How to change the desktop grid on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Changing the visual design of a smartphone is not just a pamper, but a way to make interaction with the device more comfortable and personalized. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO often wonder how to change the desktop grid to accommodate more application icons or, conversely, make the interface more spacious. The standard shell MIUI and the new HyperOS offer flexible tools for this, but they are not always obvious to the beginner. In this material, we will analyze all available methods, from standard settings to advanced launchers.

Changing icon density directly affects the ergonomics of using a smartphone with one hand. If you have a large screen, then a standard 5x6 grid can be uncomfortable and the controls will be too far from the thumbs. On the other hand, on compact models of the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note series, a compact grid will allow you to see more content without constant scrolling. The right setup of the desktop is the balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Before we start to make changes, it's worth noting that some methods require minimal technical knowledge, but they are all safe for the device. We'll look at the standard system tools that do not require additional software installation, and also touch on the capabilities of third-party applications. It's important to understand that changing the launcher can radically change the behavior of the system, so this step should be approached consciously.

Use of standard settings MIUI and HyperOS

The easiest and safest way to change the number of icons displayed is to use the built-in shell features. Xiaomi has provided basic grid options that can be activated through the settings menu. You don't need to have Root rights or install questionable apps. You just go to the appropriate part of the system.

To find the right settings, you need to open Settings and go to the Desktop section, where the system will suggest choosing the preferred grid size. Usually, options are available from 4x5 to 5x6, and on tablets or foldable devices, the choice can be even wider. Once you select a new option, the screen will blink, and the icons will automatically redistribute.

However, it is worth considering that the standard settings limit the user to only a few preset options. You can not manually set the grid 7x8 or 3x3 if this option is not in the list. In addition, changing the size of the grid can affect the display of widgets that have to be reconfigured. Some large widgets may simply not fit into the new configuration of the cells.

⚠️ Warning: After changing the grid size, all widgets may be lost or shifted to random locations, remember their location in advance or take a screenshot of the desktop to quickly restore order.

Set up fonts and scale for visual change

Often, users don't want to change the grid for the sake of the number of icons, but to make interface elements larger or smaller. To do that, Android and MIUI have scale and font size settings, and by changing these settings, you actually change the dot-per-inch density (DPI), which visually transforms the desktop.

To access these settings, go to Settings → Screen → Text Size. As you move the slider, you'll notice how not only the text changes, but the size of the app icons themselves, which creates the effect of changing the grid without actually changing the number of cells. Small print and scale allow you to fit more information on one screen.

More advanced users can use the developer mode to set a specific DPI value, which gives more precise control over the visual design than a standard slider, but be careful: too high can make the interface unreadable, and too low can break the layout of some system applications.

Application of themes and third-party launchers

If Xiaomi’s standard features don’t suit you, getThemes and third-party launchers come to the rescue, and the themes can completely change the look of icons, fonts, and even the structure of the desktop by adding new docks or changing the logic of swipes, the easiest way to radically update the interface.

Third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher offer unlimited options for setting up a grid, where you can set any number of rows and columns, change the indentations between icons, and even create multiple desktops with different element densities.

When installing a third-party launcher, the system can warn of potential security risks or unstable performance. This is standard Android behavior, and in the case of proven applications from Google Play, there is nothing to worry about.

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Third-party launchers give you maximum freedom, but can consume more battery power and RAM than the built-in solution from Xiaomi.

Engineering menu and DPI density change

For those who want to get the perfect result and are not afraid to experiment, there is a method of changing density through an engineering menu or ADB. This method allows you to set an exact numerical DPI value that is not available in conventional settings. It is a professional method that requires care.

To change density through ADB, you'll need a computer and installed ADB drivers. Connect your smartphone over USB, enable debugging over USB, and type in the wm density command with the desired value. For example, the wm density 480 command will set a standard density, and changing that number will scale the entire interface. It's a powerful tool, but it affects the entire system, not just the desktop.

It's important to know the original DPI of your device so that you can get it back. You can write the current value with wm density without settings in the terminal. The wrong value can make the text unreadable or cause GUI malfunctions, so write down all the changes.

adb shell wm density 400

⚠️ Note: Do not set extremely low or high values DPI (For example, less than 200 or more than 800, this may cause you to be unable to use the phone interface and have to reset your settings.

Solving problems with displaying icons

Sometimes, after a system update or a new theme is installed, icons may not display correctly: they may be too large, cropped or have a strange background. In MIUI and HyperOS, this is the function of "Change all icons" or compatibility settings. If you see square white backgrounds instead of round icons, check these settings.

There may also be problems with third-party launchers on devices with powerful battery optimization, which can aggressively unload the launcher process from memory, causing the desktop to constantly reboot or reset to a standard one, and to avoid this, you need to go to the battery settings and select the "No Limits" mode for your application.

Another common problem is de-synchronization of widgets. Once you change the grid, the weather or calendar widgets may show incorrect data or stop updating, in which case removing the widget and adding it again from scratch helps. Don't just try to move the glossy widget - this rarely helps.

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If the navigation gestures (swipes from the bottom) stop working after the launcher change, try switching to button navigation in the screen settings, and then returning the gestures back. This often resets the interface cache.

Comparison of methods and selection of the optimal option

The way you change the grid depends on your goals. If you just need to make the icons a little bigger for better vision, you need to have a regular scale setting. If you're an enthusiast who wants to see 100 apps on one screen, you can't do without a third-party launcher or a DPI change. Each method has its pros and cons.

The standard methods ensure stability and the preservation of all the features of the shell, such as Second Space or hiding applications. Third-party solutions give freedom, but can conflict with some system animations or smart home features.

Ultimately, desktop personalization is a process of balancing, and you don't have to chase the maximum density of icons if that makes it uncomfortable to use your phone, and ergonomics is more important than the number of items that you can see at the same time.