How to completely remove the widget “Tags” on Xiaomi: from simple ways to hidden settings

The shortcut widget (or "App Vault" in global firmware) on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones appears to the left of the default home screen. It displays fast actions, app recommendations, weather and other elements that not everyone seems to be helpful. Many people try to remove this widget, but standard methods often don't work - it can't just be dragged into the cart like a regular icon.

Complicating the problem, MIUI actively promotes this interface element by hiding the options to disable it. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14) and the device model (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, etc.), the available methods may differ. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from basic to advanced, including working with ADB and editing system files.

1. Method: Disconnection through launcher settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI launcher options. It works on most devices with MIUI 12-14, but may not be available on some global firmware or regional versions (for example, for India or China).

To remove the widget:

1. Press the free area of the main screen for a long time.
2. Select “Screen settings” (or “Home screen settings”).
3. Scroll down and find the option of “App Vault”.
4. Turn off the Show App Vault switch.

If there is no such item, then your version of MIUI does not support this solution, in which case move on to the next method.

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On some devices (e.g. POCO F4), the option is hidden in the Advanced settings menu inside the launcher settings.

2. Method: Removal through “Developer Mode”

If standard settings don't work, you can try disabling the widget through hidden developer settings, which requires pre-activation of the mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on MIUI Version 7 times until the notification “You are a developer” appears.
3. Return to the main settings menu and open “Additional settings” → “For developers”.
4. Find the option “Debug by USB” and turn it on.
5. Connect your phone to your PC and use the ADB command:

adb shell pm hide com.miui.miservice

This command will hide the system application responsible for the widget. After rebooting, the devices will disappear. Note: some firmware (MIUI 14 for POCO) may require another command:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.miservice

3. Method: Use of an alternative launcher

If you can't remove the widget with standard methods, the most reliable option is to install a third-party launcher, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10, POCO X5 and others.

• 🔹 Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher optimized for Android.

After installation:

1. Assign a new launcher by default (at the first start, the system will prompt you to do this).
2. Remove or disable the Shortcuts widget through the launcher settings (usually under the Doc or Home Screen section).

Download APK from the official website | Make backup of the main screen | Disable battery optimization for the launcher |Reboot the phone after installation-->

Important: Some MIUI features (such as navigation gestures or dark theme) may not work properly with third-party launchers. Check compatibility on forums (such as 4PDA or XDA Developers) before installing.

Method: Editing system files (for advanced)

This method is only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights.It allows you to completely remove the widget "Tags" at the system level, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to a failure of MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer or Solid Explorer with access to the root folder.
2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/
3. Find the file MiuiSystemUI.apk and make a backup copy of it.
4. Open the file in the APK Editor and delete the lines associated with com.miui.miservice.
5. Save the changes, install the modified APK and restart the device.

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Editing system files can disrupt the MIUI shell. Be sure to back up your system through TWRP or Mi Flash Tool before you start!

Alternatively, use the Magisk module:

• 🔹 Install Magisk Manager and activate the Disable Miui App Vault module».
• 🔹 Restart your phone – the widget should disappear.

5. Method: Resetting launcher settings

If the shortcut widget appeared after updating the MIUI or changing the theme, sometimes resetting the launcher settings helps, this will return the standard home screen configuration, but remove all your customizations (folders, widgets, wallpaper).

How to reset:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Louncher (com.miui.home) and select Storage.
3. Click on “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache”.
4. Reset the device.

After the reboot, the shortcut widget may disappear, but there is a risk that it will return after the next update. MIUI. In this case, combine this method with others (for example, with the ADB-team from Method 2).

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Before resetting the launcher, take screenshots of the main screen - this will help to quickly restore the location of the icons.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Not all methods are equally effective. Below is a table with the pros and cons of each option:

For most users, the best choice is — ADB-If you're not afraid of experimentation and want to get rid of the widget forever, consider root access.

Frequent problems and solutions

It can be difficult to remove the shortcut widget. Consider the most common ones:

• 🔄 The widget returns after the update MIUI: This is because of the launcher reset. Solution: repeat. ADB-command or use the Magisk module to block com.miui.miservice.

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If notifications are missing after removing the widget or the search bar stops working, return the standard launcher and use it. ADB-Method instead of editing system files.

On some devices (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the shortcut widget is integrated into Google’s search bar, in which case it cannot be removed completely, but you can:

• 🔍 Disable the search bar in the launcher settings.
• 🔄 Install an alternative search engine (e.g. Sesame Search).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

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Before any system manipulation, check if your model (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60) blocks the bootloader unlock. New devices can have Anti-Rollback protection!