Smartphone personalization is not just a tribute to fashion, but a way to make interaction with the device more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Device owners Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are often faced with the desire to change the standard appearance of the desktop to suit their taste. Change icons is one of the simplest and most effective ways to transform the interface without the need for root access or complex flashing.
Shell MIUI and its successor HyperOS provide users with ample customization options, but the standard functionality sometimes seems limited for those who want complete freedom of creativity. In this article we will analyze all the available methods: from built-in tools to third-party solutions. You will learn how to replace the icon of a specific application or change the style of all interface elements at once.
It is worth noting that the process may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system Android and the specific firmware version. Interfaces are constantly updated, so some menu items may be named differently or moved to other sections of the settings. The main thing is to understand the general principle of operation of the launcher and the theme system.
Using the built-in “Themes” application
The easiest and safest way to change the visual style is to use the official theme store. The system Xiaomi has a pre-installed application Themesthat allows you to download ready-made design packages. These packages often include not only wallpapers and sounds, but also completely redrawn application icons.
First, open the application Themes on your smartphone. At the bottom of the screen, find the Iconssection. Here is a catalog of different styles: from minimalism to bright cartoon sets. You can see a preview of what your desktop will look like after installing the selected package. This allows you to evaluate the result before applying changes.
After selecting the set you like, press the button Download, and then Apply. The system will automatically replace the standard icons with new ones for all supported applications. It is important to understand that not all installed apps may be supported by a particular theme. In such cases, the system will leave the standard icon or apply an automatic mask to it, if such a function is activated in the settings.
⚠️ Attention: Some themes in the official store may be paid or contain advertising. Carefully check the download conditions before confirming the action to avoid accidental charges.
If you want to apply icons only to certain applications, and not to all at once, this method may not be suitable. However, for a global change in the style of the interface, the application Themes remains the most stable solution, guaranteeing compatibility with the system.
Customization through desktop settings
In new versions of shells from Xiaomi there is an opportunity to more flexible settings for displaying elements directly from the desktop. This allows you to quickly change the grid size, hide captions and, in some cases, control the appearance of icons without diving deep into the settings menu.
To access these options, you need to long press (tap and hold) on an empty area of the desktop. A lower menu will appear where you need to select the item Settings (gear icon). In the menu that opens, find the section responsible for large icons or display style.
Here you can switch the display mode to “Classic” or “Without captions”. In unlabeled mode, icons become larger and take up more space, which visually changes the perception of the workspace. Although this does not change the icon image itself, it significantly affects the overall appearance of the interface.
Use the “Search” widget in the style of the new theme so that it blends harmoniously with the changed application icons.
Also in this menu, an item is often available Hide icons. This is a useful feature for those who want to keep rarely used apps out of sight without deleting them from the device's memory. Hidden apps can be found through a search or in a special section of the settings.
Using third-party launchers
If standard features MIUI or HyperOS do not suit you, the best solution would be to install a third-party one launcher. These are special applications that completely replace the standard desktop, providing unlimited customization possibilities. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Lawnchair and Microsoft Launcher.
After installing the launcher from Google Play you need to set it as the default application. The system will prompt you to select an option the first time you press the Home button. Select the new launcher and click "Always". Now you can download any icon packs from the store without being tied to the ecosystem Xiaomi.
In the settings of a third-party launcher there is usually a section Appearance or Icon style. There you can select the installed package and apply it. Moreover, many advanced launchers allow you to change the icon for each application individually, simply by selecting an image from the gallery.
| Launcher name | Setting complexity | Gesture support | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Average | High | Excellent |
| Lawnchair | Low | Average | Good |
| Smart Launcher | Low | High | Average |
| Microsoft Launcher | Low | Average | Good |
⚠️ Attention: Third-party launchers may consume more RAM than the standard launcher. On devices with low RAM (less than 4 GB), this may lead to background applications closing more frequently.
How to return the default launcher?
If you want to return to the native interface, go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Settings (three dots) → Default applications → Desktop and select MIUI/HyperOS.
Creating shortcuts through the “Shortcuts” application
For those who do not want to change the entire interface or install heavy launchers, there is a point-by-point method for replacing icons. It allows you to create a new app-specific shortcut with any picture from your gallery. To do this, you will need to install the utility Shortcuts (Shortcut Maker), available in the application store.
Launch the application Shortcuts and select item Applications. In the list, find the app whose icon you want to change. Click on it to open the editing menu. Here you can change the name of the shortcut and, most importantly, replace the image.
Click on the current icon to open the image library. You can select a ready-made icon pack if it is installed on the system, or upload any photo from the gallery. After setting, click Create a shortcut. A new icon will appear on the desktop that will launch the desired application.
☑️ Create a custom shortcut
It is worth considering that this method creates a duplicate shortcut. The old icon will remain in the application menu or desktop, so you will have to remove it manually to avoid confusion. This is an ideal way to create themed folders or holiday decorations.
Changing icons through widgets
Another creative approach to customization is the use of widgets. Many users are unaware that some app widgets (such as Google Keep, Calendar, or custom theme widgets) can appear as large icons. This allows you to create a unique desktop design, where the usual icons are replaced with stylized blocks.
Long press on an empty area of the screen and select Widgets. Scroll to the app you want. Often there you can find display options that visually resemble icons, but are larger or have an unusual shape. Drag the widget to your desktop.
Some themes in the store Xiaomi come with a set of special widgets that simulate icons in the same style. This allows you to bypass the limitations of the standard grid and make the interface truly unique. By combining widgets of different sizes, you can create a complex and beautiful composition.
⚠️ Attention: Widgets take up more space on the screen than regular icons. Make sure that you have enough free space on your desktop to implement your intended design.
Common problems and their solutions
During the customization process, users may encounter a number of technical nuances. For example, after changing the theme, icons may become blurry or disproportionate. This often happens if the image resolution in the package does not match the pixel density of your screen.
Another common problem is resetting settings after a system update. Major updates Android may override the launcher settings, returning the default view. In this case, you will need to reapply the theme or configure a third-party launcher.
If the icons do not change at all, check the application permissions Themes. It must be able to access storage and display on top of other windows. Without these rights, the system will not be able to correctly draw new graphic elements.
The stability of the icons directly depends on the quality of the installed theme package and the compatibility of the firmware version with the theme store.
It is also worth remembering that some system applications are protected from modification at the firmware level. Their icons may remain unchanged regardless of the selected theme. This was done by the developers to ensure recognition of the phone's critical functions.
Is it possible to return standard icons after changing the theme?
Yes, it's very simple. Go to the application Themes, go to the profile (person icon) and select My themes. Click on the theme Classic or Default and apply it. All icons will return to the factory appearance.
Does changing icons affect the performance of the smartphone?
Changing static icons via The built-in Themes application has virtually no impact on performance. However, using heavy third-party launchers with animations can increase battery consumption and processor load.
Why did some icons not change after installing the theme?
The theme author may not have drawn icons for all existing applications. The theme settings often have an option “Apply mask to all icons”, which forcibly changes the shape of unmodified icons to match the theme style.
Is it safe to download icon packs from unknown sources?
Downloading themes from third-party sites carries the risk of infecting your device with malware. It is recommended to use only the official store Themes or trusted repositories like Google Play to install launchers.