How to swap desktops on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: 3 proven ways

Desktops on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro are virtual screens where you place app shortcuts, widgets and folders. By default, the system creates several tables, but their order and number can be easily changed to suit your needs. Many users face a situation where after updating MIUI or random gestures, the screens are mixed and the desired applications are in uncomfortable positions. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to rearrange desktops, including hidden launcher functions and third-party solutions.

Features of Redmi Note 9 Pro (models) M2003J6A1G, M2003J6B1G etc.) consists in the use of a proprietary shell MIUI, But not all users know that screens can be changed not only in a standard way, but also through editing mode, gestures or even through the use of a screen. ADB-If you want to get your desks back to normal after resetting or just optimize your workspace, this is the guide for you.

Why do desktops change places on their own?

Before we get to fix the problem, it’s important to understand the cause of the problem. On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, desktops can move automatically in several cases:

  • πŸ”„ Update MIUI: After installing a new firmware version, the system sometimes resets the launcher settings, including the order of the screens.
  • πŸ‘† Navigation gestures: If you use full-screen gestures (in Settings) β†’ Display. β†’ Navigating the system, accidentally swiping your finger at the bottom of the screen can move desktops.
  • πŸ“± Launcher reset: Forced stop of the Launcher app MIUI (through settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management will return all screens to factory settings.
  • πŸ”§ Third-party themes: Installing custom themes from the Theme may conflict with the current desktop configuration, especially if the theme changes the launcher style.

If the screens are mixed without you, first check the update log in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update. It may have been a problem after the last patch. It’s also worth remembering whether you’ve recently installed new themes or cleared the launcher’s cache through Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Clean.

πŸ“Š How often do you change the order of desktops on your smartphone?
Never change.
1-2 times a month
Only after the updates
I'm constantly experimenting.

Method 1: Standard Permutation through Editing Mode

The easiest method is to use the launcher's built-in editing mode, which is available on all versions of MIUI (11 to 14) and doesn't require any additional tools. Here's how it works:

  1. Touch and hold the empty space on any desktop (not the icon!) in 1-2 seconds, the editing menu will appear.
  2. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see thumbnails of all the desktops, and you'll press the screen you want and drag it left or right.
  3. Release your finger when the screen is in position, and the order changes instantly.
  4. Press Ready (or Back) to save the changes.

This method is suitable for most tasks, but has limitations:

  • ❌ You cannot create more than 9 desktops (limitation) MIUI).
  • ❌ If the screen is empty (no shortcuts), the system can automatically remove it after restarting.
  • ❌ On some firmware, the miniatures of the tables are displayed fuzzy - in this case, try repeating the action after restarting the launcher.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for reshuffling tables

Done: 0 / 4

Tip for MIUI 12.5+: If the table thumbnails don't appear, try double-tapping on the blank space on the clamped screen. In newer versions of the shell, the gesture has become more sensitive.

Method 2: Using gestures to move quickly

MIUI supports hidden gestures for desktop management that work even without entering editing mode, which is convenient if you need to quickly swap two screens:

  1. Open any desktop and swipe with two fingers left/right to switch between screens.
  2. When the screen is displayed, hold it with two fingers and pull it aside, and the system will suggest swapping it with the adjacent tables.
  3. Confirm the action by releasing your fingers. The screens will switch places automatically.

This method does not work on all versions of MIUI, but it is tested on the Redmi Note 9 Pro with firmware:

  • πŸ“± MIUI 12.0.3 (Android 10)
  • πŸ“± MIUI 12.5.2 (Android 11)
  • πŸ“± MIUI 13.0.4 (Android 12)

On newer versions (MIUI 14+), the gesture can be disabled, in which case use Method 1 or Method 3.

⚠️ Note: If you have Android navigation gestures enabled (not MIUI), This method won't work. Switch to Navigation buttons in Settings. β†’ Display. β†’ Navigation through the system.

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To return a randomly deleted desktop, simply drag and drop any application or widget to the right edge of the last screen – the system will automatically create a new desk.

Method 3: Resetting the launcher and restoring order

If desktops are mixed up after an upgrade or crash, it is sometimes easier to reset the launcher settings than to try to return them manually, a method that will also help if screens are duplicated or disappear.

Resetting instructions:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the MIUI Launcher (or Lawnchair if you use a custom launcher) in the list.
  3. Select Warehouse β†’ Clear the data and confirm the action.
  4. After the reboot, the launcher will return to the factory settings. You will have to reconfigure the shortcuts, but the order of the tables will be standard (left to right).

Action.Effects of consequencesHow to avoid losses
Clearing the launcher dataReset all shortcuts, widgets and foldersTake screenshots of the current location
Clearing the launcher cacheTemporary files will be deleted, settings will be savedSafe for ordering tables
Removal of launcher updatesThe factory version will return, possible bugsNot recommended unless necessary

Important: After the launcher is reset, you can't automatically restore the old table order -- you'll have to manually adjust it. If you've had many custom shortcuts, export them in advance with apps like Nova Launcher (if it's installed in parallel).

Additional settings: how to fix the order of the tables

So that desktops don't change by accident, MIUI has hidden options for UI stabilization.

  • πŸ”’ Turn off automatic sorting: Go to Launcher Settings β†’ Additionally, and deactivate the option to automatically organize applications (if you have one in your version).
  • πŸ“Œ Secure the main screen: In editing mode, press the main table (usually the center table) and select Secure as the home screen.
  • πŸ”„ Disable gestures for tables: C Settings β†’ Special facilities β†’ Find the option to Switch desktops and deactivate it.

If your MIUI version doesn’t have these options, try installing an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) that offers advanced screen fixing settings and even configuration backups.

How to return a standard launcher after using Nova?
To return to your native MIUI launcher, go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Default β†’ Launcher and select MIUI Launcher. After that, all Nova settings will reset, but the MIUI desktops will remain intact.

What to do if the desktops are not moving

Sometimes users are faced with screens not responding to drag and drop or thumbnails not showing up. Here are the possible reasons and solutions:

Problem.Reason.Decision
There are no miniature tables.Launcher failure or lack of memoryClear the launcher cache and reboot the phone
Screens will "jump" when draggingConflict with navigational gesturesTurn off gestures in Settings β†’ Display
It is impossible to create a new table.Delivered limit (9 tables)Remove unnecessary screens or use folders
After resetting, the order is resetFailure in the launcher configuration fileReset the launcher settings (see Method 3)

If none of the methods worked, check the integrity of the system files:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ System update.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Checker.
  3. If you have an update, install it. Often, launcher bugs are fixed in newer versions of MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially custom) may have the table reshuffle function disabled due to launcher modifications, in which case only flashing to the official version will help. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the desktops on the Redmi Note 9 Pro

Can I make an endless scroll of desktops?
No, the standard MIUI launcher does not support infinite scrolling (when the first table comes after the last table), but only some custom launchers do, such as Nova Launcher (Infinite Scrolling in Settings).
How to transfer widgets to another desktop without losing settings?
Unfortunately, MIUI does not save the widget settings when you move. To move the widget: Remove the widget from the current table (press β†’ Remove). Go to the landing table and add the widget again from the widget menu. Configure its settings again (for weather widgets, calendars, etc.). For complex widgets (for example, Google Assistant), it is easier to take a screenshot of the settings before deleting.
Why did one desktop disappear after the MIUI update?
This is a well-known problem with MIUI 12.5-13 versions, where the system removes empty screens (no shortcuts) after updating. To return the table: Drag any application to the right edge of the last screen, a new table will appear. If the shortcuts are missing, check the Remote Applications folder in the application menu (available within 30 days of deleting).
Can I sync my desktops with another Xiaomi device?
There is no direct synchronization of tables between devices, but you can move settings using: Xiaomi Cloud: Restore Backup from Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Cloud β†’ Restore (works unstable). Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher and Apex Launcher support export/import configurations through file.
How to turn off animation when switching desktops?
In the standard launcher. MIUI You can’t turn off animation, but you can reduce its speed: Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI In Settings β†’ About the phone. Go to Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers. Find the settings Windows animation, transition animation and set the value to Disable animation or 0.5x. Complete shutdown is possible only through custom firmware or ADB-team.

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If you need to change the order of your tables frequently, install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) – it offers flexible settings, backups, and no MIUI restrictions.