On the screens of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, to the left of the main desktop, there is a mysterious “widget tape” — a vertical panel with weather, calendar, quick actions and recommendations. For some users, it is a convenient tool, for others, an intrusive interface element that eats up resources and distracts from business. But what is it really, why does MIUI stubbornly keep it from being disabled through standard settings, and can it be eliminated forever?
In this article, we will look at how the widget tape works in different versions of the shell (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15), what functions it performs, and most importantly, how it can be hidden, disabled or removed, including radical methods for advanced users. You will also learn what consequences can occur after deactivation, and whether the game is worth a candle.
What is a widget tape on Xiaomi and why you need it
The App Vault or Widget Panel is a proprietary MIUI shell element that appears when swiped to the right of the home screen, essentially a hybrid of the dashboard and the notification center, where you can collect:
- 🌤️ Weather with weekly forecast and current temperature (data taken from Mi Weather or Google Weather).
- 📅 Calendar with reminders and events (synchronized with Google Calendar or Mi Calendar).
- 🔄 Quick action: flashlight, scanner QR-codes, translator, screen recording and other tools.
- 📱 App recommendations (based on your activity) and smart tips (such as a reminder of your contact’s birthday).
- 📊 Usage statistics: steps, screen time, battery charge.
Xiaomi's idea is to speed up access to frequently used features and reduce the number of clicks to settings, for example, instead of opening the Weather app, you just swipe to the right and see the current forecast.
- 🐢 The tape brakes when scrolling, especially on budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3).
- 🔋 It consumes battery power in the background (due to constant data synchronization).
- 📱 Takes up space on the screen, interferes with navigation on the interface.
- 🔍 Collects data about your activity for smart recommendations (which raises privacy questions).
Interestingly, in MIUI 14/15, the tape became more “intrusive”: it cannot be turned off through standard settings (unlike the older versions, where there was a switch in the launcher settings), this is due to Xiaomi’s policy on monetization of services – some widgets contain advertising or promotional content (for example, banners with promotions on the Mi Store).
Can you remove the widget tape on Xiaomi completely?
The short answer is yes, but not always legally, and the long answer depends on the MIUI version, the smartphone model, and your willingness to take drastic measures.
| Method | Works on | Do you need root rights? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiding through launcher settings | MIUI 12 and older | ❌ No. | The tape stays in the system, just doesn't show up. |
| Disconnection through ADB | MIUI 13–15 | ❌ No. | Other launcher settings may fly |
| Removal of the system application com.miui.miservice | Any version | ✅ Yes. | Risk of launcher collapse or loss of functionality |
| Use of a third-party launcher | Any version | ❌ No. | MIUI's brand design is lost |
| Custom software firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) | Supported models | ✅ Yes. | Loss of warranty, risk of “bricking” |
Important: Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has blocked the ability to completely remove the tape without root rights. Even disconnecting through ADB can work temporarily - after updating the system, the tape will return. The only reliable way to get rid of it forever is to remove the system application com.miui.miservice using Magisk or TWRP, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to unstable smartphone operation.
⚠️ Note: If you remove the system components of the tape without backup, you can only restore them through a complete flashing of the device. On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12), this can lead to errors in the camera or sensors.
How to disable the widget tape without root rights (legal ways)
If you're not willing to risk system stability, try one of these methods, which won't remove the tape completely, but will make it less visible or turn off some of the features.
Method 1: Hiding through launcher settings (MIUI 12–13)
In older versions of the shell, the tape could be turned off through the launcher menu:
- Turn off the "Show tape" switch.
Unfortunately, in MIUI 14/15, this item disappeared.
- 🔧 Remove unnecessary widgets: click on the gear in the upper right corner of the tape → «Edit» → remove the extra elements.
- 🔕 Disable notifications: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → App Vault → «Notifications» → banish.
Method 2: Disconnect via ADB (without root)
This method works on most devices with MIUI 13-15, but requires a computer connection.
- 💻 PC with installation ADB-tool.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → debug).
Instructions:
adb shell pm hide com.miui.miserviceAfter the command is executed, the tape will disappear, but:
- ⚠️ It may return after a reboot or update.
- ⚠️ Some system functions (such as a fast translator) will stop working.
☑️ Preparation for disconnection through ADB
Method 3: Using a third-party launcher
If you are not principled brand design MIUI, install an alternative launcher, for example:
- 🏠 Nova Launcher (flexible setup, no widget tape).
- 🎨 Lawnchair (lightweight, with gesture support).
- 🔄 Microsoft Launcher (Integration with Windows).
After installation:
- Click the Home button → select the new launcher as the main one.
- In the launcher settings, turn off all mentions MIUI-widget.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, POCO F4) When using a third-party launcher, navigation or animation gestures may not work MIUI. Check compatibility on forums before installing (e.g., check compatibility, 4PDA or XDA Developers).
How to remove the widget tape forever (ways for advanced)
If legal methods fail, radical measures remain, requiring unlocking the bootloader and root rights, which deprives the security and can lead to unstable operation of the device. Use them at your own risk!
Method 1: Uninstall system applications via Magisk
It will require:
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions for your model look for on the XDA).
- 📱 Installed by Magisk (to obtain root rights).
- 🛠️ App Systemizer or Titanium Backup.
Steps:
- Install Magisk Manager and get root.
- Download the App Systemizer module from the Magisk repository.
- In the list of system applications, find com.miui.miservice (this is the widget tape).
- Select “Delete” and restart the device.
Critical information: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 11T Pro), deleting this package causes the system launcher to crash. Before deleting, back up via TWRP!
Method 2: Editing the build.prop file
It's a less risky way, but it requires root rights, and it turns off the tape at the system level.
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
- Open the file /system/build.prop.
- Add to the end of the line: ro.miui.has_app_vault=false
- Save the changes and restart the smartphone.
If the tape is left after the reboot, try to also remove or freeze the com.miui.weather2 package (responsible for the weather in the tape).
💡
Before you manipulate your system files, back up your phone with TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery, which will save your smartphone if something goes wrong.
What happens if you remove the widget tape: the consequences
Deleting or disabling the widget tape completely can lead to a number of changes, both positive and negative.
| Consequence | Description | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Acceleration of work | App Vault background activity will disappear, which will reduce the load on the processor and battery. | Not required |
| ❌ Loss of fast tools | The flashlight, QR scanner, translator, etc. buttons will disappear. | Install widgets on the home screen or use Google Assistant. |
| ❌ Errors in system applications | Mi Weather, Mi Calendar, Mi Browser may stop working. | Install alternatives from Google Play. |
| ⚠️ Gesture failures | On some models, swiping to the right can cause lags. | Reset your gesture settings in Settings → Display → Gestures. |
| ⚠️ Loss of guarantee | If you have used root or custom software, the Xiaomi warranty is void. | Return the stock firmware before contacting the service. |
The safest option is not to remove the tape completely, but simply hide it and disable unnecessary features. If you are critically interested in fast tools (like a QR scanner), consider leaving the tape but removing everything from it.
💡
Removing the widget tape does not significantly increase performance, but it can disrupt system services, and in most cases, it is enough to turn off its display or use a third-party launcher.
Alternatives to the widget tape: what to use instead
If you’ve decided to get rid of your branded tape but want to keep quick access to the weather, calendar and tools, consider these alternatives:
- 🌤️ Home Screen Widgets: Google At a Glance (Weather) + Chronus (weather, time, notifications) Another Widget (minimalist design).
- 🔧 Quick panels in the notification curtain: Add flashlight, mobile data, Wi-Fi toggles through Settings → Notifications and status bar → Quick setups.
- 🤖 Voice assistants: Google Assistant (OK, Google, turn on the flashlight) and Alice from Yandex (works with calendar and weather).
- 📱 Third-party launchers with built-in tools: Nova Launcher + TeslaUnread plugin (for notifications). Lawnchair (Google Feed support instead of tape) MIUI).
If you want the weather on the swipe to the right, try Microsoft Launcher – it has a similar panel, but without advertising and with better optimization.