Messages”?
You can rename them through the launcher or widgets without any problems - you just create a new shortcut with a different name. However, changing the name inside the system APK itself requires superuser rights (Root) and deep intervention in the system partition, which is strongly not recommended for ordinary users due to the risk of loss of warranty and stability.
Does changing the name affect the operation of notifications?
No, changing the display name of the shortcut does not in any way affect the technical part of the application. Notifications will arrive as usual, and the notification shade will most often display the original name of the application or the name specified by the developer in the code, regardless of how you named the icon on the desktop.
Is it safe to download themes with names from third-party sites?
Downloading themes (.mtz files) from third-party resources carries certain risks. The theme may contain malicious code or scripts that collect data. It’s safer to use the official Xiaomi theme store, where the content is moderated, or verified developer communities with a good reputation.
How to return all the names back if I don’t like it?
The fastest way to return the original look is to simply change the theme to the standard “Classic” or “Default” in the Themes application. If you used a third-party launcher, just go to the phone settings, the “Home Screen” section, and select the standard system launcher. All your changes to the desktop will disappear instantly.