How to swap icons at the bottom of the Xiaomi screen: the complete guide

The interface of the MIUI shell and its modern version of HyperOS is highly customized, but basic navigation elements often raise questions among users. One of the most common problems is the inability to move app icons in the bottom line of the screen, known as the dock bar. Many owners of Redmi and Xiaomi smartphones are faced with the fact that standard means to drag icons outside the allocated area is not possible.

This limitation is designed to preserve visual style and ergonomics, but it's not absolute. There are several proven ways to bypass locking or adjust the system to make shortcuts fit your preferences. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the standard methods, desktop fixing, and third-party solutions for total freedom of action.

Before you start manipulating, it’s important to understand that the interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. On older versions of MIUI 12 or MIUI 13, the algorithms may work differently than on the new HyperOS. However, the basic principles of organizing the workspace remain the same throughout the brand ecosystem.

Why you can’t drag the icon from the bottom row

The main reason for not being able to change the order of the applications in the bottom row is the dock bar fixing function. By default, the system blocks this area to prevent the accidental removal of frequently used programs or changing the navigation structure. The user tries to drag the icon, but it "sticks" to the original position or returns back after releasing a finger.

To solve this problem, you need to disable the lock through the settings menu, which is a regular feature that does not require root rights or install complex software, access to the switch is hidden in the desktop editing menu, where you can get a long press on the free area.

It’s worth noting that some regional firmware versions (e.g. Global or EEA) may vary in the location of menu items. If you don’t find the right option right away, check for system updates or region changes in phone settings. Sometimes switching the region to India or Singapore opens up additional options for customizing the interface.

⚠️ Warning: Before making changes to the desktop structure, make sure you have enough free memory.A crowded launcher cache can cause icons to display incorrectly or the drag and drop process to freeze.

It is also important to consider that some system applications may have priority placement. For example, the icon of the phone or messages is sometimes rigidly tied to certain positions depending on the settings of the theme. If the standard theme does not allow you to move these elements, try changing the design to the classic.

Step-by-step: disabling the fixation of the dock bar

The easiest and most reliable way to swap the icons at the bottom of the screen on Xiaomi is to unlock the bottom row, which works on most current versions of the shell. You don't need any additional programs, all the actions are performed by the system.

First, unlock the device and go to the main screen. Find a free space where there are no app icons or widgets. Make a long press (plug or hold your finger) before the edit menu appears. At the bottom of the screen will appear a toolbar with several options.

In the menu that opens, select Add widgets or go straight to settings if they are handed out separately. We need the Settings section (cog icon). Inside this menu, find a switch called "Fix in the dock"** or "Fix the dock bar." Put the switch to the inactive position.

Now the system allows you to move the icons freely, so you can take any shortcut from the bottom row and drag it to the main desktop, or you can drop the app from the top down, and you can also remove the element limit, so you can put more icons in the bottom row than you want to put in the default.

If the icons don't move after the lock is turned off, try rebooting the device. Sometimes the launcher needs to re-initialize to apply the new configuration settings. After the restart, try dragging again.

Using third-party launchers for complete freedom

Xiaomi’s regular launcher, despite its functionality, has a number of limitations that prevent complex design scenarios from being implemented. If you don’t just change icons in places, and you need to completely change the logic of the lower row, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher.

The most popular and stable options are Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, and Microsoft Launcher, which allow you to adjust the number of rows and columns, change the size of icons, customize gestures, and, of course, completely ignore the system limitations of the dock bar, in which the bottom panel is just a part of the grid that can be controlled as you like.

To install a third-party launcher, perform the following actions:

• 📥 Download. APK-Launcher file from a reliable source or find the application in the Google Play Store.
• 📲 Install the application and open it.
• ⚙️ When you first start up the Android system ask permission to use this launcher by default – confirm the action.
• 🎨 Go to the new launcher settings and find the “Dock” or “Lower Panel” section».
• ➕ Change the number of cells or just drag the desired icons to the bottom row.

Using third-party shells gives you access to hidden features, such as changing the transparency of the dock bar, adding a second line in the bottom row or completely hiding the panel, which makes the smartphone interface a unique tool that is sharpened to your habits.

It’s worth remembering that some deep Xiaomi system features, such as Wallpaper Carousel or MIUI-specific gestures, may not work properly or be available when using a third-party launcher, a compromise that is made for visual freedom.

Comparison of methods of changing the interface

The choice of method depends on how deep the changes you plan to make. Staff locking is suitable for quick reshuffling, while third-party launchers take time to set up, but give the maximum result. Below is a table to help determine the choice.

As you can see from the comparison, the first method is the best for the task of "just swap places": it does not require the installation of additional software and does not affect the performance of the device. Third-party launchers are the lot of enthusiasts who want to change the very essence of interaction with a smartphone.

Themes are a middle ground, they can change the look of the dock, make it float or change the shape of the icons, but they rarely allow you to arbitrarily change the number of applications attached, but you can find solutions in the themes catalog where the bottom panel is already set up in the right way.

Setting up the desktop grid and widgets

In addition to moving icons, the overall grid of the desktop plays an important role, and changing the number of rows and columns allows you to use screen space more efficiently, especially on models with large diagonals, which directly affects how the icons in the bottom row will be placed as they move.

To change the grid, press the empty space on your desktop and select Settings. Find Grid. Here you can choose a configuration like 5x6 or 4x5. As you increase the number of columns, the icons will become smaller, but they will fit more in one row, which is relevant for the bottom dock bar.

Widgets also take up space in the grid. If you plan to place a large weather or calendar widget at the bottom of the screen, the system will automatically shift the application icons. In some cases, this may disrupt your conceived composition, so it is recommended to set up the grid first and then add widgets.

⚠️ Attention: If you change the size of the grid, the location of all the icons may be lost. The system will try to maintain order, but it is recommended to take a picture of the current screen before making large-scale changes.

Some widgets are fixed in size and can't be reduced. If the widget doesn't fit into the bottom line, it will take up space above it, moving the rest of the elements upwards. This is the standard behavior of Android systems that can't be changed without the use of special floating widgets.

Solving problems with displaying icons

During the setup process, users may encounter bugs when icons don’t want to stand up, disappear or display incorrectly. Often this involves overflowing the launcher cache. To clear the cache, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find System Launcher (or Desktop) in the list and click Clear Cache.

It is important not to confuse Cache Cleanup with Data Cleanup. If you choose to clean up data, all desktop settings, folders and widget layouts will be reset to factory ones. Use this option only as a last resort if the launcher is unstable.

Another problem may be the incompatibility of the theme. If you installed a third-party theme from the MIUI store, it can block changes to the dock bar. Go back to the standard theme of Classic or No Limits to check if the problem has gone away. After returning to the standard theme, try dragging the icons again.

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Use the Hide Apps feature to take rarely used programs out of sight, freeing up space in the dock bar for really important shortcuts.

If the icon of a particular application does not move, check if it is system-based and protected from removal/movement. Such applications are often marked with a lock icon in the application management menu. You can not remove protection from system components without root rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The main secret of successful customization is the sequence of actions: first remove the fixation, then set up the grid, and only then move the icons and widgets.