Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones feature large-diagonal displays, allowing for significantly more controls than the standard four. However, by default, the MIUI or HyperOS shell often offers a 4x6 or 4x5 mesh, leaving the side spaces unused. Users who want to see more apps at once often wonder how to change this limitation and make 5 icons in a row. This not only improves the visual experience of the interface, but also increases the ergonomics of using the device with one hand.
Changing icon count is a basic customization setup available to most Chinese brand owners. The standard grid limits functionality by making you constantly swipe through screens or use folders. Moving to a 5x6 or 5x7 configuration dramatically changes the experience of interacting with a gadget. In this article, we will detail the standard methods for changing desktop density, and also look at advanced ways for models where such an option is hidden by the manufacturer.
It is important to understand that the configuration options directly depend on the version of the installed Android operating system and the shell modification. MIUI/HyperOS. In some regions (Global version) functions may differ from Chinese (CN) We will look at universal solutions that will help you adapt the interface to your needs, making the use of the smartphone as comfortable as possible.
Staff methods of changing the desktop grid
The easiest and safest way to change the number of icons is to use the built-in features of the system. The MIUI 12, 13, 14 shells and the new HyperOS provide flexible tools to customize the appearance. You don't need to be an IT specialist to do these things. You just go to the desktop settings through the edit menu.
To start, unlock your smartphone and go to the home screen. Push two fingers (finger mixing on the screen) or press and hold your finger on an empty area until the screen vibrates and the editing menu appears. In the lower right corner or in the center of the screen, find the Settings button (the gear icon). This is where the parameters for the density of the items are hidden.
In the menu that opens, select Grid or Grid Size. The system will offer several options, such as 4x5, 4x6, 5x6 or 5x7. Select the option where the first digit is 5. This will instantly rebuild all application icons and widgets. The interface will become denser, but informative. If you do not see the option of choosing 5 columns, then in your current topic or region this feature is limited, and you will need to use alternative methods described below.
⚠️ Note: After changing the grid to 5 columns, the old widgets (calendar, weather, clock) may get lost or shifted, as they are tied to a certain number of cells.
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Before changing the grid, take a screenshot of the location of important widgets to quickly restore their order after the interface is redesigned.
It’s worth noting that changing the grid affects not only the desktop, but also the menus of all applications (if the classic menu mode is enabled), the pixel density of the interface will remain the same, but the number of visible rows will increase, especially for users with thumbs who are uncomfortable reaching the top corner of the screen on a standard 4x6 grid.
Using themes to expand functionality
If your Xiaomi model doesn’t have a 5-column choice in its standard settings, MIUI Themes will come to the rescue. Designers often create themes that force a desktop configuration change, ignoring system constraints. This is a legal way that doesn’t require superuser rights.
Open the Themes app on your device. Search for queries like "5 columns," "5 grid," "productivity," or just "5 icons." In the search results, look for screenshots in the previews of the themes: if you see 5 icons in a row, then that theme supports that configuration. Download and apply the theme. Even if you don't like the icon design, you can use the grid itself, then apply another icon theme over the top.
Some themes may require payment or have time limits (e.g. 5 minutes).Look for free options or themes marked "Free." Once applied, the system may offer a reboot or simply redraw the desktop. The effectiveness of this method is about 90% for all modern Xiaomi smartphones.
It is important to check the compatibility of the theme with your version of Android. Themes created for Android 11 may not display correctly on Android 13 or 14. If after applying the theme the phone starts to work unstable or flops the interface, the theme should be removed through the Profile → Themes menu, returning to the standard design.
Application of third-party launchers
When regular tools and themes don’t work, users turn to third-party launchers, full-fledged replacements for the standard shell, providing limitless customization options, and popular options include Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, Microsoft Launcher, and Smart Launcher.
Installing a third-party launcher allows you to set any grid, such as 5x8 or even 6x9, regardless of the screen size. Once you install an app from Google Play, it will offer you to set up your desktop. In Desktop → Grid, you can manually set the number of columns and rows. The flexibility of such solutions allows you to place dozens of widgets and shortcuts on the screen.
However, this method has its nuances: Third-party launchers consume more RAM and can consume more battery power than the optimized system launcher Xiaomi. In addition, the animations of opening applications may differ from the usual, which creates a feeling of “foreign” interface.
⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI and HyperOS, when installing a third-party launcher, an advertising window may appear suggesting that you use a standard launcher. To remove it forever, click the Settings button in this window and select Do Not Show Again".
To ensure the stable operation of the third-party launcher, you must provide him with all the requested permissions, including access to storage and phone, and it is also recommended to turn off the energy savings for this application in the battery settings so that the system does not “kill” his process in the background, causing a reset of desktop settings.
☑️ Check before installing the launcher
Comparison of methods of changing the interface
The choice of how to set up depends on your priorities: system stability or maximum customization. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the methods considered, which will help you make an informed decision based on the technical capabilities of your device.
| Method | Difficulty | Impact on the battery | Stability | Flexibility of setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staffing arrangements | Low. | Absent. | Tall. | Low. |
| MIUI themes | Medium | Minimum | Tall. | Medium |
| Third-party launchers | Tall. | Notable. | Medium | Maximum |
| ADB team | Tall. | Absent. | Medium | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, the standard settings are the safest option, but they are often limited. Third-party launchers give complete freedom, but require resources. Themes are the middle ground for most users who want to just add one column of icons without any unnecessary compromises.
If you choose a third-party launcher path, make sure you have enough free memory. A filled drive can cause brakes when switching between desktops. Regularly cleaning the cache will help maintain high system performance.
Advanced customization through ADB (for experienced)
For users who don’t want to install third-party launchers, but the regular grid doesn’t suit them, there is a method of changing the density of the interface through USB debugging (ADB), which allows you to change the dpi (dots per inch) parameter or specific parameters of the launcher grid, if they are available for modification.
To start, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on MIUI/HyperOS build number 7 times. Then go to Advanced Settings → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging. Connect your smartphone to your computer.
adb shell wm density 400Executing the command will change the overall pixel density, which will visually reduce all elements, including text and icons, effectively allowing you to place 5 or even 6 icons in a row. However, changing the DPI affects the entire system globally, making fonts small and hard to read. This is an extreme measure that should be resorted to only when you have experience.
How do you get back the original DPI?
An alternative, softer option is to resize the font and zoom in special features. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Special features → Visual elements (the path may differ). Reducing the font size and interface elements will allow you to squeeze in the fifth column of icons without using third-party software.
⚠️ Attention: When working with ADB If you change the system settings, there is a risk of software failure, inexperienced users should limit themselves to themes or launchers, because the value is incorrect. DPI It can make the interface unusable.
Optimization of the working space
Once you've managed to set 5 icons in a row, it's important to organize your workspace properly. Increasing the number of items requires discipline, otherwise the screen will turn into a chaotic dump of shortcuts. Use folders to group applications into categories: "Social networks", "Work", "Games".
Put widgets smartly. 5x6 or 5x7 grids look great with calendar and weather widgets in one row. Leave the bottom row (dock bar) for the most commonly used apps — phone, messages, browser, camera — that will provide quick access without having to aim at small icons.
Remove unused applications regularly. Even if you have 5 speakers now, cluttering up your memory with dozens of unnecessary programs will slow down your smartphone, and the performance of your device depends on the number of active processes and the occupancy of the storage.
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The optimal configuration for most users is a 5x6 grid with a 4-app dock bar and one search widget at the top of the screen.
On large screens (6.7 inches and above), it is physically difficult to reach the top corner with one hand, place frequently used functions in the bottom half of the screen (the “thumb zone”), and leave the top for information widgets that do not require frequent interaction.