Standard application icons on Xiaomi often look monotonous, especially if you use a stock theme MIUI. Fortunately, you can replace them with your own images even without superuser rights - you just need to know the right tools and sequence of actions. This article will analyze in detail all current methods: from using launchers to manual replacement via ADB, taking into account the features of the latest versions MIUI 14 i HyperOS.

It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. For example, changing system files can cause crashes, and some customization applications require additional permissions. We will look at both simple solutions for beginners and advanced techniques for experienced users - with detailed warnings about possible risks.

If you want not just to change icons, but to completely transform the interface, at the end of the article you will find tips on creating your own themes for Xiaomi. And for those who are afraid of breaking something, we have prepared a checklist with steps for safe experimentation.

Why standard icons on Xiaomi do not suit users

Icon design in MIUI traditionally causes polar reviews. On the one hand, Xiaomi offers dozens of ready-made themes in the store Themes, but most of them are either paid or do not completely cover all applications. On the other hand, even after installing a new theme, some system icons (for example, Settings or Phone) may remain unchanged.

Main complaints from users:

  • 🎨 Monotony: icons in the stock theme look outdated and do not correspond to modern trends (for example, flat design vs. 3D effects in iOS 17).
  • 🔄 Incomplete replacement: many themes from the store MIUI change only some of the icons, leaving system applications unchanged.
  • 💰 Paid content: high-quality themes often cost from 50 to 300 rubles, and free options are limited.
  • 📱 Incompatibility: after updating MIUI some themes no longer display correctly.

According to surveys on the forums 4PDA i Mi Community, more than 60% of owners Xiaomi at least once tried to change the icons manually, while only 20% achieved the desired result the first time - the rest encountered problems such as resetting the changes after. reboots or conflicts with launchers.

📊 What irritates you most about standard Xiaomi icons?
Monotonous design
Not all icons change themes
Paid themes in the store
Reset after update
Everything suits me

Method 1: Using third-party launchers (the safest method)

The easiest and safest way to change icons is to install an alternative launcher. It completely replaces the standard interface. MIUIallowing you to customize not only icons, but also animations, gestures, and even hide unnecessary applications. Popular options:

  • 📱 Nova Launcher: supports icon packs (.iconpack), adaptive icons and form customization.
  • 🎨 Apex Launcher: allows you to change the size of icons and add effects when pressed.
  • 🔧 Lawnchair: open source, integration with Google Discover.
  • 🌈 Microsoft Launcher: synchronization with Microsoft account and built-in icon packs.

How to install icons via Nova Launcher:

  1. Download the launcher from Google Play and set it as the default launcher.
  2. Install an icon pack (for example, Whicons, Delta or CandyCons).
  3. Long-press an empty space on the main screen → Settings → Icon style.
  4. Select an installed package icons or upload yours via Adaptive icons.

☑️ Preparing to install the launcher

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Attention: some launchers (for example Nova Launcher) may conflict with system gestures MIUI, such as swiping up to open the application menu. In this case, you will have to disable gestures in the settings System → Gestures → System navigation.

Launcher Support icon packs Setting up adaptive icons Free version
Nova Launcher ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ With restrictions
Apex Launcher ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Fully functional
Lawnchair ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Microsoft Launcher ❌ No (built-in only) ❌ No ✅ Yes

Method 2: Manually replacing icons through the "Themes" application (MIUI Themes)

If you do not want to install third-party launchers, you can try changing the icons through the built-in application Themes (Themes). This method only works for some applications and requires manual configuration of each icon separately.

Instructions:

  1. Open the application Themes and go to section My Profile → Theme Editor.
  2. Select Icons and click Create a new theme.
  3. For each application, upload your own icon (the size should be 192×192 px or 256×256 px in format PNG with a transparent background).
  4. Save the theme and apply it in the section My themes.

🔹 Method limitations:

  • Not all system icons can be changed (for example, Settings or Messages often remain unchanged).
  • After updating MIUI the theme may be reset.
  • It is impossible to change icons for applications installed after the theme was created.
💡

If in the editor If you don’t have the required application, try adding its shortcut to the home screen first - sometimes this helps the system “see” it for customization.

⚠️ Attention: when creating your own theme Xiaomi may block the ability to export it if you use unofficial icons (for example, downloaded from the Internet. In this case, the theme will only be available on your device.

Method 3: Applications for customizing icons (without root)

If launchers and the built-in theme editor are not suitable, you can use specialized applications for replacing icons. They work on the principle of overlay: they create shortcuts with new icons, hiding the original ones. tools:

  • 🖼️ Icon Changer: allows you to replace icons for individual applications, supports formats PNG and JPG.
  • 🎭 Awesome Icons: offers ready-made icon packs and the ability to upload your own.
  • 🔄 Shortcut Maker: creates duplicate applications with new icons (suitable for system applications).

Step-by-step guide for Icon Changer:

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Select the application whose icon you want to change.
  3. Upload a new image (recommended size - 144×144 px).
  4. Create a shortcut on the home screen and hide the original icon.

🔹 Problems and solutions:

  • Icons are reset after updating: use the application Nova Launcher to fix shortcuts.
  • Not all applications are supported: for system applications (Settings, Camera) use Shortcut Maker.
  • Blur icons: check that the downloaded image has sufficient resolution (at least 128×128 px).
How to hide the original icon after replacement?

In most launchers (for example, Nova) you can hold your finger on the icon → “Remove from screen” or “Hide”. This cannot be done in the stock MIUI launcher - you will have to use folders or third-party utilities like "App Hider".

Method 4: Changing icons via ADB (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with the command line. It allows you to change the icons of system applications, but requires a connection to a PC and knowledge of the basics ADB. Important: incorrect commands can cause the system to crash, so this method is recommended only for experienced users.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB and drivers for Xiaomi.
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging (Settings → About phone → MIUI version (press 7 times) → Advanced → For developers → USB debugging).
  • 🖼️ Icons in the format PNG with names corresponding to application packages (for example, com.android.settings.png for Settings).

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb devices

    to make sure the device is detected.

  2. Download the icons to a folder on the PC, then send them to the device: 
    adb push icon.png /sdcard/
  3. Use ADB Shellto replace icons in system folders (for example, /system/app/Launcher2/res/drawable). Caution: this may compromise the integrity of the system!

⚠️ Attention: changing system files without rights root may lead to:

  • Crash of the launcher (com.miui.home stops working).
  • Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty, Xiaomi may refuse repair).
  • The need to reset to factory settings.
💡

ADB method gives maximum freedom, but requires data backup If you are not sure of your actions, use safer methods (launchers or customization applications).

Method 5: Creating your own theme. for MIUI (advanced level)

If you want to completely redesign the interface, you can create your own theme for MIUIThis is a complex process, but it allows you to change not only icons, but also fonts, wallpapers, animations and even sounds.

What you will need:

  • 🎨 MIUI Theme Editor (official software from Xiaomi for creating themes).
  • 🖼️ A set of icons in the format PNG with a transparent background (recommended size - 192×192 px).
  • 📁 Knowledge of the structure topics MIUI (files desc.json, folders drawable and mipmap).

Brief instructions:

  1. Download and install MIUI Theme Editor on PC.
  2. Create a new project and import your icons into the appropriate folders.
  3. Edit the file desc.jsonindicating the names of the icons and their correspondence to applications.
  4. Export the theme to format .mtz and download it to your phone through the app Themes.

🔹 Where to get templates for themes:

  • Official repository Xiaomi on GitHub (MiuiThemeTemplate).
  • Forums 4PDA and XDA Developers (sections on customization MIUI).
  • Telegram channels dedicated to topics for Xiaomi (for example, @MIUIThemes).

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi may block the loading of unofficial themes into the store Themes. If you plan to share your theme, make sure that all icons used do not violate copyright.

Common problems and their solutions

When replacing icons on Xiaomi users often encounter typical errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Icons are reset after reboot The launcher or replacement application does not have rights to autostart Add the application to the battery optimization exceptions (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autostart)
Not all icons change System applications are blocked from changes Use Shortcut Maker or ADB to manually replace
Blurred or distorted icons Wrong image size or format Use PNG with resolution 192×192 px and transparent background
The launcher stops working Conflict with system gestures MIUI Disable gestures in Settings → System → Gestures

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • 📋 Version MIUI: some customization functions are not available on HyperOS.
  • 🔒 Availability of rights root: without them it is impossible to change system icons directly.
  • 📱 Device model: on POCO and Redmi there may be additional limitations.
💡

Before experimenting with icons, make a backup copy of the current theme. To do this, in the application Themes select My profile → Backup.

Is it possible to change icons without a launcher and root access?

Yes, but with restrictions. You can:

  • Use applications like Icon Changer or Shortcut Maker (they create shortcuts with new icons).
  • Edit themes through the built-in application Themes, but this does not work for all applications.

However, system icons (for example, Settings or Phone) without root or ADB it is impossible to change.

Why after updating MIUI have my icons been reset?

This is a typical problem MIUI. There are several reasons:

  • The update reset the launcher cache (try restarting it through Settings → Applications → Launcher → Stop).
  • The new version MIUI has changed the theme structure (in this case, you will have to reconfigure the icons again).
  • The customization application does not have rights to autorun (check your battery settings).

To avoid this in the future, use launchers with cloud backup (for example Nova Launcher with synchronization via Google Drive).

How to return standard icons if something went wrong?

Rollback methods depend on the change method:

  • Launcher: reset the launcher settings to standard or delete it.
  • Customization applications: remove created shortcuts and show hidden original icons.
  • ADB or manual change: reset the launcher via Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear data.

If the system has become unstable, reset to factory settings (Settings → About phone → Reset settings).

Is it possible to change icons for folders and widgets?

Yes, but not in all launchers. For example:

  • Nova Launcher allows you to change folder icons by long pressing → Change icon.
  • Lawnchair supports customization of widgets, but requires manual configuration.
  • Stock launcher MIUI does not provide this option.

For widgets (for example, weather or calendar), icons are usually tied to the widget itself and cannot be replaced without modification APK.

Where to download high-quality icon packs for Xiaomi?

Recommended sources:

  • Google Play: search for queries icon pack or MIUI icons (for example, Whicons, CandyCons).
  • 4PDA: in the themes section for MIUI free packages are often posted.
  • DeviantArt or IconPack Studio: here designers share unique sets.
  • Telegram: channels like @MIUIThemes or @XiaomiThemes.

Caution: some packages may contain advertising or require a subscription. Check reviews before installing!