How to Add a Desktop on the Left on Xiaomi: MIUI Secrets You Didn't Know About

The additional desktop on Xiaomi smartphones is not just an aesthetic solution, but a complete tool for organizing space. Many users do not even realize that the left panel in MIUI can become a separate screen with a weather widget, quick notes or favorite contacts. But how to activate it when the default is only Google search or Mi Search?

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can add the desktop to the left, from standard settings to hidden shell features, which Xiaomi models support this feature, how to customize the left panel to suit your needs, and what to do if the option is Suddenly disappeared after an update.

Let's warn you right away: not all versions of MIUI are equally useful. For example, in MIUI 14, the algorithm for adding a left screen is different from MIUI 12, and on some budget models (Redmi 9A, Poco C31), the function can be reduced. But don't worry, we have prepared solutions for each case.

Why on the left? Benefits of a left-hand desktop on Xiaomi

The left screen in MIUI was originally conceived as a quick access panel, where the manufacturer put a weather widget, calendar or search bar, but once customized, it turns into a full-fledged desktop with the same features as the main screens.

Here's why it's worth setting it up:

• 📱 Save space: Move rarely used apps to the left screen by freeing up the main desktops.
• 🔍 Quick access: One swipe to the left and you're on a screen with notes, a calculator or a translator.
• 🎨 Aesthetics: The left panel can become the focus of the design (e.g., with transparent widgets or minimalist icons).
• 🔄 Separation of contexts: desktop for work, left screen for personal (social networks, instant messengers).

By the way, on Xiaomi with HyperOS (new firmware after MIUI 14), the left panel has additional features - for example, integration with the Mi Home smart home. If you have a Xiaomi 13/14 or Redmi Note 12, be sure to check this section!

⚠️ Warning: On some models (Poco F3, Redmi K40), the left panel is disabled by default due to regional restrictions, in which case manual activation via Settings → Home will be required.

Method 1: Standard Addition via MIUI settings

The simplest method works on most devices with MIUI 12-14.

1 Unlock the phone and hold the empty space on the home screen with your finger.

2.A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen – select Home Settings (or Screen Settings on older versions).

3. Go to the section Additional settings → Left panel.

4. Activate the switch Show the left panel and select its type:

• 🔎 Search (standard Google/Mi Search)
• 📝 Notes (fast notes from Mi Notes)
• 🌦️ Weather (forecast widget)
• ⚙️ User (own set of widgets)

If left panel is missing, your firmware is not supporting it, in which case you go to Method 2.

Make sure the latest version of MIUI| is installed on your phone.

Check the space available (minimum 500 MB) |

Turn off the power saving mode |

Close all background applications-->

Method 2: Manual addition via launcher (for MIUI 14 and HyperOS)

On the newer shell versions (MIUI 14+), the algorithm has changed, and now the left panel is configured via the launcher.

1. Hold your finger in the free screen space and select Launcher Settings.

2. Go to the desktops → Screen management.

3. Slip on the icon + Add the screen and drag it to the left of the main desktop.

4. Press Save and return to the home screen. Now the swipe to the left will open a new desktop.

If this method does not work, try an alternative method:

adb shell settings put secure sysui_qqs_count 5

This command (injected via ADB on PC) force activation of the additional panels. Careful: requires the developer mode to be turned on!

Method 3: Use of third-party launchers (for all models)

If standard methods don't work, alternative launchers will come to the rescue, adding not only a left screen, but also more customization options.

To set up a left swipe in Nova Launcher:

1. Open the launcher settings.
2. Go to Gestures and Entrances → Swipe up/down/left/right.
3. Select the swipe action to the left (for example, Open the app or Show the panel).

⚠️ Warning: Some launchers (e.g., POCO Launcher) conflict with MIUI system gestures. Backup your settings before installing!

How to customize the left desktop: widgets, wallpaper, icons

Now that the left panel is added, it's time to personalize it.

1. Widgets:

• 📅 Calendar: Google Calendar or Mi Calendar widget with upcoming events.
• 📊 Statistics: Digital Wellbeing widget to track phone usage times.
• 🎵 Music: Spotify or Mi Music player with playback control.

Wallpaper:

The left panel can have separate wallpapers.

1. Hold your finger on the left screen.
2. Select Wallpaper → for the current screen.
3. Upload an image or select from the gallery.

Hidden functions:

On MIUI 14, the left panel supports dynamic wallpaper (responsive to the time of day) and transparency of widgets.

1. Go to Settings → Display → Additional.
2. Activate Adaptive Transparency.

💡

If the widgets on the left panel are not updated, restart your phone or clear the launcher cache in Settings → Apps → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache.

Problem Solving: The left panel is not working or is gone

Sometimes, after you update or reset your settings, the left panel stops opening. Here's a list of reasons and solutions:

If nothing helps, try resetting the launcher settings:

adb shell pm clear com.mi.android.launcher

This command will reset all desktop customizations, but return the left panel to its original state.

💡

Before resetting the launcher, export its settings (if using Nova Launcher or analogues) through Backup in the launcher menu.

Hidden chips of the left panel: which will not tell Xiaomi

Few people know, but the left panel in MIUI hides undocumented features.

Quick interpreter:

If you add the Google Translate widget to the left screen, the swipe to the left will instantly scan the text from the screen (hold your finger on the text → Translate).

The secret regime:

On MIUI 13+, the left panel can become a hidden desktop.

1. Add an app folder to it.
2. Hold the folder → Hide the name.
3. Now swipe left will open the "invisible" applications.

3. Integration with Mi AI:

On the Xiaomi 13 Pro and newer, the left panel supports voice commands.Say "Hey, Xiao AI" on the left screen to quickly launch the assistant.

The smart home screen:

If you have Mi Home devices, add the Smart Home widget to the left panel, and now the swipe to the left will show the status of all sensors (temperature, humidity, cameras).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the left desktop on Xiaomi