Owning a Xiaomi smartphone offers users the widest customization options, allowing them to turn a standard interface into a unique space that reflects your style. Many owners of Redmi and Poco devices are faced with the desire to change the visual design immediately after purchase, as the standard shell can seem too familiar or, conversely, overloaded elements. The personalization process involves not just replacing wallpaper, but also a deep restructuring of the logic of the system.
Modern versions of MIUI and the new HyperOS provide built-in deep customization tools, but users often need to go beyond the standard settings. You can completely replace the launcher, change the application grid, add specific widgets or even hide system elements that interfere with the perception of content. It is important to understand that any interference with system files or installing third-party shells requires care.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to transform the interface of your device, we will look at both standard methods available to each user without the risk of loss of warranty, and more advanced techniques for experienced enthusiasts. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid accidental errors in the configuration of the system.
Built-in personalization capabilities MIUI and HyperOS
Before you resort to installing third-party software, it is worth exploring the enormous potential that Xiaomi engineers have put into their shells: the system allows you to change not only static images, but also dynamic elements such as Always On Display and the style of system fonts.
To get started, you need to open the Themes app, which is pre-installed on all the brand’s devices. Here you’ll find thousands of free and paid sets that change icons, notification sounds, wallpaper, and even unlock animations. Installing the theme is the fastest way to change the main screen on Xiaomi beyond recognition.
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Before installing a new theme from a third-party source, take a screenshot of the current icon configuration to know where the apps that are important to you are located.
Special attention should be paid to the functions of “Second space” or “Full screen” mode, which also affect the perception of the interface, new versions of firmware have the ability to adjust the size of icons and captions under them directly in the desktop editor, you need to pinch two fingers on the desktop or keep your finger on an empty area for a long time.
⚠️ Note: Some topics may conflict with system fonts, making text unreadable. If the interface becomes incorrect after installing the theme, immediately return to the standard theme "Classic" through the settings or the Themes app.
Remember that widgets play a key role in organizing space. With MIUI 14 and HyperOS, widgets have become interactive and more informative. You can combine them in many ways to create unique compositions that are not only beautiful, but also functional.
Using third-party launchers to completely change the interface
If the standard Xiaomi shell features don’t suit you, the most effective solution is to install a third-party launcher, which is a special application that completely replaces the standard desktop, offering new management logic, animation and appearance. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Lawnchair and Microsoft Launcher.
Once you install the app from Google Play Market, the system will automatically prompt you to select it as your default launcher.You can also do this manually by going to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (top right) → Access to special permits → Default launcher: Select newly installed application.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher: the benchmark for speed and flexibility of settings, allowing you to change literally every pixel of the screen.
- 🌿 Lawnchair: A great choice for those who love pure Pixel-style Android with responsive icon design.
- 💼 Microsoft Launcher: Ideal for Integration with Windows Ecosystem and Office Services.
- 🎨 Smart Launcher: Automatically sorts apps by category, making navigation easier.
Using third-party launchers on HyperOS may require additional permissions. Xiaomi's security system may limit the background operation of such applications to save battery power. To ensure that the launcher runs stable and animations are smooth, you need to configure autostart and no battery limitations.
Importantly, some system functions, such as control gestures or Mi widgets, may behave differently when using a third-party interface. However, modern launchers have learned to emulate most system functions, minimizing inconvenience. Experiment with different options to find the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Set up grids, icons and fonts
The interface detailing is what distinguishes a professionally tuned smartphone from an out-of-the-box device.In screen settings, you can change the number of rows and columns, which directly affects the density of icons. The standard grid is usually 5x6, but it can be extended to 6x7 or even more on high-resolution screens.
To change the grid settings, go to Settings → Desktop or call the desktop editing menu. The following options are available here:
- 📐 Grid size: Selecting the number of elements in a row and column.
- 🔤 Signatures: the ability to hide the names of applications under the icons for a minimalist look.
- 📱 Scale: Resize all interface elements at once.
The topic store offers a special focus on fonts, which can download and install third-party fonts that dramatically change the way you read text, but it's also worth remembering that fonts that are too pretentious can make it difficult to use a smartphone in everyday life, especially for people with low vision.
☑️ Checklist of the perfect screen setting
If you want to create a truly unique design, try combining different sets of icons. Many launchers allow you to assign customized icons to each application. It's a time-consuming process, but the result is that your interface will be completely unique.
Working with widgets and folders
Widgets are live desktop elements that display relevant information without having to open apps. Xiaomi’s shells have a powerful widget system that includes hours, weather, notes, activity trackers, and more. Using widgets correctly turns the home screen into a pilot’s dashboard.
To add a widget, swipe to the right of the first screen (to get into the screen «-1» You can either press and hold your finger on the empty side of your desktop, then select "Widgets," where you can drag and drop items, resize them, and combine them into groups.
Folders allow you to structure applications and save space. In MIUI, folders can come in different sizes and styles. You can create a folder, name it, and change the color of the background or shape. Some themes offer extended folders with preview content.
| Type of widget | Functional | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Hours and date | Time mapping, alarm clocks | Low. |
| Weather. | Temperature, forecast, precipitation | Medium (requires GPS/network) |
| Notes | Quick access to the to-do list | Low. |
| Stepper | Counting of steps taken | Medium (using sensors) |
| Managing music | Playlist, track switching | Low. |
⚠️ Attention: A large number of active widgets, especially those that are updated in real time (weather, news), can significantly increase battery consumption.
Experiment with the layout of widgets by creating logical groups, for example, put widgets for productivity on the top screens, and entertainment on the bottom, which will increase the ergonomics of using the device with one hand.
Hiding applications and protecting privacy
One of the important features of customization is the ability to hide certain applications from the home screen, which is useful not only for aesthetics (to remove rarely used system software), but also for privacy protection. Xiaomi has a built-in mechanism for hiding applications, available without installing additional software.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Applications → Hide applications (the path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI). Once the function is enabled on the desktop, swipe two fingers from the edges of the screen to the center (plug out) to open the hidden folder.
And then there's Second Space, which creates a completely separate desktop with its own apps, accounts and files, and switching between spaces is fast and can be protected by different fingerprints, and it's the perfect way to share your work and personal lives on the same device.
How to hide system applications?
Keep in mind that hiding an app from the screen doesn’t remove it from memory or disable notifications. If your goal is complete digital hygiene, consider turning off unnecessary system services through the special features menu.
Return to factory interface settings
Experimenting with themes, launchers, and settings can cause you to accidentally get confused or experience unstable system performance. In such cases, it’s helpful to know how to return Xiaomi’s home screen to its original state.
To reset your desktop settings, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the Desktop app (or System Launcher) in the list. Inside the app menu, select Clear → All data. This action will return the location of icons, widgets and grid settings to factory values.
If you have installed a third-party launcher and want to get rid of it, just uninstall the application.The system will automatically prompt you to return the standard Xiaomi launcher. If this does not happen, go to Settings → Applications → Default Launcher and select the system option.
- 🔄 Reset themes: Open the Topic Appendix → Profile → Topics → Choose "Classic» → Apply.
- 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Helps if the interface is slow after changing the topic.
- ⚙️ Reset screen settings: Through the Desktop menu in the application settings.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing the Desktop data will remove all folders, widgets and icon order you created. Make sure important shortcuts are not lost, or take a preview of the current organization of the space.
Regular cleaning in the interface settings helps keep the device running fast, remove themes you don’t use, and disable unnecessary widgets to make the system work as efficiently as possible.