Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face the desire to change the way they look. The standard MIUI shell or the new HyperOS offer many features, but sometimes you want something unique. The process of changing the menu can range from simply installing a theme to completely changing the launcher.
Changing the interface is not just aesthetics, it's also a way to make your gadget more usable, you can access new widgets, change animations, or completely redesign your desktop logic, and it's important to understand the difference between changing the theme and installing a third-party launcher.
In this article, we will discuss all available personalization methods, how to securely install a third-party menu and what system settings may require your attention before starting changes.
⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party launchers from unverified sources may lead to personal data leakage or unstable system operation.
Differences between theme and launcher on MIUI
Before you start making changes, you need to be clear about what you’re going to change, and many people confuse the theme and launcher, although technically they’re different components of the Android operating system.
A theme is a set of graphics that changes the icons of applications, wallpaper, fonts and colors of system windows, while the launcher is responsible for organizing the desktop, control panel, dock bar and menu of all applications. Replacing the launcher gives a deeper change in functionality.
The standard MIUI Launcher or POCO Launcher is deeply integrated into the system. Third-party solutions may not have full access to system functions such as control gestures or specific widgets. However, they provide freedom not available in stock solutions.
- 🎨 The theme changes only the visual style of icons and backgrounds.
- 📱 Launcher replaces desktop structure and application menu.
- ⚙️ System settings may limit the operation of third-party launchers.
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Before installing a new launcher, take screenshots of the icons’ location to quickly restore the familiar structure if you don’t like the new interface.
Preparing the smartphone to install a new interface
The preparation process takes a little time, but ignoring these steps can lead to errors. First, make sure that your Xiaomi device has the latest version of the system software installed.
The second important step is to free up space in memory. New launchers can take up a significant amount of cache, especially if they are packed with widgets and animations. Check the available space in the Settings → Memory section.
It is also recommended to back up important data. Although changing menus rarely results in file loss, unforeseen Android system failures are possible.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Change the topic through the official annex
The safest and easiest way to change the look of the menu is to use the built-in Themes app, which does not require root rights and guarantees the stability of the system. Open the Themes app on the home screen.
In search, type in the name of the desired theme or browse category. After selecting the design you like, click the button "Download" and then "Apply". The system will prompt you to select the components to replace: screen blocker, system theme, icons.
Some themes may require buying or viewing ads, and after applying the theme, the desktop and app menus will be updated instantly, and if the result is not satisfactory, you can return to the standard design in the user profile of the Themes app.
How do I remove a third-party theme?
The depth of change depends on the version of MIUI. In new versions of HyperOS, customization across themes has become more extensive, including changing the style of the control center.
Installation of a third-party launcher
If standard features don't satisfy your needs, you can install a third-party launcher from Google Play Market. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher. Download and install the selected application.
After installation, Android will prompt you to select the default home screen app. Select a new launcher. If you do not automatically request, go to Settings → Desktop → Desktop App.
In the list that opens, select the launcher installed. Now, when you press the Home button, you will open a new interface. You will adjust the grid, the size of the icons and the gestures in the launcher settings.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI when switching to a third-party launcher, the swipe from the bottom up may stop working to open the menu of all applications.
Some launchers may require permission to display on top of other windows to function properly, which is critical for pop-up widgets and search bars.
Features of the POCO Launcher Menu
Special attention deserves POCO Launcher. Originally developed for a sub-brand POCO, This launcher is available for installation on any Xiaomi smartphone, and it combines minimalism and functionality.
The main feature is the ability to hide applications in folders and change the size of the desktop grid without limiting it to one line, and the application menu here is made in the form of a vertical scrolling with an alphabetical index.
You can install it through the “Themes” application (search by name) or download APK-Once installed, you will have access to unique gestures and icon styles that are different from the standard one. MIUI.
| Function | MIUI Launcher | POCO Launcher | Third-party (Nova) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiding applications | Through settings | Swipe in a folder | Password/Hiding |
| Desktop grid | Fixed | Flexible. | Maximum |
| Animation. | Systemic | Optimized | Customizable |
| RAM consumption | Average. | Low. | Depends on the version. |
Using a POCO Launcher often solves performance issues on Redmi’s budget models, as it is less demanding on processor resources.
Customization of gestures and controls
When you change the menu, you need to reconfigure your navigation. MIUI and HyperOS have two types of navigation: buttons and gestures. When you install a third-party launcher, gestures may not work properly.
Go to Settings → Desktop → Navigation in the system. Try switching between modes. If you use gestures, make sure that the sensitivity area of the edges of the screen is set up correctly.
Also check the Pocket (left screen with widgets) function, and third-party launchers can turn it off or require a separate setup to activate it, and in some cases, reinstall the launcher helps.
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If after changing the launcher, the notification panel disappeared or gestures stopped working, try restarting the device or resetting the default launcher settings.
Remember that some Xiaomi system applications may not display correctly in third-party interfaces.This is normal and is solved by updating the applications themselves through GetApps or Play Market.
Possible problems and solutions
You may encounter artifacts in the menu experiments, and most users complain of a black screen when they unlock or freeze their desktop, and 90% of the time, cleaning the new launcher's cache helps.
To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find your launcher and select Clear Cache. Don’t confuse it with Clear Data, as this will reset all your design settings.
If the problem persists, check the compatibility of the Android version and launcher. Older versions of launchers may not work properly on Android 13 or 14. Update the app to the latest version.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone goes into cyclic reboot after installing the launcher, boot into safe mode (clamping the off button) and uninstall the problem app.
It is also worth considering that aggressive battery saving in MIUI can kill off third-party launcher processes. Add it to the exceptions ("No restrictions") in battery settings.