Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a compulsive change in interface logic after updating their firmware or buying a new device. MIUI and its new version of HyperOS use an application box by default, hiding all installed programs in a separate folder, leaving the desktop half empty. This is a visual cleanliness solution, but for many users it creates unnecessary inconvenience when finding the right software.
Fortunately, you can return the classic look, where all the icons are displayed at once, without using complex utilities or superuser rights. You just need to change a few settings in the launcher settings. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available methods, including hidden features that allow you to flexibly manage your Xiaomi workspace.
Before we start to change, it’s worth noting that the layout of the elements depends on the version of the Android operating system and the shell. However, the basic algorithm of actions remains similar to most current models. If you are used to the standard layout of shortcuts, as in pure Android, then this guide will help you quickly adapt the interface to your habits.
Differences between the desktop modes in MIUI
Xiaomi’s shell interface offers two basic navigation options that dramatically change the experience of interacting with a smartphone: the first option is the “No App Box” mode, which is used by users of older versions of Android and iOS. In this case, all shortcuts are located on desktops, and folders are created by hand by the user.
The second option, the App Box, divides the space into two zones: the home screen only has select widgets and frequently used programs, and the full list of software is hidden behind a swipe up. The launcher automatically sorts new downloads, removing them from view, many users mistakenly believe that the applications have been deleted or hidden by a virus, even though they are simply moved by the system.
⚠️ Warning: Mode switching can temporarily change the location of widgets. Remember in advance where you had important watch or weather widgets to quickly restore them.
Understanding these differences is critical, because the mode you choose is critical, so if you have an application box on, you have to turn it off, and if you don't have an application box, but the icons are gone, they may have been accidentally moved to a folder or hidden by the Double Space function.
- 📱 Classic Mode: All icons on the screen, folders are created manually, swipe up opens search or widgets.
- 📂 Box mode: icons scattered, full list in the menu, swipe up opens the list of all programs.
- ⚙️ Flexibility: You can switch between these modes at any time without losing data.
The right choice is entirely up to your personal preferences, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to organize the space, there is only one that is convenient for you, but for those who want to see all the applications at once, the first option is necessary.
Main method: Disabling the application box
The most common way to get all the icons back in place is to switch the settings to the launcher menu, which works on 95% of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with current firmware versions. You don't need to download third-party programs, all the tools are already built into the system.
To start, unlock your smartphone and find the Settings icon. You need to go to the desktop look section. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same. We look for system application settings.
In the menu that opens, look for Desktop, and that's where the switch that changes the display logic is hidden, and you'll need Desktop Mode or Application Box, and click on it and select Classic or uncheck "Use the Application Box."
☑️ Checking the launcher settings
After choosing the classic mode, the system may suggest saving the changes. The screen will blink, and all the missing shortcuts should appear instantly on desktops. If this does not happen, try swiping up or restarting the device.
- 🔍 Go to Settings. → Annexes.
- 📂 Select System Applications.
- 🖥️ Find and open the desktop.
- 🔄 Select Desktop Mode and install Classic.
In some versions of the shell, the path may be simplified. Try pinching the empty space on your desktop with your finger. In the menu that appears, select Settings (cog at the bottom). There may also be a mode switch. This is a faster way, available without logging into the phone's general settings menu.
⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions (Global) ROM) The settings can be called "Home screen" or "Desktop." Look for words associated with Screen or Desktop.
Set up the grid and size of the icons
Once you've returned all the apps to the home screen, they may be chaotic or not fitting around the edges. The default system sets a grid, but it can be changed for more capacity, and this is especially true for devices with large screen diagonals.
In the same desktop settings menu, look for Grid, and you'll see layout options like 4x5, 5x5, or 6x6. Choosing a 5x6 or 6x6 option will allow you to place the maximum number of shortcuts on a single screen, reducing their size but retaining readability.
Also, this section often has customization of icon sizes, so you can make them bigger for convenience or you can make them smaller to fit more items, and the changes are instantaneous, allowing you to visually evaluate the result and find the perfect balance.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 4x5 grid | Big icons, little room. | For users with poor vision |
| 5x5 grid | Standard size | Balance between capacity and convenience |
| 6x6 grid | Small icons, lots of room. | To place all applications on 1-2 screens |
| Type size | Signature under the icon | Configured in the general screen settings |
Remember that if you reduce icons, they can become unreadable, so you'd better leave the 5x5 grid, but use folders to group rarely used software, and that'll keep things in order without hiding apps in deep menus.
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Use the Search widget at the top of the screen to quickly find apps by name if there are too many on the desktop.
Hiding and Displaying Applications Through “Hidden”
Sometimes users accidentally hide apps and they don't even show up in the shared list. MIUI has a built-in Hidden Apps feature that allows you to hide sensitive software from prying eyes. If you're missing specific programs, check this section.
To check for hidden content, open the Security app (green shield icon). At the bottom of the screen or in the menu (three dots/lines), look for Hidden Apps. The system can request a password or fingerprint if the protection was installed earlier.
Inside, you'll see a list of programs that aren't currently displayed in the launcher, and to bring them back to the home screen, you just have to switch the switch next to the application name to "Switch off" or click "Add/Delete" and uncheck, and then the icon will be visible again.
How do I hide the app back?
This feature is not only good for security, but also for space management, and you can hide the system utilities you use once a year, leaving only the bare minimum in sight, but for the show-all task, this list needs to be completely cleared.
Use of third-party launchers
If Xiaomi's standard settings don't suit you or the interface isn't stable, you can install a third-party launcher. It's a radical but effective way to completely change the look of the system. Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchair.
Once you install this app from Google Play, the system will ask permission to use it as the main one. Confirm the request, and the new interface will replace the standard one. In third-party launchers, desktop management is as flexible and familiar to many users as possible.
But there are some nuances to this method: Xiaomi widgets can work incorrectly on third-party shells, and some system features (such as swipes for gesture control) can conflict. Use this method if you are willing to sacrifice some MIUI chips for the sake of full control over the icons.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher: the standard of customization, a huge selection of settings.
- 🌐 Microsoft Launcher: Great integration with Windows and Android services.
- 🌿 Lawnchair: Style of pure Android Pixel, light and fast.
Before installing a third-party launcher, it is recommended to back up the location of the icons, if such a feature is available in your current firmware version, which will allow you to quickly return to the original state if you do not like the new interface.
Solving Missing System Applications Problems
There are times when not only the user but also the system applications are not on the screen: phone, messages, settings. This may indicate a launcher malfunction or damage to system files. Before you panic, try clearing the cache of the Desktop application.
Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the Desktop (or System Launcher) list. Click Clear → Clear Cache. If that doesn't work, you can select Clear All, but then all icon settings will go wrong and they will go into default order.
In rare cases, the problem is updating Google services or the launcher itself. Go to the Play Market, find the Google app and the Desktop app (if it's available for an update), and try updating them. Also check for system updates in the About Phone section.
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Resetting launcher settings is a secure procedure that does not delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but will return the location of the icons to the factory state.
⚠️ Note: When you clean the launcher data (“Clean All”), you will lose the folders and widgets you created. Use this method only if other methods have not helped.
If after all the manipulations, the system applications did not appear, they may have been removed or disabled through ADB or special utilities, in which case only resetting to factory settings or flashing the device will help.