How to hide the names of icons on Xiaomi: a complete guide for MIUI

Xiaomi’s desktop with an abundance of signatures under icons looks overloaded, especially if you use themes with small icons or like minimalist design. Unfortunately, there is no obvious switch in standard MIUI settings to disable text under apps — but that doesn’t mean the problem is unsolvable. There are at least three working methods to help remove inscriptions: from built-in launcher features to using third-party tools.

It is important to understand that methods vary in complexity and stability. For example, changing system parameters through ADB gives the cleanest result, but requires technical skills, whereas installing an alternative launcher is easier but can affect performance. In this article, we will analyze all options from the simplest to the most advanced, and also describe what pitfalls await users on Redmi, POCO and flagship Xiaomi 13/14 models.

Why Xiaomi does not allow you to disable the signatures of icons by default

Unlike Samsung or Google Pixel, where app names are hidden at the interface level, MIUI has traditionally focused on visual informativeness.

• 🎨 Design philosophy MIUI: Developers believe that signatures help to navigate the menu faster, especially for beginners.
• 📱 Adaptation to different screens: On devices with large diagonals (for example, Xiaomi Pad 6), the text under the icons does not seem excessive.
• 🔒 Customization Limits: Xiaomi often blocks deep settings to avoid themes compatibility issues.

But that doesn't mean that users have no choice. With MIUI 14, there are hidden options that can be activated through ADB or special gestures. And on some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), the option to hide signatures is available out of the box. Next, we'll look at all the current ways.

Method 1: Use the Hold gesture (works on MIUI 12-15)

The simplest method, which doesn't require superuser rights or third-party apps, is based on the built-in Edit Mode feature, but many users don't know about it.

1. Press and hold any free space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
2. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a toolbar, and you'll tap the Settings icon.
3. Enable the option to “Hide app names” (some firmware called Hide app labels).
4. Save the changes and exit the editing mode.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) this item may not be available. In this case, proceed to the next method.

If the gesture doesn’t work, check the MIUI version in the settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version). On older builds (below MIUI 12.5), this method is not supported.

Method 2: ADB-Signature Hiding Command (Universal Method)

This method works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the model and version of MIUI, but requires a connection to a computer and basic knowledge of working with ADB. The advantage of the method is that it does not require root rights and is reversible (you can return signatures back).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 📱 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🔧 Google's Platform Tools utility (includes adb).
• 🔄 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the assembly number → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Use the command to hide signatures: adb shell settings put global hide_app_labels 1
5. Restart the device (adb reboot or manually).

To return signatures, use the same command by replacing 1 with 0.

USB debugging enabled

ADB drivers installed

The smartphone is connected in file transfer mode (MTP).

Command Prompt Opened on behalf of the Administrator (for Windows)-->

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), this command may not work due to a modified system system. API. Try the alternative option: adb shell settings put secure icon_labels 0.

Method 3: Installation of a third-party launcher (Nova, Hyperion, Poco Launcher)

If previous methods have failed or seem too complicated, the most reliable option is to install an alternative launcher, which completely replaces the standard MIUI interface, offering advanced settings, including hiding icon signatures.

Top.-3 launcher for Xiaomi:

Instructions for Nova Launcher (the most popular option):

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click Home and select Nova Launcher as the default launcher.
3. Press your finger on your desktop → Settings → Layout and icons → Size of icons.
4. Activate the option “Hide app tags”.

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If MIUI weather or calendar widgets are missing after installing the launcher, add them again through the widget menu. Most launchers support standard Android widgets.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ When using third-party launchers, you may have conflicts with system animations (for example, swiping down to search), which is not critical, but can be annoying.

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Nothing Works

Even if you follow the instructions, you may encounter difficulties, and consider the typical scenarios and how to solve them:

• 🔄 Signatures returned after update MIUI: This is because of a system reset. ADB-team or check the launcher settings.
• ⚙️ Nova Launcher does not have a hidden option: Make sure you have a Prime version (paid.
• 📵 ADB Does not see the device: Check the drivers (for Windows download Mi) USB Driver, turn on Debugging by USB (Safe mode) in the developer settings.
• 🔒 On the lock screen icons still with captions: This is a system restriction - to hide the text on the lock can only be with root rights or custom core.

If you use custom firmware (such as Xiaomi.EU or ArrowOS), check for the hiding option in the Settings menu. → Screen. → Desktop. In some assemblies, it's taken out separately.

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On devices with an unlocked bootloader, you can install the Magisk MIUI Hide App Labels module, which adds a switch to the system settings, which is the most reliable way for advanced users.

Hiding signatures on POCO and Redmi: features

POCO and Redmi line devices often have stripped-down versions of MIUI where some features are missing. For example, the Redmi 9A or POCO M3 may not have a cover option in the standard launcher, even if it is on flagships.

Budget model solutions:

• 📲 Use Poco Launcher: It is optimized for budget devices and consumes less resources than Nova.
• 🔧 ADB-The command with the alternative setting: adb shell settings put secure icon_labels_off 1 It works on some firmware for Redmi.
• 🎨 Set a topic without captions: In Topic → Choose minimalist themes (such as Minimal Black or Pure White) where the text below the icons is barely visible.

On POCO F3/F4/F5 with MIUI for POCO, the concealment option may appear after upgrading to the latest firmware. Check for updates to Settings → System Update.

Which is better: ADB, launcher or gestures?

The choice of method depends on your goals and technical skills.

For most users, the best solution is Nova Launcher, which offers maximum flexibility without risking disruption. If you want cleanliness and minimal resource consumption, try it. ADB-method.

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On devices with MIUI 14+ and Android 13, the hold gesture is more stable than on older versions. If you have a new model (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12), start with it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi signatures