You wanted to refresh the appearance of your smartphone, but don’t know how to change the standard application icons to Xiaomi Redmi? You are not alone: ​​users MIUI often face the limitations of the proprietary shell, where even basic customization requires additional actions. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from built-in functions to third-party launchers - that work on models Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13 and other devices with MIUI 12–14.

It is important to understand that the possibilities of changes depend on the firmware version and model. For example, on Redmi with global firmware (MIUI Global), some functions may be blocked, while on Chinese (MIUI China) advanced settings are available. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal solutions that will suit most users.

Why you can’t just change the icon on Xiaomi Redmi like on pure Android

Unlike Pixel or devices with Android Onewhere changing icons is integrated into system Xiaomi limites customization in the standard launcher. The reasons lie in philosophy MIUI:

  • 🔒 Closed ecosystem: Xiaomi strives for interface uniformity, so many settings are hidden or require activation through ADB.
  • 📦 Branded services: Launcher Mi Launcher is strictly tied to system applications (for example, Themes or Security).
  • 🛡️ Limitations firmware: On global versions MIUI functions available in Chinese assemblies are disabled (for example, a theme editor with icon support).

This does not mean that customization is impossible. It just requires workarounds - from using themes to installing alternative launchers. Below we will look at each method, taking into account its pros and cons.

📊 Which customization method do you prefer?
Standard themes MIUI
Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex)
Manual change via ADB
I don’t change icons

Method 1: Using built-in MIUI themes

The simplest and a safe method is to use ready-made themes from the official store Xiaomi Themes. Many of them include sets of icons that will automatically replace the standard ones.

How to do this:

  1. Open the application Themes (the brush icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the tab Icons (or Icon Packs in the English version).
  3. Select the pack you like and click Apply.
  4. Confirm changes in the pop-up window.

🔹 Method limitations:

  • ⚠️ Not all themes support replacing icons for everyone applications (system ones often remain unchanged).
  • ⚠️ The quality of icons in free themes may be low (blurry or incomplete sets).
💡

If the theme you need is paid, check its rating and reviews. Often free analogues are in no way inferior in functionality, but require manual configuration.

Option MIUI Global MIUI China/EU
Availability of themes with icons Limited Full access
Support for third-party icons No Partially (via ADB)
Customizing system icons No Yes (in some themes)

Method 2: Installing a third-party launcher (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If the built-in themes are not satisfactory, the best solution is to install an alternative launcher. Popular options:

  • 🌟 Nova Launcher — flexible settings, support Icon Packs from Google Play.
  • 🎨 Apex Launcher —light and fast, with wide customization options.
  • 🔧 Hyperion Launcher —optimized for Xiaomi, saves gestures MIUI.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

  1. Download the launcher from Google Play.
  2. Install the one you like Icon Pack (for example, Whicons or CandyCons).
  3. Hold your finger on the desktop → Settings → Appearance → Icon style.
  4. Select an installed pack icons.

⚠️ Attention: When using third-party launchers, some gestures MIUI (for example, swipe down to search) may stop working. To get them back, set Xiaomi Home as the default launcher in application settings.

Download APK of the launcher from the official website|Make a backup copy of your desktop|Disable battery optimization for the launcher|Check compatibility with the Android version-->

Method 3: Manually changing icons via ADB (for advanced)

This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge). It allows you to replace the icons of system applications, but requires caution - incorrect commands can lead to crashes.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then return to USB Debugging data-i="123">Install the application Additional → For developers).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command: 
    adb shell pm grant com.miui.home android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
  3. Install the application Icon Changer (for example, Awesome Icons) and follow its instructions.

Important: after updating MIUI, ADB permissions will be reset.

What to do if ADB does not recognize it. device?

Make sure the drivers are installed. Xiaomi USB DriversTry to use a different USB cable (preferably the original one). Turn on the mode File transfer when connecting. If the problem persists, check the settings USB debugging (security settings) and enable debugging for your PC.

Method 4: Using applications to replace icons (without root)

If ADB it seems complicated, you can get by with specialized utilities Popular. options:

  • 🖼️ Icon Pack Studio — creates custom icons from images.
  • 🔄 X Icon Changer — replaces icons through wrappers (does not require root).
  • 🎭 Shortcut Maker — creates shortcuts with new icons (original applications remain untouched).

Example for Shortcut Maker:

  1. Download the application from Google Play.
  2. Select the application for which you want to change the icon.
  3. Click Create → specify a new image (you can upload your own).
  4. Save the shortcut to your desktop.

⚠️ Attention: When you delete the shortcut, the original application will remain in the menu. To avoid duplicates, hide the original icons through the launcher settings (Hide applications).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When changing icons, users Xiaomi Redmi face typical errors. Let's look at the most common ones:

Problem Cause Solution
The icons do not change after applying the theme The launcher cache is not updated Restart the phone or clear the cache Mi Launcher in Settings → Applications
Third-party icons look blurry Resolution mismatch Use icons with resolution 192×192 px or 512×512 px (for adaptive)
Launcher resets after update MIUI resets the launcher to default Pin the desired launcher in Settings → Applications → Default

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • 📱 Version MIUI: on some builds (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro s MIUI 11) customization is limited.
  • 🔒 Availability root access: they provide access to system files, but will void the warranty.
  • 🔄 Firmware region: Chinese versions have more options for changes.
💡

Before experimenting with ADB or root, back up your data via Settings → Advanced → Backup. This will protect you from losing information during failures.

Is it possible to change the icon of a system application (for example, Settings or Phone) without root?

On most devices Xiaomi Redmi without root this is not possible. The only workaround is to use launchers like Nova with support Icon Packs, but system icons often remain unchanged. For a complete replacement you will need ADB or root access.

Why were all the icons reset after the MIUI update?

Updates MIUI often reset the launcher settings, including custom icons. To avoid this, before updating:

  1. Take screenshots of your desktop.
  2. Save used Icon Packs to favorites.
  3. Export launcher settings (if supported).

After the update, reapply the theme or launcher settings.

How to return standard icons if you don’t like the changes?

You can return the original icons like this:

  • For themes MIUI: go to Themes → My → Reset settings.
  • For third-party launchers: delete the custom one Icon Pack or reset the launcher settings.
  • For shortcuts: delete those created through Shortcut Maker i return the original applications to the desktop.
Can I use icons from iOS on Xiaomi Redmi?

Yes, but with reservations. In Google Play there are themes with icons in the style of iOS (for example, iOS 16 Icon Pack). However:

  • System icons (for example, Settings or Messages) may not change.
  • Some packs require Nova Launcher for correct display.
  • Animations and transitions will remain as in MIUI.
Is it safe to use ADB to change icons?

The command itself adb shell pm grant is safe if you follow proven instructions. Risks arise when:

  • Using unofficial ADBscripts from unreliable sources.
  • Changing system files without backup.
  • Interrupting the process (for example, disconnecting USB while executing a command).

If in doubt, use methods without ADB (themes or launchers).