Modern Xiaomi smartphones with shells MIUI or new HyperOS allow you to install a huge number of applications, which inevitably leads to cluttering of the workspace. Users often face a situation when the desired widgets or folders are on the fifth or sixth screen, while the first is littered with rarely used programs. The logical solution is to rearrange pages to optimize access to content.
Unfortunately, Xiaomi’s standard Android interface implementation does not have the ability to drag-and-drop entire desktop pages in edit mode, as some third-party launchers do, but there are proven ways to circumvent this limitation to effectively swap screens or move their contents without losing data or crashing the system.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the algorithms for different firmware versions, explore the hidden possibilities of editing mode, and offer alternative solutions for those who do not have standard functionality. Understanding the principles of how the MIUI shell works will help you create the perfect menu structure.
Features of navigation in the shell of MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi’s smartphone interface is based on its own add-on above Android, which has a strict hierarchy of elements. The desktop here is divided into static pages that are numbered from left to right. The main screen (usually the first one from left) is often reserved for a widget tape or a fixed grid, which imposes restrictions on its movement.
The com.miui.home system launcher handles icon coordinates differently from standard Android. When you try to change the order of pages, the system requires certain conditions to be met, such as free space or no fixed widgets, to prevent display conflicts and GUI failures.
💡
If you have Infinite Scrolling enabled, changing the order of the pages can temporarily knock the visual orientation off, and turn it off in the desktop settings before you start sorting.
It’s important to understand that the HyperOS update brought changes in animation and logic, but the basic principles of space organization remain the same, and users need to take these nuances into account so that they don’t get confused in the menu structure after the permutations.
Standard method of changing order through editing mode
The safest and most recommended way to organize screens is to use the built-in editing mode, which does not require additional software and guarantees that all widget settings are saved, and you need to activate the editing mode by performing a characteristic gesture on the home screen.
Once you go into thumbnail mode, you'll see all the desktops available. Although direct drag and drop of entire pages is often blocked by the manufacturer, you can quickly move content between them. The action algorithm involves using a system clipboard or quickly dragging groups of icons.
☑️ Screen sorting algorithm
⚠️ Note: When you delete a desktop page, all widgets and folders will be permanently deleted. Before cleaning, make sure that important data is saved or transferred.
Use the new screen add feature as a temporary storage function, create a blank page, transfer the content to it from the screen you want to release, and then delete the original page, so you actually swap them in the overall structure.
Use of third-party launchers for flexible sorting
If standard methods don’t seem flexible enough, an alternative launcher is a great solution, and applications like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or Smart Launcher give you complete control over the organization of your workspace, including free drag and drop pages.
Once a third-party launcher is installed, it becomes the main interface of the system, and in the settings of such applications, there is usually a section “Desktop” or “Dock” where you can swap any screens in two clicks, this is especially true for users who are accustomed to customizing Android at a deep level.
It is worth noting that some features of third-party launchers may not work smoothly on new versions of HyperOS due to enhanced security measures and memory optimization.
Set up grid and icon density
Often, the need to change screens is due to the fact that the icons are too rare, taking up extra space, changing the configuration of the grid allows you to fit more elements on one screen, reducing their total number.
To access these settings, go to Settings → Desktop. You can choose a grid format like 5x6 or 6x6. Increasing the density of icons allows you to visually reduce the number of desktops, making navigation more convenient without having to rearrange them.
| Grid parameter | Number of icons | Recommended use | Impact on readability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4x6 | 24 pcs. | For large screens and poor vision | High. |
| 5x6 | 30 pcs. | Standard location | Average. |
| 6x6 | 36 pcs. | For maximum number of applications | Low. |
| Unconventional. | Depends on the launcher. | For experienced users | Different. |
Changing the size of the font in the system also affects the occupancy of screens, and the combination of fine print and dense grids reduces the number of desktops by half, often more effective than manually sorting them.
Solving interface freeze problems when rearranging
In rare cases, when you actively manipulate desktops, the system process miuihome may stop responding, which is expressed in the fact that the screen goes out, the icons disappear or stop responding to touch, and you should not panic, because this is a software failure, not a hardware breakdown.
The first step should always be to force the device to restart.Plug the power button 10-15 seconds before the Xiaomi logo appears.If the problem is repeated cyclically, the launcher cache may have been damaged.
How to clear the launcher cache without losing data?
If the cache reset didn’t work, check for system updates, developers regularly release patches to fix bugs in the graphics shell, and conflict with a newly installed widget or theme can also cause problems.
Optimizing space with folders and widgets
Instead of endlessly changing screens, it's more efficient to reorganize content, creating thematic folders allows you to reduce the number of pages you occupy, for example, all banking applications can be combined into one group of "Finance".
Using Quick Settings or Tools widgets allows you to bring frequently used functions to one screen, eliminating the need to browse through menus. HyperOS has introduced support for larger widgets, which also helps save space.
💡
Proper folder use and grouping of applications by color or function reduces the need for a large number of desktops by 40-50%.
Regularly reviewing installed apps helps keep things in order, removing programs that haven't been used for more than a month, not only freeing up space on the desktop, but also speeding up the smartphone as a whole.