How to remove unnecessary shortcut from the desktop on Xiaomi: all ways

Xiaomi’s desktop is often overrun by unnecessary shortcuts, from standard apps (Mi Video, Mi Music) to MIUI ad widgets. Deleting them seems like an easy task, but users face unexpected challenges: some icons are not deleted in the usual way, return after a reboot or hidden in system settings. In this article, we will analyze all current methods, from basic to advanced, including working with ADB and disabling system applications without root rights.

The MIUI feature is that the manufacturer actively integrates its own services into the shell, many of which cannot be removed by standard means. For example, the Mi Pay or Mi Home label can appear even after resetting the settings, if you do not turn off the corresponding permissions. We tested all methods on devices with MIUI 14 (based on Android 13/14) and found the only reliable method for completely removing system shortcuts without consequences, which is described in the section about ADB.

1. Standard shortcut removal (for user applications)

If the shortcut belongs to an application you installed yourself (such as VK, Telegram or Google Maps), it can be removed in 2 seconds:

1. Press the label on your desktop before the menu (or vibration) appears.
2. Drag it to the top of the screen to the Remove (or basket) label.
3. Let go of your finger, the label will disappear.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work for Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Community, Security) and their shortcuts either do not respond to long pressing or return after the device is restarted.

If the label appears again after removal, the application has the status of "fixed" in MIUI.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Desktop.
• 🔍 Find the Fixed Apps (or Fixed Icons in Older Versions).
• ❌ Remove the box from the unnecessary application.

2. Hiding system shortcuts through MIUI settings

MIUI allows you to hide some system applications, but not all, and it’s a method that works for shortcuts like Mi Pay, Mi Home, or Game Turbo that can’t be removed in the standard way.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hide Apps.
3. In the list, tick the applications that you want to remove the labels.
4. Confirm the action – shortcuts will disappear from the desktop.

⚠️ Note: Hiding the app doesn't remove it completely.It will stay in the system and take up space.In addition, some shortcuts (such as Security or Themes) may return after the update. MIUI.

If the desired application is not on the list to hide, try another method:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Desktop → Desktop setting.
• 🖼️ Turn off the option to Show Recommended Apps (this will remove advertising shortcuts).
• 🔄 Reset the device.

3. Removal of shortcuts through Launcher (launcher switch)

The standard MIUI launcher restricts the user to set up a desktop, and the solution is to install a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher).

• 🗑️ Remove any labels, including system.
• 🔒 Block new labels after updates.
• 🎨 Customize the appearance of the desktop (icon size, fonts, animations).

Instructions for installation and setting:

1. Download Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. After installation, click the Home button and select Nova Launcher as the default launcher.
3. Press the unnecessary shortcut and drag it to the cart (in Nova Launcher, this works even for system applications).
4. To prevent the shortcut from reappearing, go to Nova Launcher Settings → App Settings → Hide apps and add it to the list.

💡 Useful advice: If after the change of the launcher some functions MIUI (For example, gestures or always on display) are not working correctly, return the standard launcher to Settings. → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.

4. Removal of shortcuts through ADB (no root rights)

This is the most reliable way to remove system shortcuts forever, but it requires connecting your smartphone to your computer.The method works on all Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) with any version of MIUI.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB debugging.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm trust in the device on your phone screen.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB:
4. Check the connection: Adb devices (Your device name should appear).
5. Remove the shortcut with the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.packet name Examples of packages of popular system applications: com.miui.videoplayer - Mi Video com.miui.player - Mi Music com.miui.browser - Mi Browser com.xiaomi.payment - Mi Pay com.miui.hybrid - Mi Home
6. Reboot your smartphone – the label will disappear forever.

⚠️ Warning: Do not delete packages whose name contains system, settings or framework - this may cause the device to fail! Before executing commands, be sure to back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

5. Removal of root-rights shortcuts (for advanced users)

If your Xiaomi smartphone has root rights, you can remove any system applications, including those that are not amenable to ADB. This method is risky – improper actions can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app (there are stored system applications).
3. Find a folder with the name of the application being removed (for example, MiBrowser for Mi Browser).
4. Delete the folder or rename it by adding.bak at the end (e.g. MiBrowser.bak).
5. Reset the device.

🔥 Warning: Deleting system files may disrupt the operation MIUI. For example, removing MiuiSystemUI will result in loss of interface, and removing SecurityCenter will result in disabling protection. TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

An alternative way to root rights is to use the Titanium Backup app:

• 📦 Install Titanium Backup from Google Play.
• 🔍 Find the unnecessary app in the list.
• 🗑️ Slip it and select to delete it!.
• ✅ Confirm the action.

💡

Removing root-enabled system applications is an irreversible process, and if the smartphone stops working properly after being removed, the only way to bring it back to life is to reflash it through Fastboot or restore the backup.

6 How to bring a deleted label back

If you accidentally delete the desired shortcut (such as Camera or Phone), it can be restored in several ways:

• 🔄 Reboot device: some shortcuts are returned automatically after rebooting.
• 📱 Hand Addition: Touch the empty space on your desktop and hold your finger. Select Widgets or Apps. Find the right app and drag it to your desktop.

Resetting the launcher settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a launcher (MIUI Launcher or third-party).
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. 🖥️ Recovery through ADB (if the label has been removed by the team: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.

If the shortcut belonged to a system application that was completely removed (for example, via Titanium Backup or ADB), the only way to get it back is to reflash the smartphone or restore the backup.

7.Why labels come back after being deleted

Many Xiaomi users are faced with the fact that shortcuts appear again after:

• 🔄 Resetting the device.
• 📥 Updates MIUI.
• 🔧 Resetting settings.
• 📦 Install new apps from Google Play or Mi App Store.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing shortcuts on Xiaomi