Modern smartphones allow users to deeply personalize the interface, turning the standard shell into a unique space. For owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, the issue of visual updating is often especially acute, given the popularity of this model. Changing the appearance of the main screen is not just a replacement of wallpaper, but a complex change in the logic of the device.
The process of interface transformation can range from simple installation of a new theme to complete replacement of the system application of the launcher. In the first case, you save all the functions of MIUI, changing only icons and fonts; in the second, you get a fundamentally new experience of interaction with the gadget, close to pure Android or specific shells of competitors.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways you can change your desktop, learn how to safely install third-party apps, what settings are hidden in the developer menu, and how to avoid common customization errors.
Standard MIUI Personalization Opportunities
Before you resort to radical measures, it is worth exploring the built-in tools of the MIUI shell. The system offers a powerful theme engine that allows you to change almost all visual elements without installing additional software.
To access the design store, you need to find the Themes app on your desktop or in the Tools folder, and there are thousands of options created by both the official and the community, and the catalog is updated regularly to find the right design for any season or mood.
When choosing a theme, pay attention to the rating and downloads. Popular options are usually better optimized and do not contain errors in the display of system windows. After downloading, click the Apply button and the system will automatically replace wallpaper, icons, notification sounds and lock screen.
⚠️ Note: Some themes may not display third-party widgets correctly. If you notice a distortion after changing the design, return the standard theme through the profile menu in the Themes app».
The second space feature deserves special attention, and although it creates a separate user profile, visually it can be perceived as a change of desktop, you can customize it for work tasks, leaving the main screen for entertainment, and switch between them with a single touch.
Installation of a third-party launcher
If you feel limited by the built-in capabilities, third-party launchers come to the rescue, and these are apps that completely replace the home screen interface and app menu. There are plenty of options available on Google Play for the Redmi Note 7.
Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and Smart Launcher, which provide flexible grid settings, gestures, and animations that are often not available on stock firmware. APK-file or download from the store.
After the first launch, ask for permission to use the new app as the default home screen, and select Always to open the new interface automatically when you unlock the device.
It’s important to understand that third-party launchers consume more RAM. On devices with 3GB of RAM, this can lead to more frequent unloading of background applications. Optimize animation settings if you notice a performance drop.
Set up grid and widgets
The key element of convenience is the proper organization of the space. The standard MIUI grid offers several options for the layout of icons, which can be changed in the desktop settings menu by clamping the empty space on the screen.
Here you'll find mesh size options like 4x6 or 5x7 elements. Increasing the number of cells allows you to place more shortcuts, but makes them smaller. For users with large fingers or low vision, it's better to keep standard values.
Widgets add functionality by displaying information without opening apps. Android taps them over a free area, allowing you to place hours, weather, calendars and notes directly on the home screen.
☑️ Optimizing the desktop
Don’t overload the screen with live update widgets like news feeds or social media, they’re constantly using the Internet connection and processor, which negatively affects the autonomy of the Redmi Note 7.
Working with animations and transitions
Visual perception of smartphone speed often depends on animations; in the standard shell, they can seem drawn-out; third-party launchers allow you to adjust the duration of transitions between screens and opening applications.
To access the deep animation settings, you can use the developer mode, and to activate it, you need to quickly click on the MIUI version number seven times in the About Phone section, and then a new item will appear in the Advanced Settings menu.
In the developer menu, find window animation, transition animation, and animation duration. Reducing the values to 0.5x will visually speed up the interface, making it more responsive, and this is especially true for devices that have been in use for several years.
Risks of changing animations
It’s worth noting that some heavy themes can conflict with the animation system settings. If you notice artifacts or swipes, try returning defaults or changing the theme to a lighter one.
Comparison of popular solutions for Redmi Note 7
The choice of how to change the desktop depends on your goals. Below is a comparison table that will help determine the best option for your use case.
| Parameter | Standard MIUI | Third-party launcher | Themes from the store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | Tall. | Medium | Depends on the author. |
| Battery consumption | Minimum | Elevated | Medium. |
| Flexibility of setting | Limited. | Maximum | Fixed |
| Integration with the system | Complete. | Partial | Complete. |
As you can see from the table, regular funds benefit in stability and energy efficiency. This is critical for the Redmi Note 7 if you're actively using the navigator or games. Third-party solutions give freedom, but require resources.
Store themes are in between, they're safe, but they often contain ads or require you to watch videos to unlock the full functionality.
⚠️ Note: When installing launchers from unknown sources (APK-Site files) you risk infecting your device with malware. Use only trusted app stores.
Return to factory interface settings
If the experiments with the appearance led to unstable work or simply no longer liked, the system is easy to return to its original state, a simple procedure that does not require resetting all the data of the phone.
To remove the third-party launcher, go to Settings, find the Apps section, and select All Apps. From the list, find the previously installed launcher and click Delete. The system will automatically return the standard interface.
If you’ve only changed the theme, open the Themes app, go to the profile (human icon) and select My Themes section, and there’ll be the default theme recovery button (usually called “Classic” or “No Theme”).
💡
Before making major interface changes, take screenshots of the current icon layout, which will save time if you have to restore the usual folder structure.
In rare cases, when the interface freezes in cycles, it may be necessary to clean the cache of the System Launcher application, this is done through the application management menu, the Memory item -> Clear the cache, while the user data (location of the icons) is stored.