How to completely disable the widget tape on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: a detailed guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro with a shell MIUI is known for its functional left-hand widget panel — quick access to weather, calendar, notes and other services. However, many users feel this tape is superfluous: it takes up space on the screen, accidentally opens when swipes and slows down the system. Especially relevant problem for owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro version MIUI 12-14, where widgets are integrated deeper than in previous builds.

In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to disable the widget tape, from standard settings to hidden features and radical solutions for power users. We will also discuss why the tape can automatically return after the MIUI update and how to avoid it. If you want to free up the left swipe for other actions (for example, for Google Feed) or just get rid of an unnecessary interface element, read on.

Why the widget tape is hindering users of Redmi Note 8 Pro

The left widget bar in MIUI was originally designed to be a convenient tool for quick access to information, but in practice, it causes a number of inconveniences:

• 📱 Random Discoveries: When you try to swipe left in applications (for example, in a browser or gallery), a ribbon call often triggers.
• 🐢 Slowdown: Weather, currency and news widgets are constantly updated in the background, consuming battery and Helio processor resources G90T.
• 🔄 Inability to customize: Unlike the home screen, the tape cannot be completely cleaned or replaced with alternative widgets (e.g. from Google).
• 📵 Gesture conflict: On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with full-screen gestures enabled, tape often intercepts swipes designed for navigation.

According to surveys on the 4PDA and Mi Community forums, more than 60 percent of Redmi Note 8 Pro users have tried to turn off the widget tape at least once, but the official MIUI settings do not have this option — you have to search for hidden menus or use workarounds.

Method 1: Disconnect via hidden MIUI settings (no root)

The most secure method that works on most versions of MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware) does not require superuser rights, but you will need access to the developer settings.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on MIUI Version until the notification “You are a developer” appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

ADB

adb shell settings put secure sysui_left_swipe_action 0

This command disables the action when swipe left on the home screen.

Reset the device.

Once you reboot, the widget tape will disappear, and the swipe to the left will be ignored. If you need to return it, use the command:

adb shell settings put secure sysui_left_swipe_action 1

Developer mode is on

USB debugging activated

Installed ADB drivers on PC

Backup of important data is made-->

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 8 Pro (especially Chinese) this method may work temporarily. After the system update, the tape will return.

Method 2: Use of third-party launchers (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can just replace the standard MIUI launcher with an alternative one, and it won't shut down the widget tape completely, but it will make it unavailable.

• 📱 Nova Launcher: allows you to disable left swipe or reassign it to other actions (for example, opening Google Discover).
• 🌐 Microsoft Launcher: Offers its own news panel that can be turned off completely.
• 🔍 Action Launcher: Supports gestures and swipe customization, including turning off the left panel.

How to set up in Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the empty space on the home screen → Settings → Gestures and inputs.
3. Find the swipe option up/down/left/right and select No action for the left swipe.
4. Save the settings and install Nova Launcher with the default launcher.

The advantage of this method is that it does not risk the system and can return everything back in one click, but note that some MIUI features (such as quick notes or the camera from the home screen) may not work properly.

💡

Before installing a third-party launcher, back up the home screen in Settings → Desktop → Backup. This will help quickly restore the location of the icons if something goes wrong.

Method 3: Radical shutdown through system file editing (root required)

If the first two methods didn’t work (for example, due to a specific version of MIUI), you can go further and edit system files. This method requires root rights and is only suitable for power users!

Instructions:

1. Get root access on the Redmi Note 8 Pro (e.g., via Magisk).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/ and find the file MiuiSystemUI.apk.
4. Make a backup copy of the file (copy it on the SD-card).
5. Open MiuiSystemUI.apk in the APK editor (e.g. APK Editor).
6. Find and delete lines associated with LeftWidgetPanel or com.miui.home.launcher.LeftWidgetContainer.
7. Save the changes, overwrite the file and restart the phone.

This method is guaranteed to remove the widget tape permanently, but has risks:

• ⚠️ Possible disruptions MIUI (For example, the loss of notification panels).
• ⚠️ After system update, file MiuiSystemUI.apk return to its original state.
• ⚠️ Some banking applications may stop working due to root.

⚠️ Note: Editing system files can lead to a device blink (complete failure).If you are not sure about your actions, use Method 1 or Method 2.

What to do if the widget tape returns after the update

Many users of the Redmi Note 8 The Pros are faced with the fact that after the update MIUI The widget tape reappears. This is because the system resets the user settings. sysui_left_swipe_action default.

Decisions:

• 🔄 Automate the shutdown: Use the task in Tasker or MacroDroid, which will run the adb command after each update.
• 📵 Turn off automatic updates: go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and deactivate the Auto Update option.
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware: for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS, where widget tapes MIUI no, in principle.

If you choose the latter, note that there are stable builds for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia). AOSP-firmware, but they require unlocking the bootloader and may deprive you of some features (for example, a wide-angle camera).

Alternatives to the widget tape: what to use instead

If you have disabled the widget feed but want to keep quick access to information, consider these options:

To install Google Discover:

1. Install Google App from Play Market.
2. Keep your finger on the main screen → Widgets → find Discover.
3. Drag the widget to the left screen (if the launcher supports).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off the widget tape, Redmi Note 8 Pro users often face typical problems:

• 🔧 Team team. ADB Not working: make sure that the debugging is USB drivers included ADB It's on a PC. Try reconnecting the device.
• 🔄 The tape returns after the reboot: check if the settings are reset due to battery optimization. ADB Exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
• 📵 Swipe left does not work in apps: if you have disabled the tape through ADB, Some apps (such as Instagram or TikTok) may not handle gestures properly.
• ⚠️ The system makes an error when editing APK: If you are trying to change MiuiSystemUI.apk without backup, there is a high risk of damaging the file!

If after turning off the tape you lost the notification panel or other interface elements, try:

adb shell settings put secure sysui_left_swipe_action 1

This command will bring back the standard swipe behavior.

💡

Before any manipulation of system files, back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will allow you to restore the phone if something goes wrong.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions