How to remove unnecessary icons from the screen of the Xiaomi smartphone: from hiding to completely removing

Xiaomi desktop eventually turns into a chaos of dozens of icons: here and installed applications, and system utilities, and widgets from the MIUI, Even after uninstallation, the icons are sometimes left on the menu, and standard icons like Themes or Security can't be removed in the usual way. In this article, we will analyze all possible methods - from simple concealment to radical removal of system components, including nuances for different versions. MIUI (12 to 14) and models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T etc.).

It's important to understand that not all icons can be removed without consequences. For example, deleting the Mi Video system application can cause a crash in the gallery, and hiding Settings can deprive you of access to key functions. We will explain in detail which icons are safe to remove and which are better to leave, even if they interfere. Also consider alternative solutions from creating folders to using third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Hyperion.

If you are ready to start, choose the right way depending on your goal:

1. Hiding icons through settings MIUI (stripped)

The safest method that does not require superuser rights (root) and is suitable for all Xiaomi models on the market. MIUI 12-14 The icons that are hidden in this way will remain in the system, but will disappear from the desktop and from the application menu.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search box, type the name of the app you want to remove (for example, Mi Music or Game Turbo).
• 🚫 Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Hide.
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work for system utilities like Settings, Phone or Messages.
• ❌ Hidden apps still take up space in memory and can be updated through the Play Market.
• ✅ Suitable for pre-installed Xiaomi applications (Mi Browser, Mi Pay, etc.).

⚠️ Warning: After the icon is hidden, the app will stop receiving notifications, for example, if you hide the weather, the rain or snow alerts will not come.

2. Removal of icons through uninstallation of applications

If the concealment is not enough, you can completely remove unnecessary applications, including their icons. APK) And some of the pre-installed utilities Xiaomi. System applications will require root rights (more on this in the next section).

How to delete:

1. Press the application icon on the desktop with your finger.
2. Drag it to the top of the screen where the Remove basket will appear (on the screen). MIUI 14 she's red).
3. Release your finger and confirm the uninstallation.

For pre-installed applications (e.g. Mi Browser or Mi Community):

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 📌 Select the desired application and click Delete (if the button is active).
• 🔄 If the Remove button is inactive, try Disabling – this will delete the icon and stop the program from working.

⚠️ Note: Deleting some pre-installed applications (such as Mi Account or Security) can result in loss of functionality – for example, a fingerprint or face unlock will stop working.

Check if the application is system-based (list above)

Backup important data (for some utilities, such as Mi Notes)

Make sure the app is not linked to your Xiaomi account (Mi Cloud, Mi Pay)

Check if it is used for synchronization (e.g. Mi Fit for smartwatches)-->

3. Radical removal of system icons (root required)

If you’re willing to take the risk, you can completely remove system applications, including their icons, with root rights, a method that is suitable for power users and requires unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi. Incorrect actions can lead to a device blink (complete failure), especially on models with anti-Rollback protection (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or the Redmi Note 10 Pro). POCO F3).

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model.
3. Get root rights with Magisk.
4. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer) and go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
5. Find the folder with the name of the app (for example, MiuiVideo for Mi Video) and delete it.
6. Reset the device.

List of safe to remove system applications (checked at MIUI 13-14):

• 🎵 MiuiMusic is a Xiaomi music player.
• 🎬 MiuiVideo - Standard Video Player.
• 🎮 GameCenter – a gaming center (not to be confused with Game Turbo, which is responsible for performance in games!).
• 📰 MiuiBrowserGlobal – Mi Browser.
• 💰 PaymentService – Mi Pay service (unless you use contactless payments).

What can't be removed:

• 🔒 Security – Security Center (responsible for unlocking, antivirus, cleaning).
• 📱 Settings - System settings.
• 👤 MiAccount – Xiaomi account (delete it – you will lose access to the cloud and sync).
• 📞 Contacts and Phone – Phone and Contacts.

4.Using third-party launchers to manage icons

If you do not want to mess with the system settings, you can simply replace the standard launcher. MIUI It's an alternative:

• 🗃️ Hide icons without removal (including system icons).
• 🎨 Change the style of icons (for example, make them transparent or replace them with custom ones).
• 🔄 Customize gestures and animations.
• 📱 Use functions that are not available in MIUI (For example, adaptive icons or dark theme for icons).

The best launchers for Xiaomi:

How to hide icons in Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher and make it the main one (at the first start the system will suggest doing this).
2. Press your finger on the free desktop space and select Nova Settings.
3. Go to the Apps menu → Hidden Apps.
4. Check the boxes that you want to remove.
5. Click Ready – the icons will disappear from the screen, but remain in the system.

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If widgets (such as weather or clock) are missing after installing the launcher, return them via launcher settings: Widgets → Add a widget → Select the system widget MIUI.

5.Resetting launcher settings MIUI factory-to-factory

If after experimenting with icons, the desktop began to glittle (for example, icons are missing or duplicated), resetting the launcher settings will help. MIUI, but will not affect user data or installed applications.

Instructions:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the Louncher app (or MIUI Launcher).
• 🔄 Press Warehouse. → Clear the data and confirm the action.
• 🔙 Return to the desktop – it will be reset to the factory view (all icons will return to their places).

What happens after the dump:

• ✅ All the hidden icons will be visible again.
• ✅ The widgets will return to their original position.
• ✅ App folders are unpacked.
• ❌ Desktop backgrounds and themes will remain unchanged.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi K50) Resetting the launcher may temporarily disable navigation gestures. To return them, go to Settings → Display. → Navigation gestures and select the desired mode.

6 Removal of widgets and icons from the lock screen

On the lock screen MIUI Also displayed are icons and widgets: short access to the camera, flashlight, Google Assistant or Mi Pay.

How to set up:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select shortcuts (or quick actions on the MIUI 14).
3. Turn off unnecessary icons by moving the sliders to the left.
4. For widgets (weather, steps), click Lock screen widgets and select No.

List of labels that can be removed:

• 📷 Camera - Quick start of the camera.
• 🔦 Lantern - lighting up the flashlight.
• 💬 Google Assistant or Xiao AI — voice assistant.
• 💳 Mi Pay – Contactless Payments.
• 📞 Emergency call – Quick dialing of emergency services.

What can't be turned off:

• ❌ The clock and date are always displayed.
• ❌ Notifications – they can only be hidden in the privacy settings.
• ❌ Battery Charging – an indicator of the level of charge.

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In the models with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K60) Disabling widgets on lock can reduce battery consumption by 3-5% by reducing screen activity.

7. Alternative methods: folders, second desktop and gestures

If you don't want to remove or hide icons, you can organize them so they don't get in the way. Here are some proven methods:

Folder creation:

• 📂 Drag one icon to another to create a folder.
• 🏷️ Name a folder (e.g., rarely use or Games).
• 🔒 To prevent the folder from opening accidentally, place it in the corner of the screen.

Second worktable:

• 📱 Scroll to the right on the home screen to add a new desktop.
• 🔄 Move all unnecessary icons to it.
• 🚫 To avoid accidentally switching to it, turn off the point indicator at the bottom of the screen in the launcher settings.

Gestures for quick access:

• 👆 Set up/down swipe to call frequently used applications (in Settings) → Additional settings → Gestures).
• ✌️ Use double-touch to start the camera or flashlight (saves screen space).

Turning off icon hints:

If you are annoyed by tips like New in MIUI or Recommended Apps, disable them:

1. Hold the free space on the desktop.
2. Select the Home Screen Settings.
3. Turn off sliders Recommended Apps and Tips MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the icons on Xiaomi