How to transfer an icon from one screen to another on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 5 working methods

Transferring app icons between desktops on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 seems like an easy task - until the system starts to "capitalize." MIUI Often, they are faced with a situation where the label suddenly disappears after moving, returns to its previous place or does not respond to touch at all.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer icons to the Redmi Note 9 (including the Note 9 Pro and Note 9S models), taking into account the nuances of different versions of MIUI 12-14. You will learn how to move shortcuts between screens, folders and even to the Quick Access Panel, and what to do if the icon is stuck or lost after the system update.

Why the icons on the Redmi Note 9 don’t move: 3 main reasons

Before you start the transfer, it is important to understand what prevents you from doing it the first time, and in most cases, the problem is not with the “glitch” of the phone, but with the restrictions on or non-obvious settings.

Here's the top.-3 Reasons why icons refuse to move:

• 🔒 Locked desktop: in MIUI There is a function of fixing the screen layout (Settings) → Desktop → Layout fixation, which blocks any changes.
• 📱 Easy Desktop: A simplified interface for older users hides the ability to move icons.
• 🔄 Launcher cache failure: After updates or long run without rebooting, the shell cache may “forget” edit permissions.

If you've tried to drag an icon and it instantly returns to its place, there's a 99% chance that you've turned on one of the first two items, and we'll look at the solutions for each case in the following sections.

Method 1: Classic drag and drop (works 80% of the time)

The most obvious method, holding the icon and then moving it, doesn't always work on the Redmi Note 9, and here's a step-by-step guide to how to do it correctly:

1. Press and hold your finger on the app icon for 2-3 seconds until it “sticks” off the screen and zoom animation appears.
2. Without letting go of your finger, move the icon to the edge of the screen (left or right) – the desktop will automatically scroll.
3. Wait until the desired screen is active, then drag the icon to the desired location and release your finger.

If the icon does not respond to retention, check:

• 📵 Do not disturb with gesture blocking (check in the notification curtain).
• 👆 Do you use your third hand (some cases block the sensor at the edges).
• 🔋 The level of battery charge - at ≤15% of the system can limit animations.

Turn off Do Not Disturb mode.

Make sure the case does not block the sensor

Charge your phone to ≥ 20%

Turn off "Fixing the layout" in the desktop settings-->

⚠️ Note: If you are using a dark topic in the MIUI, Visual feedback when holding an icon may be subtle. Try turning on Settings → Display. → Animation of the system → 1x better visibility.

Method 2: Move through the application menu (if drag and drop doesn’t work)

If the classic method doesn’t work, use the alternative method through the menu of all applications:

1. Tap the All Apps icon (usually in the dock panel below).
2. Find the desired application in the list and hold its icon for 1-2 seconds.
3. Drag the icon to your desktop or dock. If the screen doesn't scroll automatically, wait 1 second at the edge of the screen.

This method is guaranteed to work even if:

• 🔄 Included is the fixation of the layout (but only for new icons).
• 📱 A third-party launcher is used (for example, Nova Launcher).
• 🔧 The phone has a beta version installed. MIUI.

If the icon disappears after the transfer, it's hidden in the settings to get it back:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the right application and click “Show on the desktop”.

Method 3: Using folders to group icons

If you need to migrate multiple icons at once, it’s more convenient to first group them into a folder and then move the entire folder, which is especially useful for users who sort apps by category (social media, games, utilities).

How to create and transfer a folder:

1. Drag one icon to another and the folder will automatically be created.
2. Open the folder, tap its name (default "Folder") and rename it if necessary.
3. Hold the folder and drag it to another screen or dock panel.

Limitations of the method:

• 📁 You can store a maximum of 16 icons in one folder (in the MIUI 14 - to 24).
• 🔒 Folders in the dock panel do not support nested folders.
• 🎨 Folder design depends on the theme of design (in a dark theme, folders can merge with the background).

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If the folder doesn’t open with the first touch, try increasing the sensitivity of the screen in Settings → Additional → Touch Sensitivity. This is especially true after upgrading to MIUI 14, where gesture recognition algorithms have changed.

Method 4: Transfer icons through launcher settings (hidden function)

MIUI has a hidden launcher setting menu that allows you to manage icons at the system level, which is useful if standard methods do not work or you need to move system icons (for example, Phone or Messages).

How to open hidden settings:

1. Keep your finger on the empty space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
2. In the menu that appears, select “Desktop Settings”.
3. Scroll down and click on “Additional” (or “Advanced Settings” in MIUI 14).
4. Activate the "Model Editing" mode.

In this mode, you can:

• 🔄 Move any icons, including system icons.
• 📱 Add/Delete Desktops (up to 9 screens).
• 🔧 Adjust the size of the grid (for example, 5×6 standard 4×5).

⚠️ Note: In the layout editing mode, you can not delete system icons (for example, "Settings" or "Camera") - this will cause the launcher to crash. If the icon is accidentally deleted, you can only return it through resetting the desktop settings.

After you finish editing, remember to click Save in the top right corner. If you don't, all changes will reset after you reboot or after 10 minutes of inactivity.

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Mode Editing is the only way to transfer system icons (such as Phone or Contacts) to another screen, and they are locked in normal mode.

Method 5: Using a third-party launcher (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not suit, you can install an alternative launcher, for example:

• 📱 Nova Launcher (maximum customization).
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher (Integration with Windows).
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher (optimized for Xiaomi).

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🔄 Flexible gesture management (e.g. swipe up to open menus).
• 📁 Unlimited number of icons in folders.
• 🎨 Support for icon packs and adaptive icons.

How to transfer icons to Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the default launcher.
2. Hold the icon → in the menu select “Edit”.
3. Drag the icon to another screen or dock panel (Nova supports up to 7 icons in the dock).

Disadvantages of the method:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (launcher runs overhead) MIUI).
• 🔔 Possible conflicts with system notifications.
• 📱 Certain functions MIUI (For example, “Dual Apps” may not work.

What to do if the icon disappeared after transfer: 4 ways to restore

If the icon is missing from your desktop after moving, don't panic, you can get it back. Here are some step-by-step solutions for different situations:

1. The icon is hidden, but the app is on the menu: Open Settings → Apps → App Management. Find the missing app and click Show on Desktop.
2. The icon is removed from the launcher: Hold the empty space on the desktop → “Widgets.” Scroll down and find the “Apps” section. Drag the desired application back to the screen.
3. Launcher Failure: Restart the phone. If it didn't work, clear the launcher's cache: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Clear the cache.

System application icon:

• Use Method 4 (model editing) or reset your desktop settings.

If none of the methods worked, the application may have been disabled or removed. Check this in Settings → Apps → All applications – disabled programs are marked in gray.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting icons to Redmi Note 9