How to permanently remove Xiaomi widgets from the desktop: disabling, hiding and removing

Why Xiaomi widgets get in the way – and can they be removed without consequences

Widgets on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are often a source of irritation: they take up space on the screen, slow down the system and show unnecessary information. Especially annoying pre-installed widgets weather, calendar, advertising blocks and Mi Home services that can not be removed by standard methods. Unlike Android in its pure form, the shell MIUI aggressively imposes its interface elements – even after resetting.

Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of them: from simple hiding to complete deletion of system files. However, not all methods are equally safe. For example, disabling via Settings → Desktop does not work on all versions of MIUI 14/15, and manually removing system APKs can lead to a launcher crash or cyclical reboot if done wrong. In this article, proven methods for all models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Before you start, consider that some widgets (such as weather or clocks) are associated with system processes, and their removal can affect the operation of alarms or notifications, and we will analyze which elements can be removed without risk, and which are better to simply hide.

Method 1: Hiding widgets through desktop settings

The easiest and safest method is to temporarily remove widgets from the screen without removing them completely, which works for most user elements (like Google, Spotify or Mi Fit widgets), but won’t get rid of weather or calendar system blocks.

Instructions:

1. Press and hold the empty space on your desktop until the menu appears.
2. Select Widgets (or Desktop Settings → Widgets depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Find the unnecessary widget in the list and drag it to the cart (Delete icon at the top of the screen).

If the widget is not removed this way, it's protected by the system, and the following method will help.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Backup your data (via Settings → Additional → Backup)

Close all background applications (via Recent → Close All)

Turn off the internet (to avoid automatic widget recovery)

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Method 2: Disconnect via “Application Settings”

Some widgets (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) can be disabled by blocking the app itself to which they are attached.This won't physically remove the widget, but it will stop updating and showing content.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app associated with the widget (like Weather or Calendar).
3. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action. The widget will remain on the screen, but it will stop working.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications (e.g. MiuiDaemon or SecurityCenter) may cause sensor errors (gyroscope, proximity sensor) or notification failure. Before action, check if the application is being used for critical functions.

Weather and clocks

Mi Browser banner ads

Mi Home widgets (smart home)

Calendar and notes

Others (write in the comments)

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Method 3: Remove via ADB (for power users)

If the widget is not removed by standard methods, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for deep configuration, which is suitable for removing system widgets, but requires debugging over USB and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until the notification “You’re a Developer” appears. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer and activate Debugging via USB.

ADB Tools

adb devices


adb shell




pm list packages | grep "widget"

In the conclusion, find the widget package (e.g. com.miui.weather for weather) and delete it:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.weather

⚠️ Note: Removing system packages may cause update errors MIUI or launcher reset. Before executing a command, back up your adb backup or Mi Cloud.

Method 4: Using a third-party launcher

If you are tired of the system limitations of MIUI, the most radical way is to install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion).

• 🔹 Disable Xiaomi widgets completely (they just won’t show up).
• 🔹 Set up the transparency, size and location of the remaining elements.
• 🔹 Remove advertising in the system menu (in some launchers).

How to determine:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Open the app and select it as the default launcher.
3. In the new launcher settings, turn off the option to Show MIUI widgets (if any).

The downside is that some MIUI features (like pop-ups or gestures) may not work properly, and you will also have to manually adjust your icons and folders.

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If notifications are missing after installing a third-party launcher, check the permissions in Settings → Notifications → Additional → Launchers and enable the option to “Show notifications on a locked screen.”

Method 5: Manually delete system files (root access)

For the most advanced users who are ready to get root rights, it is possible to physically delete widget files from the system partition.

• 🔴 Loss of warranty (if phone warranty).
• 🔴 Risk of "brike" (inoperability) of the device in case of error.
• 🔴 Update issues MIUI (You will have to repeat the procedure after each update).

Instructions (for Magisk):

1. Get root access via Magisk or TWRP.
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
3. Go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
4. Find and delete APK-widget files (e.g, MiuiWeather.apk).
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /system without backup, it can cause cyclical download. TWRP Or OrangeFox.

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Root access gives you maximum freedom, but requires technical skills, and if you are not sure about your actions, use methods without root (ADB or third-party launchers).

Comparison of methods: which to choose

Not all methods are equally effective. In the table below, you can compare the safety, complexity and outcome.

For most users, the best option is a combination of ADB and third-party launcher, which will remove system widgets without risking warranty and without the need to get root.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When removing widgets, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔸 The widget returns after the reboot. Cause: system applications are restored automatically. Solution: disable auto-update in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Auto-update.
• 🔸 All the icons disappeared after the launcher was removed. MIUI Launcher.Solution: reinstall it through ADB or reset the settings.
• 🔸 Signals don't work after the launcher changes. MIUI. Solution: Return the standard launcher to Settings → Home screen.

If after manipulations the phone began to brake or overheat, reset the cache:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data!).
4. Reboot the phone.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions