Xiaomi and Redmi users often come across the term “main menu” when looking for solutions to customize the interface or fix system failures, a concept that can be confusing because it is rarely used as a technical term in official documentation.
Understanding the structure of the menu is essential for any device owner who wants to unlock the full potential of the gadget, and deep tuning allows you to change the behavior of the system, hide unnecessary items or access diagnostic data that is usually hidden from the eyes of the average user.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what lies behind the term in the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem, and how to safely use these features to improve your smartphone’s performance.
Main app menu and navigation in MIUI
The classic main menu on Android smartphones is a list of all installed apps. Xiaomi devices have two main desktop display modes that dramatically change navigation. The first mode, typical for iOS, involves all icons on desktops without a separate menu. The second mode, more familiar to Android users, separates the desktop and the list of applications.
Switching between these modes is done through system settings, a fundamental change in the logic of interaction with the device, which affects the speed of program search and the overall ergonomics of using a smartphone with one hand.
To activate the classic menu, you need to go to the settings section. The path usually looks like: Settings → Desktop → Desktop Mode. Here you can select the option "C from the app menu", and then the swipe from the bottom up will open the full list of programs, rather than adding widgets to the screen.
Importantly, this mode works by sorting applications alphabetically or by installing time, and it also allows you to create folders inside the menu itself, which helps structure the space if you have more than a hundred programs installed.
Some users prefer third-party solutions to manage the main menu. Launchers from Nova, Microsoft or Smart allow you to completely ignore the standard limitations of the MIUI shell. However, it is worth remembering that replacing the system launcher can affect the operation of some functions, such as gestures or themes.
Hidden Engineering Menu: Access and Functions
The second meaning of the term main menu in the context of Xiaomi often refers to the hidden engineering menu, a diagnostic interface designed to test hardware components of a device by engineers in the factory, which is not usually needed by the average user, but can be useful when looking for faults.
This menu is logged in via the standard Phone app, and you need to type a special code. Most Redmi and Xiaomi models have a combination of ##64663##. Once you enter the last digit, the menu will open automatically, without having to press the call button.
⚠️ Warning: While in the engineering menu, do not change the settings, the value of which you are not sure. resetting the calibration of sensors or changing the parameters of the radio module can lead to improper operation of the smartphone.
Inside the engineering menu, you can check the vibrator, the screen for broken pixels, the sensitivity of the touchscreen and all the sensors, which is especially useful when you buy a used device or after a phone drops.
What if the code doesn't work?
One of the useful features of this section is to check the IMEI and serial number, and if the sticker on the box is lost, you can find out this data here, and you can also find a GPS test that shows the number of satellites visible and the accuracy of the positioning in real time.
Configuring the controls and buttons
Main menu and navigation management is closely linked to the setting of control buttons. In modern versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14, Xiaomi is actively implementing gesture control, abandoning three virtual buttons at the bottom of the screen.
You can change the way you navigate in Settings → Additional settings → Navigation System. There are three options: classic buttons, gestures (swipes) and buttons with the ability to customize actions with prolonged pressing. The flexibility of settings allows you to adapt the smartphone to any habit.
- 📱 Gestures: swipe from the bottom up for returning to the desktop, swipe from the side to return back.
- 🔘 Buttons: Three static or dynamic buttons at the bottom of the screen.
- ⚡ Quick action: launch a voice assistant or screenshot of a double tap or long press.
Special attention should be paid to the Floating Window, or the Quick Access button, which can duplicate the main menu functions, and can be taken to any part of the screen to quickly launch frequently used applications, especially for devices with a large screen size, where it is difficult to reach the top corner.
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Turn on the one-handed function in the settings if you are uncomfortable using your smartphone with your right hand. The screen will shrink and shift to the corner, making it easier to access the main menu elements.
The volume button settings can also be linked to menus, and in special features settings, you can set certain functions to start when you triple press volume buttons, which can be starting the camera, turning on the flashlight, or calling the emergency contact menu.
Problems with displaying menus and launcher
Redmi users sometimes experience a situation where the main menu stops responding, icons disappear or the screen turns black after unlocking, most often indicating a failure in the System Launcher system process. This is not a critical error, but it makes using the phone impossible.
The first step to fix the problem should be a forced reboot.Plug the power button for 10-15 seconds until the device vibrates and the Mi logo appears.If the problem is software-based, this action often helps restore the launcher to normal operation.
If the reboot didn't work, you need to clear the launcher cache. This will require you to get into the settings, which you can do through the notification panel or voice assistant if the screen does not respond to touch. Pathway to clean: Settings → Applications → All applications → System Launcher → Clear cache.
☑️ Actions when hanging menu
In more complex cases, when the launcher interface is completely damaged, it may be necessary to reset to factory settings. Remember, a full reset will delete all user data, so it is important to have a backup of important information. Before radical measures, try running the phone in safe mode to avoid conflict with third-party applications.
A common cause of failure is overcrowded memory. If the internal storage is 95-99% full, the system cannot create temporary files to render the interface. Freeing up at least 1-2 GB of space often solves the problem of "departures" of the menu instantly.
Alternative launchers and customization
Xiaomi’s standard menu is functional, but not always perfect. GetApps and Google Play offer dozens of alternative launchers that completely change the concept of the main menu. Popular options like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher give you incredible flexibility in setting up the grid, animations and gestures.
Installing a third-party launcher requires special permissions. After installing the application, the system asks if you want to use it by default. Confirming this action will replace the standard interface with the one you choose.
| Launcher | Difficulty | Impact on the battery | Best feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Tall. | Average. | Flexible gesture setting |
| Microsoft Launcher | Low. | Low. | Integration with Office |
| Smart Launcher 6 | Medium | Low. | Automatic sorting |
| Niagara Launcher | Low. | Minimum | Minimalism and ergonomics |
When using third-party solutions, consider resource consumption. Heavy launchers with many widgets and live animations can drain the Redmi battery faster. MIUI optimization sometimes aggressively closes the background processes of third-party launchers, so they need to be added to the battery exception list.
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A third-party launcher is the best way to completely change the look of the main menu, but requires customization of permissions and can consume more power.