How to completely disable the MIUI desktop on Xiaomi Redmi Note: safe and risky methods

The MIUI desktop on Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones is not just a background with icons, but an entire ecosystem with widgets, themes and built-in services. For many users, the standard shell seems overloaded: unnecessary apps, aggressive advertising in system utilities, awkward arrangement of elements. But what if you want to completely remove the MIUI desktop — whether it is due to design, performance or the desire to install an alternative launcher?

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to disable or replace the standard launcher on the Redmi Note (relevant to the Note 8/9/10/11/12 models and their Pro versions). It is important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader and can lead to loss of warranty or unstable system operation.

Before you start, answer two questions: 1. Do you want to simply hide desktop elements (icons, widgets) or completely remove the system launcher? 2. Are you ready for possible bugs after tampering with system files?

If the answer to the second question is no, start with the first three methods in our guide.

1. Method: Hiding icons and widgets without removing the launcher

The safest option for those who don't want to risk system stability is that we don't touch system files, we just adjust the visibility of the elements, and this is a good method if you're annoyed.

• 📱 Extra app icons (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music)
• 🎨 Unnecessary weather widgets, steps or recommendations
• 📁 Folders with pre-installed services (Mi Pay, Mi Community)

How to hide icons:

1. Press the free space on the desktop → select Screen settings.
2. Go to Hide Apps (or Manage Applications in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Check the unneeded apps. They'll disappear from the screen, but they'll stay on the All Apps menu.

How to remove widgets:

1. Press the widget (such as weather) → drag it up to the inscription Delete.
2. To completely disable widgets, go to Settings → Desktop → Widgets and deactivate unnecessary ones.

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If they reappear after hiding the icons after the reboot, check the sync settings in Mi Account → Cloud → Data Sync and turn off the Desktop option.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not remove system notifications MIUI (For example, advertising in security).
• ❌ It does not replace animations and transitions between screens.
• ❌ It does not disable embedded services (Mi Share, Game Turbo).

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

If hiding icons isn’t enough, the next step is to install an alternative launcher from Google Play.

• 🎨 Completely change the design of the desktop (themes, icons, transitions).
• ⚡ Speed up the interface (some launchers are easier) MIUI).
• 🔒 Disable Advertising and Unnecessary Xiaomi Services.

The best launchers for Redmi Note in 2026:

How to install and configure a third-party launcher:

Download the launcher from Google Play| Open the app and allow all requests (storage access, notifications) | Press Home → select a new launcher as Always | Set the screen layout in the launcher menu (usually swipe to the right or Settings button)

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Important nuances:

• 🔄 After the launcher is installed MIUI It will remain in the system, but only the new interface will work.
• 📱 Certain functions MIUI (For example, Dual Apps or Game Mode may become unavailable.
• 🔋 Third-party launchers can increase battery consumption by 5-10% due to background activity.

Nova Launcher|Hyperion Launcher|Lawnchair 2|Microsoft Launcher|Other (to be posted in the comments)|Using the standard MIUI-->

Method 3: Disabling the system launcher via ADB (without root)

This method allows you to deactivate the built-in MIUI launcher, but does not remove it completely, and is suitable for users who want to get rid of the standard interface, but are not ready to get root rights.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode on Phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute: Adb devices (the device should appear).
4. Enter the command to disable the system launcher: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.home
5. Reboot your phone. Once turned on, select a third-party launcher as your primary.

⚠️ Note: After disabling com.miui.home, some system functions may not work properly:

• One-hand mode (MIUI gestures) will not work.
• Access to theme settings will disappear through the standard menu.
• Weather and calendar widgets may be missing.

To get it all back, follow the command:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.home

4. Method: Removal of MIUI launcher via TWRP (requires root)

This is the most radical method that removes the system launcher completely, and is only suitable for advanced users, as it requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (official instructions Xiaomi).
• 🛠️ Established custom recaveri TWRP.
• 📦 Backup of the system (required!).

Pre-launch warnings:

💡

Removing the MIUI system launcher can cause the phone to crash (bootloop) or lose features like Mi Account, Find Device, and Quick Ball.

Instructions:

1. Download MIUI DeBloater Tool (or any file manager for TWRP, such as Aroma File Manager).
2. Upload the phone to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
3. Backup the System partition in TWRP.
4. Go to Advanced → File Manager and delete files: /system/priv-app/MiuiHome/ /system/app/Launcher3QuickStep/
5. Wipe the cache (Wipe) → Cache/Dalvik) and reboot.

After removal:

• ✅ The phone will be loaded immediately into a third-party launcher (if installed).
• ❌ All functions will disappear. MIUI, Related to the desktop (themes, widgets, gestures).
• ⚠️ Possible errors in the update MIUI via Ota Updater.

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If the phone doesn’t boot after removing the launcher, restore the System backup via TWRP or flash the clean MIUI firmware through Fastboot.

5. Method: Transition to custom firmware (AOSP, LineageOS)

If you're not just annoyed by the launcher, but by the entire MIUI shell, the best solution is to install custom firmware based on pure Android (AOSP), which will radically change the interface, remove all Xiaomi services and add new features.

• 📱 LineageOS – Stable, Close to Android Stock.
• ⚡ Pixel Experience – The interface is like Google Pixel.
• 🎨 Havoc-OS – Maximum customization.
• 🔒 CalyxOS – firmware with a focus on privacy.

How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see Method 4).
2. Install TWRP for your model (download on the official website).
3. Download the firmware (for example, LineageOS 20 will suit the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → System, Data, Cache.
5. Sweep through firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

The pros and cons of custom firmware:

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi Note models (such as Note 8 Pro with Mediatek chip), custom firmware installation may result in loss of the product. IMEI Check compatibility on the forum before you run the firmware. XDA Developers.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you turn off or replace the MIUI launcher, users face typical problems.

1. After MIUI Home is turned off, the phone does not start

Reason: There is no alternative launcher or system files are damaged.

Decision:

• Connect to your PC and execute: adb shell pm enable com.miui.home
• If it doesn't help, ask again. MIUI via Fastboot.

2. Navigation gestures do not work

Reason: Third-party launchers do not support MIUI gestures.

Decision:

• Install a launcher with gesture support (e.g. Nova Launcher + Fluid NG module).
• Or go back to the navigation buttons in Settings → Screen → Navigation Bar.

3. The subject of the design is missing

Reason: MIUI themes are tied to the system launcher.

Decision:

• Use themes for your launcher (e.g. KWGT for widgets).
• Or install Substratum (requires root) for deep customization.

4. MIUI is not updated through OTA

Reason: System files have been changed.

Decision:

• Restore the stock launcher (mode 3).
• Or download the updates manually from the official website and stitch through TWRP.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions