Owning a modern smartphone involves dozens of apps, each of which performs a different function. The standard desktop is often filled with icons, turning into a chaotic pile where it is difficult to find the right one, which is why creating additional workspaces becomes a necessity for comfortable use of the device.
MIUI and its new version of HyperOS offer flexible tools for organizing space, so you can create multiple screens by categorizing apps, or use Second Space to completely separate personal and work data, which allows you to turn one smartphone into two independent devices.
In this article, we will look at all the ways to expand your desktop, and we will look not only at basic page addition, but also at advanced interface management techniques that will make navigation faster and more intuitive.
Basic navigation and creation of new desktop pages
The process of creating a new screen in Xiaomi shells is as simple as possible and implemented through standard gestures. You do not need to search for hidden settings or connect your computer. You just need to go into editing mode by swiping your finger from the center of the screen to the edges or pinching with two fingers.
When you're in page view mode, the last page will have a plus button or an empty area to the right, and you'll click on it and add a blank sheet ready to fill, which is the basic method that works on all current Redmi and Xiaomi models.
- 📱 Make a pinch with two fingers on the home screen to enter the editing menu.
- ➕ Click on the plus icon at the end of the page list to create a new one.
- 🗑️ To remove the extra, click on the cross in the corner of the unnecessary page.
It is worth noting that the number of pages available is limited only by the memory of the device, although technically they can be up to 9-11 pieces. However, overloading the system with dozens of empty or full pages is not recommended, as this can slightly affect the speed of animations when scrolling.
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Use blank pages as buffer zones between app folders to visually differentiate between work and entertainment programs.
Organization of space with folders and widgets
Just creating multiple screens is not enough — you need to fill them out correctly. Folders are a fundamental tool of order. By putting together apps on topics like social media, banking, games, you make room for widgets that require more space.
Widgets in MIUI and HyperOS are of different sizes, and you can put a big weather watch, a calendar, and a task list on the same screen.
You can use automatic sorting to group applications quickly, and you can press the app icon and drag it to another icon in the same category, and the system will suggest you create a folder with the right name.
☑️ Screen structure planning
So, efficient organization reduces the time you need to find the program, and instead of flipping through five screens to find the calculator, you'll know that it's in the second folder on the third screen on the left.
Second Space: Two Phones in One
One of the unique features of Xiaomi’s ecosystem is the Second Space feature, which is not just a set of icons, but a completely isolated environment with its own set of apps, accounts, files and even fingerprints to unlock.
This feature is perfect for separating work and personal life, so you can set the login to your work profile with your index finger print and your personal profile with your thumb, and when you switch between spaces, the phone actually changes its user, hiding all the data from the first profile.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all data, applications and files stored inside it will be permanently lost.
To activate this function, go to Settings, select Additional Features (or Advanced Settings) and find Second Space there. The system will prompt you to create a new profile, which will take a few minutes.
Can we hide the fact that we are using the second space?
Setting up the sidebar and fast navigation
When you have multiple screens and multiple apps, navigation becomes critical. The sidebar (App Vault or Widgets) allows you to access frequently used features without going to the home screen, which is especially convenient if the main screens are occupied by folders.
In newer versions of firmware, the sidebar is called by a swipe to the right of the left edge of the screen, where you can place news widgets, pedometers, voice recorders or app shortcuts, and this creates the effect of an additional desktop that is always at hand.
The panel is set up by long-pressing on the empty seat of the home screen or through the settings menu. You can choose which widgets will be displayed, and in what order.
- 🔍 Open the sidebar swipe from right to left or left to right (depending on the version) MIUI).
- ⚙️ Click on three dots or a gear to edit the list.
- ✅ Add shortcuts to frequently used apps for instant access.
Using a sidebar reduces the need to create an excessive number of main screens, and everything you need to work quickly can be in this pop-up window.
Comparison of methods of organization of the interface
The way you organize depends on your habits, and some people prefer to have one full screen with a search, while others prefer minimalism. Below is a table that helps you choose the best option for your use case.
| Method | Difficulty setting up | Impact on the battery | Perfect for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lots of desks. | Low. | Minimum | Users with hundreds of apps |
| Second space | Medium | Medium (background processes) | Separation of work and rest |
| Folders and widgets | Low. | Depends on the widgets. | Visual customization |
| Sidebar. | Low. | Minimum | Quick access to tools |
As you can see from the table, creating multiple screens is the least expensive way to do things, but it requires swipe navigation habits, and the combination of Second Space and folder-based skill gives the best balance between functionality and system performance.
Keep in mind that live wallpaper on all the screens you create can significantly increase battery consumption, and if you've created 5-7 screens, you'd better use a high-quality static image.
Solution: When screens don't save or disappear
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where created screens are reset after rebooting or changing the theme.This can be due to the work of the launcher (desktop shell).If you use a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair), screen management occurs through its own settings, not through the standard Xiaomi menu.
In a standard launcher, the problem may be cache overflows, and cleaning the cache of the Security app or the launcher itself through the app menu often solves the problem of missing icons.
⚠️ Attention: Installing third-party themes from unofficial sources can lead to widget conflict and the disappearance of created desktops.
Also worth checking is the Simplified Interface (for older people) mode, which can limit the number of screens and the ability to create them to developers to make it easier to manage.
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If standard methods don’t work, try resetting the launcher settings, but remember that this will remove the location of all your icons.