How to change the multitasking menu on Xiaomi: iOS and Android styles

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones offer users the widest customization options, allowing them to turn a standard interface into something unique. One of the most popular features among enthusiasts is the ability to change the appearance of the multitasking menu to make it look like the iOS operating system or restore the classic style of Android. It’s not just a visual fad, but a matter of ergonomics and habit, because the location of open applications depends on the speed of work.

Owners of devices with MIUI shells and the new HyperOS often face the need to adapt the interface to their needs. Standard settings do not always offer the right option, but there are proven methods to circumvent these limitations. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to change the multitasking menu on Xiaomi using built-in features and third-party launchers.

Before you start taking action, it's important to understand that changing system settings can require careful consideration. We'll look at safe ways that don't require super-user rights, but provide the desired result. Get ready to dive into the world of deep customization of your gadget.

The concept of multitasking in Xiaomi shells

Xiaomi’s multitasking is accomplished through a system process that manages the list of newly launched apps. Unlike pure Android, which uses horizontal card scrolling, MIUI often uses a vertical list, similar to the iPhone, by default, understanding this difference is critical, because navigation depends on the type of application you choose.

Technically, switching between modes is done by changing system flags or installing special interface modules. The launcher (desktop shell) plays a key role here, because it is responsible for rendering the controls. It is difficult to do without changing the launcher or system settings through ADB standard methods.

⚠️ Warning: Before making any changes to system files or installing third-party launchers, make sure you have a backup of important data.Incorrect interface configuration can lead to unstable system operation.

It is worth noting that the settings may vary slightly between firmware versions (Global, China, EEA), but the logic remains the same across the brand ecosystem.

Built-in interface settings MIUI and HyperOS

The first thing the user needs to do is check the standard features of the system. In recent versions of HyperOS and current MIUI builds, the company has added more flexibility, but often hides it in special menus.

To get to the menu, go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI or HyperOS several times. After the message "You are a developer", go back to the main settings menu and select "Additional → For developers", which is where the keys to managing system behavior are hidden.

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If the "Developer For" item doesn't appear after multiple clicks, try restarting the device and repeating the procedure. Sometimes it takes 7 to 10 quick taps.

The developer menu should look for options related to "Inactive Apps" or "Recent App Style." However, on global firmware versions, these items are often blocked, in which case specialized modifier applications come to the rescue.

Using third-party launchers to change style

The most reliable and safest way to change the multitasking menu is to install a third-party launcher. Apps like Launcher iOS 17, Control Center iOSXiaomi.eu (special version of the firmware) allow you to completely redesign the visual style, they replace the standard interface with a copy of iOS or customizable Android.

Once you install the launcher, the system will suggest you choose the default one, and it's important to allow all the permissions you request, including access to window management and on top of other applications, only in this case, the new multitasking style will work correctly when you swipe from the bottom up or press the menu button.

• 📱 Download the selected launcher from the official Google Play store or a verified source.
• ⚙️ Install the app and start the initial setup.
• 🔄 When you request a system, select "Always Use" for a new launcher.
• 🎨 Set up the style of the multitasking menu in the parameters of the launcher itself.

Using third-party shells not only gives you a new look, but also additional features such as improved gestures and animations. However, it is worth remembering that third-party software can consume more battery life than the standard solution.

Configure with MiXplorer or Activity Launcher

For those who don't want to install heavy launchers, there's a more subtle way to adjust through hidden system activities, and using utilities like Activity Launcher or the MiXplorer file manager with process viewing rights, you can find a hidden interface settings menu that requires care, but doesn't change the whole shell.

In the Activity Launcher application, you need to find the process responsible for the launcher (usually called com.miui.home), which searches for activities containing the words "Recents", "Task" or "Settings" and can open a hidden menu where you can choose the style of the multitasking menu.

com.miui.home/.recents.RecentsStyleSettingsActivity

If you have this activity in your firmware version, running it will open a style selection menu, where you can switch from vertical to horizontal or vice versa, and it's a clean way, and you don't need to install any unnecessary interfaces.

Style Comparison: iOS vs Android

Choosing between a vertical (iOS) and horizontal (Android) app list is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also one-handed usability. On large screens of Xiaomi smartphones, vertical scrolling is often more ergonomic, as the thumb is easier to reach elements from top to bottom.

The horizontal style of pure Android users allows you to quickly capture all open tasks, if there are few, but with a large number of applications running, navigation can become less convenient.

Objectively, the vertical list benefits in access speed to the last app used, because it is always at the top or bottom of the list, while the horizontal option is better suited for tablets or devices with very wide screens.

Solving problems and mistakes

Users may face a variety of problems during the setup process, such as a constant return to a standard launcher or animation bugs, often due to the aggressive MIUI energy saving system that unloads third-party processes from memory.

To avoid spontaneous resetting, you need to lock the selected launcher in memory, open the multitasking menu, find the launcher window, pinch it and select the lock icon, which will prevent the system from closing the process automatically.

⚠️ Note: Some banking apps and Google Pay may not work properly on modified launchers due to environmental security checks.

It is also worth mentioning that after updating the system, the settings of the third-party launcher can fly, in which case the configuration procedure will have to be re-configured, but the data is usually saved if the application cache is not cleared.

Optimizing the work after changes

Once you’ve managed to change the multitasking menu on Xiaomi, a little optimization is recommended. The new interface may otherwise be running out of GPU resources. Make sure the display settings have the right refresh rate to make the animations look smooth.

If you notice slowdowns, try reducing the number of animations on the developer menu, find the "Scale of window animations," "Scale of transition animations," and set a 0.5x value, which will make the interface visually faster and more responsive.

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Using lightweight launchers (like Nova Launcher in conjunction with plugins) often gives better results and stability than heavy iOS copies that can load the processor.

Clean the launcher cache regularly if it starts to work unstable. This is done through Settings → Apps → All Apps → Your launcher → Clear the cache. It is important not to confuse cleaning the cache with cleaning the data, so as not to bring down all settings.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions