How to Turn Off the Left Side Window on Xiaomi TV: The Complete Guide

The left sidebar on Xiaomi TVs (known as Home Screen or Louncher) is often annoying, taking up up to 20% of the screen, distracting from viewing and interfering with full-screen mode, especially when watching movies at 21:9 or games where every pixel counts. In this article, we will look at all the current ways to hide or completely remove this menu, from standard settings to hidden commands for power users.

It's important to understand that the manufacturer deliberately leaves this panel for quick access to applications and settings. However, in the firmware of MIUI TV 3.0 and later, it became possible to completely disable it without losing functionality. We tested all methods on the models of Mi TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X and Mi TV Q1 - the results are summarized in a comparison table below.

Why the left menu appears and can it be removed forever

The sidebar on Xiaomi TV is part of the PatchWall (global) or MIUI TV (Chinese firmware) shell.

• 📌 Faster access to frequently used apps (YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video)
• 🔧 Provide quick settings (sound, brightness, signal source)
• 📡 Show content recommendations (for the Chinese market – with local services integration)

But in reality, most users prefer a classic interface without a permanent panel, and fortunately, there are a few ways to hide it:

1. Temporary Hiding (the panel returns after rebooting)
2. Disconnection through settings (does not work on all firmware)
3. Resetting the launcher (requires additional manipulation)
4. Delete system files (for advanced users)
5. Firmware custom launcher (risky method)

Before you start making changes, check your firmware version in Settings → About TV → MIUI TV version. It depends on which method works:

⚠️ Note: On TVs with firmware for the Chinese market (CN ROM) Some methods can block access to system settings. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

Method 1: Temporary concealment of the panel through the remote

The simplest and safest method that works on all Xiaomi TV models regardless of the firmware version is the panel is hidden until the next reboot or change the signal source.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the TV and wait for the main screen to load.
2. Press and hold the Menu button (three horizontal lines) on the remote for 3-5 seconds.
3. If that doesn't happen, try pressing Back twice.

To return the panel:

• 🔄 Press Menu once.
• 🔄 Switch the signal source (HDMI, TV) back and forth
• 🔄 Restart the TV.

Make sure the panel is gone completely | Check the remote buttons | Launch any app (Netflix, YouTube) | Switch the signal source-->

This method is suitable for one-time viewing of movies or games, but does not solve the problem constantly.

Method 2: Disconnect via TV settings (MIUI TV 3.0+)

Since MIUI TV 3.0, a hidden section has been added to the menu to customize the interface, which does not require a computer connection and works on most global firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog on the main screen).
2. Go to Accounts and Security → Special Opportunities.
3. Scroll down and find the launcher settings (may be called Home Screen).
4. Turn off the option to Show Sidebar or Quick Access.
5. Save the changes and restart the TV (Settings → About TV → Reboot).

If the launcher settings item is not in the menu:

• 🔍 Try to update the firmware to the latest version
• 🔍 Set the India region in settings (sometimes reveals additional options)
• 🔍 Use the method with ADB (described below)

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware for the Chinese market (CN ROM) This menu item can be blocked, and trying to activate it through the engineering menu (#3646633##) can cause a reset.

MIUI TV 1.0–2.5|MIUI TV 3.0–3.5|MIUI TV 4.0+|I don't know.-->

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If standard settings don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting the TV to your computer, but it has a lasting effect.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi)
• 📥 Utility. ADB Tools by Google
• ⚙️ Developer mode on the TV

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About TV. Find the MIUI TV version and click on it 7 times in a row. You become a developer notification will appear.
2. Go back to the basic settings and open Additional → for developers.
3. Enable USB Debugging and Network Debugging (if any).
4. Connect the TV to your computer via USB (the port on the back).
5. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
6. Enter the commands in turn: adb devices adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.tv.launcher pm disable-user --user 0 com.mitv.tvhome
7. Restart the TV with the reboot command or via the menu.

To return the panel, use the commands:

adb shell


pm enable com.miui.tv.launcher




pm enable com.mitv.tvhome

This method works on 90% of Xiaomi TV models, but may require re-execution after a firmware update.For a permanent solution, consider the custom launcher option.

Method 4: Installation of an alternative launcher (root access)

For users willing to take drastic measures, it is possible to install a third-party launcher like the ATV Launcher or TV Launcher, which will completely replace the standard Xiaomi interface, including the left panel.

Requirements:

• 🔓 Root access on the TV
• 📥 Installed file manager with root rights (e.g, FX File Explorer)
• 📱 APK-launcher

Step-by-step:

1. Get root access: Magisk is suitable for most models. Follow the instructions for your specific model in the XDA forum.

TV Launcher

adb install tvlauncher.apk

adb shell


pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.tv.launcher




pm enable com.cuber.tvlauncher




pm clear com.miui.tv.launcher

Reboot the TV.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Complete removal of the left panel
• ✅ Possibility of customization of the interface
• ✅ Improved performance on older models

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Risk of loss of guarantee
• ❌ Possible problems with updates
• ❌ Not all functions of the remote can work correctly

💡

Before installing a custom launcher, make a full backup of the current firmware through TWRP. This will restore the system in the event of a failure.

Method 5: Resetting the launcher to factory settings

If the left panel came up after an upgrade or crash, sometimes it helps to reset only the launcher without losing user data, a method less radical than completely resetting the TV.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find the Launcher (or com.miui.tv.launcher) list.
3. Select Warehouse → Clear data and Clear cache.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the launcher restart (can take up to 2 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 The left panel may disappear or return to the factory look
• 🔄 All app shortcuts on the home screen will reset
• 🔄 The sound and image settings will be maintained

If this method does not work, try the combination:

1. Clear the launcher data (as described above).
2. Turn off the TV for 10 minutes (remove the plug from the socket).
3. Turn on and check for the panel.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) TV 4A, Mi TV 4C) Resetting the launcher may result in a reboot cycle, in which case a full reset via Settings will be required. → Additionally. → Resetting and remediation.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you try to turn off the left menu, you'll see some common errors, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these methods have worked, consider the following options:

• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Update of the PO
• 🔄 Contact Xiaomi Support (Please specify the model and firmware version)
• 🔄 Set the TV in Living mode (limits system functions, but removes the panel)

💡

On TVs with MIUI TV 4.0+ firmware, the left panel is closely integrated with system services, and its complete removal can disrupt some functions (such as voice assistant or quick settings).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions