How to remove the sidebar Xiaomi: the complete guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where the operating system interface is oversaturated with elements that interfere with the comfortable use of the device. One such controversial component is the sidebar (or “app curtain”), which leaves when swiping from the edge of the screen. This tool is designed to speed up access to frequently used programs and functions, but in practice it often causes accidental openings, overlaps content in games or simply annoys with its intrusiveness.

Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide flexible tools to customize the interface, so you don't have to have super-user rights or install third-party launchers to get rid of the extra element, but you just need to adjust the system settings correctly, which will restore cleanliness of management and prevent accidental launches of applications while you're using the gadget.

In this article, we will analyze in detail all available ways to disable this element, consider the nuances of working on different versions of firmware and answer frequent questions that arise from users when trying to optimize their Android smartphone.

What is a side panel and why you need it

The sidebar in Xiaomi’s ecosystem is a system utility running on top of all running applications, and its primary purpose is to provide quick access to select programs, tools (calculator, voice recorder, screenshot), and even widgets without having to fold the current window, functionally equivalent to a floating window or Split Screen, but with a deeper immersion into the system.

Despite the stated utility, however, the panel's mechanism is often deplorable. The swipe recognition algorithm from the edge of the screen can be too sensitive, leading to random activations. This becomes especially critical in games or when watching videos, when any outside interference knocks concentration. In addition, the background work of this service consumes RAM, albeit in minimal amounts.

Many users prefer to use standard navigation or Android gestures, which provide more predictable interface behavior. Disabling unnecessary visual elements is the first step to personalizing the device to suit their own usage habits.

⚠️ Warning: Complete shutdown of system services through ADB-commands can lead to unstable interface operation. Use the software settings inside the smartphone menu to avoid potential system conflicts.

Standard way to disable through settings

The safest and most appropriate deactivation method is to use a built-in settings menu. The path to the desired switch may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, but the overall logic remains the same. You will need to find the section responsible for additional features or special features.

In most current firmware, the algorithm of actions looks as follows:

• 📱 Open the main settings menu and go to the "Additional Features" section (or "Extended Settings").
• 🔍 Find the "Sidebar" item (sometimes called the "Application Panel" or "Application Curtain").
• 🚫 Transfer the main switch to the inactive position to completely remove the function.

If your menu is called differently, search by settings, type "panel" or "curtain" and the system will point the way to the desired switch, a universal way that works on 99% of Xiaomi, Redmi and Black Shark devices.

Once the swipe is off the edge of the screen, it will stop calling the menu, but the phone’s basic features will remain fully functional.You can still run split-screen applications manually if needed.

Sensitivity and call area setting

Sometimes a complete shutdown is not required because the user wants to leave quick access to applications, but get rid of random positives, in which case it is advisable not to remove the panel completely, but to adjust the activation zone, this is especially true for devices with curved screens, where the physical edge often responds to touch.

The sidebar settings menu often has a call area or area size option, and by changing those settings, you narrow down the swipe response area. The logic is simple: the narrower the bar at the edge of the screen, the harder it is to call the panel by accident, but the more precise you need to aim if you really need one.

Also worth noting is the list of applications where the panel is active by default, often automatically enabled in games and video players, and you can manually remove these applications from the exception list, or, conversely, leave the panel active only in specific utilities, such as instant messengers.

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If the sidebar interferes with games, add the game to the list of "Do not show sidebar" in the Game Turbo settings or game mode, without disabling the function globally.

Table: Location of settings in different versions of MIUI

As Xiaomi updates the interface regularly, menu item names can change, and here is a table that will help you navigate depending on the version of your operating system, saving you time when you find the right switch.

It is important to understand that on global versions of firmware (Global ROM) names can be translated into Russian differently than in Chinese (CN ROM). If you can not find a point along the path indicated in the table, use the search by settings.

Remove via hidden menus and ADB (for advanced)

For users who prefer radical cleaning methods, it is possible to disable the system component responsible for the panel via a computer and debugging via USB. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the PC and installing ADB drivers. It allows you to completely freeze the process responsible for the curtain.

Before starting the procedure, you need to turn on the developer mode. → About the phone and quickly press the build number seven times. Then activate Debugging on the advanced settings USB".

After connecting to your computer, run a command to search for the package:

adb shell pm list packages | grep side

The process is usually called com.miui.securitycenter or sidebar.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter.sidebar

⚠️ Note: Disabling system packages through ADB If you are not sure about your actions, limit yourself to a standard shutdown through the interface settings.

Impact on productivity and battery

Turning off the sidebar is not just a matter of aesthetics, it's also a way to optimize resources. Although it consumes a bit of power on its own, it's part of a larger system process. On older smartphones like the early Redmi Note or the budget POCO M, every megabyte of RAM counts.

By removing the unnecessary visuals and background services, you can see a slight but pleasant improvement in the responsiveness of the interface, especially in the animations of the transition between windows. The system becomes "easier" because it does not need to constantly monitor the touches at the edge of the screen for possible menu calls.

• 🔋 Reduces background activity of the processor, as the system does not need to render preview applications.
• ⚡ Increases battery life, especially when using the screen.
• 🚀 Frees up RAM for more demanding tasks such as navigation or gaming.

It is worth noting that on top flagships with a large amount of RAM, the difference will be almost invisible, but on devices of the medium and budget segment, the effect can be tangible.

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Turning off visual effects and extra panels is a proven way to extend battery life and speed up the performance of budget smartphones.

Frequent problems after disconnection

In rare cases, users are faced with the fact that after turning off the panel, it continues to pop up or, conversely, the associated functions, such as fast start of a voice recorder or a screenshot, most often due to the cache of the system or bugs of a particular firmware version, stop working.

If the panel is "sticky" or not behaving properly, try clearing the cache of the Security or Services app (depending on the model) and restarting the device in safe mode to avoid conflict with third-party launchers also helps.

Sometimes the problem is the case. Tight protective cases can physically push the edges of the screen, creating a "phantom touch" effect, which the system interprets as an attempt to call the side menu. Remove the case and check if the problem has disappeared.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions