How to remove widgets from the desktop on Xiaomi Redmi: from simple to complex

Widgets on Xiaomi Redmi can be useful, but they often take up space on the desktop, slow down the system or just annoy with constant notifications. This is especially true for users who prefer a minimalist interface or face performance on budget models like the Redmi 9A or Redmi Note 10. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways from basic hiding to completely removing system widgets, including those that are not removed by standard methods.

Many users mistakenly think that widgets can only be removed through Settings → Applications, but this does not work for all types. For example, a weather widget or a MIUI calendar are often soldered into the shell and require a separate approach. We tested all methods on the latest versions of MIUI 14 (Android 13) and identified nuances for different models, from Redmi 7 to Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

If you want to not just hide but completely deactivate the widget (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser), prepare for the fact that some system components can “return” after a reboot. To do this, we have prepared a separate section with solutions, including the use of ADB and third-party utilities – but without the need to obtain root rights.

1. Standard Widget Removal: drag-and-drop method

The easiest way to remove the widget is by drag and drop, and it works for all third-party widgets (like Google, Yandex, or SberBank) and some system widgets that aren’t tied to the MIUI kernel.

For this:

1. Press and hold your finger on the widget for 1-2 seconds.
2. When the widget “rises” above the screen, drag it up to the “Delete” label (or Remove on English firmware).
3. Release your finger and the widget will disappear from the desktop.

⚠️ Note: This method doesn't remove the widget from the system, it just removes it from the screen, and the next time you add widgets, it may reappear in the list of available widgets, and it doesn't work for built-in widgets. MIUI Like the weather or the steps.

If the widget does not respond when you hold it, or if you see a menu with options (for example, Settings or Change Size), then it is protected from removal in this way.

💡

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11), after removing the widget, there is an empty block on the desktop. To remove it, press the empty space on the screen → Desktop settings → Reset the layout.

2. disabling widgets through application settings

For widgets that cannot be removed by drag and drop (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video), you can try disabling them via the application menu.This method works for most preinstalled widgets, but does not affect MIUI system services.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app that the widget belongs to (like Weather or Calendar).
3. Slip on it → Disable (or Remove updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once the app is disabled, its widgets will disappear from the list of addables.

• 🔄 Some widgets (such as Steps) may reappear after the update. MIUI.
• ⚠️ Disabling system applications (e.g. Security) can cause unstable phone performance.
• 📱 Redmi with global firmware (Global) ROM) The list of applications to be disabled is wider than in China ROM).

3. Hiding widgets through desktop settings

If the widget cannot be removed or disabled, it can be hidden from view without being completely removed, a method that is suitable for users who want to keep the functionality but don’t want to see the widget on the home screen.

How to hide the widget:

1. Click on the empty space on the desktop → select Desktop Settings (or Home screen settings).
2. Go to the Widgets section (on some firmware - Additional → Widgets).
3. Find the desired widget in the list and move the slider to the off position.

This method works for:

• 🌤️ Weather widget (hiding temperature and animation on the desktop).
• 📅 Calendar widget MIUI.
• 📊 Widgets Steps and Activity.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) K50, Redmi Note 12 Pro after update to update MIUI 14 this method may not work for system widgets, in which case try resetting your desktop settings:

Settings → Desktop → Reset the layout → Confirm

4.Use of third-party launchers for full control

If built-in methods don’t work, you can install a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion Launcher).

• 🚫 Completely disable the display of widgets MIUI.
• 🎨 Set up the transparency, size and location of the remaining widgets.
• 🔒 Block the addition of new widgets.

Instructions for setting up Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Make it a default launcher (the first time you start will be offered a sentence).
3. Click the empty space on the desktop → Settings → Widgets.
4. In the widget list, uncheck the unneeded ones (such as Mi Weather or Mi Calendar).
5. To completely hide system widgets, go to Settings Nova → Additional → Hide applications and add unnecessary ones.

✅ Advantages of the method:

• It works on all Redmi models, including Redmi 10 and Redmi Note 11 Pro+.
• It does not require root rights or ADB.
• Allows you to return the standard MIUI launcher at any time.

❌ Deficiencies:

• Some widgets (such as Quick Settings) may remain in the notification bar.
• On budget models (Redmi 9C, Redmi 8A) third-party launchers can increase battery consumption by 5-10%.

Download the launcher from the official store (not APK)

Make a backup of the desktop (via Settings → Additional → Backup)

Disable battery optimization for launcher (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization)

Check compatibility with the Android version (MIUI 12-14)-->

5. Removal of widgets via ADB (no root)

For advanced users willing to work with the command line, there is a way to disable system widgets via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that does not require root rights, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause the phone to fail, and we recommend backing up the data before starting.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times until “You’re a developer”) Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB (enable)
2. Connect Redmi to your computer via USB-cable (use the original cable!).
3. Download and install ADB Tools on your PC (e.g. Google’s Platform Tools).
4. Open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type: adb devices If the phone appears in the list, type: adb shell pm hide com.miui.weather2 (replace com.miui.weather2 with the desired widget package - the list below).

List of popular MIUI widget packages:

To return the widget, use the command:

adb shell pm unhide com.miui.weather2

💡

ADB-The teams only work until the first restart of the phone, and to make the shutdown permanent, you need to add a command to the autoload script (requires root or Magisk).

6. Radical methods: root and Magisk (for experienced)

If you are willing to go to extreme lengths, getting root rights or installing Magisk will give you access to the complete removal of system widgets.

• 🔧 Want to permanently remove unnecessary widgets (including those that come back after updates).
• 📱 Use Redmi on Chinese firmware (China) ROM), where there are more restrictions.
• 🛠️ Prepared for possible loss of warranty (on some models).

Instructions using Magisk:

1. Get root rights (for example, through OrangeFox Recovery or TWRP).
2. Install the Magisk Module "Universal Debloater" or "MIUI Debloater".
3. In the module settings, find the System Apps section and tick off unnecessary widgets (for example, MiWeather, MiCalendar).
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Removal of system widgets may result in:

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop) on some models (Redmi) K40, Redmi Note 10 Pro).
• 📵 Loss of functionality (for example, after removal) com.miui.weather2 Automatic brightness control may stop working).
• 🔒 Blocking certain services (e.g. Mi Account or Google Pay).

💡 Tip: Before deleting, back up the section /system through TWRP Or OrangeFox. This will help you recover your phone in case of a crash.

7.Alternative solutions: MIUI Hidden Settings

For users who don’t want to take risks with ADB or root, there’s a semi-official way to do it – using hidden MIUI settings through the MIUI Hidden Settings app (available on 4PDA or XDA Developers).

How it works:

1. Download and install. APK-file MIUI Hidden Settings (requires permission to install from unknown sources).
2. Open the app and go to the System Apps section.
3. Find the widget you want to disable (such as MiWeather) and uncheck it.
4. Reboot the phone.

✅ Advantages:

• 🔓 Does not require rooting or ADB.
• 📱 Works on MIUI 12-14 (including the Redmi Note 12 redmi K60).
• 🔄 Changes are retained after updates (unlike the updates). ADB).

❌ Limitations:

• 🚫 Not all widgets are available to disable (e.g. Quick Settings remain).
• ⚠️ The application can be defined by antiviruses as “potentially dangerous” (false positive).

FAQ: Frequent questions about widgets on Xiaomi Redmi