How to disable widgets on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones are famous not only for their powerful hardware, but also for the rich shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS. However, the abundance of visual elements on the desktop often causes a decrease in the performance of the device. Many users notice that over time the interface begins to work slower and the battery runs out faster. One of the main reasons for this phenomenon is the active work of various widgets that constantly update data in the background.

Disabling the extra elements of the interface is the first step to optimizing the system, which not only frees up RAM, but also removes visual noise, making the use of the gadget more comfortable. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to disable widgets on Xiaomi, remove the intrusive news feed on the left and adjust the desktop for maximum efficiency.

Before you make any changes, you should understand that each widget is a small application that consumes CPU resources, and even if you don't use them, they keep working, and that when you set them up properly, you can extend battery life and speed up the system's response to your actions.

Why turn off widgets and news feeds

The main reason to think about cleaning your desktop is because of resource consumption: Weather, currency, news, and pedometer widgets require a constant Internet connection to update information, putting strain on the communication module and processor, which is especially noticeable in mid- and low-end models.

In addition, Xiaomi's built-in services, such as Mi Browser or GetApps, often integrate their widgets with advertising content. By removing them, you not only speed up the phone, but also increase digital hygiene by eliminating unnecessary information noise. UI optimization is an easy way to return the smartphone to a speed close to factory.

⚠️ Before mass removing items, make sure you have access to Wi-Fi or mobile internet, as some system processes may try to sync when changing the desktop configuration.

Also worth noting is the effect on autonomy: Constantly polling servers to update widgets keeps the processor from going into deep sleep mode. When you turn off unnecessary functions, you will notice that the device becomes less hot in standby mode, which is especially true for owners of older models, where every percentage of charge counts.

💡

Disabling widgets reduces the load on the processor and communication module, which directly affects the battery life and response speed of the system.

Removing the left-hand widget tape (Google Discover)

One of the most intrusive features in Xiaomi shells is the extra page to the left of the home screen, which is usually where you have Google Discover tape or Mi Video services, which consumes traffic and resources even when you're not using it, and fortunately, it can be easily disabled through the launcher settings.

First, you need to go to the desktop settings menu. Find an empty area in the free space of the screen and hold your finger until the edit menu appears. In the lower right corner, select the gear icon or Settings. In the open list, look for the section responsible for additional screens.

Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), the item may be called differently, most often it is marked as Add Screen, Ribbon of Widgets or -1 screen. Switch the slider to the position off. Then, when you swipe to the left, you will open a blank page or immediately go to the main screen.

If you can't get rid of the tape with standard methods, you can use a third-party launcher, but in 95% of cases, system settings are enough. It's important not to confuse this with widgets that are directly on the desktop. We're talking about the whole page that loads separately.

Set up widgets on the desktop

In addition to the side tape, the desktop itself often features large watches, weather or calendar widgets. Unlike system tape, these elements are added by the user, but over time they can become useless. Deleting or replacing them with static images helps clean the interface.

To remove a particular widget, click on it and hold your finger. A menu will appear where you select Remove or drag the item to the basket located at the top of the screen. If the widget is part of the system application, removing it will not affect the operation of the application itself, only its display on the table will disappear.

For those who like minimalism, there is an option to replace dynamic widgets with static ones, for example, instead of a live watch, you can set a picture with a dial, which drastically reduces energy consumption, since the system no longer needs to update the time and date on the screen every minute.

⚠️ Note: When you delete widgets of third-party applications (for example, a bank or store widget), the application itself will remain in the phone, but will cease to display information on the desktop.

Also in the new versions of HyperOS, iOS-style widgets have their own animation settings, so if you use these, go to their settings (long tap -> Settings) and turn off background animations, which will make the interface more responsive on devices with 60Hz screens.

Disabling Advertising in Widgets and Folders

One of the most annoying features of the MIUI shell is the built-in advertising, which is often disguised as widgets or recommendations in folders. In a folder called Tools or Recommended, you can see icons of apps you didn't install. These are ad modules.

To get rid of this, you need to turn off ad personalization. Go to Settings -> Password and Security -> Access to personal data. Find the msa list (MIUI System Ads) and turn off the switch. The system will ask you to wait 10 seconds, then deny access.

Next, remove recommendations in folders. Open any folder on your desktop, click on the folder name (or three dots/cogs inside it), and find Recommended or Receive Recommendations. Disabling this option will remove advertising icons from the folders forever.

💡

Once you have disabled the msa service, restart your phone so that the changes can take effect on all system applications, including conductor and music.

Managing screen lock widgets

The lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones is also packed with widgets that can interfere, often showing steps, weather or notifications from apps you rarely check, and managing these elements through a separate settings menu.

Go to Settings -> Always on screen and lock. Here you can find the Widgets item on the lock screen. By turning it off, you will leave only the time and date on the locked screen, which will significantly speed up unlocking and reduce the risk of accidental pressing.

You should also pay attention to the wallpaper carousel feature, which is constantly uploading new images and partner widgets, and if you don't need to change your pictures every day, turn off the wallpaper carousel in the same menu, which will save you a lot of mobile traffic.

For users who use Always On Display, it is important to know that complex AOD widgets put a lot of battery on the screen, and it is better to choose a static dial without a second hand and additional indicators.

Using third-party launchers for complete cleaning

If the standard methods of disabling widgets on Xiaomi seem to you insufficient or the system is too deeply integrated with advertising modules, you can go a radical way. MIUI.

Popular launchers like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchair offer a clean Android interface. They don't have built-in news feeds on the left (or allow them to be flexibly configured) and don't show ads in folders. Installing such a launcher makes the interface look like a pure Android.

Installation of a third-party launcher:


1 Download APK or from the Play Market.




2. Install and launch.




3. Press "Home" and select "Always."




4.Tune the grid and the view to taste.

However, it’s worth remembering that third-party launchers may not support some specific Xiaomi features, such as control gestures or double tapping to turn on the screen (although this works in many models), a choice between shell functionality and interface purity.

⚠️ Note: When installing a third-party launcher, some system widgets (calculator, voice recorder) may be displayed incorrectly or require additional sizing adjustments.

💡

A third-party launcher is a “nuclear weapon” against MIUI widgets, but it requires getting used to the new interface and can deprive some of the system functions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)