Xiaomi’s modern smartphones with MIUI shells and the new HyperOS provide users with ample opportunities to customize the interface. One of the basic but critical features for comfortable use of the gadget is the ability to manage the desktop. Many users face the need to quickly regroup shortcuts after installing a large number of programs or changing the logic of using the device.
While moving items around may seem easy at first, the Xiaomi ecosystem has its own nuances: icon behavior depends on the modes on, the type of widgets and the operating system version. In this guide, we’ll look at all the known ways to move, edit the grid and create folders so that your screen always looks organized.
It’s important to note that launcher algorithms can vary across models, whether it’s a budget Redmi or a flagship Xiaomi.Understanding the basics of how the interface works will help you avoid menu chaos and speed up access to the right features in any situation.
Basic principles of working with labels in MIUI
The foundation of interface interaction is understanding the difference between a simple tap and a long touch. In the Android system that runs MIUI, it's keeping your finger on an object for a long time that opens up the control menu. It's a universal rule that works in almost all launchers.
When you hold the icon, the system goes into editing mode, at which point the screen may darken slightly, and at the top of the display there will be additional control buttons. If you just let your finger go, the application will start, so you need to hold the touch until the visual response of the interface appears to move.
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Use the Shake for Clean feature in your desktop settings to quickly remove unused app shortcuts if they interfere with navigation.
It is worth considering that some system applications can be protected from being removed or moved outside certain zones if the phone does not have root rights. However, in 99% of cases, user programs obey standard drag and drop rules. It is also important to distinguish between the app shortcut and the widget, since the latter take up more space in the grid.
Step-by-step instructions for moving the icon
To start the process, you need to find the right app on the current screen, make sure you're on the desktop, not inside the folder or menu of all the apps, and once the target is found, press your finger tightly against the icon and don't let it go for about a second.
Once the icon is stuck and the effect of soaring appears, start moving towards the edge of the screen. If you shortcut to the right side of the display, the system automatically switches you to the next desktop page.
☑️ The displacement algorithm
When you drag and drop, the other icons will automatically move, making room for the object to move. If you want to put a label between the other two, wait until the space of the right size is created. The fixation occurs when you release your finger.
Working with folders and grouping applications
Grouping apps into folders is a great way to save space on your smartphone desktop. To create a folder, you need to drag one icon directly to another, and once the image centers match, the system automatically creates a container with a new name.
Once you create a folder, you can rename it by clicking on the text box above the application list, and you can continue to move items inside the folder, creating a convenient structure, such as grouping banking applications or social networks, which is especially true for devices with low screen resolution.
- 📁 To create a folder, drag the shortcut to another shortcut.
- 📝 Click on the folder name to enter your own text.
- 🗑️ To remove the folder, drag all applications from it to the desktop.
- 📂 Folders can be moved around the screen in the same way as regular icons.
How do I delete the folder completely?
There's also the ability to quickly add apps to an existing folder, so you can press the icon, drag it to the open folder, hold it until the folder opens, then release the shortcut inside, which speeds up the process of sorting new software.
Set up the grid and size of the icons
If you don't like the standard layout of the elements, the MIUI shell allows you to change the grid density, which affects how many icons fit on a single screen, and can solve the problem of lack of space to move important labels.
To change the settings, you need to go to the settings. The path usually looks like: Settings → Desktop. Here you will find the Grid option, where you can choose a configuration, for example, 4x6 or 5x7. The more cells, the smaller the icons will look.
| Parameter | Description | Impact on the interface |
|---|---|---|
| Grid size | Number of rows and columns | Determines the capacity of the screen |
| Scope | Type size and icon size | Affects the readability and amount of content |
| Retreats | Distance between elements | Makes the interface more airy or dense |
Changing the grid can cause some widgets or icons to move from their usual places. After applying the new settings, it is recommended to check all pages of the desktop and manually adjust the location of shortcuts if necessary.
Displacement problems and solutions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the icon sticks or returns to its original place after release, this can be caused by a lack of free space in the target area, the system will not allow the object to be placed on top of another, unless a folder is created.
Another reason could be the activated "Blocking the layout" mode, which, if enabled, makes it impossible to move the icons. Check the desktop settings and make sure the lock switch is in the "Off" position.
⚠️ Warning: If the icon flashes red or comes back when trying to move to the edge of the screen, you may have reached the desktop page limit or taken up space with widgets.
In rare cases, the problem lies in the launcher itself failing. If standard methods don't work, try clearing the Security or Desktop app cache through the application management menu. This often returns drag and drop functionality.
Use of the “No Limit” regime and alternatives
Some firmware versions offer an infinite desktop feature where new pages are automatically created. In the classic mode, the number of pages is limited, and you need to swipe right to the end and click "plus" to add new ones.
If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t meet your space needs, you can always install a third-party launcher. Apps like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair give you full control over each icon, allowing you to ignore the system limitations of the grid.
However, using third-party shells can affect some system features, such as control gestures or integration with Google services, so it is recommended to weigh the pros and cons before installing an alternative launcher.
⚠️ Note: When installing a third-party launcher, be sure to give it all the permissions requested, otherwise the navigation buttons may stop showing correctly.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t the icon move to another screen?
Can I move the system application "Settings"?
How to return all icons to the factory?
What to do if the text under the icon disappears after transfer?
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The main secret of a successful organization is the regular cleaning of unused applications and the use of folders for grouping by functionality, not just by alphabet.