How to set up a desktop on Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Owning a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone offers users a wide range of personalization options that often remain hidden in standard settings. The MIUI shell or its new version of HyperOS provides powerful tools to change the appearance of the system without the need to obtain super-user rights. Proper desktop customization not only improves aesthetic perception, but also significantly improves the ergonomics of daily use of the device.

Many users limit themselves to simply installing wallpaper, overlooking features such as resizing app grids, setting up animations, and using third-party launchers. Properly organizing screen space allows you to run the right programs faster and reduces visual noise. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for transforming the interface of your gadget.

It’s worth noting that some features may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and the regional specifics of the device. However, the basic principles remain the same throughout the Redmi Note lineup and budget series. A deep understanding of these mechanisms will allow you to create a unique environment that fully matches your habits.

Basic setting of the grid and size of icons

The first step to perfect space is to change the density of the elements. The standard 5x6 grid is not always convenient, especially on large screens. To change it, you need to go to the settings menu, select the Desktop item, and then go to the Grid section. Here you will see some layout options.

Choosing a tighter grid, such as 6x7 or higher, will allow you to place significantly more shortcuts on one screen without having to flip through. This is especially true for those who use a smartphone to work with many applications at once.

Special attention should be paid to the size of the icons themselves. In some versions of the shell, the function of rescaling the display of interface elements is available. This is done through the Settings menu → Screen → The size of the font and elements. The zooming visually frees up space, making the content more compact.

It's important to understand that changing the grid affects not only the desktop, but also the menu of all applications. Adaptation to a new location usually takes no more than a couple of days, after which the efficiency of the device increases markedly. Don't be afraid to experiment with different configurations to find the perfect balance between roominess and readability.

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Use the “Increase” function in the special features settings if the standard change in font size is not enough for comfortable reading.

Working with widgets and application folders

Widgets are one of the most powerful customization tools in the Xiaomi ecosystem, allowing you to display useful information on the desktop without having to run applications. To add a widget, you need to make a long press on an empty section of the screen and select the widgets item in the bottom menu, the system will offer both standard and third-party options.

Modern versions of MIUI support widgets of different sizes that can be stretched and squeezed with your fingers, which allows you to create complex compositions, for example, where the calendar takes up half the screen and the weather app is only a small corner.

⚠️ Warning: Excessive number of active widgets, especially those that are updated in real time (news, weather, currency rates), can significantly increase battery consumption.

Application folders also require proper organization, so instead of randomly pinching shortcuts, create themes, you can edit the folder names, and in some versions of the shell, you can even change the background color of the folder when you click, which helps you visually structure the space and find the programs you want faster.

• 📱 Use folders to group applications by functions: "Social networks", "Work", "Games".
• 🎨 Combine the colors of the icons inside the folders to create a harmonious visual range.
• 📉 Do not place heavy widgets on the home screen unless you need constant information from them.

The widgets from the apps themselves play a special role. Many programs, such as Spotify, Telegram or banking applications, have their own built-in widgets for quick access to functions, and adding them to the desktop speeds up interaction with services.

Customization of the appearance of icons and fonts

The visual interface is made up of fonts and icons. Themes store in Xiaomi offers a huge library of fonts that change the way text is displayed throughout the system, and you just have to open the Themes app and go to the profile or the Fonts section.

It takes seconds to load and install a new font, but be careful with overly decorative fonts, as they can impair the readability of small text in settings or messages. The best choice is fonts with clear character boundaries and sufficient interletter spacing.

Settings → Screen → Font size and elements → Font

For icons, you can replace the standard set completely by setting a third-party theme, or point-to-point using the Replace icon function, which is to press the icon on the desktop, select Replace, and pick up the image from the gallery or the proposed list, which allows you to create a unique style, even if the overall theme of the system remains standard.

Remember that installing themes from unverified sources can lead to unstable system operation. Use only the official Themes store or proven resources with good reviews. This ensures that there is no malicious code and compatibility with your version of Android.

Use of third-party launchers

If standard MIUI capabilities aren't enough, third-party launchers come to the rescue, and these are apps that completely replace the standard desktop, offering limitless customization options, popular options include Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, and Microsoft Launcher.

Installing a third-party launcher requires several steps. APK-If you have a file or installation from Google Play, the system will request permission to use this application as the main one. You must confirm the action by selecting Always or Default".

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi features, such as control gestures or specific widgets MIUI, They can work incorrectly or be inaccessible with third-party launchers, and the advantage of these solutions is that they can configure literally every pixel, from grid indentations to swipe behavior. You can assign a double tap to launch the camera or swipe up to open the app menu, which turns the smartphone into a truly personalized tool. 🚀 Nova Launcher Prime – lets you customize gestures, folders and animations to the smallest detail. 🌿 Lawnchair is a lightweight launcher that simulates the interface of pure Android (Pixel). 📊 Microsoft Launcher is a great integration with Microsoft services and a personalized news feed. For advanced users, there is the possibility of backing up the launcher configuration. This means that when you buy a new phone or reset your settings, you can restore your ideal desktop in one click without setting everything up again. App hiding and menu organization is solved with a hidden feature. MIUI has a built-in hiding mechanism that doesn't require additional software. Hidden apps disappear from the general list, but remain available through special search input or through settings. To hide the application, go to Settings → Apps → Hidden apps (the path may vary depending on the version). To open hidden apps, you need to unlock your phone and pinch your phone in the menu of all apps (swipe them to the sides), as in zooming a photo. A special window with hidden content will open. In addition, the organization of the All Apps menu is also adjustable. You can sort apps by installation time, frequency of use or alphabetically. In some versions, the Pocket feature for frequently used applications is available, which is at the top of the menu. Regular cleaning of unused software is a good habit. Removing unnecessary shortcuts also makes it easier to find and only if you want to remove it from the desktop. Optimizing animations and performance: Desktop setting is not just about visuals, it's about speed. Animations of transitions, opening windows and folding applications affect the subjective sense of speed. In the "Developers" menu (which you need to activate by quickly clicking on the build number in "About Phone"), you can find the animation zoom parameters. 1x on 0.5x It makes the interface more responsive and sharp. It opens instantly, without any delay. It's one of the most effective ways to speed up an old smartphone without losing functionality. → The phone. → 7 times press "Version" MIUI" → Additional settings → For developers, however, it is worth observing the measure (0x) can make the interface twitchy and unpleasant for perception. Meaning 0.5x It is considered the “golden mean” for most users, maintaining smoothness, but removing tightness. 💡Optimizing the scale of animations to 0.5x — The safest way to speed up the Xiaomi Redmi interface without losing the tab is also worth paying attention to the memory extension feature if it is available on your device. It uses some of the internal memory as RAM, which can help in keeping more applications in the background, although it doesn’t always significantly affect the memory. FPS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Can I return the standard launcher after installing a third party? Yes, it is possible. Go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications, find the launcher installed, click on it and select "Clear Default Values." After that, the system will again ask what to open the desktop, and you can choose the standard one. Why did all desktop settings go wrong after the firmware update? With major Android or other updates MIUI It can reset the launcher to factory settings for stability, and it is recommended to back up the launcher settings before upgrading the system, if the application developer has it. Is it safe to download themes from third-party sources? The official Xiaomi theme store checks content, but themes from unverified sites may contain malicious code. Use only trusted resources and carefully read the permissions that the theme requests when installing. How to make transparent folders on your desktop? In the standard one. MIUI You can't do this without installing the theme. You need to download the theme that supports transparent folders, apply it, and then maybe return your main theme by saving the folder configuration changes (it doesn't work on all versions). Does the number of widgets affect the speed of a smartphone? Yes, active widgets consume CPU and RAM resources to update data. Large numbers of heavy widgets can slow down the device and reduce battery life.