Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the desire to personalize the interface of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. One of the most noticeable elements of the desktop is the docking station located at the bottom of the screen, where commonly used applications are located. The standard location may not suit all users, especially those who use a smartphone with one hand or prefer minimalism.
In this article, we will discuss in detail whether it is possible to move the dock panel itself, how to change the number of icons displayed in it, and what alternative ways to organize space are available. You will learn about the hidden functions of the launcher and third-party solutions that allow you to achieve the desired result without losing warranty.
It's worth noting that, with the standard tools, you can't move the bottom panel to the top of the screen or to the center of the display without using special tools. However, the content and size of this area are accessible to every user. We'll look at safe customization methods that don't require deep technical knowledge.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party launchers or modifying system files may cause unstable device performance.Always back up your data before making major changes to your system.
Standard docking setup in MIUI and HyperOS
Before we look for ways to radically change the interface, we should explore the possibilities that the shell itself provides. In recent versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS, Xiaomi developers have implemented flexible desktop settings that allow you to change the number of cells in the dock, which visually changes the perception of the dock.
To access the basic settings, you need to pinch an empty space on your desktop or pinch your fingers. In the menu that appears, select Settings (or the gear icon) and there is a section More where you can find options related to the desktop grid. Changing the grid from 4x6 to 5x6 will automatically add one cell to the dock.
It's important to understand that the docking positioning is hard-wired by ergonomics developers. The lower location is not random, it provides easy thumb access in portrait orientation. Attempting to move the panel above can disrupt the logic of interaction with the Android interface.
- 📱 Press the blank area of the screen to call the edit menu.
- ⚙️ Go to the launcher settings section through the gear icon.
- 🔢 Change the size of the grid to add or remove the cells in the dock.
- 📂 Use folders inside the dock to save space.
Use of third-party launchers to change position
If you don't like the standard restrictions, the only effective way to change the docking station is to install a third-party launcher, applications like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher provide complete freedom of action, and they allow you to place the application panel in any part of the screen, including the top third or even floating mode.
The installation process is simple: download the selected application from Google Play Market or GetApps. Once launched, the system will prompt you to choose the default launcher. Once you select the new tool, you will have access to an expanded settings menu. Under the "Dock" or "App Panel", you can select the "Top" or "Floating" position.
However, switching to a third-party launcher has its own peculiarities: transition animations may differ from those in MIUI, and some Xiaomi system widgets may not work correctly or not display at all. In addition, integration with control gestures may require additional adjustment through ADB.
☑️ Check before installing the launcher
| Launcher | Doc's position | Compatibility with MIUI | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Any (Top/Bottom/Hidden) | Tall. | Low. |
| Lawnchair 2 | Niz/Upper | Medium | Medium |
| Microsoft Launcher | Niz (fixed) | Tall. | Low. |
| Smart Launcher 6 | Automatic. | Medium | Tall. |
Technical methods: ADB and system modifications
For advanced users who don't want to change the launcher, there are methods to change the position of interface elements through USB debugging. Using the ADB command line (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to make changes to system parameters that are hidden in the regular menu.
First, activate Developer Mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version). Then, in advanced settings, turn on USB Debugging. Connect your phone to your PC and launch your ADB console.
With commands, you can change the density of the interface or hide certain elements, but moving the system dock directly through the ADB without root rights is often impossible in newer versions of Android 13/14.
adb shell wm density 360This command changes the pixel density, which visually changes the size and position of the elements, including the dock. However, be careful: an incorrectly selected value can make the interface unreadable. To return to factory values, the command adb shell wm density reset is used.
⚠️ Note: Making changes through ADB SystemUI can crash. Make sure you know how to reset your settings through Recovery Mode if the screen stops responding.
Risks of using ADB teams
Alternatives: Floating windows and one-handed mode
If your goal is not so much to change the design as to get quick access to applications in a convenient location, it’s worth considering the built-in ergonomics features. MIUI and HyperOS have great tools that can replace the need to move the dock.
One-Hand Mode moves the entire interface down, making the top of the screen accessible to the thumb, activated by swiping away from the Home button or through a special button in the navigation bar, which temporarily changes the position of all elements, including the dock, bringing them closer to the bottom.
You can also use the Floating Window function or the sidebar, and by adding frequently used apps to the sidebar (swipe from the edge of the screen), you can access them at any time, regardless of the docking station position, which is often a more functional solution than simply moving icons.
- 🖐 Activate one-handed mode for easy control of the large screen.
- 📑 Use the sidebar to quickly run apps on top of other windows.
- 🗂️ Create smart folders in the dock for grouping services.
- 🎨 Use button widgets to quickly access functions.
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Use shortcuts on your desktop to create your own quick access panels anywhere on the screen, which is more efficient than moving the dock.
Compatibility issues and bugs after changes
After installing a third-party launcher or applying system mods, users often encounter interface artifacts. On Xiaomi smartphones, with their aggressive memory optimization, background processes can be forced to close, which leads to the phone showing the standard launcher again after a reboot.
To avoid this, you need to lock the selected launcher in memory. Go to the menu of running applications, find your new launcher, click on the lock or select Secure. Also, in the battery settings for this application, you need to set the No Limits mode.
Another common problem is incorrect display of the notch (bangs) or rounding of the screen. Third-party launchers may not take into account the specifics of the display of a particular Xiaomi model, which can cause the docking station to overlap with system elements or the camera.
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Main conclusion: For stable operation of a third-party launcher, be sure to set up auto-start and no battery limitations in the system MIUI/HyperOS.