How to change the control panel on the Xiaomi phone: from MIUI down-to-earth

Introduction: Why Change the Standard Control Panel to Xiaomi

The control panel (or launcher) on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a background screen with icons, but a whole interface that determines how you interact with the device. MIUI Launcher offers a basic set of features: gestures, widgets, folders and themes, but many users do not have enough of its capabilities: some want more customization, some want increased performance, and some just tired of the familiar shell.

Replacing the control panel allows you to completely transform the appearance of the phone, add unique chips (for example, double tap for sleep or hidden applications), speed up the system or even mimic the interface of other brands – from iOS to Pixel Experience. However, not everyone knows that Xiaomi does it differently than on the “naked” Android: there are nuances with permissions, settings. MIUI and compatibility.

In this guide, we will look at all the ways to change the control panel, from installing third-party launchers to deep customizing system parameters, you will learn which applications to choose for your model (be it Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13 Ultra), how to avoid errors and what to do if gestures or widgets stop working after replacing.

What is a control panel on Xiaomi and how it differs from a launcher

Many users confuse two concepts: control panel and launcher. In fact, in the context of Xiaomi, they are synonymous, but with nuances:

• 📱 Launcher is an application that is responsible for displaying the home screen, the application menu and transitions between them: MIUI Launcher, Nova Launcher, Action Launcher.
• ⚙️ Control panel is a broader concept that can include not only a launcher, but also a notification panel, a control center (with quick settings), and even a multitasking menu. However, in 90% of cases, the “control panel” on Xiaomi means a launcher.

V MIUI The launcher is closely integrated with the system: it controls gestures (like swiping up for returns), transition animations, and even some security features, so replacing a standard launcher can affect the operation of other components. For example, after installing Nova Launcher, it may stop working:

• 🔄 Systemic gestures (if they are tied to the MIUI Launcher).
• 🎨 Topics MIUI (Some design elements apply only to a standard launcher).
• 📱 Dual application (app cloning function may conflict with third-party launchers).

Important: on Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi) 10C POCO M5) Some launchers may not work as well due to manufacturer restrictions on modifying system processes.

Preparing the phone before replacing the control panel

Before installing a new launcher, there are several steps to take to avoid problems.Neglecting preparation can lead to interface freezes, data loss, or even soft-brick (when the phone turns on but the shell doesn't load).

1. Verification of version MIUI phone models

Not all launchers are compatible with all versions. MIUI. For example, Nova Launcher may not display icons correctly on the site. MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 12T, Hyperion Launcher does not support devices with Android 13 or lower at all:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the lines MIUI version and Android version.
3. Record a model of the phone (for example, 2201116PG For the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G).

Check out the MIUI and Android version

Make a backup copy of the data

Disable battery optimization for launcher

Clear the cache of the standard launcher

Make sure there is free space (minimum 500 MB)-->

Data backup

Although replacing the launcher does not delete files, some settings (such as icon location or gesture settings) may reset.

• 📁 Save screenshots of the current home screen (to restore the location of the icons).
• ☁️ Sync contacts, notes and photos with Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 🔧 Export the standard launcher settings (if possible).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Poco) F4 GT) Launcher reset may cause data loss in folder DCIM/Thumbnails. Before replacing, check this folder and copy it to a safe place.

3. Security settings and permissions

MIUI aggressively optimizing background processes, which can interfere with third-party launchers, to avoid automatically closing the new launcher:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the installed launcher (like Nova Launcher) and select Permissions.
3. Enable all permissions, especially: Overlay on other applications (for widgets); Autorun (so the launcher doesn't close); Modification of system settings (for gestures).

Battery

No restrictions.

How to replace the control panel on Xiaomi

There are three main methods of changing the launcher to Xiaomi, from the simplest to the most complex, depending on your goals and level of training.

Method 1: Installation of a third-party launcher (recommended for beginners)

It's the safest and fastest way. You don't need root rights or deep Android knowledge. You just download the launcher from Google Play and make it the primary one.

1. Download the launcher from the official store: 🌟 Nova Launcher – flexible configuration, gesture support. 🎨 Action Launcher – unique widgets and a “Czech” menu. 📱 Lawnchair – a lightweight open source launcher. 🍎 iOS Launcher - for lovers of the iPhone interface.

basic

Settings → Applications → By default → Launcher

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) After installing a third-party launcher, the notification panel may disappear. To return it, restart the phone or roll back to the standard launcher.

💡

If after installing a new launcher, navigation gestures stopped working, try turning them off in the settings. MIUI (Settings → Display. → Full screen display) and configure again in the launcher.

Method 2: Customization of the standard MIUI Launcher

If you don't want to make radical changes, but you want to refresh the interface, you can modify the standard launcher.

1. Open the Settings. → Select a new theme (for example, Dark Mode or Minimalist).
2. In the launcher settings (prolonged pressing on the main screen) → Settings: Enable: Show search bar (or hide it) Change grid size (e.g, 5×6 Transition effects (animation when opening applications).

MIUI Control Center

Lab

MIUI 14 allows you to even change the style of the notification bar – for this go to Settings → Control Center and choose the Android style or iOS style.

Method 3: Install custom firmware (for advanced)

If you want to completely change not only the launcher, but the entire shell, you can install custom firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS.

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (will result in a data reset!).
• 📥 Installations TWRP (custom recovery).
• 🛠️ Firmware through fastboot.

Detailed instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires binding Mi Account).


2. Install TWRP with the command:




fastboot flash recovery twrp.img




3. Sweat custom firmware through TWRP (choose the version for your model!).




4. After the reboot, set up a new launcher (e.g., Pixel Launcher).

⚠️ Attention: On models with Dynamic RAM Expansion (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro) custom firmware can cause virtual memory function to be lost. → Additionally. → Memory.

Top.-5 launchers for Xiaomi in 2026 year

The launcher is based on your needs: some need performance, some need design, and some need unique features, and we tested dozens of options and selected the best ones for Xiaomi devices.

For models with Android 13 and below, we recommend Nova Launcher – it works steadily even on the Redmi Note 8 Pro (2019). MIUI 14 on Android 14, try Hyperion Launcher, but be prepared for minor bugs with animations.

💡

Before installing the launcher, check its compatibility with your version of Android.For example, Lawnchair 12 does not support Android 13 and below, and Nova Launcher 8 can brake on devices with 3 GB of RAM.

Frequent problems after the launcher replacement and their solution

Even if you did everything right, you might have problems after you change the launcher, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. Navigation gestures do not work

If swipes stop working after installing a new launcher (for example, swipe up for home or swipe off the edge for return), the problem is with the conflict settings. MIUI. Decision:

1. Open the Settings. → Display. → Full-screen display → Navigation gestures.
2. Select the navigation buttons (temporarily).
3. Reboot the phone.
4. Go back to your gesture settings and turn them on again.

If this does not help, in the launcher settings, find the Gestures and Inputs section and turn off conflicting options.

2.The notification panel is missing

On some models (e.g. Poco) X3 Pro) after the launcher changes, the notification curtain may disappear, this is due to the launcher blocking the system overlays:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – 80% of the time it helps.
• 🛠️ In the launcher settings, disable the option Hide the status panel (if any).
• 📱 Install QuickSettings from Google Play for alternative curtain access.

3.The launcher is constantly closing or braking

If a new launcher crashes or hangs, the reason is usually one of three:

Critical information: on devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor (such as Xiaomi 12), some launchers can cause overheating due to unoptimized code. MIUI Launcher or install Nova Launcher with animations disabled.

4. The widgets don't work

Widgets are one of the most "capricious" features, unless they're displayed or updated:

1. Remove the widget and add it again.
2. In the launcher settings, enable the option to Allow widgets.
3. For widgets. MIUI (For example, Weather or Steps may require a return to a standard launcher.

💡

If the Google Search widget doesn’t work, remove it and reinstall it via Google App. MIUI It is in conflict with the system search Xiaomi.

How to return a standard control panel to Xiaomi

If the new launcher experiment didn't work, or if you just want to get it back to where it was, it's easy.

Method 1: Through settings MIUI

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the current launcher (like Nova Launcher) and click Clear Data.
3. Back to Settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.
4. Select MIUI Launcher.

Method 2: Through Safe Mode

If the launcher freezes and does not allow you to open the settings:

1. Press the Power button and select Safe Mode.
2. In Safe Mode, go to Settings → Apps and remove the problem launcher.
3. Reboot the phone and the system will automatically return MIUI Launcher.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K50) When you return to the standard launcher, you may reset your lock screen settings. PIN-code.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions