How to swap desktops on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: 5 proven ways

Why to change the desktop on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

Desktops on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro are not just background wallpaper, but full-fledged virtual spaces for organizing applications, widgets and quick access to the desired functions. Many users do not even realize that MIUI can not only add new screens, but also change them, drag and drop icons between them or completely reorganize the structure, this is especially convenient if you use different desks for work, entertainment or personal affairs.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to remake desktops, from standard MIUI 12/13/14 features to hidden features and third-party solutions. You’ll learn how to get around system limitations if gestures don’t work, and what to do if drag and drop functionality is lost after an upgrade. And we’ll also explain why sometimes reshuffling tables can reset widgets and how to avoid it.

Important: instructions are valid for the Redmi Note 8 Pro on all MIUI versions, including global (Global), Chinese (China) and European (EEA).If you have a different Xiaomi model, check the compatibility of methods - some features may not be available.

Method 1: Standard drag and drop desktops

The easiest method is to use the built-in drag and drop function in MIUI Launcher, which works on all firmware versions, but requires precise actions:

1. Unlock your phone and go to the main screen.
2. Make a long press (2-3 seconds) on any free screen space until the edit menu appears.
3. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see thumbnails of all the desktops. Click on the one you want, and drag it left or right without letting go.
4. Release your finger when the table is in the desired position.

⚠️ Note: If you have one hand mode enabled (Settings) → Special facilities → One-hand mode, drag and drop may not work.

One-hand mode is off.

The screen is not locked.

No active gestures (e.g. swipe up for menus)

Free space on the screen to press-->

This is a good way for most users, but it has a limitation: you can't swap the main screen (where the search bar is) with other desks, and you'll need alternative methods.

Method 2: Use of MIUI gestures

MIUI 12 and later has a gesture support for desktop management, which is faster than standard drag and drop, but requires pre-configuration:

1. Open the settings → Home → Screen gestures.
2. Activate the Swipe down option to switch desktops (if you have one in your version).
3. Return to the main screen and swipe down with two fingers – a review of the table miniatures will open.
4. Click on the thumbnail and drag it to the right place.

💡 Useful tip: If the gesture doesn’t work, check if it conflicts with other features (like Swipe down for the notification bar.

Standard MIUI Launcher

Nova Launcher

Hyperion Launcher

Other

I don't know what it is.-->

Gestures are convenient for quick switching, but they don't always allow you to precisely control the position of the tables. If you need to completely reorganize the structure of the screen, it's better to combine this method with manual drag and drop.

Method 3: Reset and reset the tables

If standard methods don't work (for example, after updating MIUI), you can reset your desktop settings and reconfigure them. This is a radical way, but it is guaranteed to help:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Launcher (or MIUI Home) and open its settings.
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Confirm the action. Attention: this will remove all widgets and icon locations!
5. After restarting the launcher, reset the tables by adding them in the desired order.

⚠️ Warning: This method removes all custom launcher settings, including folders and widgets. Before reset, take screenshots of the current icon arrangement to quickly restore it.

Resetting helps in 90% of cases when the tables stick or refuse to move, but this is an extreme measure - try other ways first.

Method 4: Third-party launchers (Nova, Hyperion, Apex)

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can install an alternative launcher.

• 🔹 Nova Launcher – flexible gesture and table layout settings.
• 🔹 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi, supports themes MIUI.
• 🔹 Apex Launcher – Classic Launcher with Extended Options.

Instructions for setting up (for example, Nova Launcher):

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
3. Go to Settings Nova → Desktop → Number of tables.
4. Set the right amount and drag them into the preview menu.

📌 Key takeaway: Third-party launchers give more freedom, but may conflict with proprietary features MIUI (For example, with dual applications or Second Space, check the compatibility reviews with the Redmi Note 8 Pro before installing.

Method 5: ADB-Teams for experienced users

If you're ready to experiment, you can swap tables through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell dumpsys activity activities | grep "mFocusedActivity" to find the current launcher ID.
3. Use the command to change the order of the tables (example for Nova Launcher): adb shell am start -n com.teslacoilsw.launcher/com.teslacoilsw.launcher.NovaLauncher -e action "REORDER_SCREENS" -e screen_ids "1,0,2" where 1,0,2 — new table numbers.

⚠️ Attention: Wrong ADB-We recommend backup before experimenting, and this method is only suitable for experienced users!

💡

Before using ADB, check if your launcher supports reorganisation commands, such as the standard MIUI Launcher ignores them and the Nova Launcher supports them.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When reshuffling desktops, Redmi Note 8 Pro users encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:

• 🔄 Table returns to place after reboot: Reset launcher cache in Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🚫 You can’t move the main screen: Use a third-party launcher or create a new table and transfer all the icons from the main one to it.
• 📱 Gestures don't work after the update: Check your gesture settings in Settings → Home. → Screen gestures - sometimes they are reset.

If none of these things work, there's a software bug in the firmware.

1. Check for MIUI updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Install the latest version of the launcher via Google Play (if you use a third-party).
3. Reset the launcher settings (see Method 3).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions