How to remove the menu on the left of the Xiaomi TV: all the ways

The side menu on Xiaomi TVs is a handy tool for quick access to apps and settings, but not everyone likes it to be displayed on the screen. This panel is especially annoying when watching movies, playing games or using TV as a PC monitor. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to hide or completely disable the left menu, from standard settings to hidden features for power users.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of removing the sidebar on all Xiaomi models (including Mi TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV A Pro and others) running on MIUI TV or Google TV. You will learn how to temporarily hide the menu, turn it off forever, and what to do if the standard methods do not work.

Why the left menu appears and can it be removed forever

The sidebar on Xiaomi TV is part of the MIUI TV (or Google TV on new models) that is designed to make navigation easier.

• 🔹 Connecting the remote control (even if you do not use it)
• 🔹 Switching between signal sources (HDMI, USB, TV)
• 🔹 Launching some apps (such as Netflix or YouTube)
• 🔹 Firmware updates (sometimes display settings are reset)

You can remove the menu on the left, but with reservations:

• ✅ Temporary Hiding – works on all models without exception, but the panel will appear again after restarting or changing the source.
• ✅ Disconnect via settings – available on most TVs, but may vary depending on version MIUI TV.
• ⚠️ Complete removal through ADB — requires technical skills and may cause system failures.
• 🚫 Physical shutdown – impossible without disassembling the TV (and it will take away your warranty).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023 or later) side menu is part of Android TV Launcher. It can only be folded, but not completely removed without root rights.

Method 1: Quickly hide the menu from the remote (temporary method)

The easiest way to remove the sidebar is to use a combination of buttons on the remote control. This method works on all models regardless of the firmware version, but the effect is temporary:

1. Press the Menu (or Home) button on the remote to open the main menu.
2. Go to the Settings section → System → More.
3. Find Show sidebar (or Side Panel in English).
4. Switch the slider to the off position.

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

Settings → Device → Screen → Show side panel

On some models (for example, Redmi Smart TV X50) just press and hold the Back button for 3 seconds – the panel disappears until the next switch of the signal source.

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If you have a remote without a Menu button, use the Settings button to call the context menu where you can turn off the panel display.

Method 2: Disconnect via MIUI TV settings (constantly)

On TVs with MIUI TV (until 2022 release) there is a hidden option to completely turn off the sidebar.

1. Open Settings → All settings → System.
2. Scroll down and select About TV.
3. Click on MIUI TV Version 5 times in a row until you become a developer!
4. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
5. Find the option to Disable Side Panel and activate it.

After the TV restarts, the panel will disappear. If the option does not appear, update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → Software Update.

⚠️ Note: On Google models TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 4K 2023) disabling the sidebar through the settings is blocked. Use the methods in the following sections.

Method 3: Using ADB to remove system launcher

If standard methods don’t work, you can remove the sidebar via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method is suitable for power users and requires:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable.
• 🔧 Included debugging mode on USB TV.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate the Developer Mode (as in Method 2).
2. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
3. Connect the TV to your PC via USB and start the command line.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your TV.
5. Remove the sidebar system app: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.tv.launcher For Google TV use: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.leanbacklauncher
6. Reboot TV: Adb shell reboot

After the reboot, the sidebar will disappear, but a standard Android TV launcher may appear. To return it, follow the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.tv.launcher

Method 4: Resetting settings to factory (extreme case)

If the sidebar appeared after a firmware update or crash, resetting to factory settings will help.This method will delete all user data, including installed apps and accounts!

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → All settings → System → Reset.
2. Select Factory Reset (Factory Reset).
3. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code (if installed).
4. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔹 Sidebar will be disabled by default on models until 2022.
• 🔹 On the new TV (Mi) TV A Pro, Q2) The panel will return, but it can be hidden through Method 1.
• 🔹 You will have to reconfigure Wi-Fi, accounts and applications.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs with Google TV Reset could result in Google account being blocked (FRP). To avoid this, before resetting, untie the account in Settings. → Accounts. → Google.

Unplug your Google account (if any)

Save the list of installed applications

Remember the settings of the Wi-Fi network

Connect the TV to the power supply (do not interrupt the process!)

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Method 5: Alternative launchers (for advanced users)

If you don't like Xiaomi's standard interface, you can install a third-party launcher from Google Play, which will completely replace the sidebar with an alternative menu.

• 📺 ATV Launcher – Minimalistic launcher for Android TV.
• 🎮 Sideload Launcher – Shows all installed applications, including hidden ones.
• 🖥️ Hal Launcher – simulates the desktop PC.

How to determine:

1. Download. APK-launcher USB-accumulator.
2. Connect the flash drive to the TV and open the File Manager.
3. Install APK by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security).
4. Launch the launcher and select it as the main one in the settings (Settings → Applications → Default Launcher).

On TVs with MIUI TV older than 2020, third-party launchers require that you disable the application signature verification via ADB:

adb shell settings put global verifier_verify_adb_installs 0

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you try to remove the side menu, users encounter common errors.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔍 Firmware version - on some models (for example, Mi) TV P1) side panel removed only in updates 2023.
• 🔧 TV region – China’s firmware may not have a shutdown option.
• 🛠️ Damage to system files – if the panel glitches (shimmers, does not close), reset or reflash the TV.

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On Xiaomi TVs from 2023 to 2026 (with Google TV), the sidebar can only be rolled up, but not removed completely without root rights.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions