Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often notice that after updating the system or resetting the location of the elements on the screen changes, this is due to a change in the parameters of the so-called desktop grid, which determines how many rows and columns will be available for placing application shortcuts and widgets.
Understanding how this system works allows not only visual order, but also significantly improves the usability of the gadget with one hand. In the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS, grid management has become more flexible, but many users are still unaware of the hidden possibilities of adjusting the density of elements.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what a grid is, how to change it without third-party software, and what nuances should be considered when choosing the number of icons on the screen. The right configuration is a balance between minimalist aesthetics and functionality.
The basic concept and influence on ergonomics
Desktop grid is a virtual matrix overlayed on top of the screen that divides the available space into cells. It is in these cells that app icons stick. The standard value in most modern Xiaomi models is 5 columns by 6 lines, but this value can vary depending on the screen diagonal and firmware version.
Changing the grid density directly affects the ergonomics of the device. If you make the cells too small to increase their number, the user will have to peer at the screen to get a finger into the desired label. On the other hand, a rare grid with large icons takes up more space, but provides high accuracy of presses.
⚠️ Attention: Installing an extremely high grid density (e.g., more 6x8 on a standard screen) can lead to the fact that the text under the icons will become unreadable, and hitting the finger on the desired application will turn into a lottery.
It's important to consider that the grid works in conjunction with the resolution of the screen. On high-pixel density displays (FullHD+ and higher), the system can automatically offer more detailed options of the grid to space. However, for older people or visually impaired users, it is better to choose standard or enlarged options.
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The optimal balance between the number of apps on the screen and the ease of getting a finger is achieved with a 5x6 or 4x6 grid for screens up to 6.5 inches.
Standard grid settings in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi has introduced a native grid management tool that doesn’t require superuser rights or launchers, and can be found in the system settings, but the path may vary slightly depending on the shell version.
To change the settings, you need to go to the Settings menu, then select Desktop and then System Launcher (or simply More in older versions), and this is where the switch is located, allowing you to choose between pre-installed layout options.
- 📱 4x6 — A classic option for those who like large elements and rarely change apps on the home screen.
- 📱 5x6 — De facto standard for most modern smartphones, providing a good overview.
- 📱 5x7 — High density mode available on some models with extended screens.
It's worth noting that changing these settings instantly rearranges all the shortcuts. If you've had a specific location set up, widgets can shift or resize, because widgets are also tied to grid cells. For example, a weather widget can occupy 2x2 cells, and if you change the grid from 5x6 to 4x6, it may simply not fit in the designated space.
☑️ Check before changing the grid
Advanced customization through the developer menu
For advanced users who don't have enough standard options, there's a hidden engineer menu that allows you to set an arbitrary number of rows and columns that go beyond the factory constraints, but it requires caution.
To activate, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the field of the MIUI Version (or OS Version). Once the notification "You became a developer" will open access to the extended menu.
Next, you go through Advanced Settings → For developers, and in this list, you need to find a section related to drawing or interface, and find the items:
- 🛠️ Number of rows (Grid rows).
- 🛠️ Number of columns (Grid columns).
- 🛠️ Grid padding – affects the margins on the edges of the screen.
Changing these values can create unique layouts, such as a 6x8 grid or even a 7x9 grid, but here's the important thing: system fonts and icons don't scale automatically to the new grid, which can lead to app signatures overlapping or cropping.
⚠️ Note: Experimenting with grid settings in the developer menu can lead to unstable operation of the launcher. If after changes the interface "got" or disappeared, reset the launcher settings through the application menu.
The effect of grids on widgets and folders
One of the main problems in desktop customization is the compatibility of widgets. Widgets in the MIUI shell are fixed in size in grid units. A standard weather widget usually occupies 4x2 cells, and a calendar is 2x2.
If you install a non-standard grid, such as a very rare (3x4), large widgets can take up half the screen, displacing useful applications, and vice versa, with a very dense grid, small widgets can become almost useless due to the small print.
| Type of element | Standard size(s) | Behavior in changing the grid |
|---|---|---|
| Application icon | 1x1 | It scales automatically. |
| folder | 1x1 (in rolled-up form) | Keeps the proportions. |
| Weather widget | 4x2 | Could be displaced or cut off. |
| Music widget | 4x1 | Requires reconfiguration |
| Calendar | 2x2 | Sensitive to density |
| Notes | 2x2 | Text can get small. |
Special attention should be paid to folders. When you change the grid, the contents of the folders do not change, but the visual display of the open folder can become uncomfortable. If the cells become too small, the names of the applications inside the open folder may not fit in one line.
What to do if the widgets stop working?
Third-party launchers as an alternative
If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t seem flexible enough, you can always turn to third-party solutions. Launchers like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Smart Launcher give you complete control of the grid, allowing you to customize even the indentations between icons with pixel accuracy.
Using a third-party launcher is the best way to get around the limitations of the system: you can create a 10x10 grid for the maximum number of applications or, conversely, 3x3 for one-hand mode.
There is a downside, however: Third-party launchers consume more RAM and may conflict with MIUI control gestures. For example, a bottom-up swipe to open the application menu may be delayed or require additional customization in the Gesture Management section.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher – the king of customization, ideal for creating a unique grid.
- 🌿 Lawnchair – lightweight launcher in the style of pure Android, works great on weak devices.
- 🧠 Smart Launcher – automatically sorts applications, the grid here is secondary, but customizable.
When installing a third-party launcher, the system can periodically reset it to standard after security updates. To avoid this, you need to fix the new launcher as the main one in the system settings and allow it to auto-start in the Xiaomi security menu.
Optimizing performance and visual noise
Many users don't realize that a crowded, grid-close desktop can affect performance. Launcher needs to draw dozens of items, track their status, and update notification badges. On older Redmi or POCO models, this can cause micro-freezes as they scroll through pages.
Reducing the number of items on the screen (using a larger grid) reduces the load on the GPU when animating swipes, and it helps to combat visual noise, and when you see lots of bright icons, it makes it harder for your brain to focus on the important things.
It is recommended to leave on the home screen only those applications that are used daily (social networks, messengers, calls), the rest of the programs should be removed from the app menu (App Drawer) or distributed to folders on the second pages, which will make the interface cleaner and speed up the search for the desired program.
⚠️ Warning: Live wallpaper combined with a dense grid of icons (more than 40 pieces on the screen) can significantly reduce battery life, as the processor will have to constantly redraw the background with each movement of the finger.
Also worth mentioning is the Remove All feature, or foldout reset, which is sometimes required after experiments. If you're confused about the grid settings and can't get it back, the easiest way to do a launcher reset is to return the standard 5x6 grid and delete all the folders you created on your desktop, but it won't affect the apps themselves.
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Use dark themes in combination with a large grid, and it's not only saving you the power. AMOLED-screens, but also visually reduces the amount of "garbage", making the interface more pleasing to the eye.