Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the desire to personalize the interface immediately after buying a device. The standard MIUI shell or the new HyperOS provide powerful customization tools, but not all of them are obvious at first glance. Changing the appearance of the desktop allows not only to express individuality, but also to make using the gadget more convenient and ergonomic.
The process of transforming the screen can range from simply changing the wallpaper to deeply reworking the menu structure. You don't need to be a technical specialist to make changes. The system offers built-in tools that are safe for the device and do not require superuser rights. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to help you create a unique environment.
It's worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and regional firmware. However, the logic of the settings menu remains the same for most of the brand's current models. Get ready to dive into the world of settings to turn a standard screen into a piece of digital art.
Using the Application Topics for Global Change
The easiest and most effective way to make a big difference in your smartphone is to use the Themes app, which is pre-installed on all the brand’s devices and provides access to thousands of custom designs, and you can find designs that change not only icons, but also the style of system windows, notification curtains, and even sounds.
To get started, you need to launch the app and go to the Profile or My Pages tab, where you often hide additional design settings, and you can find both free and paid themes created by both the official designers and the community, and you can filter results by popularity, date of addition or user rating.
Once you have selected your favorite design, click Download and then Apply. The system will automatically replace the current interface elements with new ones. If you don't like the result, you can always go back to the standard design or choose another theme in the "My Topics" section.
⚠️ Note: Some third-party themes may contain ads or require additional permissions. Always check the topic ranking and reviews before installing to avoid unwanted system behavior.
Setting up the icon grid and font size
If you don't want a global theme change, but the standard layout of the elements seems inconvenient, you should consult the screen settings. In the shells of MIUI and HyperOS, you can adjust the density of shortcuts, this is especially true for users with thumbs or those who prefer minimalism.
To change the grid, you need to pinch the empty space on the desktop or pinch the two fingers (to bring your fingers together). In the bottom menu that appears, select Settings. Here you will find options to change the number of rows and columns. The standard value is usually 5x6, but it can be reduced to 4x5 or increased to 6x7 depending on the screen diagonal.
☑️ Optimizing the desktop
In the same menu, you can often customize the font size of the icons and the captions below them. Increase the font improves readability for people with visual impairment, and reduce it allows you to fit more information on a single screen. Remember that too small a font can make the interface unreadable in bright sunlight.
Changes take effect instantly. You can experiment with different combinations until you find a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Remember, a dense grid can visually overload space, so it's important to observe the measure.
Adding and customizing widgets on the screen
Widgets are dynamic elements that display information directly to the desktop without having to open applications. Recent versions of MIUI and HyperOS have introduced support for new format widgets that look more modern and interactive than their classic counterparts.
To add a widget, you can long-press the free area of the screen and select "Widgets" in the bottom menu. The gallery of available items will open. Here are the clock, weather, step counters, notes and smart home control tools. Some widgets can be stretched by changing their size from 2x2 to 4x2 grid cells.
| Type of widget | Functional | Recommended size |
|---|---|---|
| Hours and date | Time mapping, alarm clock. | 4x2 or 2x2 |
| Weather. | Temperature, forecast, humidity | 4x2 |
| Notes | Quick access to the to-do list | 2x2 |
| Battery | Charging the phone and headphones | 2x1 |
| Screenshots | Gallery of the latest screenshots | 2x2 |
Special attention should be paid to memory and battery widgets that allow you to start cache cleaning or system optimization in one click, which eliminates the need to open the Security app every time.
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Use transparent widgets to harmoniously combine with any wallpaper, without completely overlapping the background image.
Hiding applications and organizing folders
Desktop cleanliness has a direct impact on productivity. If you have a lot of apps that you rarely use, it's better to hide them or put them in folders. Xiaomi has a built-in Hidden Apps feature that allows you to remove shortcuts from view, leaving them accessible through a special gesture or password.
To activate this feature, go to Settings -> Apps -> Hidden Apps. Here you can select programs that should disappear from the main screen. These usually require unlocking the phone and making a gesture (for example, spreading your fingers on the desktop), although newer versions access is via search or settings.
Folder organization is another powerful tool. Just drag and drop an icon to create a folder. You can rename it, color the background, and even change the style of content display. In HyperOS, folders can be large, allowing applications to run with one touch, without opening the folder completely.
⚠️ Warning: Hiding system applications (such as Phone, Messages, or Settings) can make it impossible to use the device properly.
Installation of third-party launchers
If you don't have enough of the standard shell, you can always install a third-party launcher from Google Play, programs that completely replace the desktop interface, app menus and control panel. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher.
Once you install a third-party launcher, the system will ask which application to use as default for the home screen. By choosing a new launcher, you will have access to hundreds of additional animation, gesture and appearance settings. However, it is worth remembering that third-party launchers can consume more battery life.
How do you get back the standard launcher?
When using alternative shells, some MIUI features, such as control gestures or specific widgets, may not work properly or be available. This is a fee for greater flexibility in setting up.
Setting up the Always On Screen (AOD)
While it’s not quite a desktop in the classic sense, the lock screen and Always On Display are the first things a user sees.In Wallpaper and Personalization settings –> Always on screen, you can choose the style of displaying time, date and notifications on the display turned off.
There are different styles available, from simple digital watches to animated figures and captions. You can customize your work schedule. AOD, So it's only going to turn on at certain times or it's going to react to touch, which will help save battery life. AMOLED-Xiaomi smartphone screens this feature looks especially impressive.
Some themes downloaded through the Themes app can automatically change the style of the lock screen, synchronizing it with the overall design of the system. This creates a holistic visual experience of the device. Experiment with different styles to find one that fits your rhythm of life.
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Complex change of the desktop includes not only the change of wallpaper, but also competent setting of the grid, widgets and hiding of unnecessary elements for maximum efficiency.