Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 operating shell offers users ample personalization options, but the interface structure can be confusing to those who are used to pure Android. The question of how to add a desktop to Xiaomi often arises from navigation features where the usual finger movement may not give the expected result. In a standard launcher, the creation of a new page occurs automatically when the current one is filled, but there are ways to force the space management.
It’s important to understand that the desktop in the Xiaomi ecosystem is not a static picture, but a dynamic area controlled by the system launcher. If you want to expand the space for widgets or folders, you will need to master zoom gestures or use third-party solutions. In this article, we will discuss all available methods in detail, including hidden settings and the use of alternative shells for maximum convenience.
Users often confuse adding a new page with installing widgets or changing the theme. On MIUI 12, a new page is only created when you drag an app icon outside the last available page in edit mode. This is a fundamental difference in the interface algorithm that you need to consider when trying to organize your digital space.
The principles of the MIUI 12 interface
MIUI 12 is based on its own visualization concept, which is different from stock Android. There is no "Add Desktop" button explicitly, as the system strives for minimalism of the menu. All space management is done through gestures and contextual actions. Understanding the logic of the launcher will allow you to avoid confusion and effectively use the screen space of your smartphone.
The main navigation tool is editing mode. When you keep your fingers on the screen or hold a blank area for a long time, the system goes into page management mode. This is where you display thumbnails of all the desktops available. If you see only one or two pages, then the rest are simply not created or hidden. Adding a new icon area is intuitive, but requires precise movement.
The system launcher automatically expands the space available. Once you fill in the last page available with icons, the system will suggest or automatically create the next one. However, if your goal is to create a blank page for widgets or grouping applications by functionality, you will have to use the drag and drop method. This is the basic principle on which all navigation in the shell from Xiaomi is built.
⚠️ Note: When you delete all applications from the last page of the desktop, it will automatically disappear.
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The MIUI interface dynamically manages the number of pages, creating and removing them based on the content available.
Creating a new page through editing mode
The most common way to add workspace is to use the built-in editing mode, which is to unlock your smartphone and go to the home screen, make sure you're on the last page available on the right, and that's where the main step of expanding the interface will take place.
Find any icon you're willing to move, click on it and hold your finger until the icon bounces and the vibration appears, and without letting go, start dragging the icon to the right, outside the screen, at which point the system will realize that you want to go beyond the current space, and create a new, clean page.
Once a new area is in place, you can release the icon anywhere or move it later. Now you have an additional desktop that you can fill with widgets, folders or leave empty for minimalism. This method works on all versions of MIUI 12, including updated versions of 12.5.
☑️ Algorithm for creating a page
If drag and drop doesn't work, check the launcher settings. Sometimes users accidentally turn off editing or set limits on parental controls. Make sure the lock is not active, or the icon movement actions will be ignored by the security system.
Management and placement of widgets
Often users are looking for a way to add a desktop, wanting to place large widgets of weather, watches or news. In MIUI 12, widgets are integrated into the overall icon system, but have their own placement features. To add a widget, pinch an empty area on the screen or pinch a two-fingered widget, then select "Widgets" in the bottom menu.
You'll open up a library of available items. You'll pick the widget you want and drag it to the screen. If there's not enough space on the current page, the system will create a new page or suggest you move existing icons, and it's a convenient way to automatically expand the space to the specific needs of the user without manually creating empty areas.
The size of the widgets can vary. Some take up a single cell, others take up a whole line or half a screen. The desktop grid adapts to the size of the item. If you want to place a large calendar widget, make sure that there is free space nearby, otherwise the system may suggest removing unnecessary application icons.
| Type of widget | Recommended seat | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Clock and Date | Top of the screen | Low. |
| Weather. | Any page. | Average. |
| Stepper | Main page | Average. |
| Calendar | Work pages | Low. |
Remember that active widgets that are updated in real time consume energy. Putting too many of these elements on one desktop can lead to accelerated battery discharge. Optimize space by keeping only the necessary tools active.
Use of third-party launchers
If Xiaomi’s standard interface seems too limited, you can install a third-party launcher from Google Play Market.Programs like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchair allow you to completely ignore the system limitations of MIUI.
Once you have an alternative launcher installed, you can ask for permission to use it by default, and the interface will change. In most third-party shells, just flip the screen to the right and the "+" button will appear, or a new page will be created automatically when you try to add an icon, which gives you complete control over the grid and the number of pages.
However, third-party solutions have their own nuances: some MIUI features, such as control gestures or deep integration of system applications, may not work properly, and third-party launchers may consume more resources, which will affect the autonomy of the device.
Why can't a third-party launcher work?
For advanced users, replacing the launcher is the best way to get exactly the experience they are used to seeing on other smartphones, allowing you to add a desktop in any convenient place and adjust the grid to pixel accuracy.
Set up the grid and interface scale
The number of icons that fit on a single desktop is directly dependent on the grid settings. In MIUI 12, you can change the density of the items. To do this, go to the theme settings or use the launcher settings if they are available in your version of firmware. Changing the scale allows you to fit more applications per page, reducing the need to create new desks.
To change the grid size, press the blank area on the screen and select Settings (cogs). Find More or Grid Settings. Here you can select a configuration, such as 4x5, 5x5 or 5x6. The larger the number, the smaller the icon size and the more they fit on the screen.
Scaling changes affect not only icons, but also widgets. With high grid density, widgets can become too small or take up a disproportionate amount of space. Experiment with settings to find a balance between roominess and readability.
Remember that on high-resolution screens (FullHD+ and higher), the fine mesh can look very clear, but on budget models with HD+, the text under the icons can become unreadable.
Solution and Hidden Functions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the desktop is not added or behaves unstable, this can be caused by a launcher cache overflow or a software failure, in which case cleaning the data of the Louncher application in the system settings helps. Don't worry, your icons will not disappear, but the order of their location and configuration of the widgets will reset.
The hidden function of MIUI is to create duplicate applications on different desktops, and by holding the icon, you can choose to create a clone (if supported by the system) or simply copy the shortcut, which allows you to have the same program on the home screen and on the second desktop for quick access in different contexts of use.
And also, the second space feature is worth mentioning, and it's not just a new desktop, but a full-fledged second profile on the system with its own apps and files, and it's switching between them through settings or a special widget, and it's the perfect solution for sharing work and personal life on one device.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting the launcher will remove all folders and icon order created. Before the procedure, take a screenshot of the current location of applications to quickly restore the structure.
If none of these methods work, check for system updates. Early versions of MIUI 12 have seen bugs that block new page creation. Updating to the current firmware version often solves these problems.