How to remove the left panel on Xiaomi: a complete guide for TVs and smartphones

The left sidebar on Xiaomi devices is one of the most controversial interface elements. For some users, it is a convenient way to quickly access applications and settings, for others it is an annoying element that occupies precious screen space. Especially the problem on Mi TVs and Redmi Smart TVs, where the panel can overlap some of the content, and on smartphones with the MIUI shell, where it appears in unexpected places.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can remove left panels across Xiaomi devices, from PatchWall TVs to MIUI 12-14 smartphones, which work without root rights, and where you’ll need to change system files, and we’ll also warn you against common errors that can cause device malfunctions.

Important: the procedure differs depending on the device type and firmware version. If you are not sure about your Xiaomi model, check it in settings (Settings → About TV / About phone).

1. How to remove the left panel on Xiaomi TVs (PatchWall)

On Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV 4/5 series, Redmi Smart TV, Mi TV Q, etc.), the left panel is called PatchWall Launcher - this is a proprietary shell that is integrated into the Android TV system. It is impossible to remove it completely without consequences, but there are several ways to hide or minimize its impact.

The easiest method is to use an alternative launcher, but Xiaomi blocks third-party launchers from being installed on new models (starting with the 2021 Mi TV Q1G). If your TV is older, try the following algorithm:

• 📥 Install an alternative launcher (for example, ATV Launcher or HalLauncher) via Google Play or a third-party source (.apk file).
• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications, find the installed launcher and select Open by default.
• 🔄 Restart the TV (Settings) → After activation, the system will prompt you to select a launcher - specify an alternative.

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If the TV opens PatchWall again after the restart, try turning off automatic updates to system applications in Settings → About TV → System Update.

For third-party launcher-locked TVs (such as Mi TV Q2 2023), the only way to work is to disable recommendations in PatchWall settings:

1. Open PatchWall Settings (the gear icon in the left panel).
2. Go to Personalization → Content Recommendations and turn off all sliders.
3. In the Appearance section, select Minimalist Mode (if available).

2. Removal of the left panel on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI)

On Xiaomi smartphones (Redmi, Poco, Mi series), the left panel can appear in two versions: 1) the Quick App Panel (swipe left on the home screen) and 2) the Google Discover Panel (if Google Feed is installed).

For the MIUI Quick Applications Panel (with frequently used program icons):

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Main screen screen.
• 📱 Find the option of the Quick Apps Panel (or the Left Panel in older versions) MIUI).
• ❌ Turn off the slider or select Disable.

If this option is not available (relevant to MIUI 13/14), try an alternative method:

1. Keep your finger in the free seat of the main screen.
2. Slip on the screen settings (cog icon).
3. In the section Additional, find the App Panel and disable it.

For the Google Discover panel (if it replaces the left-hand MIUI panel):

• 🔍 Keep your finger in the free seat of the main screen.
• 📵 Go to Screen Settings → Turn off Google App (or Turn off the feed).
• 🔄 If the option is not available, update the Google App through the Play Market – sometimes it returns hidden settings.

3. Hiding the panel through ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can use them. ADB-This is a good way to use TVs and smartphones, but requires connecting the device to a computer and enabling developer mode.

For Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your TV: go to Settings → About TV and click on MIUI TV version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the TV to your PC via USB (or Wi-Fi if supported) and execute the command in ADB:

adb shell pm hide com.mitv.tvhome

For Xiaomi smartphones (disable the MIUI panel):

adb shell pm hide com.miui.miservice

To return the panel back, replace the hide with unhide.

Install ADB drivers on PC|Enable developer mode on your device|Connect device over USB (or Wi-Fi)|Confirm connection with adb devices-->

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB This can cause system instability, especially on TVs. on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi). TV P1 2022) pm hide command can cause cyclical reboot.Before experimenting, back up the data.

4. Delete through system files (only for rooted devices)

If none of the previous methods worked, the radical way is to delete the system files that are responsible for the panel, which requires root rights and is only suitable for advanced users.

For Xiaomi TVs:

• 📁 Use Root Explorer or Solid Explorer with root access.
• 🔍 Cross the path. /system/priv-app/PatchWall.
• 🗑️ Delete or rename files PatchWall.apk and PatchWall.odex.
• 🔄 Restart the TV.

For Xiaomi smartphones (removal of the MIUI panel):

• 📁 Open up. /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI.
• 🔍 Find files related to QuickAppPanel or LeftPanel.
• 🗑️ Remove them or add the.bak extension.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with Android 11-based firmware+ (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023) Deleting PatchWall system files can cause the device to “brick” the TV will stop turning on or will boot in an infinite loop. USB-debugging.

5. Alternative solutions: what to do if the panel is not removed

If none of these methods worked, consider alternative options:

• 🔄 Firmware updates: Sometimes in new versions MIUI Or PatchWall will have additional settings to turn off the panel. Check the updates in Settings → On telephone/television → Updating the system.
• 📺 Use external devices: Connect Fire for TVs TV Stick, Apple TV or NVIDIA Shield – they will completely replace the interface Xiaomi.
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware: On smartphones you can flash LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but this voids the warranty and requires unlocking the bootloader.

For TVs, there is also a developer mode with animations turned off, which visually reduces the panel:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to MIUI TV version).
2. Go to For Developers → Animation Scale and select No Animation.
3. In the same menu, turn off the transition animation.

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If you use a Xiaomi TV as a PC monitor or a gaming console, the left panel can automatically hide when connected via HDMI.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you try to remove the left panel, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔄 "The panel returns after the reboot, meaning that the system application is automatically restored. Solution: Use ADB to permanently shut down (pm disable-user) or install Tasker to automatically hide the panel when you start.
• ⚠️ "The TV will not turn on after deleting files" - this is a sign of damage to system components.Solution: run the TV through Fastboot using official firmware from Xiaomi.
• 📱 "The smartphone lost widgets after disabling the panel — some widgets are tied to the system launcher.Solution: install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) and reconfigure the widgets.

Another common mistake is using outdated instructions, such as MIUI 14 no longer uses the method of disabling the panel through Settings → Lock screen, which was relevant for MIUI 10. Always check the firmware version before applying the instructions.

If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (e.g. Mi TV 5 Pro for the domestic market), note that many settings in English may not be available.

1. Install Google Translate and use the camera translation feature.
2. Look for settings by icons (cogs - settings, basket - removal).
3. For TVs with Chinese firmware, you may need to unlock the region through service codes (e.g. ##4636##).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions