Xiaomi and Redmi are famous not only for their affordable price, but also for the widest personalization capabilities that MIUI and now HyperOS provide. The standard interface you see right after you buy is just the tip of the iceberg of possibilities. Many users do not even suspect that they can completely change the appearance of the operating system without resorting to complex modifications or installing third-party launchers.
Changing the style of the desktop allows you to turn an impersonal device into a unique gadget that reflects your character, which can be strict minimalism for work or bright anime for entertainment. The process of setting up is intuitive, but in recent versions of firmware, some functions have been moved or renamed, which can cause difficulties for beginners.
In this article, we'll take a look at all the customization options available, from simply changing wallpaper to deeply customizing your icon and font grid, and you'll learn to use the system's built-in tools to create a truly unique visual experience, and being experimental is all you need to get started on the transformation.
Using the Application Topics for Global Change
The main tool for changing visual style is the built-in Themes app, which is where thousands of ready-made solutions created by Xiaomi and independent designers are concentrated, and to get into the catalog, you just need to find the corresponding icon in the menu or click on it from the desktop if the widget is already added.
Inside the store, you'll find not just static images, but full-fledged packages that change the design of system windows, notification curtains, and even charging animations. Global theme change touches all interface elements, ensuring the integrity of perception. Some themes may be paid or require subscriptions, but there are plenty of free options with high quality execution.
When choosing a theme, look for a preview that shows what the app icons will look like. Often, a beautiful shell conflicts with the usual layout of the items. Once a new theme is installed, the system may suggest a reboot, but in most cases, the changes are applied instantly.
- 🎨 Open the Themes app and go to the "Profile" or "My Pages" tab".
- 📂 Select the "Themes" section and catalog by category or ranking.
- ⬇️ Click Download and then Apply to activate the selected style.
- 🔄 If you don’t like the result, go back to your profile and select the theme “Classic” or “No topic".
⚠️ Warning: When installing themes from third-party sources or unofficial stores, be careful. Some modified themes may contain malicious code or cause unstable system operation, leading to freezes in the interface.
Setting up the icon grid and font size
If you think a global theme change is unnecessary, you can limit yourself to fine-tuning elements. Xiaomi allows you to flexibly manage the desktop grid, which directly affects the number of widgets and icons displayed. This is especially true for users who prefer a dense layout of elements for quick access.
You can change the font size and scale of interface elements through the screen settings menu, which is a useful feature for people with low vision or those who prefer large typography, and allows you to adjust these parameters regardless of the chosen topic, which gives you an additional level of control.
☑️ Setting up the desktop grid
To access these settings, you need to pinch the empty space on the desktop and select Settings. Here you will see sliders or ready-made grid options, such as 4x5, 5x6 or even denser options on large screens. Pixel density (DPI) can also be changed in advanced settings, but this requires caution.
| Setup parameter | Impact on the interface | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Grid size | Number of icons in row and column | 5x6 for screens 6.5"+ |
| Scope of typeface | Readability of text in menus and applications | Medium or Large. |
| Size of icons | Visual weight of elements on the screen | Default or +1 |
| Reticulation | Distance between elements | Minimum |
Remember, changing the font size can cause some applications to display text incorrectly or "go" layout in the system menus. In such cases, just return the slider to its original position. Experiment with settings gradually to find the perfect balance between informativeness and aesthetics.
Work with widgets and components Mi UI
Modern versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shell have taken a huge step forward in widgets, not just static clocks or calendars, but interactive elements that can completely change the way you experience your desktop. Mi UI components allow you to add weather, music, notes and even smart home controls to your screen.
To add a widget, you need to pinch the empty space on the screen and select the "Vidgets" (or "Components") button. A gallery will open where all elements are divided into categories. Particular attention should be paid to Google widgets, which perfectly integrate into the Android environment of Xiaomi, providing relevant information without opening applications.
Secret widgets in MIUI
Use transparent background widgets to create a depth and integration effect with your wallpaper. Many themes in the theme store include unique sets of widgets that are not available in the standard set. Interactive widgets allow you to control music or see steps directly from the lock screen or desktop.
- 📅 Calendar widgets can display events a month in advance, taking up half the screen.
- 🎵 Music players in the form of widgets often have a stylish design with animation covers.
- 🔋 Battery charge indicators in the form of large numbers look futuristic against a black background.
- 📸 Quick access to the camera or flashlight via the widget saves time in critical situations.
Customization of the lock screen and Always on Display
The lock screen is the first thing you see when you pick up a smartphone. Xiaomi offers a wealth of functionality for its design, including the feature Always On Display (AOD) for AMOLED-This technology allows you to display time, date and notifications on the screen off, using minimal energy.
You can set up AOD through the Wallpaper and Personalization menu -> Lock screen. There are different styles of watches available: analog, digital, minimalist. Some models support the Magic Lock screen, which shows beautiful photos of nature or animals every time the device wakes up.
💡
To save battery power, set up an automatic shutdown of Always On Display at night or when the smartphone is in your pocket (using a proximity sensor).
It is important to note that constant AOD operation can slightly increase battery consumption, although on modern models optimization is done perfectly. You can adjust the function schedule so that it is activated only at certain hours or when notifications arrive. Personalization of the lock screen makes using the smartphone more enjoyable and informatio.
⚠️ Attention: Using complex animated wallpaper on the lock screen in combination with Always On Display can lead to faster wear of the matrix AMOLED-screen (pixel burnout) with prolonged operation at maximum brightness.
Installation of third-party launchers for complete freedom
If you don't have the built-in MIUI capabilities, you can always turn to third-party solutions. Installing an alternative launcher like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchair gives you almost unlimited power over the interface. It's a radical step that changes the logic of working with a smartphone.
Third-party launchers allow you to customize gestures, app curtail animations, hide icons, and create complex folder scenarios. However, it’s worth remembering that they can consume more battery and RAM than Xiaomi’s optimized system launcher.
To install a third-party launcher, just download APK-You can find the file or the application in the Google Play Store. Once installed, the system will prompt you to choose it by default. You can return to the standard interface at any time through the application settings by selecting "Default App" ->"Desktop".
| The name of the launcher | The main thing. | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Maximum flexibility and ease | Tall. |
| Microsoft Launcher | Integration with the Windows ecosystem | Low. |
| Niagara Launcher | Minimalism and One-Hand Management | Medium |
| Smart Launcher | Automatic sorting of applications | Low. |
With third-party launchers, some system features such as swipes to call the control menu or quick search may be problematic. In newer versions of Android and MIUI, the system actively restricts third-party launchers for security and interface uniformity. Installing a third-party launcher on Xiaomi often requires additional permissions in the special features menu.
Frequent questions and problem-solving
When you change your style, you often get to ask questions like, why did the icons disappear after you install the theme? Usually, this is a feature of the theme itself, but sometimes you need to manually enable the signatures in your desktop settings.
Another common question is resetting, and if you don't like the new style and the system doesn't work properly, you can always reset the launcher, and it'll bring it back to the factory without losing any personal data, photos or contacts.
💡
Resetting launcher settings is a safe way to bring back the standard desktop look if experimenting with themes has led to chaos on the screen.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with settings, as Xiaomi provides many return points. If you’re stuck in the menu or can’t find the right option, try searching the phone’s settings by entering a keyword like “font” or “grid.”
- 🔍 Use search in settings to quickly find hidden parameters.
- 🔄 Regularly update the Themes app to access new features and fixes.
- 💾 Backup your launcher settings if you use third-party apps.
- 📱 Check the compatibility of the themes with your Android version before installing.