Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS offer users tremendous flexibility in customizing the interface. The standard shortcut layout often changes after updates or installing new programs, creating the need for manually reorganizing the space. Understanding how to properly manage elements on the desktop is a basic skill for any device owner of this ecosystem.
The process of moving the program controls may vary depending on the version of the Android operating system and the specific firmware modification. In some cases, users face blocking actions due to the security features enabled or the specific settings of the launcher. A detailed study of the interface mechanisms will avoid accidental deletion of important data or violation of the folder structure.
In this article, we will explore all aspects of GUI, including hidden features and methods for solving common errors. You will learn not only to change the location of shortcuts, but also to optimize your digital space for maximum productivity.
Basic principles of navigation in MIUI and HyperOS
The foundation of interaction with the device is the launcher, a system application responsible for displaying the desktop and application menu. Xiaomi smartphones use the company's own development, which has a strict logic of operation. Drag and drop is carried out by pressing your finger on the object for a long time until vibration or visual change in the screen scale.
It is important to distinguish between editing mode and normal use mode. In normal mode, a short press launches the application, and a long one opens the context menu with quick actions. To start moving, you need to hold your finger on the icon for about one second until it "sticks" from its place and becomes accessible for manipulation.
The gesture system in modern versions of Xiaomi shells also affects navigation. If you have gesture control enabled, swipes around the edges of the screen can conflict with trying to move items if the touch is too close to the edge of the display. In such cases, it is recommended to move momentarily to button navigation or be extremely careful when capturing an object.
⚠️ Note: When moving large widgets, make sure there is enough free space on the desktop landing page.If there is no space, the system will automatically move other items or refuse to move, which can confuse the inexperienced user.
On high-frequency sensor models such as the Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi 14, touch response is instantaneous. On more budget-friendly Redmi devices, there may be a slight delay, requiring a more confident and longer retention of your finger on the screen before you start moving.
Step-by-step: how to move the application icon
The process of changing the layout of the shortcut on the desktop is intuitive, but requires following a certain sequence of actions to achieve an accurate result. First, find the application you want to move. Make sure the screen is unlocked and you are on the home screen or in the menu of all applications.
Touch the label and hold your finger, without tearing it off the display surface. When the icon grows in size and a light shadow appears underneath, it signals that the object is captured by the system and ready to move. You can now smoothly move your finger in any direction.
☑️ The displacement algorithm
If you want to move the application to another desktop page, bring it to the right or left edge of the screen and hold it for a split second. The screen automatically scrolls in the appropriate direction. Release your finger when you are on the right page to lock the item at the selected point.
To create a folder, just drag and drop one icon on top of another. The system automatically combines them into a group container. You can rename the folder you created by clicking on it and selecting the appropriate input field, which helps structure the space and hold similar applications together.
Working with the menu of all applications and sorting
Unlike classic Android, where all shortcuts are on desktops, MIUI often has Application Menu mode on default. In this mode, only select widgets and shortcuts are on the desktop, and the full list of programs is hidden behind a swipe up.
To get an app out of the menu of all apps on the desktop, you need to pinch the icon in the shared list and drag it to the top of the screen where the Desktop zone appears. By releasing your finger at that point, you create a copy of the shortcut on the home page. It doesn't duplicate the app itself, it just creates a link to it.
- 📱 For quick sorting in the application menu, use the “Sort” function available through the top menu to arrange programs by name or frequency of use.
- 📁 Category grouping happens automatically unless you have disabled this feature in the launcher settings, making it easier to search.
- 🗑️ Removing the shortcut from the menu of all applications is impossible without uninstalling the application itself, while it can be simply removed from the desktop.
It's important to understand the difference between deleting a shortcut and deleting an application. When you drag and drop an icon into your cart or click "Delete" in the context menu on your desktop, the system will ask for confirmation. If you choose "Delete," the program will be erased from the device's memory completely. If you choose "Remove from your desktop," the icon will simply disappear from your eyes, but remain on the menu of all applications.
Hidden possibilities of the application menu
Creating and editing folders on the desktop
Foldering is a key skill for smartphone owners with a lot of software installed, and folders in HyperOS and MIUI allow you not only to group applications, but also to display their contents as a widget, which means you can see notifications or run functions directly from the folder.
To create a folder, drag and drop one icon to another, as mentioned earlier. Once you create a group, you can resize it. Click on the folder to open it, then click on the name or empty space inside (depending on the OS version) and select the size resizing option. Options are available from a compact 1x1 button to a large 2x2 or 2x3 block.
Changing the folder size affects its functionality. In a large format, the folder becomes a full-fledged widget, displaying the contents of applications without having to open completely, which is especially convenient for Messages, Mail or Social Networks groups, where it is important to quickly see incoming notifications.
| Type of folder | Size (cells) | Functional | Use of the |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard. | 2x2 | Just icons. | Baseline grouping |
| Compact | 1x1 or 2x1 | Curled-up appearance | Saving space |
| Widget folder | 2x3 or 2x4 | Live data | Quick access to content |
| Big folder. | 4x4 | Maximum overview | Tablet mode |
Renaming folders is also an important part of the organization: Double-clicking on the folder name or long-term retention allows you to enter new text. Use short and clear names to quickly navigate the interface. The system can offer automatic names based on the type of applications inside, but they can always be changed manually.
Removing shortcuts and cleaning the desktop
Cleaning your desktop of unnecessary visual noise can improve productivity and reduce cognitive load. At Xiaomi, the shortcut removal process depends on whether you want to remove only the link or the entire program. When dragging an icon to the top of the screen, a “Delete” or “Uninstall” zone often appears.
If you drag the system app shortcut to the uninstall area, the system will warn you that you can't delete the program, you can just remove it from the desktop. User applications (downloaded from Google Play or GetApps) will have the option of completely uninstall. Be careful when doing this.
⚠️ Note: Removing system shortcuts such as "Themes", "Security" or "Conductor" from the desktop does not remove them from the system. However, if you choose to remove a third-party application through a shortcut, all of its data will be irretrievably lost.
You can use editing mode to clean up the whole thing, usually by pinching two fingers (bending fingers together) on your desktop, and you can quickly move pages, delete entire widget screens, or hide unnecessary pages if the current version of the launcher supports it.
It's also possible to hide apps without removing them, through launcher settings or Security. Hidden apps disappear from menus and desktops, but keep running in the background, which is useful for privacy or just to reduce the number of visible icons.
Set up the grid and the appearance of the interface
Visual perception is directly dependent on the density of the elements. MIUI and HyperOS allow you to change the size of the desktop grid. You can choose a configuration, for example, 4x6, 5x6 or 6x9, which directly affects the size of the icons and the number of applications that fit on a single screen.
To change the grid, you need to go to desktop editing mode (two finger pinch) and select Settings or Grid. There are various layout options available. Choosing a denser grid (6x9) will allow you to host more applications, but make elements smaller, which can be uncomfortable for people with large fingers or poor vision.
💡
Use a dark theme in combination with a dense grid of icons to reduce eye strain and visually delineate the interface elements, as in dark mode, the boundaries between the icons are perceived more clearly.
In addition to grids, you can change the style of icons. In the theme settings, packages are available that completely change the design of all shortcuts, making them round, square or iOS-style. This does not affect the functionality of drag and drop, but changes the visual weight of the elements, which is worth considering when planning the location.
Don't forget widgets. They take up more space than normal icons, but they provide more information. They drag and drop widgets in a similar way to icons, but they require more space. If the widget doesn't fit in, check if the space is blocked by other elements or system indentations.
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Optimal setting of the grid and style of icons allows you to place on the screen exactly those tools that you need daily, removing visual noise and speeding up access to functions.
Solution: icons don’t drag or stick
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the icon does not respond to prolonged pressing or does not move to the right place.This can be caused by a temporary launcher failure, cache overflow or third-party conflict. The first step should always be to restart the device, which eliminates 90% of software glitches.
If the problem persists, it may be possible to turn on the lock of the icons. In some themes or modes "Do not disturb" on the desktop may be a ban on editing. Check the launcher settings: make sure that the option "Preserve location" (if any in your version) is disabled.
- 🔄 Clear the Launcher or Themes app cache through the Application Management menu to eliminate display errors.
- 🎨 Change the theme to standard to eliminate the conflict of third-party design with system drag and drop functions.
- 📉 Reduce the number of widgets on the desktop, as they consume RAM resources, which can cause interface lags.
In rare cases, the problem lies in the touchscreen hardware or the safety glass. Cheap protective glass can disrupt the sensitivity of the sensor, making it impossible to accurately press the glass for a long time. Try removing the glass or calibrating the sensor through the engineering menu (code # # # #6484##) to check the equipment's health.