How to completely disable the widget tape on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: all working methods

The MIUI widget tape on Xiaomi Redmi 4X is the left-hand side of the home screen that automatically shows the weather, calendar, quick notes and app recommendations. For many users, this interface element becomes a source of annoyance: it takes up space, slows down the system and distracts with unnecessary information, especially for a budget smartphone released in 2017, where every megabyte of RAM counts.

Unlike Xiaomi’s newer models, where tape can be turned off in two clicks, Redmi 4X with MIUI 8-10 requires additional manipulation. In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways, from standard settings to hidden shell features that work without root rights. You’ll also learn how to return the tape back if you need it, and what to do if there are bugs in the system after the shutdown.

Why the widget tape is interfering with the Redmi 4X

On the Redmi 4X with 2/3GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 435 processor, each background process affects performance. The widget tape doesn't just take up space on the screen - it:

• 🔄 Updates data in the background (weather, currency rates, news), consuming traffic and battery power.
• 🐢 Loads animations when swiping, which causes slowing on the weak gland.
• 📱 Blocks gestures (e.g. swipe left to call Google Assistant).
• 🚫 It is not possible to remove standard means in older versions. MIUI.

According to tests, disabling the widget tape on the Redmi 4X saves up to 120 MB of RAM and increases battery life by 4-6 hours when used actively. However, there is a downside: some system applications (such as Calendar or Notes) may lose fast access to their functions.

Method 1: Disconnect via theme settings (works on MIUI 8–9)

This is the easiest method that does not require additional applications to be installed, and it is suitable for owners of Redmi 4X with unmodified firmware:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the section My → Settings of topics.
3. Find the option of the Widget Ribbon (or Left Screen in English versions).
4. Move the slider to the off position.
5. Reboot your smartphone (required!).

⚠️ Note: Some localized versions MIUI If you don't see the Widget Ribbon option, try changing the region to India or Global (see Method 4).

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Method 2: Remove via ADB (for power users)

If standard settings don’t work, you can disable the widget tape using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a technique that requires a computer, but is guaranteed to work on all versions of MIUI for Redmi 4X:

First, turn on USB debugging:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate Debugging on USB.

Now connect your phone to your PC and execute commands in ADB:

adb shell pm hide com.miui.miservice

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.miservice

⚠️ Note: After these commands are executed, the widget tape will disappear, but some system functions may stop working, such as Quick Notes or Scanner. QR-You can use the command to get it back:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.miservice

Method 3: Using third-party launchers

If you don't want to go through the settings, you can just replace the standard launcher with an alternative one. It won't remove the widget tape completely, but it will make it unavailable. 4X:

• 📱 Nova Launcher – lightweight, gestures support, free version.
• ⚡ Lawnchair – open source, minimalist design, optimized for weak devices.
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher – integration with Windows, stable operation on 2 GB of RAM.
• 🔧 POCO Launcher – the official launcher from Xiaomi without widgets and advertising.

After installing the new launcher:

1. Press the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
2. Go to the launcher settings and turn off the option to Show Widget Ribbon (if any).
3. Set your swipe gestures to the left to suit your needs (like calling Google Search).

💡 Useful tip: Before installing a third-party launcher, back up the home screen through Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Backup. This will help you quickly bring back the standard interface if something goes wrong.

Method 4: Change the region of the system (bypassing restrictions)

On some MIUI firmware, the option to disable the widget tape is hidden for certain regions, so that you can unlock it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Language and Region.
2. Select the United States or India (Global Version).
3. Reboot the phone.
4. Check for the availability of the widgets in the theme settings (see method 1).

⚠️ Note: Changes in the region may lead to:

• I will reset some settings (for example, the date format).
• Advertising in English in system applications.
• Incompatibility with some local services (e.g. Mi Pay)

If after changing the region, the widget tape disappeared, but you need to return the previous settings, do the following:

adb shell settings put global miui_region RU

(Replace the RU with your original region).

💡

Changing the region is a temporary solution. After the MIUI update, the settings may reset and the widget tape will appear again.

Method 5: Manual removal of system APKs (root only)

If you have root rights, you can completely delete the files responsible for the widget tape. This method is irreversible and can lead to unstable system operation, so use it only if other methods have not helped.

You'll need:

• 📱 Root access (for example, via Magisk).
• 🔧 File Manager with support for root (Root Explorer, Solid Explorer).
• 📝 Backup of the system (required!).

Instructions:

1. Open the file manager and go to /system/priv-app/.
2. Find and delete folders: MiuiSystemUI (responsible for the feed interface). MiuiHome (launcher, but not recommended to delete - it is better to disable via ADB).

Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Deleting system files can result in bootloop (locked boot) or loss of functionality (e.g., the notification bar will disappear).Be sure to create a backup through TWRP Or Orange Backup.

🔧 Alternative: Instead of uninstalling, you can freeze problematic apps through Titanium Backup or App Quarantine, which is safer and allows you to bring everything back.

What to do if the widget tape returned after the update

After the MIUI update, the settings are often reset and the widget tape reappears.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📥 Install the firmware manually through TWRP, Pre-removing unnecessary system applications.
• 🔧 Use scripts for Magisk that block tape recovery (e.g, MIUI Debloater).
• 📱 Switch to custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, where there is no default widget tape.

If the tape does return, repeat the steps from method 2 (ADB) or method 5 (root), as they give the most lasting result.

💡 Useful advice: Before updating MIUI Always check the reviews on the forums (for example, 4PDA Often users share scripts to disable unnecessary features in new firmware versions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling widget tape