There's a annoying icon on your Xiaomi screen that can't be removed? You're not alone -- MIUI users are regularly confronted with this problem. Unlike pure Android, Xiaomi's shell blocks removal of system applications and imposes advertising widgets. But there are proven ways to get rid of unnecessary icons once and for all.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from simple (hiding through the menu) to advanced (disabling through ADB). All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and models of Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi 13/14. Importantly, some methods require caution - wrong actions can disrupt the system.
1. Hiding the icon through launcher settings
The fastest way is to use the built-in MIUI launcher features, which are suitable for custom applications and some system utilities (such as Mi Video or Mi Music).
How it works:
- Press and hold your finger on the icon you want to remove.
- At the top of the screen will appear a panel with options – select “Delete” (if the application can be uninstalled) or “Hide” (for system).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
⚠️ Note: Hidden icons are not physically removed – they just disappear from the desktop, but remain in the menu of all applications (All apps) → To return the icon, go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Hidden.
- ✅ It works without superuser rights.
- ✅ It does not require a PC connection.
- ❌ Does not remove system applications completely
- ❌ Icons may return after the update MIUI
2. disabling the application in the system settings
If the icon belongs to an unnecessary system application (for example, Mi Pay or Mi Browser), it can be turned off - this will remove the icon from the screen and stop background processes.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the app you want in the list (use the search at the top).
- Click on it and select "Disable".
- Confirm the action by clicking “Disable the application” in the pop-up window.
Once disabled, the icon will disappear from the desktop, and the application will stop updating and consuming resources. To return it back, repeat the steps and click "Enable".
Check if the application is critical to the system
Backup important data (if the application stores files)
Make sure you have enough battery power (minimum 30%)
Close all background processes before shutting down-->
| Annex | Can I turn it off? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Video | ✅ Yes. | Video player will disappear, but files will remain |
| Mi Browser | ✅ Yes. | There will be no system browser, but you can use Chrome. |
| Mi Pay | ✅ Yes. | Contactless payment service will be shut down |
| Security (Security) | ❌ No. | The work of antivirus and memory cleaning will be disrupted |
| Theme Store | ⚠️ Partially. | Disappeared themes, but can be returned through an update |
3. Removal via ADB (for power users)
If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll have to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to manage system files, which removes applications forever, but requires a PC connection and command knowledge.
What you need:
- ⚡ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
- 📱 Cable USB (original or quality)
- 🔧 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools
- 🔒 Included debugging by USB phone-on
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
- Enter the commands in turn: adb devices (you should have the name of your device) adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer (replace com.miui.videoplayer with the package of the desired application).
⚠️ Warning: The wrong command can delete critical system files. Before executing, check the name of the package through adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui' - List of safe packet removal:
- com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video
- com.android.browser — Mi Browser
- com.xiaomi.payment — Mi Pay
- com.miui.weather2 - Weather
How to find the name of the application package?
4.Use of third-party launchers
If you're tired of struggling with MIUI system limitations, install an alternative launcher.
- Nova Launcher is a flexible customization of icons and widgets.
- Lawnchair is a lightweight launcher with gesture support.
- Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and OneDrive Cloud.
- Apex Launcher – Advanced themes and animations.
How it works:
- Download the launcher from Google Play.
- When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
- Press and hold the icon you want to remove, then drag it to the basket or hide it through the launcher menu.
Advantages of third-party launchers:
- 🎨 Complete customization of appearance (icon size, fonts, animations).
- 🔍 Ability to hide system applications without ADB.
- 📱 Support for gestures and hot keys.
- ⚡ Less advertising compared to MIUI.
⚠️ Attention: Some functions MIUI (For example, Second Space or Dual Applications may not work properly with third-party launchers. Check compatibility on forums before installing, 4PDA or XDA Developers).
💡
If after installing the launcher, the weather or calendar widgets disappeared, add them again through the widget menu (long press on the desktop → “Widgets”).
5. Blocking advertising widgets and banners
One of the most annoying types of icons on Xiaomi is advertising widgets (like “Recommended Apps” or Mi Advertising banners) that can’t be removed in standard ways, but you can turn off personalized ads and hide unnecessary items.
Ways to combat advertising:
- Disabling Mi-account: Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account. Click Out (this will remove the link to the account, but local data will be saved).
Blocking through advertising settings:
- Go to Settings → Google → Advertising.
- Turn off Personalized Ads and reset the Ad ID.
- Using ADB to remove ad packages: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
After resetting, all icons will return to their places, but will disappear: