How to move icons on the desktop of the Xiaomi smartphone: all ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based desktop offers flexible customization options, but it’s not always intuitive how to manage icon layout. If you’ve just upgraded your firmware to MIUI 14/15 or bought the new Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO F5, you’ve noticed that app icons stick to the grid, and some of them disappear after a reboot. In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to move icons, from basic-and-drive to hidden launcher features.

The MIUI feature is that it actively uses smart sorting algorithms: after installing new applications, icons can automatically move to folders (for example, “Games” or “Social Networks”). This is not convenient for everyone, so below you will find instructions on how to turn off auto sorting, fix icons in place and even return the standard location after resetting. MIUI 15 introduced the “Master Fix” function, which blocks random changes – its activation solves 80% of problems with “leaving” icons.

1. Basic movement of icons: drag-and-drop

The most obvious way is to drag icons with your finger, but there are nuances to MIUI:

• 📱 Long press: tap the icon and hold it for 1-2 seconds until it sticks off the grid, and then drag it anywhere on the screen or to another desktop (swipe left/right).
• 🗑️ Screen Removal: If you drag the icon to the top of the screen (above the “Delete” line), it will disappear from the desktop, but will remain in the application menu.
• 📁 Create a folder: drag and drop one icon onto another, a folder will appear. To rename it, tap the name.

If the drag-and-drop doesn't work:

1. Check if the mode for children is activated (disables in Settings → Special features).
2. Make sure there is free space on the screen – the MIUI defaults to Automatic Sequence option, which blocks movement if there are no empty cells.

⚠️ Attention: on some models (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi 12 after update to MIUI 14 may trigger a bug in which icons "return" to place after rebooting.Solution - resetting the launcher settings (see section 5).

2. How to fix icons so they don't move

If icons are constantly “leaving” after rebooting or installing new apps, turn on the “Model Fix” function:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select Desktop Settings (or Screen Settings on older versions).
3. Activate the Fix the layout switch (in MIUI 15 – Block the location).

After that:

• ✅ The icons will not move when adding new apps.
• ✅ Folders will save their contents after updates.
• ❌ You can’t move icons while the fixation is active (turn it off for editing).

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If the “Fixing the layout” feature is not on the menu, update the MIUI Launcher via Google Play. On some firmware (for example, Xiaomi.eu), this option is hidden - use an alternative launcher like Nova Launcher.

3. Desktop grid management

By default, MIUI uses a 4×5 or 5×5 grid (depending on the model) and can be changed as follows:

1. Long press on the free screen → Desktop settings.
2. Select the grid size (or the layout in MIUI 13 and below).
3. Set the right number of rows and columns (e.g. 5×6 to accommodate more icons).

On Xiaomi tablets (such as the Pad 6 Pro), the grid automatically adapts to the horizontal orientation. To return the vertical view, go to Settings → Display → Autoturn and turn off the option.

4. Hidden functions of the launcher: gestures and developer

If the standard methods don’t help, try activating the hidden options:

• 🔧 Disabling animation: in developer mode (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers) find Windows Animation and Transition Animation – set the value Off.. This will speed up the response to drag and drop icons.
• 🖱️ Gesture management: c Settings → Desktop activate Desktop Gestures to move icons with swipes (useful on larger screens).
• 🔄 Launcher reset: if the icons “swalt” (for example, after updating), follow the command: adb shell pm clear com.miui.home Note: requires a connection to the PC and enabled debugging by USB.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the launcher through ADB Delete all custom desktop settings, including widgets and folders. Pre-take screenshots of the current location of the icons.

5. Restore icons after resetting or updating

If after resetting the settings or updating MIUI icons disappeared or mixed, use one of the ways:

Import backup from Mi Cloud|Manually return icons from the application menu|Reset the launcher settings|Install an alternative launcher (Nova, Apex)-->

Method 1: Import from Mi Cloud

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Backup.
2. Select the latest backup (should be ticked "Including Desktop").
3. Click Restore and confirm the selection.

Method 2: Manual return

If there is no backup:

1. Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the right application, hold its icon and drag it to the desktop.
3. To return standard icons (Phone, Messages) go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, find the system application and click Show on desktop.

6.Alternative launchers for flexible settings

If the standard MIUI launcher does not suit, install a third-party solution:

To install an alternative launcher:

1. Download it from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. After installation, click the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. In the launcher settings, activate the Import layout option to transfer the current icons.

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Alternative launchers allow you to save multiple desktop profiles and switch between them quickly – useful if you use a smartphone for work and personal purposes.

7. Problem Solving: Badges Disappear or Don't Move

If the icons are unstable (disappear, return to the place, do not respond to pressing), check:

• 🛠️ Cash launcher: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → MIUI Launcher and click Clear Cache.
• 🔄 Conflict of topics: Some themes from Themes break icon displays. Return the standard theme.
• 📱 Energy saving mode: in Settings → Battery Disable Super Power Saving – It Can Block Desktop Update.

Models with MIUI 12–13 (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) are characterized by a bug in which icons stick together after the update.

1. Remove all widgets from the desktop.
2. Reset the device.
3. Put the widgets back.

Frequently asked questions