Owning a Xiaomi smartphone offers a huge amount of customization options that are often hidden in the depths of system settings or require additional tools. The standard MIUI shell, and now the new HyperOS, offers a lot of features, but the basic look of the home screen can seem boring or unergonomic to those who are used to pure Android or other interfaces. Changing the launcher is the most effective way to completely transform the appearance of the device, changing the location of icons, widgets and animations.
The process of replacing a standard desktop does not require superuser rights or complex code manipulation, but it requires attention to detail to avoid application conflicts. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to change system fonts and themes, how to install third-party launchers and what nuances arise when working with Xiaomi shells.
Before you start making radical changes, you need to figure out what you want to end up with. Some users want minimalism, others want maximum desktop information. Launcher is an application that displays the desktop, app menus and search bar. Replacing this component touches the visual part of the interaction with the gadget without affecting its internal logic, unless system modifications are used.
Built-in capabilities of changing the interface theme
The easiest and safest way to change the look of the home screen is to use the built-in Themes app. Xiaomi has created a powerful tool that allows you to download and apply ready-made design packages that change not only icons, but also system sounds, fonts and lock wallpapers. To access this functionality, you just need to find the same application in the Tools folder or through a search in the menu.
Inside the theme store, you can select the category “Home screen” or search for keywords such as “iOS”, “Minimal” or “Gaming”. After choosing a favorite design, click “Download” and then “Apply”. The system will suggest selecting components to replace: you can only change the icons, only the wallpaper or the entire interface, which allows you to flexibly customize the visual style without affecting unnecessary elements.
It is important to note that some themes may be paid or contain ads that can be turned off in the settings of the theme app itself.It is also worth considering that applying heavy themes with a lot of animations can slightly reduce performance on older smartphone models. MIUI Themes is a native tool that is guaranteed to be compatible with your firmware version, which eliminates most software bugs.
⚠️ Warning: When installing themes from third-party sources (not from an official store), always check files with antivirus. Unverified packages may contain malicious code that can steal personal data.
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Use the store’s Preview feature to see how the design will look on your screen model, as camera cutouts can be displayed differently in different themes.
Installation of third-party launchers from Google Play
If built-in features aren't enough, you can install an alternative launcher from the Google Play Store. It's the most popular way among power users who want to get a feature similar to pure Android, or advanced customization options. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, Niagara Launcher and Lawnchair.
The installation process is standard: find the app in the store, click "Install" and "Open." When you first start, Android will ask permission to use this app as the default home screen. On Xiaomi smartphones, this step may have features: after selecting a launcher, the system can warn about potential risks or limitations of functionality. You will need to confirm your choice by clicking "OK" or "Allow".
Once confirmed, the launcher will replace the standard desktop. However, on MIUI and HyperOS, a system limitation often persists: a swipe down the center of the screen will not open a new launcher search, but a notification curtain or Xiaomi services. To fix this, it may be necessary to disable certain system applications or use special commands through ADB, although modern launchers often have built-in instructions to bypass these restrictions.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher is a benchmark for speed and flexibility of settings, allowing you to change literally every pixel interface.
- 📅 Microsoft Launcher is a great solution for those who are integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and need Office widgets.
- 🌿 Niagara Launcher – a minimalist interface focused on ergonomics of one-handed use and digital detox.
- 🎨 Lawnchair is an open source launcher that is as close to the Google Pixel interface as possible.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the launcher
To make the transition smooth, it is recommended to follow a clear algorithm of actions, which will help to avoid a situation where the phone is “stuck” on a black screen or does not respond to presses. First, make sure that you have a stable Internet connection to download the necessary files, as well as a battery charge of at least 30%.
Next, follow the instructions: download the selected launcher, install it, but do not open it yet. Go to the smartphone settings, find the Apps section and select App Settings. In the application settings menu, find the Default App or Default App. In the list, find the Desktop or Home option and select the installed app.
☑️ Launcher change algorithm
If you see a black screen or the standard interface doesn’t change after you select a new launcher, try restarting the device. In rare cases, Xiaomi may force the standard launcher back after rebooting, in which case you will need to disable MIUI optimization in the Developer Menu, although in new versions of HyperOS this item is hidden and requires inclusion through special commands.
| Parameter | Standard launcher | Third-party launcher | Theme from the store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | Maximum | Depends on the developer. | Tall. |
| Depth of setting | Limited. | Complete. | Medium |
| Impact on the battery | Optimized. | Possible increase in expenditure | Minimum |
| Complexity of installation | Not required | Medium | Low. |
Configure the desktop elements and widgets
When you change your launcher or theme, you have a space for creativity. The modern interface of your smartphone is not just a grid of icons, it's an information bar. Widgets allow you to display current information on the home screen: weather, currency rates, steps, calendar or notes. In MIUI, widgets have a special format and often differ from standard androids, being more colorful but less functional.
When you use third-party launchers, you get access to Android widgets. To add a widget, you need to pinch the empty space on the screen or swipe depending on the launcher settings, and select "Widgets." Here you can find watches of different formats, weather stations and quick access shortcuts. It is important not to overload the desktop, since many active widgets can consuming memory noticeably.
Special attention should be paid to the screen grid. In most launchers settings, you can change the number of rows and columns. For large screens, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Xiaomi 14 Ultra, optimally use a 5x6 or 6x6 grid to accommodate more applications without losing readability. For compact models, it is better to leave 4x5 or 5x5 for easy finger hit.
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A properly selected grid of icons and a minimum number of active widgets are the key to fast interface operation and easy navigation with one hand.
Solutions and typical problems
When changing the main screen, Xiaomi users often face a number of specific problems, one of the most common is the inability to change the application by default. The system can block this action if protection against unwanted changes is turned on or if a conflict with system services is detected, in which case it is worth checking whether the launcher is a virus, and rechecking the settings in the security section.
Another problem is broken gestures. Swipes to switch apps or call a search may not work in third-party launchers due to deep integration of MIUI gestures. The solution often lies in the settings of the launcher itself, where you need to enable emulation of the system gestures, or in turning off full-screen mode in favor of navigation buttons, although the latter is less convenient.
Users also complain of a “flicker” interface or a short-term appearance of a standard launcher when unlocking the screen, a well-known feature of Xiaomi’s shell memory optimization that aggressively unloads background processes. To minimize this effect, add the launcher to the battery exception list (“No restrictions”) and lock it into memory through the menu of running applications (lock).
⚠️ Warning: If your phone starts to get too hot or discharge quickly after installing a new launcher, remove the app.It may not be optimized for your version of Android or contains code errors.
Hidden Developer Functions
Return to the standard interface
If you don't like the look of the experiment or the new launcher is unstable, you can always go back to the factory settings. You don't have to delete the third-party app. You just need to go to the smartphone settings, go to the Apps section → App settings → Default → Desktop and choose System Launcher or MIUI/HyperOS.
If the interface is frozen and does not allow you to enter the settings, you can use safe mode. To do this, press the off button, and when the off icon appears on the screen, press it with your finger until you offer to go to Safe Mode. In this mode, third-party launchers do not start, which allows you to safely remove the problematic application through the settings.
Once you return to the standard, all your widgets and grid settings will return to the pre-change state, however, the themes you have installed may remain active. To completely clean the system, it is recommended to reset the theme settings in the Themes app or delete the cache of this application, ensuring that no debris from previous experiments remains in the system.