Many smartphone owners face intrusive functionality that comes with a system upgrade or initial device setup, especially in low-end models where manufacturers try to compensate for the low cost of the device by integrating ad modules. One of the most annoying elements of the interface in the MIUI shell is the so-called “wallpaper carousel” or widget tape that opens with a swipe to the left on the home screen.
This component not only consumes system resources, but can significantly reduce the autonomy of the gadget due to the constant background load of content. On the Redmi 9 model, this problem is especially acute, since the device is based on an energy-saving processor, and any unnecessary processes are noticeable immediately. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to eliminate this element, returning your smartphone to cleanliness and performance.
There are several levels of locking, from simply turning off settings to using special commands for advanced users. It is important to understand that by the term "carousel" users often mean different things: it can be a Google News Feed, a proprietary Xiaomi service or a third-party launcher. We will look at each case separately so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.
What is a wallpaper carousel and why it interferes
The carousel in Xiaomi’s ecosystem usually refers to Glance, or its earlier version, Wallpaper Carousel, a mechanism that automatically changes the wallpaper on the lock screen and shows news widgets, ads and recommended content when unlocking a device, which is formally positioned as a useful feature for getting information, but in practice it often turns into a source of visual noise.
The main problem is that this service is deeply integrated into the system processes of the MIUI shell. It works even when the screen is off, waiting for the display to activate. This leads to increased battery consumption, which is critical for the Redmi 9 with its capacity of 5020 mAh, which is already not characterized by record energy efficiency during active operation.
⚠️ Note: Complete removal of system components through ADB This method can lead to unstable operation of the system, and only use it if you understand the risks and have a backup of the data.
In addition, the carousel often collects data about your preferences by analyzing which images you choose or what news you view. For users who value privacy, this becomes an additional argument in favor of disabling the feature.
Disable the Google widget feed (Google Discover)
Often, users confuse the Xiaomi carousel with Google's recommendation tape, which also swipes to the left. These are two different services, but they occupy the same area of the screen. If you swipe left and you see news, weather and recommendations from a searcher, then you need to customize the Google app, not the system wallpaper.
To get rid of this tape, you need to access the launcher's settings. The standard path may vary depending on the firmware version, but the overall algorithm remains the same. You'll need to do a long tap (press) over an empty space on your desktop or do a pinch with two fingers to go into screen editing mode.
In the menu that opens, look for the Settings button or gear icon, usually located in the lower right corner. Inside the launcher settings menu, look for the item associated with Tape or Google Discover. The switch must be moved to the Off position. After that, the swipe to the left will either become empty or will lead to another screen if you have multiple.
- 📱 Make a long press in the free place of the main screen.
- ⚙️ Select the “Settings” item in the lower menu.
- 🔍 Find the "More" or "More" section».
- 🚫 Turn off the “Tape” or “Google Discover” switch».
It is worth noting that in some regions or firmware versions this item may be called «-1 If you can’t find this option, your version of the launcher may not support direct shutdown through the menu, in which case you can try to clear the data of the Google application, but this is a temporary solution, since the settings can be restored after the update.
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If a standard shutdown doesn’t help, try installing a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher, which completely ignores system widget tapes.
Configure system wallpaper and Glance in MIUI
If the problem lies in changing the images on the locked screen and the appearance of the Glance logo or Lockscreen magazine, you need to act through the system settings of the theme. This is an built-in mechanism that Xiaomi is actively promoting in its budget devices, including Redmi 9.
To start, go to your smartphone settings section, find a section called "Always on screen and lock" or just "Block." Inside this menu, there's a section for "Wallpaper Carousel," and that's where the master switch that activates or deactivates the service hides.
Once you log into the merry-go-round menu, you'll see the switch in active condition. It needs to be turned off. The system may try to convince you to leave the function by showing a preview of beautiful images or claiming that it's safe. Ignore these calls if your goal is maximum performance and no traffic.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper carousel | Off. | Reduces RAM consumption |
| The driver | No. | Saving traffic |
| Recommendations | Disconnected. | Takes down the adverts. |
| Statistics | Banned | It increases privacy. |
Also in this section, check the Recommendations settings. Even if the carousel is off, some system services may continue to load content in the background. Disabling all items related to “recommendations” or “personalization improvement” guarantees complete peace of mind.
☑️ Checking the lock settings
Using the Developer Mode to Disable
To further customize the system, you can use the hidden “Developers” menu, which is suitable for those who are not afraid to experiment with system parameters, enabling this mode allows you to manage animations and background processes, which indirectly affects the operation of widgets.
To activate the developer menu, you need to go to the About Phone section in the settings, and you need to find the MIUI version and quickly click on it 7-10 times in a row, the system will tell you that you have become a developer, and then a new option will appear in the main settings menu, "Additional" or immediately "For developers."
Inside this menu, find a section related to window animation or background processes. Although there is no direct switch to turn off the carousel, limiting background processes can prevent wallpaper update services from running, but this method does not guarantee 100% results on all versions of MIUI 12 and above, since system services are of high priority.
⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the developer menu unless you are sure of their purpose.This can lead to incorrect interface operation or data loss.
Another useful option is to disable animations.If the carousel is running with delays, causing "freezes" when unlocked, reducing the animation to 0.5x or completely turning off will make the interface more responsive.This is especially true for Redmi 9, which may have difficulty rendering heavy shell graphics.
Removing system components through ADB
The most radical and effective way is to completely remove the package responsible for the carousel using tools. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer via a computer. USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with the command line.
Before you start, you need to enable USB debugging in the Developer menu that I mentioned earlier. Then connect your phone to your PC, download and install the ADB drivers. Once connected, type in the command to check for communication: adb devices. If the device is determined, you can proceed to uninstall.
The package that is responsible for the carousel is usually called com.miui.misystem or com.android.thememanager depending on the region of the firmware. To remove, type the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.misystem. Be extremely careful when removing only those packets that you are sure of their purpose.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.misystem
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.thememanagerOnce the command is complete, the carousel will disappear irrevocably until you reset to factory settings. This is ideal for power users who want to get a clean Android without imposed services. However, remember that removing system components deprives you of the software warranty.
How to return a deleted package?
Alternative solutions and installation of launchers
If the built-in techniques seem too complex or don't produce the desired result, installing a third-party launcher is a great option.The Google Play store offers a variety of free shells that completely replace Xiaomi's standard interface. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher.
Once you install the launcher, the system will suggest you select the default app for the home screen. If you choose a new launcher, you will get a clean desktop with no built-in carousel and advertising. The swipe to the left in such shells is either absent or customized by the user regardless of the system limitations of MIUI.
In addition, third-party launchers often run faster than standard ones, which has a positive effect on the sense of speed of the Redmi 9. They consume less RAM and do not try to impose news feeds or theme stores on you.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher – Maximum flexibility and performance.
- 🎨 Lawnchair – the interface style of pure Android Pixel.
- 🏢 Microsoft Launcher – great integration with Windows and Office services.
Don't be afraid to change the standard shell. All your apps, contacts and files will stay in place. The only thing that will change is the appearance of the menu and the absence of annoying elements. This is often the only salvation for owners of old or budget models who do not want to put up with the intrusiveness of the manufacturer.
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Installing a third-party launcher is the safest and most effective way to permanently get rid of the carousel without the risk of damaging system files.