Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI and HyperOS, offer two fundamentally different desktop display modes, which often causes confusion among new users. In standard “Folders” mode, all installed programs are automatically sorted into categories in a separate application menu, leaving the main screen free for widgets and select shortcuts. However, many device owners prefer the classic “Android-style”, where absolutely all utilities are displayed directly to desktops, as was implemented in earlier versions of the operating system.
The need to change standard system behavior often arises after the first phone turn on or firmware update, when the user finds that the icons have disappeared from the screen and hidden in the menu. This is not a bug or bug, but an intentional design choice of developers, to organize the space. Fortunately, the system provides flexible tools to return to the usual look, allowing you to display any necessary controls.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at how to switch launcher modes, adjust screen grids, and solve common problems where icons may or may not be displayed correctly. You will learn how to manage space efficiently using the built-in features of the System Launcher. Understanding these settings will allow you to personalize the interface to your needs, making navigation as fast and convenient as possible.
Differences between MIUI and HyperOS display modes
Before making changes, it's important to understand the architectural difference between the two main modes of Xiaomi's interface.The first mode, often referred to as "Folder Mode" or "iOS style," involves having a separate button or swipe to call up the menus of all apps, while only widgets and shortcuts that you've added manually remain on the desktop.The second mode, "Classic" or "Android Mode," automatically places an icon of each new app on the free desktop space as you install.
Choosing the right option depends on your smartphone usage habits. If you like minimalism and rarely install new programs, folder mode will help keep order. However, for those who often change software or prefer to see all available tools at once, switching to a classic look is a critical step. HyperOS shell, which replaced MIUI, retained this logic, but slightly changed the visual design of the settings menu.
⚠️ Warning: Mode switching can automatically redistribute all your current icons and widgets. Remember the location of important widgets in advance so you don't waste time re-installing them.
It is worth noting that in some regional versions of firmware (for example, Global vs. China), menu item names may differ slightly, but the logic of the work remains the same for the entire brand ecosystem.
Step-by-step: switching to the classic view
To make sure that all applications are displayed on the home screen, you need to change the settings of the system launcher, which takes less than a minute and does not require obtaining superuser rights or installing third-party software.
Follow the algorithm to activate the desired mode:
- 📱 Open the Settings app and find the Desktop section, which may also be called the Home Screen depending on the translation version.
- 🔍 At the top of the screen, select Mode where you will be offered options “With folders” and “Classic».
- ✅ Tap the Classic option and confirm the action if the system requests confirmation of the changes.
Once you do that, the interface will instantly redesign. All the apps that were previously hidden in the menu will appear on desktops. If there are too many screens, you can easily delete extra pages or move shortcuts with your finger. The system launcher will automatically fill up the free space by following a given grid.
☑️ Post-switch check
In some cases, especially on older models with low RAM, the system may suggest a reboot to apply changes, although in modern versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS this is rarely required. If after switching you do not see all the applications, try swiping up from the bottom of the screen - in classic mode this action can open a search or news feed, not the app menu, since now all the shortcuts are in view.
Set up grid and icon density
When all applications are displayed on the home screen, the question of organizing the space becomes critical. The standard grid can be too sparse, which causes few elements to fit on one screen, or too dense, which makes the interface overloaded. Xiaomi allows you to flexibly adjust these parameters through the “More” menu inside the desktop settings.
Here you can choose a grid configuration, like 4x6, 5x6 or even 6x9 for larger diagonals. Increasing rows and columns allows you to fit more shortcuts without creating unnecessary pages. However, remember the balance between functionality and aesthetics: too small icons are harder to press, especially for people with large fingers or when using a smartphone on the go.
| Grid parameter | Number of icons (example) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Compact (4x5) | 20 pcs on screen | For devices up to 6 inches |
| Standard (5x6) | 30 pcs on the screen | Optimal for 6.5 inches |
| Dense (6x7) | 42 pcs on screen | For phablets and tablets |
| Maximum (6x9) | 54 pcs on screen. | Only for big screens. |
Also available in this section is the option “Enlarged icons”, which activates shortcuts to make them more visible, but reduces the total number of items on the page, which is useful for users with reduced vision or those who prefer a minimalist set of applications on the first screen.
Hidden grid settings
Solving the problem with hidden applications
There are times when you switched to the classic mode, but some programs never appeared on the desktop, most often due to the feature “Hidden Apps”, which is built into the security system of Xiaomi, which is designed for privacy, allowing you to remove icons and content of applications from public access.
To check if your programs are on this list, follow these steps:
- 🔒 Go to the “Safety” app (green icon with lightning), preinstalled on all smartphones of the brand.
- 👇 Scroll down to the Hidden Apps section or find it through a search in the security settings.
- 👁️ Check the list: if the desired app is there, just turn off the switch next to it to return the icon to the home screen.
Another reason for the lack of icons may be to work in the Guest mode or use a second space. These modes only display the set of applications that have been configured for a specific profile. Make sure you are in the main user space. It is also worth checking the Advanced Mode settings in the app hide menu, where you can set a password or fingerprint to access hidden content.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the application through settings (“Applications» -> «App management’ will disappear from the desktop forever until you install it again from Google Play or GetApps.
Sometimes cleaning the launcher cache helps. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, search the System Launcher (or MIUI Home) list, select Clear -> Clear cache. Don't choose Clear All, otherwise all widget and folder settings will go wrong.
Organization of space: folders and widgets
When all the apps are displayed on the home screen, it quickly becomes a chaotic pile of icons, and to maintain functionality and order, you need to use the tools of the organization, creating folders is the easiest way to group, just drag and drop one icon to another to create a container that can be called, for example, "Social Networks", "Games" or "Work".
Widgets add speakers and let you get information without opening apps. With HyperOS and newer versions of MIUI, widgets are more interactive and customizable. You can add a weather, currency, pedometer or calendar widget directly to your desktop. To do this, make a long tap on the empty screen and select "Widgets".
Using smart folders and widgets reduces cognitive load. Instead of looking for the right program among a dozen others, you immediately see a logical group. Effective organization increases the speed of work with the smartphone and reduces the number of unnecessary touches of the screen.
💡
Use the App Search widget on your desktop: it allows you to quickly find programs by name if there are too many for visual search.
Alternative launchers: when standard features are few
If Xiaomi’s standard System Launcher doesn’t meet your customization needs, you can always install a third-party launcher from Google Play. Popular options like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher offer much deeper customizations of the look, animations and desktop behavior.
Installation of an alternative launcher allows:
- 🎨 Completely change the appearance of the icons, using third-party packages.
- 🔄 Set up gestures (swipes) to run applications or actions.
- 📊 Create an unlimited number of desktops with any grid.
However, it is worth considering that third-party launchers can consume more battery and RAM than an optimized system product. In addition, in Android 12 and later, as well as in HyperOS, there may be conflicts with system animations or “always on screen” functions.
💡
Xiaomi’s system launcher provides better integration with hardware and system features, while third-party ones give more freedom in design.
To return to the standard view after installing a third-party solution, just go back to the screen settings and select "Default System Launcher." All your previous MIUI Home settings are saved.