How to remove signatures under the icons on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions for all versions of MIUI

The labels under the app icons on Xiaomi often take up space on the desktop, make the interface visually congested and interfere with the comfortable use of the smartphone. This is especially noticeable on devices with small screens or when using themes with non-standard fonts. Fortunately, MIUI has several ways to hide these signatures, both with built-in system tools and with third-party tools.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods of removing text under icons, including launcher settings, use of design themes, and even hidden features for power users. It’s important to understand that some methods may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the model of the smartphone — for example, on the Redmi Note 12 and Poco X5, the path to settings can vary slightly. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions.

Why do icons appear and can they be removed forever?

Signatures under icons are a standard element of the MIUI interface that cannot be turned off completely at the system level without using third-party tools.

• 📱 Hiding through Launcher Settings – a temporary solution that is reset after a reboot or upgrade.
• 🎨 Using themes without signatures is the most stable method, but requires the selection of a suitable design.
• 🛠️ Editing system files – for advanced users with root rights (risk of disrupting the system).
• 📲 Third-party launchers – a radical solution that completely changes the interface.

On most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi 10, Poco F4, Mi 11), signatures are returned after resetting settings or major MIUI updates. This is due to the company's policy of unifying the interface.

Method 1: Hiding signatures through launcher settings (without root)

The simplest method that works on most devices with MIUI 12-14 is that it doesn’t require additional software installation, but it has a temporary effect:

1. Open Settings → Desktop (or Screen on some models).
2. Select the launcher settings (may be called Additional or Desktop Style).
3. Find the Signature option for icons and switch the slider to the Off position.
4. Confirm the changes and restart the launcher (swipe up and close the MIUI Launcher app in the multitasking menu).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. global version) MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 11) this option may not be available.

Make sure that the latest version of MIUI is installed on your smartphone.

Close all background applications

Make a backup copy of the desktop settings

Check the "Signatures to icons" item in the menu-->

Method 2: Using unsigned themes

The official MIUI theme store contains designs that initially lack icon signatures or replace them with transparent elements, a method that is suitable for all versions of MIUI and does not require root rights.

How to find and apply this topic:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. In the search bar, enter the requests: 🔍 No label or No text 🔍 Transparent icons 🔍 Minimalist + The name of your model (e.g. Minimalist Redmi Note 12)

Badges

No text.

No labels

Download and apply the theme you like. The signatures will disappear after the launcher restarts.

💡 Useful tip: If the signatures are still visible after applying the theme, try manually editing the icons. → Edit → Change the icon and select the option without text from the theme collection.

Method 3: Alternative launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If the built-in methods don't work, the most reliable option is to install a third-party launcher.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – Supports signature hiding in the free version (Settings) → Badges → Badge style → No mark).
• 🔄 Apex Launcher – similar settings in the icon settings section.
• 🌌 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi, has built-in themes without text.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.


2. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop → "Settings".




3. Go to "Bads and Wallpaper" → "Badge Style."




4. Select "Untagged" or set the text size to "0".

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, gestures may stop working MIUI (For example, swipe down to search or double tap to lock them, install the Fluid Navigation Gestures app or set up gestures in the launcher itself.

Method 4: Editing system files (for power users)

This method requires root rights and is designed for users willing to risk system stability, and allows signatures to be permanently deleted by changing framework-res.apk or miui-systemui.apk files.

🔧 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Install Root Explorer or MT Manager (root rights required).
2. Go to /system/framework/ and find the framework-res.apk file.
3. Copy it into a separate folder and open it with APK Editor.
4. In the res/values/ section, search for styles.xml and delete or comment on lines that contain: <style name="TextAppearance.IconLabel"> <style name="TextAppearance.IconLabel.Small">
5. Save the changes, move the file back to /system/framework/ and restart the device.

Attention! Incorrect editing of system files can lead to a bootloop. Create a full backup through TWRP before you start.

Method 5: Hiding signatures with ADB (no root)

For users who don’t want root rights, there is an alternative, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14.

🖥️ Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global hide_icon_labels 1
3. Restart the launcher or device.

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

💡

ADB-commands are the safest method among the "advanced" methods, as it does not affect system files and is easily canceled.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Users often face the following difficulties when deleting signatures:

• ❌ Signatures return after update → Use the theme again or use it. ADB-re-run.
• ❌ Gestures do not work in a third-party launcher → Set up gestures in the launcher itself or install Fluid NG.
• ❌ The icons have become too big. → In the launcher settings, reduce the size of the icons by 80-85%.
• ❌ ADB does not recognize the device → Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers and check the connection in Transfer Files mode (MTP).

💡 Advice for owners POCO: On Poco series devices (e.g. Poco) X3 Pro) sometimes helps resetting the launcher settings. → Annexes → Application management → Launcher and press Clear Data. Attention: this will remove all widgets and icon locations!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions