Xiaomi’s MIUI-based widgets are a useful tool for quick access to information, but not everyone likes it. Many people complain about unnecessary notifications, slowing down the system or simply not using this functionality. If you want to free the screen from unnecessary elements or speed up the device, this article will help you understand how to remove the widget tape on Xiaomi once and for all.
Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 11, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.), the ways to turn off may vary. We will look at all the current methods, from standard settings to hidden features for power users, and you will learn how to return the tape if you suddenly need it.
Before you start, consider that some methods require developer rights or system files to be changed. If you are not sure about your actions, use only the official MIUI settings.
Why can a widget tape interfere?
At first glance, widgets seem convenient: weather, calendar, quick notes, everything is at hand, but in practice, many people face the following problems:
- 🐢 Slowing down the interface: tape consumes RAM, especially if it has a lot of active widgets (for example, Mi Fit or Google Discover).
- 📱 Random taps: When swiping left, it’s easy to open an unnecessary widget, which is annoying when playing or watching videos.
- 🔋 Battery consumption: Some widgets (such as weather with animation) are constantly updated in the background.
- 🚫 Unrelevant Content: Ads or News from Xiaomi that cannot be disabled by standard means.
According to statistics, about 30% of MIUI users turn off the widget tape in the first months after buying a smartphone.
Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (official method)
The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in shell settings, which are suitable for most models (Redmi, Poco, Xiaomi) on MIUI 12-14:
- Open the settings (cog icon).
- Go to the Desktop section (or Lock Screen and Desktop in new versions).
- Select the Desktop Settings item → Widget tape.
- Turn off the switch Show the widget tape.
If there is no such item, try an alternative path:
- 📱 Long pressing on the free space of the desktop → Desktop settings → Widget tape.
- 🔧 In some firmware, the option is hidden in Additional settings → System applications.
💡
On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T), the widget tape can only be turned off for the left swipe, leaving the right for Google Discover.
Important: once turned off, the tape will disappear, but the widgets will remain in the add-on menu (long-click on the desktop → Widgets).
Method 2: Remove via ADB (for power users)
If standard settings don’t work (for example, on custom firmware or regional versions of MIUI), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and enabling USB debugging.
Step-by-step:
Enable Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone)
Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers
Download ADB Tools on PC
Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your debugging permission.
-->
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.miwallpaper
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.weather2
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.homeThese commands will remove the standard weather and wallpaper widgets, and also disable some of the features of the tape. Attention: after some widgets (for example, the weather) will not even be in the add-on menu, they will have to be installed again through Google Play.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 3: Using third-party launchers
If you don’t like the standard MIUI launcher, you can replace it with an alternative one (like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion). Most third-party launchers allow you to completely disable the widget tape or customize it for yourself.
How it works:
- Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
- When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
- In the launcher settings, find the Dock Station or Gestures section and turn off the swipe to call the tape.
| Launcher | Support for tape shutdown | Additional benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | ✅ Total shutdown | Flexible gesture settings, support for themes |
| Lawnchair | ✅ Partial (can be hidden) | Minimalist design, close to the stock Android |
| Hyperion Launcher | ✅ Total shutdown | Built-in features for Xiaomi (such as curtain control) |
| Poco Launcher | ❌ No (analogue of tape) MIUI) | Optimized for Poco devices |
⚠️ Note: when using third-party launchers, some functions may stop working MIUI, for example:
- 🔄 Quick gestures (such as double touching to block).
- 📱 Xiaomi widgets (weather, pedometer) may be displayed incorrectly.
- 🔋 Optimizing the battery for background processes.
Method 4: Disconnecting through System File Editing (Root)
This method is only suitable for users with root rights and a file manager with access to system folders (such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
Instructions:
- Open a file manager with root access.
- Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiHome.
- Find the file MiuiHome.apk and rename it to MiuiHome.apk.bak.
- Reset the device.
After that, the widget tape will disappear, but some of the desktop functionality may disappear, so to get it back, just return the file to its original name.
💡
Editing system files without a backup can lead to a device blink.Always back up via TWRP or OrangeFox before making changes.
Method 5: Resetting the launcher settings
If the widget tape appeared after an update or failure, sometimes resetting the settings of the standard MIUI launcher helps:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Launcher app (or MiuiHome).
- Click Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
- Reboot your smartphone.
Once reset, the widget tape will return to factory settings and can be deactivated in the standard way (see Method 1).
- 🔄 Widgets not updated.
- 📱 The tape opens on its own.
- 🚫 Signs don't work to call tape.
💡
If the app icons disappear after the launcher is reset, don't panic - they will recover after the reboot. If that doesn't happen, check the Remote folder on your desktop.
What if the widget tape returned after the update?
Xiaomi regularly releases MIUI updates, and sometimes after that previously disabled features return.
- 🔕 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update system. Click on three dots in the top right corner. → Settings. Turn off Auto boot and Auto Installation.
- 📵 Use Update Blocker: Apps like Disable Service (requires root) can block the com.android.updater update service.
- 🔄 Install custom firmware: Firmware based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience are deprived of widget tape MIUI.