Modern Xiaomi smartphone users often face a situation where the home screen turns into a chaotic piling of shortcuts. This is especially true for owners of Redmi Note series models who actively use the device for work and entertainment. Moving icons is a basic skill, but the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have their own features that can be confusing for a beginner.
In this article, we will not only break down the standard drag and drop method, but also solve a common problem when icons are “locked” and do not want to move. You will learn how to create convenient folders, change the desktop grid and use hidden launcher functions to perfectly organize the space. Customizing the interface takes only a few minutes, but significantly increases the comfort of daily use of the gadget.
We're going to look at the algorithms for different versions of the firmware, because the logic of Android 12, 13 and 14 can be nuanced. If you can't drag the shortcut the usual way, it's probably because you've got the layout lock enabled or you've got specific font size settings. Let's figure out how to get back full control of your desktop.
Standard method of labeling
The most obvious way to change the layout of items on the screen is to use the Drag-and-Drop function. However, in a MIUI system, this process has its own features that distinguish it from pure Android. First, make sure that you are on the desktop, and not in the menu of all applications (App Drawer), if it is enabled.
To move the icon, you need to press it with your finger and hold it for 1-2 seconds, and you will notice that the shortcut will slightly increase or a vibration will appear below it, which is a signal that the object is captured by the system. Now, without letting go of your finger, smoothly move the icon to the desired area of the screen.
If you drag the shortcut to the edge of the screen, the system automatically switches you to the next page of the desktop, which allows you to quickly distribute applications to different workspaces, and you can drag and drop one icon over the other to create a folder, which helps structure the space.
⚠️ Note: If the icon starts to shake with a long press, but does not move beyond its cell, you may have the limited edit mode enabled or the "Block the layout" function activated».
It is important to consider that on some Redmi Note models with screen sizes larger than 6.5 inches, the sensitivity zone may be shifted to the center.Try to keep your finger tightly pressed against the center of the shortcut while you move to avoid accidentally opening the app instead of porting it.
The solution to the problem: icons do not move
The most common reason users can’t change shortcuts is because of the activated lock (Layout Lock), which is designed to avoid accidentally knocking the order of icons when the phone is in your pocket or bag, but often interferes with intentional rearrangement.
To check the lock status, pinch your two fingers on your desktop (put your fingers together as if you want to shrink the image) and the editing menu will open. If you see a lock icon or the words "Block," you need to remove it. In newer versions of HyperOS, this switch may be in the top corner of the screen.
Sometimes the problem lies in the settings of font size and display. If the Settings menu → Screen → Text and display size are set too large, the system can block the movement of elements, as they physically lack space to maneuver in a given grid.
Hidden launcher settings
Another nuance is that some of the themes downloaded from Themes have a rigid grid that doesn't support free movement of icons, and only a return to the standard Classic or Default theme will help.
Set up the grid and size of the icons
Xiaomi’s shell flexibility allows you not only to move shortcuts, but also to change the very structure of the desktop. You can increase the number of rows and columns to fit more elements on a single screen, or, conversely, make them larger for convenience.
To access these settings, use the pinch gesture again on your desktop or go to Settings → Desktop. Here you will find the Grid item. The standard value is often 4x6 or 5x6, but on larger Redmi Note screens you can set 6x8 or more.
Changing the grid will automatically redistribute all your icons, and those that don't fit on the current page will be moved to new ones that you create automatically, which is a great way to quickly clean up a blocked desktop, just by increasing the density of the items.
Also available on this menu is the option to "Enlarge" or "Big Icons" which, when activated, takes up more space and the captions become readable, but this reduces the number of available cells, which may require additional pages.
Working with folders and grouping applications
Foldering is the best way to keep things in order if you have more than 50 apps installed, and in MIUI, this process is intuitive, but it has some useful features that not all users know about.
To create a folder, simply drag and drop one icon on top of another. The system will automatically create a container with a name corresponding to the application category (for example, Tools or Social Networks). You can click on the folder name and rename it, and change the background color.
- 📁 Nesting: Newer firmware versions support folder creation inside folders, although this can overload the interface.
- 🎨 Styles: When creating a folder, the system offers several color options, depending on the set theme.
- 🚀 Quick Start: Up to 9 icons can be placed in a folder on a single page, providing instant access to a group of services.
An interesting feature is that you can quickly retrieve applications from a folder, and if you pinch the folder and pull it, it will turn around, and you can drag the desired icon right to the desktop, bypassing the opening phase of the folder, which saves time with frequent use of different programs.
You shouldn't overuse the number of items in one folder. If you get too many, the navigation within the group slows down, and the visual noise distracts. It's optimal to keep 4 to 9 apps in the same folder.
Use of widgets and negative screen
Xiaomi’s desktop isn’t just about app icons; widgets and the so-called “negative screen” (left-handed workspace) play an important role, and using these elements properly makes room for shortcuts on the main pages.
Widgets can be of any size, from small watch squares to large news panels, and can be moved around the grid by taking up several cells, so to add a widget, pinch on the screen and select "Widgets" or "Add."
The negative screen (swipe to the right of the home page) contains Google news feeds or services by default. Many users are unaware that you can also transfer frequently used icons or widgets to the back screen by unloading the main screen.
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Tip: Use the Search or Weather widget on the negative screen, and spread the main app icons across the central pages, which will create a sense of cleanliness and minimalism.
If your Redmi Note starts to slow down, try removing heavy widgets with live wallpaper or constant data updates from the home screen.
Comparison of methods of space organization
The choice of organization strategy depends on your habits and phone model. Below is a table that will help you determine which method is best for your Xiaomi use case.
| Method | Who's right for? | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| One page. | Minimalists. | Everything at hand, clean view. | It is difficult to find the right one among the many icons. |
| Many pages. | Active users | All applications can be placed | You need to swipe often, time is wasted. |
| Category folders | Systemic people | Logical structure, order | Two clicks to launch the application |
| Search (Search) | Advanced | Instant launch, empty table. | You need to know the name of the application. |
As you can see from the table, there is no perfect solution, but the combination of methods gives the best result, for example, on the first screen you can leave 4-5 of the most important applications and a weather widget, and everything else is sorted into folders on the second and third screens.
Remember that MIUI has One-Hand Mode, which also affects the location of items. If you use your phone with one hand often, it makes sense to move all the icons to the bottom of the screen, leaving the top empty for easy access with your thumb.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did all the icons get mixed up after the firmware update?
Can I change the size of the icons without changing the theme?
How to return a remote application icon to the desktop?
Why does the icon become transparent when it is dragged?
☑️ Checklist of the ideal desktop
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The main conclusion: Don’t be afraid to experiment with grids and folders. A properly configured desktop on Xiaomi Redmi Note increases productivity and makes smartphone use much more enjoyable.
In conclusion, the smartphone interface is your personal space, there are no strict rules on how to place icons, the main thing is that you are comfortable finding the right features in the minimum number of touches, regularly conduct “digital cleaning”, removing the shortcuts of unnecessary applications, and your Redmi Note will always be happy with speed and order.