The main screen of Xiaomi is the business card of your device that you see every time you unlock. The standard MIUI interface offers basic customization capabilities, but not all users know that it can be radically transformed: from simple change of wallpaper to complete replacement of the launcher with an alternative. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the home screen on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices – from official functions to hidden features of the system.
It is important to understand that the configuration methods depend on the version. MIUI (12/13/14) And the smartphone models, like the flagships of Xiaomi. 13 pro POCO F5 Extended design options are available, while on budget Redmi 10A We've taken these nuances into account and developed generic instructions that work on most devices. 2020–2026 release.
1. Standard change of wallpaper of the main screen
The easiest way to refresh the look is to change the background image. MIUI This is done in just a few taps, and the system offers both static wallpaper and dynamic (including Super Wallpapers with a different set of wallpapers). 3D-flagship effects).
To change the wallpaper:
- 📱 Long pressing in the free place of the main screen → Choose "Wallpaper».
- 🎨 Scroll down to My Wallpaper or Online Wallpaper (requires an internet connection).
- ✅ Click on your favorite image → «Apply» → Select “Home screen”, “lock screen” or both.
On devices with MIUI 14 and later, live wallpapers (such as Earth or Mars) are available that respond to gestures and the time of day. To activate them, go to Settings → Wallpaper → Live Wallpaper.
⚠️ Note: When using online wallpapers, Xiaomi collects your preferences to personalize content. If critical, disable the option in Settings → Confidentiality → Personalization of advertising.
2. Customization of icons and widgets
The MIUI interface allows you to flexibly manage the location of icons, their size and even display style, for example, you can remove the signatures under icons, change the desktop grid or add widgets for quick access to functions.
Basic options:
- 🔄 Changing the size of the icons: Long tap on the screen → «Screen settings» → «Size of badges».
- 📊 Grid setting: Select Home Screen Grid (options: 4×5, 4×6, 5×6).
- 🖼️ Hiding signatures: In the same settings, activate the option “Hide app names».
- ⚙️ Adding widgets: Long press → «Widgets» → Drag the desired element on the screen.
On devices with POCO Launcher (e.g. POCO X5 Pro), an additional section called Application Categories is available, where icons are automatically sorted by folder (social media, games, tools, etc.) To enable this feature, go to Launcher Settings → Application Categories.
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If after updating MIUI widgets disappeared, try to restart your smartphone or reset the launcher settings in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear data.
3. Use of MIUI design themes
Themes in MIUI are ready-made design packages that change not only wallpaper, but also the style of icons, fonts, animations and even the sounds of the system. Many themes are free, but there are also premium options (costs from 50 to 300 rubles).
How to apply the topic:
- Open the Themes app (the brush icon on the home screen).
- In the “For You” or “Top” section, select your favorite topic.
- Click “Apply” → confirm the download (if the theme is paid, you will need to pay through Mi Account).
- Wait until the installation is completed (it can take up to 1-2 minutes).
Some themes even change notification sounds and lock animations. If the theme is used, try:
- 🔄 Reset the theme to standard in the settings of the “Themes” application».
- 🗑️ Remove theme cache in Settings → Annexes → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
| Type of topic | What changes | Example | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard. | Wallpaper, icons, fonts. | «MIUI Dark» | All devices. |
| Super Wallpaper | 3D-parallax-effect wallpaper | "Earth," "Mars." | Flagships (c) AMOLED-screen) |
| Icon-packey | Only the icon style | «Minimal UI» | All devices. |
| Dynamic | Animations, sounds, wallpaper. | «Cyberpunk Neon» | MIUI 13+ |
Installation of a third-party launcher
If MIUI is not enough, you can completely replace the standard launcher with an alternative one: Popular options are Nova Launcher, Hyperion Launcher (for gamers), Lawnchair (with support for Android 13), or POCO Launcher (even on non-POCO devices).
How to install a third-party launcher:
- Download. APK-file from an official website (e.g. Nova Launcher) or from Google Play.
- Install the application by allowing installation from unknown sources (if you downloaded APK).
- After installation, click "Open" → the system will suggest making the launcher the main one.
- Select “Always” in the launcher selection window.
Advantages of third-party launchers:
- 🎛️ Deep Customization: Changes in gestures, animations, icon sizes.
- 📁 Hiding apps: You can hide unnecessary icons without removing them.
- 🔍 Search by application: quick access to any software through the search bar.
- 🔄 Backup: Save launcher settings when resetting your phone.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 with a s) MIUI 14) after installing a third-party launcher, weather and calendar widgets may disappear. MIUI The solution is to use alternative widgets (e.g., for third-party shells, KWGT).
Download APK from the official website
Allow installation from unknown sources
Make a backup of current settings
Check compatibility with the Android version-->
5. Hidden MIUI features for power users
There are a lot of "secret" features in MIUI that are not advertised in standard settings, but allow you to fine-tune the interface.
- 🔧 Turn off transitions between screens: Enable Settings → Special facilities → Remove animations (accelerates work on weak devices).
- 📱 Hide the search bar on the home screen: Long click → «Screen settings» → Turn off the Google Search String».
- 🔄 Return the old folder style: In Launcher Settings → Additionally. → Select the folder style "Classical».
- 🎨 Change the color of accent elements: In the themes, select "Color palette" (available on the MIUI 14).
For advanced users, there's a way to activate the hidden MIUI Lab mode, where experimental features are available, to open it:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 5 times on the line "Version" MIUI».
- Enter password 123456789 (not working on all devices).
- Return to the main settings – a new section “Laboratory” will appear.
What happens if you reset the launcher settings?
6. Solving problems after changes
Sometimes, after changing the launcher or applying themes, there are bugs: brakes, missing icons or errors like "Luncher stopped." Here's how to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Launcher's out | Conflict with the MIUI update | Clear the launcher cache or reinstall it |
| The icons have become blurry. | The Incompatible Icon-Pac | Return standard icons in the theme settings |
| Widgets don't work. | MIUI restrictions for third-party launchers | Use KWGT or return the standard launcher |
| Brake the interface | Too heavy a theme or launcher | Disable animations in the settings for developers |
If after experimenting with launchers, the smartphone stopped working normally, return the standard interface:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the current launcher (like Nova Launcher) and click Clear Data.
- Return to the home screen, and the system will suggest you choose the default launcher. Select MIUI Launcher.
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Before installing a third-party launcher, check its compatibility with your version of Android and MIUI. Some shells (such as Microsoft Launcher) may not work properly on Xiaomi due to manufacturer restrictions.
7. Alternative methods of customization
Besides launchers and themes, there are other tools to change the home screen:
- 🎭 Icon Packs: Apps like CandyCons or Whicons change the style of icons without replacing the launcher. Set the pack and activate it in the current launcher settings.
- 🖥️ KWGT/KLWP: Widget designers to create unique interface elements (weather, clock, control panels.
- 🔄 ADB-commands: For experienced users, change system parameters through an adb shell. device_provisioned 1 drops off launcher settings.
- 📲 Root access: With full rights, you can replace system fonts, animations and even bootanimation (screensaver when turned on).
Example of KWGT use:
- Install KWGT Kustom Widget Maker from Google Play.
- Download the pre-made widget (e.g., Minimal Clock) from the Society section of the app.
- Add the widget to the home screen through a long press → “Widgets” → “KWGT”.
- Customize the color, size and data it displays.
To work with ADB, you will need a computer and enabled debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → return to “Additional” → “For developers” → turn on “Debugging by USB”).