How to set up a desktop on Xiaomi Redmi 9: from standard features to customization

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face the need to personalize the main screen of the smartphone — whether it is adding new widgets, changing wallpaper or completely replacing the standard launcher. However, not everyone knows that the customization capabilities on this device go far beyond the basic settings of MIUI. In this article, we will discuss not only how to add additional desktops through built-in features, but also how to install alternative launchers for advanced control over the interface.

The Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) feature is that its MIUI 12/13/14 firmware supports up to 5 desktops by default, but many users don’t suspect that this number can be increased with third-party tools. Moreover, some features (such as navigation gestures or hiding icons) require deep customization, which is rarely mentioned in official guides. If you want to turn your smartphone into a unique device with a user-friendly interface, read on.

Method 1: Adding a desktop through standard MIUI settings

The simplest method is to use the built-in capabilities of the MIUI shell, which requires no additional applications and is suitable for most users.

1. Unlock the screen and go to the main desktop.
2. Make a pinch movement (close two fingers on the screen) to open the editing mode.
3. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a panel with desktop thumbnails, and flip it right to the end and click on the + icon.
4. The new desktop will be added automatically, and you can now migrate apps, widgets, or folders to it.

Note that MIUI 14 has a default maximum of 5 desktops, and if you need more, you’ll need to use alternative launchers (more on that in the next section).

To remove an unnecessary desktop, re-enter edit mode, drag all the icons from it to another screen, then tap the basket icon at the top of the thumbnail. Deleting the desktop doesn't remove apps from it - they just move to the home screen.

⚠️ Note: If after adding a new desktop, some widgets stop updating (such as weather or calendar), restart the device. MIUI.

Method 2: Use of alternative launchers (Nova, Apex, Microsoft)

The standard MIUI launcher offers limited customization options. If you need more desktops (up to 9 or more), gesture support, hidden icons or modified animations, install one of the popular alternative launchers.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher is the most flexible option with support for themes, gestures and backup settings.
• 📱 Apex Launcher – Lightweight and fast, ideal for weak devices (relevant to Redmi) 9 s 3/4 GB RAM).
• 💼 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, synchronization of wallpaper and documents.
• 🎨 Action Launcher – unique features like “shutter” (fast access to contacts / applications).

Installation of an alternative launcher:

1. Download the selected launcher from Google Play (for example, Nova Launcher).
2. After installation, click the Home button and select the new launcher as standard (the system request will appear).
3. In the launcher settings, find the Desktop (or Desktop) section and add the required number of screens.

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

Settings → Desktop → Number of desktops → Select from 1 to 9


Settings → Docking Station → Enable “Hide the Docking Station” for a minimalist view

Backup of current MIUI settings |

Check the vacant space (minimum 200 MB) |

Disable battery optimization for launcher |

Restart the phone after installation-->

Method 3: Hidden MIUI (Developer Mode and ADB)

For advanced users who want to gain full control of desktops, there is a method through the ADB Developer Mode and Team.

• 🔧 Change the number of desktops beyond the limit MIUI (7).
• 🔄 Turn off automatic sorting of icons.
• 📵 Hide system applications without root rights.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times in a row.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command:

adb shell settings put secure launcher_number_of_screens 7

After you reboot your device, you will have 7 desktops. To return the standard value, use:

adb shell settings put secure launcher_number_of_screens 5

⚠️ Note: Change settings through ADB It may cause a disruption to the launcher. MIUI. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset, especially for devices with unlocked bootloader.

Problem Solving: Desktops are not saved or reset

Sometimes, after a MIUI update or system failure, Redmi 9 users find themselves faced with:

• 🔄 Desktops are reset to a standard look.
• 📱 Widgets disappear or are not updated.
• ⚙️ Launcher settings are getting knocked down.

Causes and solutions:

If the problem persists, try resetting the launcher settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find your launcher (like Nova Launcher) and select Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
4. Reset the device.

💡

To prevent automatic desktop reset, disable Adaptive Battery in MIUI settings: Settings → Battery & Performance → Adaptive Battery. This will prevent the system from killing launcher processes in the background.

How to transfer desktop settings to another Xiaomi

If you’re planning to switch to a smartphone (like a Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) but want to keep your desktop organization running, use the export/import feature. There’s no such option in the standard MIUI launcher, but it’s supported by most alternative launchers.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Open the Nova settings and go to Backup.
2. Click Create Backup and save the file to Google Drive or locally.
3. On the new device, install Nova Launcher and import the saved file.

For a standard MIUI launcher, you can manually save:

• 📁 List of applications (screenshot with icons).
• 🖼️ Wallpaper (they are kept in the /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Wallpapers).
• 📝 Widget settings (such as weather or calendar) – you’ll have to reconfigure them).

💡

The only reliable way to transfer all desktop settings between Xiaomi devices is to use third-party launchers with backup function (Nova, Apex, Action). MIUI does not support export of configurations.

Comparison of Standard and Alternative Launchers for Redmi 9

To help you choose the best option, we compared the key parameters of the standard MIUI launcher and popular alternatives with the Redmi 9 features (Helio G80 processor, 3/4 GB of RAM).

For Redmi 9 with 3GB of RAM, we recommend Apex Launcher, which is the least resource-intensive and stable on weak devices. If customization is important to you, choose Nova Launcher, but be prepared for rare slowdowns when multitasking. The standard MIUI launcher is optimal for those who do not want to spend time setting up, but its functionality is greatly reduced.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up desktops on Redmi 9