How to remove the app menu in Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi smartphone users often face the desire to personalize the interface of the device to their needs. The standard shell MIUI or the new HyperOS offers many features, but sometimes they seem redundant. One of these elements may be a separate menu with a list of all installed programs, which opens with a swipe up. Many are accustomed to organizing a workspace where all the icons are on the screens, not hidden in the back of the system.

There are a number of ways to remove this element, but it's important to understand that standard system tools don't completely remove the system component. However, there are many optimization methods that can hide unnecessary elements, change the logic of operation or replace the standard launcher with a more flexible counterpart. In this article, we will discuss all the available solutions, from simple settings to advanced methods.

Before you start taking action, you need to clearly define the goal: do you want to simply clear the desktop of the All Apps widget, change the swipe behavior upwards or completely abandon the standard interface?

Understanding the structure of the MIUI and HyperOS interface

Xiaomi’s smartphone interface is based on a launcher system that displays icons, widgets and navigation. In the classic mode, all application shortcuts are located directly on desktops, and swipe up causes search or Google feed. However, in the Application Menu mode, the system creates a separate layer where all installed programs automatically fall.

The system process that's responsible for this is called com.miui.home, which controls the icon grid, folders, and gesture behavior. When a user looks for a way to "remove the menu," they often confuse two concepts: removing the widget from the desktop and disabling the app list mode. It's important to distinguish between these concepts, because the approaches to the solution are radically different.

Newer versions of the HyperOS shell have the same logic as MIUI 14, but new animations and customization options have been added. If your smartphone is running fresh firmware, some settings can be renamed or moved to Settings → Desktop. Always check the relevance of the paths in the menu if standard instructions fail.

⚠️ Note: Attempts to remove the system component of the launcher through ADB If you don't install alternatives, you'll end up inoperating the interface. You won't be able to open apps until you restore the launcher.

Disabling the widget "All applications" from the desktop

The most common request is to delete the icon or folder "All Apps", which is the default on the last screen of the desktop. This element is a normal widget, and its removal does not require root rights or complex manipulations. Just delete it in the same way as you delete any other folder or shortcut.

To do this, you need to pin your finger on the All Apps folder icon on your desktop, you will see an action menu or edit mode, select "Delete" or drag the item to the top of the screen, where the basket icon or "Delete" appears. Once confirmed, the widget will disappear from the screen, but the applications themselves will remain available through search or other shortcuts.

If standard removal doesn't work and the system says that the item is protected, you may have "Simple Mode" activated for the elderly or children, in which case the interface is limited, and you can't remove the system widgets. You can switch to standard mode through Settings → Advanced Settings → Simple Mode where you need to select "Switch off."

Switching between folder mode and application menu

Many users want to not just remove the widget, but change the very logic of the list of programs. MIUI has two main display modes: Classic (all on the desktop) and C App menu (separate list), switching between them eliminates the need for a swipe up to search for programs if that bothers you.

To change your settings, go to Settings → Desktop. Find Desktop Mode or Desktop Format. Here you will be asked to choose between Classic style and C App menu style. The classic mode will remove the separate menu by spreading all the icons across the home screen.

In some regions and firmware versions, this item may be hidden. If you do not find it in the main settings, try using the Xiaomi Security app by going to the Cleanup or Settings section, where the interface settings are sometimes duplicated. It is also worth checking the system updates, since newer versions of MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS often change the location of the settings.

Using third-party launchers for full customization

If standard system tools do not allow to achieve the desired result, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher. These are special applications that completely replace the standard interface Xiaomi, allowing you to remove the application menu, change icons, animation and logic of work.

Popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, Niagara Launcher and Lawnchair. Once you install such an application, the system will ask for default permission to use. By choosing a new launcher, you will have full control over how your applications are displayed. For example, Niagara Launcher allows you to completely abandon the grid of icons, providing a minimalist list.

When using third-party solutions, consider that they can consume more battery life or work less consistently on budget models of smartphones. In addition, some MIUI features, such as control gestures or theme, may not work correctly. However, for power users, this is the best way to get a clean Android without unnecessary elements.

Hiding applications through system settings

Sometimes, by "remove menus," users mean wanting to hide certain apps from prying eyes so they don't show up in the shared list. Xiaomi has a built-in "Hidden Apps" feature to do this, which allows you to remove icons of selected programs from the menu and from the desktop, making them available only through a special password or fingerprint.

To activate the function, go to the Security app (green zipper icon). Scroll down to the Hidden Apps section and activate the switch. The system will prompt you to set a password or use biometrics. After that, you can select those apps that you want to hide. They will disappear from the general menu, but will be available by special code or gesture.

This method doesn't remove applications, it just hides their labels. Data inside applications stays the same, and notifications from them can keep coming if you don't disable them separately. It's a great way to organize space and keep rarely used but important programs away from prying eyes.

Removing system components via ADB (For Advanced)

For users who are willing to risk stability for the sake of a complete system cleanup, there is a method of removing system components through USB debugging, which removes not only menus, but also Xiaomi system applications that are usually undeleteable, but this method requires connecting to a computer and installing drivers.

First, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on "MIUI Version" or "OS Version." Then, in the "Additional" or "Extended Settings" menu, turn on "Debugging by USB." Connect your smartphone to your PC and use the adb shell command to log in.

To remove or disable a component that is responsible for specific menu functions, the command pm uninstall -k --user 0 is used. For example, to disable some advertising or analytics services. But be extremely careful: removing the com.miui.home package will make the phone unusable without flashing.

adb shell pm list packages | grep miui


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

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-commands to remove system packets can lead to a device brick or cyclic reboot!

Optimization and cleaning of the working space

After you’ve removed unnecessary menu items or widgets, it’s recommended to do general optimization. A cluttered desktop not only looks unaesthetic, but can also reduce device performance by causing the processor to redraw the interface more often. Remove unused weather, news widgets, and skip installing unnecessary apps.

Use the "Accelerate" function in the "Security" app to clear the launcher's cache. Sometimes the accumulated debris causes lags when you scroll through menus or open folders. It is also useful to update the "Themes" app regularly, as it loads many visual elements of the interface.

Remember, live wallpaper and complex transition animations also strain the system. If you've removed the app menu for performance, it makes sense to simplify the visual design as well. Choose static wallpaper and turn off the parallax effect in your desktop settings for maximum responsiveness.

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Use a dark theme, and it's not just going to save you battery power. AMOLED-screens, but also visually hides the boundaries between icons and background, making the interface cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The safest and most effective way to change the interface is to use a third-party launcher, not to delete system files.