Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face an excessive number of interface elements that appear after buying a device or updating MIUI. Developers strive to make the system as functional as possible, but sometimes this leads to cluttering the desktop and folders with unnecessary icons and recommendations.
Many users want a clean and neat interface that is free of intrusive elements. In this article, we will detail how to disable different types of shortcuts, widgets and recommendations so that your smartphone looks exactly the way you want it to look, rather than the way the system decided.
The setup process doesn't require superuser rights or complex software, and all the tools are already built into the MIUI or HyperOS shell, and you just need to go through the settings menu sequentially and activate the switches you want.
Types of labels and their impact on the system
Before we start shutting down, it's important to understand what we're fighting, and in Xiaomi's ecosystem, labels can be very different entities, from weather widgets to news feeds to app recommendations in folders to banner ads.
Some elements consume RAM and traffic by updating in the background; others simply visually pollute the space, preventing you from quickly finding the right programs; understanding the type of element helps you choose the right method of deactivating it.
For example, a wallpaper carousel widget can be useful for changing backgrounds, but if you don't need one, it will only consume battery power. Similarly, folder recommendations use behavioral analysis algorithms, which can raise questions for privacy-conscious users.
- 📱 Desktop widgets: interactive elements that display information in real time.
- 📂 Folder recommendations: suggestions to install apps based on your activity.
- 📰 Widget tape (left): news and quick action aggregator opened by swipe.
- 📢 Advertising labels: icons of preinstalled software or services, often labeled "New".
Removing or disabling these components does not affect the stability of the operating system; on the contrary, it often leads to smoother interface operation and reduced workload on the processor.
Removal of widgets from the desktop
The easiest way to clear the space is to remove unnecessary widgets, which often take up half the screen by default, by placing a finger on an empty area on the desktop or directly on the widget itself.
Once the edit menu appears, select the option to Remove or drag the item to the basket that appears at the top of the screen. In some versions of MIUI, the Settings button is available for widgets, where you can turn off the data update.
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If the widget cannot be removed in the standard way, try going to Settings → Desktop and disable the corresponding function there.
It's important to distinguish between widgets and app shortcuts. The app shortcut leads to the program running, and the widget is a mini version of the application with advanced functionality. Deleting the shortcut does not remove the application itself, but removes its icon from the current screen.
If the widget is part of a system service, such as "Security" or "Conductor", its complete removal may require disabling system components via ADB, but in most cases it is enough to simply remove it from the desktop.
Configuring folders and disabling recommendations
One of the most annoying features for many users is the appearance of recommended apps inside folders. When you open a folder with games or utilities, the system may suggest downloading something else based on your profile.
To turn off this feature, open any folder on your desktop. At the top of the window that opens, find the Recommendation switch or Receive recommendations. Put it in an inactive position.
⚠️ Warning: After updating the firmware, folder settings may reset. Check this setting after each major system update so that recommendations do not reappear.
Also available on this menu is the option to change folder size or icon style, and if you remove the recommendations, you will notice that folders are opening faster, since the system does not need to download advertising content.
In new versions of HyperOS, the logic of folders has changed a little, but the principle has remained the same: a long tap on the folder or entering the editing mode allows you to manage its content and display settings.
Turning off the widget tape on the left
A swipe to the right of the first screen opens a widget feed that contains news, steps, weather and quick access, which many people find unnecessary, especially if it duplicates widgets on the home screen.
To turn off, do the following: press the empty space on the desktop to go into edit mode. Click on the Settings button (usually the gear at the bottom or top).
In the menu that opens, find More or More Widget Ribbon. Choose No or Disable. Now, when you swipe left, nothing happens, or the standard Google widget opens if it's configured.
| Interface element | Where is the setting | Impact on the battery | Necessity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widget tape | Desktop settings | Average. | Optionally. |
| Recommendations in folders | Inside the folder. | Low. | Don't. |
| Wallpaper carousel | Lock screen settings | High. | Optionally. |
| Weather widget | Desktop | Average. | If you wish, |
Turning off tape is especially important for owners of devices with a small amount of RAM, as it frees up resources for more important tasks.
Managing the Wallpaper Carousel
Users often confuse desktop shortcuts with wallpaper carousel, which changes the images on the lock screen and can leave sponsors shortcuts, a separate service that requires customization.
Go to Settings → Lock screen (or “Always on screen and lock screen”). Find the wallpaper carousel. Here you can turn off the function completely or adjust its behavior.
If you can't turn off the function completely (in some regions), you can remove the display of sponsors' shortcuts in the settings of the carousel itself. Click on the gear inside the Carousel menu and turn off Show shortcuts.
How to completely remove the wallpaper carousel?
This service is often updated regardless of the main firmware, so the paths to settings can vary slightly.Look for "Carousel" or "Wallpaper Carousel" in the search for settings.
Hiding application icons and restricting access
Xiaomi has a built-in Hide Apps feature that allows you to remove shortcuts of selected programs from the desktop and menu. This does not disable the application, but makes it invisible to prying eyes.
To activate, go to Settings → Apps → Hide apps. Enable the function and select the programs you want to hide. Access will be through a special code or gesture in the app menu.
There's also a Second Space mode, which creates a completely separate desktop with its own shortcuts and settings, a radical way to isolate work or personal applications from the main interface.
⚠️ Note: Remember the password or graphical key to access hidden applications. When you reset your settings to factory, hidden data may be lost without recovery.
Using these features helps organize space and increase personal security by hiding sensitive data from a casual glance.
☑️ Checklist of cleaning the interface
Use of third-party launchers
If standard MIUI tools do not achieve the desired purity, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher, which completely replaces the desktop, application menu and control panel.
Popular options like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher give you full control over every shortcut, animation and grid.
To install a third-party launcher, download it from Google Play, launch it and follow the instructions, ask the system to confirm the replacement of the standard launcher and issue the necessary permissions.
- 🚀 Performance: Third-party launchers often run faster than standard launchers.
- 🎨 Customization: Thousands of themes and icons available for download.
- 🛡️ Privacy: Less data collection compared to system solutions.
However, it is worth considering that some Xiaomi features, such as gestures or themes, may not work properly with third-party software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I remove system shortcuts (Security, Topics) without Root rights?
Why did the updates come back with new labels?
Does a large number of shortcuts affect the speed of the phone?
Is it safe to use third-party launchers on Xiaomi?
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Completely cleaning the interface of unnecessary shortcuts and widgets not only improves visual experience, but can also extend the battery life of your Redmi.
So to sum up, MIUI provides a flexible enough customization tool, and knowing where to look for the switches you want will easily turn a cluttered screen into a minimalist workspace.
Regularly reviewing installed applications and widgets will help keep the system on track. Don't be afraid to experiment with settings, remembering the ability to return everything back if necessary.
A clean interface is not just about aesthetics, it's also about productivity in the use of a smartphone. 10-15 Just a minute to set up, you will save nerves and time in the future.