Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users incredible flexibility in setting up the interface. However, over time, the screen becomes overgrown with dozens of empty pages, randomly created widgets and unnecessary folders, which not only visually clutters the space, but can also slightly slow down the animation of the scrolling. Many device owners face a situation where swipe to the right leads them into an endless void, and there is a reasonable question about how to effectively bring order to this digital chaos.
The process of removing redundant desktops is actually intuitive, but often hidden behind a specific launcher logic that is different from standard Android. Instead of the usual deletion of the page as a file, it works on the principle of compressing space: you delete the content, and the system automatically collapses the vacant space. The main rule is that an empty desktop cannot exist in the system, so your task is to just make it empty.
In this article, we will take a look at all the nuances of screen cleaning, from basic techniques to hidden settings that will help you regain ergonomics of device control. You will learn to distinguish between system limitations and user errors, and understand why some elements are removed in standard ways.
The basic principle of the MIUI and HyperOS launcher
To successfully manage desktops, you need to understand the fundamental logic behind the MIUI shell. Unlike some other manufacturers, the desktop is a dynamic grid that automatically adjusts to the number of objects hosted. The system algorithm constantly scans for app icons, widgets and folders on each page.
Once the last icon or widget disappears from a particular page, the operating system instantly initiates a grid remodeling process, which means that the page with the index, for example, "5" will disappear, and the page "6" will automatically become the new "5" by moving to the left. Which is why finding the "delete page" button in the settings menu is useless - this function simply does not exist in the launcher kernel.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to remove system components or mission-critical widgets through third-party file managers can result in a cyclical launcher reboot.Use only standard icon-moving techniques.
It is also important to note the difference between classic mode and "No signatures" mode. In classic mode, under the icons there are names that take up space, and in the non-signature mode the icons are larger, and the logic of filling the space can be conducted differently, which affects the number of pages required to host the same set of applications.
Step-by-step instructions for removing unnecessary pages
The most effective and safest way to get rid of unnecessary pages is to clean up their content consistently, so you don't need root rights or a computer connection, the whole operation takes minutes, and first go to edit mode, pinch two fingers on the screen or hold the empty area for a long time.
In the menu that opens, you'll see thumbnails of all your desktops, and your goal is to find the pages you're planning to delete and start migrating icons from them to other screens that are already full, and you can just drag and drop apps with your finger, put them together into folders to save space, or send them to the menu of all the apps if you don't need them on your desktop at all.
☑️ Screen cleaning checklist
Once you move the last object, you will notice that the thumbnail of the empty desktop disappears from the list, and the rest of the pages will move, filling in the space that formed. If there is a widget on the page that does not delete, try to move it to the side; if it is “sticked” and prevents the page from disappearing, perhaps this is a system widget, which we will talk about below.
Repeat this procedure for all the extra pages, moving from edge to center or vice versa, depending on where you have the main working tools. Don't be afraid to create temporary folders to quickly throw a group of applications and then sort them in a quiet environment.
Widget management and their impact on the grid
Widgets take up significantly more space than regular app icons, and they often cause unnecessary desktops. Large calendars, weather modules, or news feeds can take up entire pages, and removing them is key to freeing up space. With HyperOS and newer versions of MIUI, widgets have become more interactive and heavyweight.
To remove the widget, click on it and hold your finger until the action menu appears. Select the "Delete" option or drag the widget to the top of the screen where a basket or red zone appears. Once the widget disappears, the area it occupies is vacated, and if there are no other objects on the page, it is automatically deleted by the system.
- 📅 Calendars and clocks: Often occupy 4 cells or more, deleting them instantly frees up a significant portion of the screen.
- 🌤️ Weather widgets: Can be tied to system services but removed by standard drag and drop in the cart.
- 📰 News Feeds: Often stretched to the full height of the screen, creating the illusion of a separate desktop, which is actually one large widget.
Some widgets, especially those derived from third-party sources or design themes, may be unstable when removed. If the widget is not deleted or the page remains phantom after removal, try rebooting the device, which will reset the launcher cache and force the system to recalculate the geometry of the desktops.
What to do if the widget is not removed?
System restrictions and non-removable elements
Users often experience a situation where one refuses page disappears even when it is visually empty, because it may contain a hidden system element or a reserved area. In the MIUI shell, there is a concept of a "primary screen" that is tied to the Home button and cannot be deleted as long as there is at least one object on it.
There are also pages that are reserved for Google Discover (the newsfeed on the left) or Mi Video/Mi Browser. Even if you have hidden their display when swiping, the launcher can consider this reserved area as part of the desktop grid, preventing neighboring pages from collapsing. To solve this problem, you need to disable these services in the settings.
Go to the launcher settings, usually by long tapping from scratch and selecting Settings in the corner. Find the "Additional" or "App Tape" section and disable integration with Google or Xiaomi services. After that, the swipe left stops opening the news feed, and the reserved space can be freed up.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling system services may affect voice assistant or automated recommendations. Make sure you don't really need these features before you turn them off.
Another important thing is that you have a minimum number of desktops, so you don't have to delete all the pages to one if you have a lot of apps installed, you always have to have at least one page that can fit all the icons without going outside the visible area, or the system will leave a blank page as a buffer.
Set up grid and icon density
One of the reasons for the extra desks is the incorrect grid density, and if you have multiple applications installed, but you choose a 4x5 or 4x6 grid, the icons will take up many pages, and changing the grid settings will allow you to fit more objects on one screen, automatically reducing the total number of desktops.
To change the settings, go to the launcher settings and look for Grid. Here you can choose a configuration like 5x6 or more if the screen size and your vision allow. Increasing the density of icons is the fastest way to "close" 5-6 pages in 2-3.
| Grid parameter | Number of icons | Impact on screens | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 5 | 20 pcs. | Maximum number of pages | For big icons |
| 5 x 6 | 30 pcs. | Average number of pages | Standard balance sheet |
| 6 x 7 | 42 pcs. | Minimum number of pages | For max. capacity |
| Unconventional. | Depends. | Requires third-party launchers | For experienced users |
Remember that as icon density increases, it will become smaller, which can make it harder to hit the right app with your finger. Find the best balance between desktops and usability. Also, consider that widgets can incorrectly scale when you change the grid, and you have to reinstall them.
💡
Use folders to group rarely used applications. One folder takes the place of one icon, but inside it can store up to 9-12 applications, which drastically reduces the space occupied.
Use of alternative launchers
If standard MIUI methods seem too limited or confusing, there is always the option of installing a third-party launcher. Apps like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Smart Launcher give you complete control of the grid, allowing you to delete pages literally at the click of your fingers or customize their behavior.
Third-party launchers often have a Hide Page feature or manual control of desktop numbers, which is not possible in a stock shell, and they consume less resources, which can positively affect the performance of older Xiaomi models.
However, switching to a third-party launcher has its nuances: You may lose some of the integration with the system, such as control gestures or specific HyperOS features. Before installing, make sure that the selected launcher is fully compatible with your version of Android and has no problems with working in the background, otherwise the system can constantly unload it, returning you to the standard interface.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher: The King of Customization, allows you to delete pages and customize the grid to the smallest detail.
- 🌿 Lawnchair: Minimalist launcher close to pure Android, with easy desktop management.
- 🧠 Smart Launcher: Automatically sorts apps and optimizes space, eliminating the need for manual cleaning.
To install an alternative launcher, download it from Google Play, launch it and follow the configuration instructions. The system will prompt you to choose the main one. If this does not happen, go to the phone settings, Desktop and Recent (or similar in your version of MIUI) and select the installed application from the list.