How to remove the icon on Xiaomi: from system applications to banner ads

Icons on Xiaomi desktop can turn into a real chaos: there are unnecessary system applications, and banner ads, and duplicates after updates. Especially annoying when MIUI or HyperOS automatically add shortcuts without your consent — for example, after installing an update or connecting a new accessory. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to remove icons, from standard methods to hidden shell functions.

It's important to understand that not all icons are removed the same way. For example, system applications like Security or Themes can't be removed completely without root rights, but they can be hidden or disabled. But banner ads (like GetApps or Mi Video) require a separate approach. We'll look at solutions for all firmware versions, from MIUI 12 to the latest HyperOS 1.0, including nuances for specific models like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5.

If you tried to remove the icon with a long press, but nothing happened, don't rush to reset the settings. Most likely, the problem is the type of shortcut or the limitations of the shell. Next, you will find instructions for even the most stubborn cases, including hidden system applications and ads that come back after the reboot.

1. Standard removal of icons from the desktop

To start with, the simplest way is to remove custom icons that you added yourself or that appeared after installing apps, which works for 90% of the time and doesn't require any additional customization.

To remove the icon:

• 📱 Long press the icon (1-2 A few seconds before it “rises” above the table.
• 🗑️ Drag it to the top of the screen where the basket will appear (or the inscription "Delete»).
• ✅ Let your finger go, the icon will disappear.

If the basket doesn't show up:

• 🔄 Check if the desktop editing mode is enabled (double tap on the empty space). → «Edit»).
• 📵 Make sure the icon is not a widget (they are removed similarly, but sometimes you need to reduce the size first).
• 🔒 This may be a system application – move on to the next section.

On some models (such as the POCO X3 Pro), a long press can open the context menu instead of dragging it.

1. Press and hold the icon.
2. In the menu that appears, select “Delete” or “Remove from the screen”.
3. Confirm the action if necessary.

⚠️ Note: Deleting the icon from the desktop does not remove the application itself. To uninstall the program, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management.

2. How to hide system applications (without root)

System applications like Mi Community, Mi Pay, or Security can’t be removed by standard methods, but they can be hidden or disabled, which is especially useful if they occupy space in the app menu or constantly appear on the desktop.

Method 1: Through MIUI/HyperOS settings

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app you want (such as Mi Video) and tap it.
3. Select “Disable” or “Hide” (some firmwares call this option “Remove from the menu”).
4. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the list, but it will remain in the system.

Method 2: Through the launcher (for the desktop)

• 📱 Install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).
• 🔍 In the launcher settings, find the section “Hidden applications».
• ✅ Check the boxes for unnecessary system programs.

On HyperOS (the new Xiaomi shell), the process is slightly different:

Open Settings → Applications

Select the Systems tab

Find the application and click "Disable".

Reboot the phone (optional)

-->

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications like Security or Settings can cause your phone to run in an unstable way. If errors occur after you turn off, return the application to its original state using the same settings.

3. Removal of advertising icons and banners

One of the most annoying features of MIUI is the auto-appearing ad icons (like those from GetApps, Mi Browser, or Xiaomi partners) that can’t be removed with a long click, but there are a few working ways.

Method 1: Disabling personalized advertising

1. Go to Settings → Phone Information → MIUI version (shoot 7 times to turn on Developer Mode).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → Special Opportunities → Advertising.
3. Turn off the options “Personalized Advertising” and “MIUI Recommendations”.
4. Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

If the ad returns after the reboot, use the ADB command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution

These commands will delete the modules responsible for advertising without deleting system files.

Method 3: Blocking through the host file (requires root)

If you have root access, add the following lines to /system/etc/hosts:

127.0.0.1 ad.mi.com


127.0.0.1 globalapi.ad.xiaomi.com




127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com

4. Removal of icons after firmware update

After updating MIUI or HyperOS, new icons often appear on the desktop — for example, Mi AI, Game Turbo or Mi Home. These can be removed, but sometimes you need to reset the cache.

Step 1: Cleaning the launcher cache

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Louncher app (or “Lawnchair” if you use custom).
3. Select “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”.
4. Reboot the phone.

Step 2: Resetting the desktop settings

If the icons are still there:

• 📱 Click on the empty space of the desktop for a long time.
• 🔧 Select “Desktop Settings” (or “Screen Settings»).
• 🔄 Find the option “Reset settings” or “Restore by default».

Step 3: Remove from Safe Mode

If the icon is not removed and interferes with the work:

1. Press the power button and hold the “Switch off” button to go to Safe Mode.
2. In Safe Mode, try to remove the icon in the standard way.
3. Reboot the phone.

💡

If after the update there are duplicate icons, try dragging one to another - MIUI will automatically combine them into a folder.

5. How to remove widget icons and system notifications

Widgets (such as weather, calendar, or Mi Fit) and notification icons (such as HFC or Airplane Mode) are removed differently from the usual shortcuts, and it’s important to understand that you’re not removing the app itself, but only the display of it on the screen.

Removal of widgets:

• 📱 Long press the widget.
• 🗑️ Drag it to the cart (or select “Delete” in the context menu).
• 🔄 If the widget is not removed, try resizing it first (stretch or squeeze with two fingers) and then remove it.

Hiding icons in the notification panel:

1. Swipe down to open the notification panel.
2. Press on. ⚙️ («Settings) in upper right corner.
3. Select “Order of Status Icons”.
4. Drag unneeded icons (such as NFC or Bluetooth) to the Hidden section.

On HyperOS, the path is a bit different:

1. Open Settings → Notifications and Status bar.
2. Select "State Signs."
3. Turn off the toggle next to the unnecessary icons.

⚠️ Note: Some icons (such as Charging or Network) cannot be hidden – they are critical to displaying the status of the phone.

6. Radical methods: Disconnection through ADB and root

If the standard methods didn't work, and the icon keeps popping up, you'll have to use advanced methods, which require ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or root rights, but give you full control of the system.

Method 1: Removal via ADB (without root)

Connect your phone to your PC and do:

adb devices


adb shell




pm list packages | grep 'xiaomi'

Find the package of the desired application (for example, com.xiaomi.mipicks for GetApps) and delete:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

Method 2: Freeze with Titanium Backup (root)

• 📱 Install Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 🔍 Find the unnecessary app in the list.
• ❄️ Select “Freeze” (this will disable it without deleting it).

Method 3: Manual removal of system APKs (root)

A dangerous method is to delete files directly. Example for Mi Video:

su


mount -o rw,remount /system




rm /system/priv-app/MiVideo/MiVideo.apk




mount -o ro,remount /system




reboot

💡

Before using ADB or root, back up your data. Wrong commands can lead to a bootloop (a looped reboot).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When removing icons, users often face typical problems, and here's how to solve them:

• 🔄 The icon returns after the reboot → Clear the launcher cache or disable the application through ADB.
• 🚫 You cannot remove the system application → Hide it through settings or use an alternative launcher.
• ⚠️ Errors appeared after disabling the application → Return it to its original state in Settings → Annexes.
• 📱 It's not working long. → Check if left-handed mode or gestures in settings are enabled.

If you accidentally delete an important icon (such as a phone or message), it can be returned:

1. Open the menu of all applications (swipe up on the desktop).
2. Find the right app and hold it.
3. Drag it to the desk.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions