How to completely disable the left panel on Xiaomi TV: all ways

The left sidebar on Xiaomi TVs is one of the most controversial interface elements, providing quick access to apps and settings, but on the other hand, it is constantly distracting, takes up useful screen space and can accidentally activate when controlling the remote, especially when watching movies, playing games or using the TV as a PC monitor.

Depending on the model (Mi TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X, Mi TV Q2, etc.) and the firmware version (MIUI TV or Android TV), the ways to disable the panel vary. Somewhere it can be hidden forever through system settings, and in some cases you will need to use workarounds, from editing configuration files to installing third-party launchers. In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including those that work on the latest versions of the software (2026).

Why is the left panel appearing and can it be removed forever?

The sidebar (also called the dock bar or sidebar) is part of the PatchWall shell that Xiaomi uses instead of the standard Android TV interface, which is designed to simplify navigation, but often behaves unpredictablely:

• 🔄 Spontaneous appearance when getting stuck the cursor on the left edge of the screen.
• 🎮 Gamepad conflict - panel pops up during games.
• 🖥️ Problems when connecting to a PC - interferes with monitor mode.
• 🔕 Inability to completely shut down on some models without root rights.

Technically, the panel is a system process com.mitv.tvhome (for MIUI TV) or com.google.android.leanbacklauncher (for Android TV), and its complete removal without consequences is possible only on firmware with the bootloader unlocked, but in most cases it is enough to hide the panel through settings or replace the launcher.

Method 1: Disconnect via interface settings (for MIUI TV)

On PatchWall TVs (most Xiaomi and Redmi models until 2023), the panel can be hidden through a standard menu, which works on firmware versions 1.7.0 and later, but may not be available on some regional builds.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog in the top menu).
2. Go to the Device section → Interface and sound.
3. Select the Dock Bar (or Sidebar).
4. Switch the slider Show the dock bar to the off position.
5. Confirm the action if a warning appears.

Make sure the TV is connected to the internet.

Remember the location of frequently used applications

Check the firmware version in Settings → About TV

Make a backup of settings (if available)

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⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) TV 5 Pro, Redmi TV 70") after disabling the panel, access to the control panel may disappear (the Home button will stop working), in which case the panel can only be returned through a reset or mouse connection.

Method 2: Replace the standard launcher (for Android TV)

Xiaomi Android TVs (such as Mi TV Q2 2026 or Xiaomi TV A Pro) allow you to install a third-party launcher that will completely replace the interface, including the left panel.

• 📺 ATV Launcher – a minimalist launcher with voice search support.
• 🎯 HalLauncher – optimized for gamepads and keyboard.
• 🖥️ TV Launcher – Imitates the Google interface TV side-paneled.
• ⚡ Sideload Launcher – Shows all installed applications, including hidden ones.

Installation:

1. Download. APK-launcher USB-drive (for example, from the APKMirror website).
2. Connect the flash drive to the TV and open the File Manager.
3. Install APK by allowing installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
4. After installation, go to Settings → Applications → Default Launcher and select a new launcher.

💡

If after changing the launcher, the sound has disappeared in some applications, try resetting the sound settings to Settings → Sound → Reset to factory ones.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs with MIUI TV (Android TV) Third-party launchers may not work properly or not installed at all due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case only unlocking the bootloader will help (see Method 4).

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can turn off the panel using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the TV to a PC and basic command line knowledge, but gives guaranteed results.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your TV: Go to Settings → About TV. Find the Build Number and click on it 7 times until the message You became a developer. Go back to Settings → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.

USB 3.0

ADB Tools

Win + R → cmd

adb devices

(Serial number device should appear)

adb shell pm hide com.mitv.tvhome

Or for Android TV:

adb shell pm hide com.google.android.leanbacklauncher

adb shell reboot

When you restart, the left panel will disappear. To get it back, use the command:

adb shell pm unhide com.mitv.tvhome

Method 4: Unlocking the bootloader and editing system files

On some models (Mi TV 4X, Mi TV 4A with old firmware), the left panel is hard-stitched into the system files, the only way to remove it is to unlock the bootloader and edit the shell configuration, which is only suitable for advanced users, as it carries the risk of losing warranty and building the device.

Algorithm of action:

1. Get permission to unlock: Go to Mi Unlock and log in with the same Mi Account as you do on your TV. Download Mi Unlock Tool and connect your TV in Fastboot mode (press Power + Menu when you turn on). Follow the unlock program instructions.

TWRP

official website

/system

/system/build.prop

Add a line:

ro.mitv.tvhome.disable=true

Save the changes and restart the TV.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs from 2023 to 2026, unlocking the bootloader is officially blocked for European and global firmware. In this case, recovery is possible only through a service center using a programmer.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader is an extreme method. Before you start, check if there are any alternative ways (for example, changing the launcher or using the mouse to bypass the panel).

Method 5: Bypasses without disabling the panel

If none of the above methods worked, you can use temporary solutions that minimize the inconvenience of the sidebar:

• 🖱️ Wireless mouse connection -- allows you to control the TV without touching the left edge of the screen. USB-receiver.
• 🎮 Gamepad use: In games, the panel will not appear unless the cursor is pointed at the edge, and any controller with XInput support (for example, Xbox or Xbox) will do. 8BitDo).
• 📶 Remote Wi-Fi control – apps like Mi Remote or Unified Remote let you control your TV from your smartphone, avoiding accidental touches.
• 🔄 Automatic concealment – on some models, the panel disappears after 5-10 seconds without activity. → Screen. → Screen timeout.

For owners of Xiaomi TV Box (for example, Mi Box S or Mi Box 4), the problem is solved more easily: just install an alternative launcher (for example, ATV Launcher) or use the Simple interface mode in the settings of the consoles.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you try to turn off the panel, users often encounter some common errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If after manipulations the TV stopped turning on or hung on the Xiaomi logo, try:

1. Perform a hard reset (press Power + Menu for 10 seconds).
2. Flash your TV via USB Recovery (the instructions for your model are available on Xiaomi Firmware).
3. Contact the service center if the warranty is still valid (don’t mention unlocking!).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

If your TV model is not mentioned in the article, check its exact name in the comments - we will help you find a working method. Also watch for firmware updates: new versions of MIUI TV sometimes have additional options for customizing the interface.