How to completely remove the tape widgets on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

The widget tape on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most controversial features of the MIUI shell. For some users, it is a convenient way to quickly access information, for others, an annoying element that takes up space on the screen and slows down the system, and it is especially annoying that the tape automatically appears when swiping left on the home screen or in the application menu.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove widget tape on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from standard settings to radical methods using ADB and third-party launchers. Please note: some methods require root rights or can reset personal settings. We will specify all the risks in advance so that you can choose the best option.

Important: the procedure differs depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15) and the model of the smartphone. If your device is running HyperOS (the new firmware for flagships in 2026), some methods may not work, we will also talk about this.

1. Method: Disable the tape through the MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in shell options. Unfortunately, in the latest versions of MIUI 14/15, developers have removed the direct switch to turn off the tape, but the workaround still works.

Follow the instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Main screen screen.
2. Select Home Screen Style (or Home Screen in older versions).
3. Slip on the launcher settings option (may be called additionally).
4. Find the Widget Ribbon (or Minus Screen) section and turn off the slider.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

• 🔹 Long pressing in the free place of the main screen → Screen settings → Widget tape.
• 🔹 In some firmware, the option is hidden: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher MIUI → Warehouse → Clear the data (this will reset the screen settings!).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 13/14 And other HyperOS devices, this may not work, so you can move on to the method. 3 or 4.

2. Method: Use of a third-party launcher (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If standard settings don't work, the most reliable way is to install an alternative launcher, which not only removes the widget tape, but also adds flexibility to the interface configuration.

• 📱 Nova Launcher – supports gestures, icons and hiding unnecessary items.
• 🎯 Apex Launcher is lightweight and fast, with minimalist design.
• 🌿 Lawnchair – open launcher with support for dark theme and adaptive icons.

How to install and configure:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. After installation, click Home and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. In the launcher settings, find the Dock Station or Main Screen section and turn off the Discovery Ribbon option (or similar).

Important: Some MIUI features (such as quick notes or smart assistant) may stop working when using a third-party launcher.

Download APK launcher from the official website|Take a backup of the main screen (screenshot)|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Check compatibility with the Android version-->

3. Method: Disconnect via ADB (without root, but with PC)

For advanced users, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to a computer, which works even on HyperOS, where standard settings are blocked.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

ADB-driver

adb shell pm hide com.miui.home

Then:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.miservice

Reset the device.

If the tape has disappeared, but other features (such as themes) have also disappeared, return the settings with the command:

adb shell pm unhide com.miui.home

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up your data through Settings. → Memory. → Backup.

4. Method: Resetting the launcher settings (radical method)

If the widget tape comes after you upgrade or change the theme, you can remove it by resetting the launcher settings, which will return the standard view of the home screen, but will remove all your widgets, folders and icon locations.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI (or Launcher) launcher and open its page.
3. Slip the Warehouse → Clear the data and confirm the action.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

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Before reset, take screenshots of the main screen or record a video of its scrolling - so it will be easier to restore the location of the icons.

5. Method: Removal via Magisk (root only)

If your smartphone has an unlocked bootloader and root rights, you can completely remove the system application responsible for the widget tape, a method that is suitable for experienced users and requires caution.

What needs to be done:

1. Install Magisk and check root status.
2. Download a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
3. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiHome or (for newer versions): /system/product/priv-app/MiuiHome
4. Delete or rename the file MiuiHome.apk (e.g., in MiuiHome.apk.bak).
5. Reset the device.

After that, the widget tape will disappear forever, but:

⚠️ Attention: Deleting system files can lead to loss of warranty and unstable smartphone operation.If you are not sure about your actions, use methods 1-3.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after successfully disabling the widget tape, users face typical problems.

• 🔄 The tape returns after the update: This is due to the launcher reset.The solution is to repeat method 1 or 3, or disable automatic update MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• ⚙️ Gestures do not work: If swipes stop working after removing the tape (for example, calling a search or camera), return the settings via the Swipes. ADB: adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.gestural
• 📱 Black screen after launcher reset: Reboot your smartphone in Safe Mode (click the power button) → Restart in Safe Mode and return the standard launcher.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔍 Availability of updates for your model in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Compatibility of firmware: some custom ROM (Pixel Experience may conflict with settings MIUI.
• 📦 Presence of duplicate launchers: remove all third-party launchers through Settings → Annexes.

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On HyperOS devices (Xiaomi 14, 13 Ultra), the widget tape can only be disabled via ADB or launcher change. The standard MIUI settings in these firmwares do not provide this option.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions