How to completely disable the MIUI desktop on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: 3 proven methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its proprietary shell MIUI is not everyone likes. The main complaint of users is an overloaded desktop interface with unnecessary widgets, advertising and limited customization options. If you want to remove the standard launcher MIUI and replace it with a lighter or more functional counterpart (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair), this article will help you do it right.

It's important to understand that you can't completely remove the MIUI system launcher, it'll cause critical malfunctions on your smartphone, but you can disable it, hide it, or replace it with a third-party one without disrupting the stability of the system. We'll look at all the working methods, including those without root rights and with them, and we'll also figure out how to get it back if something goes wrong.

Let’s start a detailed analysis of each method – from the simplest to the most advanced.

Why do users want to turn off the MIUI desktop?

Xiaomi’s MIUI shell is known for its striking design and feature-rich features, but not everyone likes it. Here are the main reasons Redmi Note 7 owners are looking for ways to turn it off:

  • πŸš€ Low productivity: MIUI It often loads background processes, which slows down the smartphone, especially on budget models like the Redmi Note. 7 s 3/32 GB memory.
  • πŸ“± Limited Customization: Unlike β€œnaked” Android or launchers like Nova, MIUI Does not allow you to flexibly customize icons, transitions and gestures.
  • πŸ“’ Advertising and unnecessary services: Even in global firmware MIUI sometimes shows ads in system applications (e.g., Security or Topics).
  • πŸ”„ Inconvenient gestures: Navigation in MIUI It differs from standard Android, which causes discomfort for users who are used to other shells.
  • πŸ“¦ Many system programs (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) cannot be removed without root rights.

According to surveys of Xiaomi owners, about 40% of users try to replace a standard launcher in the first six months of operation, and most of them do not know that this can be done without root rights and without the risk of bricking the device.

πŸ“Š What kind of launcher are you using on Xiaomi?
Standard MIUI
Nova Launcher
Lawnchair
Microsoft Launcher
Other

Method 1: Installation of a third-party launcher (without root)

The easiest and safest way to hide your desktop MIUI β€” install an alternative launcher from Google Play, which does not require superuser rights and is suitable even for beginners, and after installing a new launcher, the system will suggest choosing it as the main one, and MIUI-The launcher will be automatically "hidden" in the background.

Best launchers to replace MIUI with Redmi Note 7:

LauncherAdvantagesDeficienciesLink to Google Play
Nova LauncherMaximum customization, gesture support, easePremium version for some functionsDownload
LawnchairMinimalist design, support for dark themes, open sourceFewer features than in NovaDownload
Microsoft LauncherIntegration with Windows, synchronization with PC, stable operationLess flexible setup than NovaDownload
Hyperion LauncherAnimations, dynamic wallpaper, modern designCan brake on weak devicesDownload

To install a third-party launcher:

1. Open Google Play and find your favorite launcher (like Nova Launcher)

2. Install the application and open it

3. Click "Install as default launcher" in the window that appears

4.Reboot your smartphone (optional, but recommended)

5. Ready! Now, when you press the Home button, a new launcher will open.-->

⚠️ Note: After installing a third-party launcher, do not delete MIUI-Launcher through Settings! It will stay on the system, but it will be inactive. Deleting system applications without root rights can lead to errors.

πŸ’‘

If the new MIUI launcher still opens periodically after installing, go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ MIUI launcher and click Stop.

Method 2: Disconnection MIUI-launcher ADB (rootless, but with a PC)

If you don’t want to install a third-party launcher, but you want to hide the standard MIUI desktop as much as possible, you can turn it off via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

Advantages of the method:

  • πŸ”§ No need to install additional launchers.
  • πŸ“± MIUI-The launcher will be completely hidden from the interface.
  • πŸ”„ It's easy to get it all back with one team.

This will require:

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original).li>
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB on the Redmi Note 7.
  • πŸ› οΈ Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

Instructions for disconnection MIUI-launcher ADB:

  1. Turn on USB debugging on your smartphone: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version and press 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
  2. Connect Redmi Note 7 to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
  3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
  4. Enter the command to disable MIUI-^ "Adb shell pm disable-user". --user 0 com.miui.home
  5. Reboot your smartphone. Now, when you press the Home button, you'll see a black screen or a suggestion to choose another launcher (if installed).

⚠️ Note: After this command is executed, the main screen MIUI It's gonna stop working. To get it back, use a command:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.home
What if after the launcher is turned off the screen is black?
If you're offline. MIUI-The launcher, but no alternative, can remain black after unlocking: 1. Connect to the PC and execute the command adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings, open up. 2. Install any launcher from Google Play via your browser (e.g., this link: Nova Launcher). 3. After installation, select it as the default launcher.

Method 3: Complete removal MIUI-Launcher (with root rights only)

If you are willing to take drastic measures and you have root rights to the Redmi Note 7, you can completely remove the MIUI system launcher. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires modification of system files and can lead to unstable operation of the device.

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications without a backup can make the smartphone inoperable:

  • πŸ“± Create a full backup through TWRP Or Orange Backup.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge your phone to at least 70%.
  • πŸ“‘ Make sure you have a stable internet connection (you may need to download files to recover).

For removal MIUI-root-rights launcher:

  1. Install a root-enabled file manager, such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
  2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiHome.
  3. Delete or rename the files: MiuiHome.apk MiuiHome.odex (if any)

Reboot your smartphone.

After that MIUI-The launcher will be completely removed, and you will definitely need to install an alternative launcher, otherwise the system will not be able to open the main screen.

πŸ’‘

Removal MIUI-root-rights launcher is a last resort, and in most cases, it's enough to turn it off through the ADB Or just install a third-party launcher.

How to return a standard MIUI launcher if something goes wrong?

If you decide to return to standard MIUI after experimenting with launchers, you can do this in several ways, depending on which method you used earlier.

Method 1: If you just installed a third-party launcher

  • πŸ“± Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management.
  • πŸ” Find the installed launcher (such as Nova Launcher) and click Clear Data".
  • 🏠 When you next press the Home button, the system will prompt you to select a launcher - select Launcher MIUI.

Method 2: If the launcher is disabled via ADB

Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.home

After the reboot. MIUI-The launcher will be active again.

Method 3: If the root-right launcher is removed

Restore deleted files from a backup or copy them from another device on Redmi Note 7 to /system/priv-app/MiuiHome/. After that, set the correct access rights (644 for.apk and.odex).

⚠️ Note: If you have deleted MIUI-Launcher without backup and can not return it back, the only way out is to reflash the smartphone via Fastboot or TWRP. Firmware instructions for the Redmi Note 7 can be found on the forum 4PDA.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing the launcher with the Redmi Note 7, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
After installing the new launcher, MIUI still opens.MIUI launcher is not turned off, but simply rolled upOpen the application settings and stop the process com.miui.home
Black screen after blackout MIUI-launcherNo installed alternative launcherInstall any launcher via ADB or browser
Launcher brakes or flies offLack of RAMClear the cache or install a lighter launcher (such as Lawnchair)
Navigation gestures do not workThird-party launcher does not support MIUI gesturesSet up gestures in the launcher itself or return to MIUI

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the launcher settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find your current launcher (like Nova Launcher).
  3. Click on "Storage" β†’ "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache".
  4. Reboot your smartphone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I remove it? MIUI-root-rights launcher?
No, you can't completely uninstall a system application without root, but you can disable it through ADB (method 2) or simply install another launcher (method 1) on top of it.
Will Google Assistant work after the launcher change?
Yes, Google Assistant will continue to work regardless of the launcher, but if you use gestures to call it (like holding the Home button), they may need to be reconfigured in the new launcher.
Which launcher is best for the Redmi Note 7?
For Redmi Note 7 with 3/32 GB or 4/64 GB recommended: Nova Launcher for maximum customization, Lawnchair for minimalist design and resource savings, Microsoft Launcher for integration with Windows, avoid heavy launchers like Action Launcher or Apex Launcher - they can slow down on the budget hardware.
Can you roll back changes if your smartphone stops working?
Yes, in most cases. If the smartphone turns on but the launcher doesn't open: Connect to your PC and run adb shell pm enable com.miui.home. If ADB doesn't work, reset via Recovery (data will be deleted!). If the smartphone doesn't turn on, you'll need to flash it through Fastboot.
Will there be an ad if I return the standard MIUI-launcher?
In the global MIUI firmware for Redmi Note 7, ads are rare, but can be displayed in system applications (such as Security or Themes).To turn them off: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Click on the MIUI version 10 times to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Developer. Find the option to Disable MIUI Ads and activate it.