How to completely disable the widget tape on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: a step-by-step guide

The widget tape on the left of the main screen in MIUI on the Xiaomi Redmi 7A is a useful tool for quick access to weather, calendar and notes. But many users find it intrusive: it takes up space, slows down animations and accidentally opens when swiping. Unfortunately, the standard settings do not have a "Remove tape" button - it can only be hidden or deactivated bypass methods.

In this article, we will discuss 3 working ways to disable the widget tape on Redmi 7A (relevant to MIUI 10–14): through the launcher settings, using a third-party application and the ADB team. Each method has its own nuances - from simple concealment to complete removal of the system component.

⚠️ Important: Before changing system settings, back up your data. Some methods may cause a launcher to crash or require you to reset your settings.

Why the widget tape interferes: the main complaints of users

According to surveys on the 4PDA and Mi Community forums, more than 60 percent of Redmi 7A owners want to remove their widget tape.

  • πŸ“± Random Discoveries: Swipe left from the far left icon on the home screen.
  • 🐒 Slowing down the interface: tape loads data in the background, which affects the performance of a budget smartphone.
  • πŸ“Š Unnecessary information: weather, news and calendar are duplicated in other apps.
  • πŸ”„ Inconvenient location: on Redmi 7A permittingly 720Γ—1440 tape 30% screenwidth.

Interestingly, new versions of MIUI 13/14 allow you to turn off the tape in 2 clicks, while Redmi 7A (with MIUI 10-12) has reduced this functionality, which is due to Xiaomi’s policy: budget models often block β€œadvanced” settings to stimulate the transition to flagships.

πŸ“Š You use the widget tape on Redmi. 7A?
Yeah, regularly.
Sometimes.
No, she's in the way.
Already off.
I don't know what it is.

Method 1: Hiding the tape through the launcher settings (without root)

The safest method is to turn off the tape without deleting it completely, and it won't free up memory, but it will prevent random discovery.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for tape cover

Done: 0 / 4

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Home screen.
  2. Select the launcher settings (in some firmware - Additional).
  3. Find the option of the Widget Ribbon or Left screen and move the slider to the β€œOff” position.
  4. Reboot your smartphone (required!).

⚠️ Note: some custom firmware may not have this item. If you don't have an option, go to Method 2.

MIUI versionAvailability of optionNotes
MIUI 10 Global❌ No.Requires an ADB or third-party launcher
MIUI 11–12⚠️ Partially.The option appears after the System Launcher update
MIUI 13+βœ… Yes.The item is called Left Screen.

If after the reboot the tape still appears, try resetting the launcher settings: go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Launcher and click Reset settings.

πŸ’‘

When you turn off the tape, you will have room for an additional desktop. To add a new screen, press the empty space on the home screen with your finger and select Add Screen.

Method 2: Installation of a third-party launcher (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

Alternative launchers allow you to completely replace the standard interface MIUI, including widget tape, the best options for Redmi 7A:

  • 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports gestures, adaptive icons and no ads.
  • πŸ”§ Apex Launcher – lightweight launcher with wide lock screen settings.
  • πŸ“± Lawnchair – imitates β€œclean” Android with support for dark theme.

How to determine:

  1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
  2. Open the application and select it as the default launcher in the window that appears.
  3. In the settings of the new launcher, find the Home Screen β†’ Left Screen section and turn it off.
  4. To completely remove MIUI widgets, go to Settings β†’ Applications, find System Launcher, and click Disable.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling the system launcher may cause some functions to malfunction MIUI, for example:

  • Weather and calendar widgets will no longer be updated.
  • Access to Quick Commands will disappear (swipe down on the home screen).
  • There may be a gulf of animation transitions between screens.

If after installing a third-party launcher, the smartphone began to warm or discharge quickly, go back to the standard System Launcher and try Method 3.

How do you get back the standard launcher?
To restore the MIUI launcher, go to Settings β†’ Applications, find the System Launcher disabled, click Enable and select it as the default launcher.

Method 3: Disable the tape via ADB (for power users)

This method completely removes the widget tape at the system level, but requires a computer connection and knowledge of commands. ADB. Suitable for MIUI 10-14 on the Redmi. 7A.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Android computer SDK Platform-Tools.
  • πŸ“± Included Debugging by USB smartphone.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Connect Redmi 7A to your PC and type in the command line: Adb devices If the device is not defined, install MIUI drivers.
  4. Execute the command to turn off the tape: adb shell pm hide com.miui.home/.launcher.WidgetContainer
  5. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

⚠️ Warning: If the launcher stopped working after the restart, restore it by the team:

adb shell pm unhide com.miui.home

This method does not delete system files, but only hides the component from the user. To return the tape, you just need to run the unhide command or reset the settings.

πŸ’‘

The ADB method is the only way to remove the tape completely without root rights, but it requires caution: the wrong commands can disrupt the interface.

What to do if the tape still appears?

If after all the manipulations, the widget tape continues to open, check the following points:

  • πŸ”„ Update MIUI: Some firmware automatically restore system components. β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ“¦ Launcher Cash: Clear System Launcher application data in Settings β†’ Annexes.
  • πŸ”§ Resetting: the last option is reset to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!).
  • πŸ› οΈ Castom firmware: If you have an informal firmware installed (like LineageOS), the tape can be part of its interface.

If the problem persists, try an alternative method:

  1. Install the Hide Tuilauncher app (requires ADB).
  2. Connect to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.home
  3. Install any third-party launcher (like Nova) and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: Disabling the system launcher via pm disable-user may result in the inability to use certain functions MIUI, like-minded:

  • Theme shop.
  • Quick commands (Google Assistant will remain operational).
  • Animations of the transition between screens.

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

To help determine, we have compiled a comparative table:

MethodDifficultyPC requiredRisk of failureEfficiency
Launcher settings⭐❌ No.⚠️ Low.Hiding the tape, but not removing it
Third-party launcher⭐⭐❌ No.⚠️⚠️ Medium.Complete removal, but lost MIUI functions
ADB-teamβ­β­β­βœ… Yes.⚠️⚠️⚠️ High-pitchedComplete shutdown at the system level
Hide Tuilauncherβ­β­β­βœ… Yes.⚠️⚠️⚠️ High-pitchedMaximum efficiency but risk of loss of function

For most Redmi 7A users, the best solution would be to install a third-party launcher (like Nova), which requires no root rights, maintains system stability and offers additional customization options.

If you’re ready for experimentation and want to get rid of the tape completely, use ADB. But remember: any changes at the system level may require resetting or flashing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling widget tape

Can I turn off the tape without a computer?
Yes, but only if your version of MIUI has an option in the launcher settings (see Method 1). If it is not, you will need either a third-party launcher or an ADB (and it requires a PC).
Why did the wallpaper on the main screen disappear after the tape was turned off?
This is a famous MIUI 11-12 bug. To get back wallpaper: Set wallpaper again through Settings β†’ Wallpaper. Reboot your smartphone. If it didn't work, reset the launcher settings to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ System Launcher β†’ Storage β†’ Clear data.
Will Google Discover work after you turn off the feed?
No. Google Discover (swipe right on the home screen) and MIUI widget tape are different components. To activate Discover, install the Google App and select it as the primary widget in the launcher settings.
Can I return the tape after disconnecting through ADB?
Yes, the team: adb shell pm unhide com.miui.home/.launcher.WidgetContainer If the tape does not appear - restart the device or reset the launcher settings.
Why did the tape reset again after resetting?
Resets all system settings back to factory settings, including the widget tape, and to remove it, repeat the method you have chosen (settings, launcher or ADB).