How to completely remove the MIUI desktop on Xiaomi: disabling, replacing and hiding icons

Why users want to get rid of the standard MIUI desktop

The MIUI desktop on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones is known for its striking design, abundance of widgets and integrated services. However, not all users like its functionality: some find the interface overloaded, others want more customization, and others face slowdowns due to the background processes of the launcher, especially for budget models with limited resources, where every megabyte of RAM counts.

In addition, MIUI is often updated with firmware, and new versions can bring not only improvements, but also uncomfortable changes – for example, forced display of ads in widgets or the inability to disable some system applications. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to remove a standard desktop on Xiaomi, from simple disabling to full replacement with an alternative launcher, including methods for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

Before you start, consider that some methods require superuser rights (root) or unlock the bootloader, which can affect the warranty and security of the device. If you are not ready for radical measures, start with the safest options - they are described in the first sections.

Method 1: Installation of a third-party launcher (without root)

The easiest and safest way to change your desktop is to install an alternative launcher from Google Play. This won't remove MIUI Launcher, but will completely replace its interface.

• 📱 Nova Launcher - flexible customization of icons, gestures and animations. Supports themes and configuration backups.
• 🎨 Lawnchair is an open-source launcher that mimics Google's Pixel Launcher. lightweight and ad-free.
• 🚀 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for performance, supports dynamic wallpaper and adaptive icons.
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with the Windows ecosystem, synchronization with PC.

To set up the launcher:

1. Download the selected application from Google Play.
2. After installation, press the Home button (round or swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).
3. In the window that appears, select a new launcher and mark Always.
4. Customize the interface to your liking in the launcher menu (usually opened with a long tap on the desktop).

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) require the purchase of a Prime version to unlock all features.

Method 2: Disabling system widgets and icons

If you are annoyed by specific elements of the desktop — for example, a weather widget, MIUI icons or the Tools folder — they can be hidden or disabled without replacing the launcher.

1. For a long time, tap on the free desktop space and select Desktop Settings.
2. Go to the Widgets section and disable unnecessary ones (such as MIUI Weather or Calendar).
3. To remove icons of system applications (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music), use the Hide applications function in the launcher settings.

Some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 14 and later) have a Simplified Mode option that removes unnecessary interface elements to activate it:

Settings → Special features → Simplified mode

💡 Useful tip: If you want to remove ads in widgets, go to Settings → Memory. → Clean up and disable the Recommendations option.This won't remove the widgets, but will make them less intrusive.

Method 3: Remove MIUI Launcher via ADB (without root)

If you don’t want to use third-party launchers but are prepared for more drastic measures, you can turn off the system launcher via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that doesn’t require root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to your computer.

⚠️ Attention: After disconnection MIUI Launcher you will not be able to return to the standard desktop without re-activating via ADB. Make sure you have an alternative launcher installed before performing this procedure!

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on Smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 Times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
3. Check the connection command: adb devices (should display your device).
4. Run the command to disable MIUI Launcher: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.home
5. Reset the device.

To return a standard launcher, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.home

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Enable debugging over USB on your phone

Download the ADB (Android SDK) platform

Install an alternative launcher

Make a data backup-->

Method 4: Completely remove MIUI Launcher with root rights

If you have a bootloader unlocked and Magisk (or another root rights manager installed), you can completely remove the system launcher, which will free up space in memory and prevent it from accidentally activating.

🔧 Tools:

• 📱 Smartphone with unlocked bootloader and root rights.
• 💻 Root Explorer app or app or FX File Explorer (with root support).
• 🔄 Alternative launcher installed in advance.

Steps:

1. Open Root Explorer and go to /system/priv-app/MiuiHome.
2. Delete or rename the files: MiuiHome.apk MiuiHome.odex (if any)

Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Deleting system files may result in unstable operation or cyclical restart if the alternative launcher is not compatible with firmware. TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

Method 5: Use custom firmware (for advanced)

If you are not satisfied with not only the desktop, but also the shell of MIUI, consider installing custom firmware.

• 🤖 LineageOS is a pure Android without any bells and whistles. Supports most Redmi and Poco models.
• 🔥 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Lightweight firmware with a focus on performance.
• 🛡️ Havoc-OS – Highly Customized Firmware with Many Settings.

📌 Key takeaway: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data and can take away warranties. MIUI Including all system services and advertising.

Installation instructions (briefly):

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-14 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery or OrangeFox via fastboot.
3. Download the firmware for your model from the XDA Developers or 4PDA website.
4. Flush the firmware through Recovery by pre-making Wipe Dalvik/Cache, System, Data.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware may not support Xiaomi branded features, such as IR Blaster (DU remote) or Game Turbo. Before installing, check the list of working functions in the firmware forum.

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goals and level of training, and below is a comparative table with the pros and cons of each option:

💡 Useful tip: If you're not confident in your abilities, start with the installation of Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.These launchers allow you to emulate gestures MIUI (For example, swipe up to open the app menu, which will make it easier to switch. ADB or root use a backup device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the MIUI desktop