Why users want to remove widgets on Xiaomi and whether it is possible to do it
The widget bar in MIUI is one of the most controversial interface elements, providing quick access to weather, calendar, notes and other features, and taking up space on the home screen, slowing down the system and often showing unnecessary information, especially annoying owners of small-screen devices (Redmi 9A, Poco C31) or those who are used to a clean desktop.
Unfortunately, Xiaomi didn't have a standard option for completely disabling the widget panel -- it can only be folded or partially hidden -- but there are workarounds, from simple settings to use. ADB-In this article, we will look at all the relevant methods for MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including solutions for non-root-right devices.
Before you start, consider that some methods require a developer mode on or a computer connection. If you're not ready for technical manipulation, start with the simplest options in the first section.
Method 1: Roll the widget bar into one row (without root)
It's the safest and most reversible method, and it doesn't require any additional tools, and it doesn't remove the widgets completely, but it minimizes them, freeing up space on the screen.
- Long tap on the empty seat of the main screen β select βScreen settingsβ.
- Go to the "Model Style" (or "Grid Size" in older versions of MIUI).
- Activate the option "Curl the widget panel" (may be called "Compact view").
- Save the changes and return to the main screen.
And then you'll shrink it down to one line of weather, calendar and search icons, and the downside is that the widgets will still show up, just take up less space.
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If the option "Curl the panel" is missing, try changing the style of the layout to "Classic" or "Standard" - this sometimes unlocks additional settings.
Method 2: Disconnect via launcher settings (for MIUI 13+)
Newer versions of MIUI have the ability to deactivate individual elements of the widget panel, which does not remove it completely, but removes the most annoying elements.
- π± Long pressing of the widget (such as weather) β "Remove the widget" or "Widget settings".
- βοΈ Go to the "Start-up Settings" (cog icon in the upper right corner).
- π Find the widget panel section and disable unnecessary items (calendar, steps, recommendations).
- π Restart the launcher: press the home button" β "Reset".
On some devices (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), this method allows you to leave only the search bar, effectively hiding the rest of the widgets.
Which widgets can't be removed?
Method 3: Using ADB to completely shut down (advanced)
If previous methods do not suit, you can completely deactivate the widget panel through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a connection to a computer, but does not violate the warranty and does not require root rights.
Preparation:
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on MIUI Version in Settings β About Phone).
- Activate "Debugging by" USB" in "Settings" β Additionally. β For developers".
- Download ADB Tools on your PC and connect your phone.
Commands to disable:
adb shell pm hide com.miui.home
adb shell settings put global hide_widget_panel 1Once you've done the commands, restart the device, and the widget panel will disappear, but you'll still be able to return it back.
adb shell pm unhide com.miui.home
adb shell settings put global hide_widget_panel 0Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging on USB| Download ADB Tools| Connect the phone with the original cable-->
β οΈ Note: On some devices (Poco) F4, Xiaomi 13 Lite) pm hide may cause the launcher to crash, in which case use only the second command or restore settings via adb shell settings delete global hide_widget_panel.
Method 4: Installation of a third-party launcher (most reliable)
If you need to get rid of the widget panel completely without risk to the system, the best option is to install an alternative launcher.This solution is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi and Poco, and does not require technical skills.
Recommended launchers:
- π Nova Launcher β flexible configuration, gesture support, no advertising.
- π¨ Lawnchair β a lightweight open source launcher, imitates βpureβ Android.
- β‘ Hyperion Launcher β Optimized for performance, minimalist design.
- π Microsoft Launcher - Windows integration, cloud backup settings.
How to determine:
- Download the launcher from Google Play.
- Click Home β Select the new launcher as βDefaultβ.
- In the launcher settings, disable all widgets and panels (Section "Doc" or "Search Panel").
| Launcher | Support for topics | Gestures | Advertising | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | β (Icon Packs) | β | β | Free / $4.99 |
| Lawnchair | β | β | β | Free of charge. |
| Hyperion | β | β | β | Free of charge. |
| Microsoft Launcher | β | β | β | Free of charge. |
β οΈ Note: When using third-party launchers, system gestures will be turned off MIUI (So you have to go back to the standard launcher to get them back.
Method 5: Disable via the Settings Editor (requires root)
If your device has root rights (for example, after unlocking the bootloader on the Poco X3 Pro or Redmi K40), you can completely remove the widget bar by editing the system files.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Cross the path: /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/
- Find the file. com.miui.home_preferences.xml Open it in the text editor.
- Add or change the lines: <boolean name="hide_widget_panel" value="true" /> <boolean name="widget_panel_enabled" value="false" />
- Save the file, restart the device.
If the widget panel remains after the reboot, try to delete the file as well. widget_panel_config.xml same-folder.
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Editing system files can cause a launcher to crash. Always back up before making changes!
What to do if the widget panel returned after the update
MIUI is known for resetting custom settings after updates. If the widget bar reappears, try the following steps:
- π Restart the launcher: press the home button" β "Reset".
- π± Reset the launcher settings: "Settings β Annexes β Application management β Launcher" β "Warehouse β Clear the data".
- π§ Repeat. ADB-commands: sometimes after updating you need to perform again.
- π οΈ Reverse to the previous version MIUI: If the problem has appeared after the update, you can return the old firmware through Fastboot.
If neither method works, there are two options:
- Wait for the next MIUI update (sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).
- Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where there is no widget panel.