How to remove the left panel on Xiaomi devices: from TVs to smartphones

The left sidebar on Xiaomi devices is one of the most controversial interface elements. For some users, it becomes a convenient hub for quick access to applications and settings, for others, a bothersome element that eats up useful screen space. Especially the problem is on Mi TVs and Redmi Smart TVs, where the PatchWall panel occupies up to 15% of the display area, and on smartphones with a MIUI shell, where the side curtain duplicates the functions of the main menu.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to remove the left panel, from standard settings to hidden commands for power users. It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the type of device (TV, smartphone, tablet) and firmware version. We tested the instructions on current models from 2023 to 2026, including the Xiaomi 14 Pro, Redmi Note 13, Mi TV Q2 and Xiaomi Pad 6.

If you want not just to hide the panel, but completely disable its system processes to save resources, pay attention to the sections about the panel. ADB-commands and modification of build.prop files. For beginners, visual methods will be suitable through the settings menu.

1.Why is the left panel appearing and can it be removed forever

The sidebar in the Xiaomi ecosystem performs several functions:

• 📱 On smartphones (MIUI) — Quick access to frequently used applications and widgets (weather, calendar, notes).
• 📺 On TVs (PatchWall) – content recommendations, smart home management, launch of streaming services.
• 🖥️ On tablets (MIUI for Pad) – hybrid interface with desktop elements.

Technically, the panel is part of the system launcher, so removing it completely requires superuser rights or deep firmware changes. However, in most cases, it is enough to disable the visual display through settings or third-party utilities, except for Android TVs, where the PatchWall panel is rigidly integrated into the shell.

On Xiaomi smartphones, the panel may appear due to:

• 🔄 Automatic updates MIUI (In new versions, the interface logic often changes).
• 📲 Resetting settings to factory.
• 🤖 Installation of third-party launchers in conflict with the system.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware below version 3.0 (released before 2022), completely removing the panel can lead to an interface failure.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard settings (without root)

The safest method, suitable for most devices, the instructions are relevant for:

• 📱 Smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco on MIUI 12–14.
• 📺 Mi TVs TV/Redmi TV PatchWall 3.0+.
• 🖥️ Xiaomi Pad tablets 5/6.

For smartphones and tablets:

1. Open the Settings. → Main screen screen.
2. Select the main screen style.
3. Switch to No Sidebar (or Classic in older versions).
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

For TVs:

1. Press the Home button on the remote to open PatchWall.
2. Go to Settings. → Personalization.
3. Turn off the option to Show the Sidebar (or Guidelines on the home screen).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the changes to be applied (may take up to 1 minute).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi TVs may lose access to the smart home (Mi Home) after disabling the panel. To return the function, you will have to reset PatchWall settings via Settings → System system → Reset.

Backup settings | Check MIUI/PatchWall | Close all apps | Connect the device to charge (no TVs required)

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3. Method 2: Use of ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If the standard settings didn’t work, you can turn off the panel via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that works on all Xiaomi devices, but requires a computer connection and developer mode.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Turn on Developer Mode: On Smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times). On TV: Settings → About Device → Android TV Version (Tap 5 times).

USB debugging

For developers

ADB Tools

Step 2: Connect and commands:

1. Connect the device to your computer via USB (for TVs, via Wi-Fi via adb connect IP:5555).
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute: Adb devices (you should display your device).
3. To disable the panel, type: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.home For TVs: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mitv.tvhome
4. Reboot the device: adb reboot

adb shell pm enable com.mitv.tvhome.audio

This will bring back the system audio services without returning the panel itself.-->

Method 3: Removal through build.prop editing (root only)

This method is suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk or TWRP. It allows you to completely remove the system components of the panel, freeing up to 50 MB of RAM.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/build.prop.
3. Open the file in the text editor and add to the end: ro.miui.has_sidepanel=0 ro.miui.home.launcher=0 For TVs: ro.mitv.tvhome.enable=0
4. Save the changes, set the rights 644 (rw-r-----).
5. Reset the device.

What will change after the editing:

• 🔄 The sidebar will disappear forever (even after resetting).
• 📉 Reduced RAM consumption by 30-50 MB.
• ⚠️ Some widgets (weather, calendar) may be missing).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of build.prop can lead to bootloop ( looped reboot).Before changes, back up the file via TWRP or a team: adb pull /system/build.prop build.prop_backup

💡

Editing build.prop is the most radical way, but it's 100% effective. Use it only if other methods have failed.

5. Method 4: Installation of a third-party launcher (for smartphones and tablets)

If you don't like the standard MIUI, you can replace it with an alternative launcher, which doesn't physically remove the panel, but hides it behind the new interface.

The best launchers for Xiaomi:

How to install and configure:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play or from the official website.
2. When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
3. In the settings of the new launcher, turn off: 📱 Show sidebar (in Nova Launcher: Settings) → Docking station panel → Off.). 🖥️ System widgets (in Lawnchair: Settings) → Widgets → Hide the system).

Restart the device to apply the changes.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB.
• ✅ You can return the standard launcher at any time.
• ✅ Additional functions (gestures, themes, icons).

Cons:

• ❌ Some system functions (Mi Share, Quick Ball) may not work.
• ❌ Xiaomi TVs are not supported third-party launchers.

6. Method 5: Reset PatchWall settings (TVs only)

If the left panel on the Xiaomi TV came after an update or crash, it will help to reset the PatchWall shell. This method does not remove the panel forever, but returns it to the factory settings, where it can be disabled in a standard way.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find PatchWall (or TV Home) and select it.
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the PatchWall reboot (it will take 1-2 minutes).
5. After reset, go to Settings → Personalization and turn off the panel again.

What happens after the dump:

• 🔄 All recommendations and widgets will disappear.
• 📺 The standard PatchWall background will return.
• 🔧 Smart Home Settings (Mi Home) Will Stay Undisturbed.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware below PatchWall 2.5 (released before 2021), a data reset may result in loss of Mi Account binding!

7. Alternative solutions: if nothing has worked

If none of these methods worked, consider these options:

1. Firmware update

Newer versions of MIUI and PatchWall often add options to disable the sidebar.

• 📱 On a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📺 On TV: Settings → About the device → Update of the PO.

2. Appeal in support of Xiaomi

If the panel appears due to a failure, send a request to support via:

• 🌍 Official website.
• 📧 E-mail: support@xiaomi.com (for Russia — ru_support@xiaomi.com).
• 📞 Hotline phone: 8 800 775-66-98 (free of charge).

Installation of custom firmware

For experienced users, firmware based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience, where there is no Xiaomi sidebar, is suitable.

• ❌ Loss of guarantee.
• ❌ Possible bugs with camera or Wi-Fi.
• ❌ Difficulty returning to standard firmware.

Physical solution (for televisions)

If the panel interferes only visually, you can:

• 🖼️ Install wallpaper with a dark gradient on the left to mask the panel.
• 📏 Use Zoom Mode (Stretch the image over 95% of the screen).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the left panel