How to hide the names of applications on Xiaomi: from simple settings to deep edits MIUI

The captions under Xiaomi app icons often take up space on the desktop, make the interface visually congested and interfere with the setting of the perfect minimalist design, especially on small-screen devices (Redmi 9A, Poco C31) or when using themes with large icons. Fortunately, MIUI offers several ways to remove these signatures, from standard features to hidden shell features.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, from basic launcher settings to editing system files (for advanced users). It is important to understand that not all methods are universal – their availability depends on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15), smartphone model and even regional firmware. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with the global version of MIUI 14, some menu items may be missing, while on Poco F5 with Chinese firmware they will be available.

Before you start, make sure your device has the latest version of MIUI installed — sometimes the options you need appear after an update. Check firmware relevance at Settings → About Phone → System Update.

1. Standard method: settings of the MIUI launcher

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in launcher options.It works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices with MIUI 12 and later, but may not be available on some budget models (for example, the Redmi A1+).

Instructions:

1. Press and hold the empty space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
2. In the menu that appears, select Screen Settings (or Home Screen Settings on some firmware).
3. Scroll down to the layout section and find the option to Show App Names.
4. Switch the slider to the off position.

If this is not the case, try an alternative route:

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Home screen.
• 📱 Choose the icon style → Additionally.
• 🔄 Here may be hidden the option of Signature under the icons.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ On some firmware, the option is hidden and requires activation through Developer Mode.
• ⚠️ After updating MIUI settings may be reset (it is recommended to take a screenshot of the current parameters).
• ⚠️ It doesn’t work in application folders – signatures inside them will remain.

2.Using MIUI themes: Hiding signatures through design

If the standard method didn’t work, you can bypass the restriction with custom themes. Many themes from the official Xiaomi Themes store support hiding app names. This method is suitable for devices with MIUI 11-15 and does not require root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Online section and search for No App Names or Hide App Labels.
3. Select your favorite theme (such as Minimalist No Text or Clean Icons) and click Apply.
4. Confirm the application for the home screen and app screen.

Popular topics for hiding signatures:

Important: Some themes can change not only captions, but also icon styles, fonts and animations. If you don't like the additional changes, return the standard theme to Topics → Mine → Standard.

💡

Before using the theme, back up your current settings in Themes → Settings → Backup. This will help you quickly restore the previous look if the new theme doesn’t suit you.

3. Developer Mode: Hidden MIUI Settings

For users ready for deeper customizations, there is a way through Developer Mode.It works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires activation of the hidden menu.

How to turn on the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row.
3. You will be notified that you have become a developer.

Now, follow the following steps:

1. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
2. Find the option Minimum width (scale) and set a value of 400 dp (this will reduce the indentations between the icons).
3. Scroll down to the Animation section and turn off Windows Animation (this will speed up the application of changes).
4. Return to the desktop, press the empty space and select Screen Settings → Layout → Show app names (the option may appear after the zoom change).

Warning:

⚠️ Changing the minimum width setting can cause some applications to display incorrectly. If the interface is broken, return the value to 360 dp (standard for most devices).

Activate Developer Mode (7 taps on MIUI version)|

Take a screenshot of the current screen settings |

Remember the initial value of "Minimum width" |

Disable animation to speed up application of changes-->

4. Launcher applications: an alternative to the standard interface

If the built-in methods didn't work, you can use side launchers, they offer flexible desktop settings, including the ability to hide app names.

• 📱 Nova Launcher supports signature concealment, icon customization and gestures. The free version is limited, but enough for basic needs.
• 🎨 Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher optimized for Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Hyperion Launcher – offers unique animations and full signature management.
• 🖼️ Apex Launcher - stable option with support for backup settings.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click Home and select Nova Launcher as the default launcher.
3. Click the empty space on the screen → Settings → Appearance.
4. Find the App Signatures option and select Hide.
5. For fine-tuning, go to Settings → Home Screen → Icon Size and zoom down to 80% for a compact view.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🔧 Full control over the interface (icon size, fonts, animations).
• 📁 The ability to hide names not only on the desktop, but also in the application menu.
• 🔄 Easy return to standard launcher MIUI anytime.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Some system functions MIUI (For example, dual applications or second space may not work properly.
• ⚠️ Launchers consume additional RAM (relevant for devices with 2-3 GB of RAM, for example, Redmi). 8A).

5. Deep Customization: Editing System Files (Advanced Only)

If none of the previous methods worked, the last option is manual editing of system files, which requires root rights and is only suitable for advanced users, and the wrong actions can lead to the launcher’s failure or complete flashing of the device.

Before we start:

• 🔐 Make sure there is root access on the device (e.g. via Magisk).
• 📱 Make a full backup of the system in TWRP or through adb backup.
• 🛠️ Install a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Open the file manager and go to /system/priv-app/MiuiHome/MiuiHome.apk/res/values/
2. Find the bools.xml file and open it in the text editor.
3. Add or change the line: <bool name="hide_app_labels">true</bool>
4. Save the file and restart the device.

Attention:

⚠️ Editing system files can cause bootloop. If the phone doesn't turn on after you restart, try booting into a bootloop. TWRP and restore the backup or reflash MIUI freshly.

Alternative method (for MIUI 14+):

• Use it. ADB Adb shell settings put global settings hide_app_labels 1
• Reset the device.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the best way, we will evaluate each of them according to the key criteria:

Selection recommendations:

• 📱 For most users, a standard method or custom themes will suit.
• 🛠️ If you need maximum customization - third-party launchers.
• 🔧 For experienced users with root rights – editing system files.

💡

On devices with MIUI 15 (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the standard method works more stable than on older versions. If you have a new model, start with it.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you hide app names, users often encounter some big mistakes, and we'll look at the most common ones.

1. The option "Show app names" is not on the menu

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📱 An outdated version MIUI — Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions - Chinese firmware may call it something else (e.g...... try changing the interface language to English.
• 🔧 Not in your model – use a third-party launcher or themes.

2.The signatures disappeared, but the icons moved off or enlarged

This is because you automatically change the desktop grid.

1. Click the empty space on the screen → Screen settings → Layout.
2. Set the grid size to 4×5 or 5×6 (depending on the model).
3. Turn off the option of Automatic Size Change (if any).

3.After the MIUI update, signatures returned

Updates often reset the launcher settings to avoid this:

• 📝 Save current settings through the themes → Settings → Backup.
• 🔄 Use it. ADB-command to force signatures to be disabled: adb shell cmd overlay force-stop com.miui.home
• 🔧 Reverse to the previous version of the launcher (for power users only).

4.Gesturals don't work after launcher change

Third-party launchers may conflict with MIUI system gestures.

1. Go to Settings → Display → Full-screen mode.
2. Select the navigation gestures and set the Standard buttons (temporarily).
3. Return to the launcher settings and adjust its own gestures.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions