Xiaomi’s desktop often turns into a mess of dozens of icons — especially if you’re actively installing apps or using pre-installed software from MIUI. Extra icons not only spoil the aesthetics, but also slow navigation, forcing you to scroll through multiple screens in search of the right shortcut. Fortunately, the system offers several ways to clean the main screen, from basic removal to hiding system applications that can’t be uninstalled by standard methods.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including little-known tricks for MIUI 12-15, which will help return the desktop to a minimalist look. Particular attention will be paid to the problems with returning deleted icons after updating the system - this is a frequent complaint of users of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi flagship series. If you are tired of clutter or annoying advertising in the form of "recommended applications", the following instructions will help solve the problem once and for all.
1. Standard removal of application icons
The easiest way to get rid of unnecessary icons is to manually remove them, which works for all user applications (downloaded from Google Play or Mi App Store) and some system apps that MIUI allows you to uninstall.
To remove the icon:
- 📱 Press and hold your finger on the icon of the app you want to remove.
- 🗑️ At the top of the screen, a basket will appear (or the words Delete / Uninstall.
- ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog box (if required).
⚠️ Note: Some system applications (such as Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps) cannot be completely removed – they can only be disabled or hidden (more on this below). MIUI.
Check if the application is system-based.
Try to turn it off in the settings
Use the method of concealment (section 3)
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2. disabling system applications (without root)
If the icon belongs to an embedded application (such as Mi Browser, Mi Pay or Mi Community), it cannot be removed in the standard way, but it can be disabled. This hides the icon from the desktop and stops the background processes of the program.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the app you want in the list (use the search at the top).
- Then, tap it and select Disable (or Disable).
- Confirm the action. The icon will disappear from the desktop.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling critical system services (such as Security, Mi Share or Google Play Services) can cause your phone to run unstable, including sync errors, notification issues, or even crashes" MIUI. Before disabling, check for app reviews on forums (e.g, 4PDA or XDA Developers).
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If some features (such as NFC or Bluetooth) have stopped working after disabling the application, return it to its original state in the same settings.
3. Hiding icons without removal (for MIUI 13-15)
Since MIUI 13, Hidden Apps has been introduced, which allows you to remove icons from your desktop without removing the programs themselves, and is convenient for applications you rarely use but don’t want to uninstall (such as bank clients or service utilities).
How to hide the icon:
- 📱 Press and hold the app icon.
- 🔍 In the context menu, select Hide app (or Hide app).
- 🔒 To return the icon, go to Settings → Desktop → Hidden apps and uncheck the tick.
This method does not affect the app’s performance — it will remain on the menu of all apps (Swipe up) and will be available through search, but hidden icons do not appear in the global MIUI search results, which can be inconvenient.
How to Recover All Hidden Icons at Once
4. Removal of advertising icons and “recommended applications”
One of the most annoying features of MIUI is the automatic display of advertising icons (such as Mi App Store games or “popular apps”), which cannot be removed in the standard way, but can be turned off.
Ways to deal with advertising icons:
| Method | Action. | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Disable recommendations | Settings → Desktop → Recommended applications → Off. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Remove all automatic icons) |
| Prohibit the installation of advertisements | Settings → Special features → Removal of advertising → Including. | ⭐⭐⭐ (Blocks some of the ads, but not all of the icons) |
| Disable the msa (system service) | Across ADB (requires PC) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (It completely removes advertising, but the risk of failure) |
⚠️ Disable the Mobile Services Framework (MSA) via ADB This can cause some system applications to lose functionality, including Mi Cloud, Find Device, and Mi Account. If you are unsure of your actions, use the first two methods.
Every day.
Once a week.
It used to be, but I turned it off.
Never seen one.-->
5. Use of a third-party launcher (radical solution)
If the built-in MIUI methods don’t suit you, you can completely replace the standard launcher with an alternative one (for example, Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion Launcher), which gives you complete control over the icons, including:
- 🎨 Hiding any icons (including system icons).
- 📦 Grouping applications into folders with gestures.
- 🔍 Global Search Without Limits MIUI.
- 🖼️ Customization of animations, wallpaper and widgets.
How to install a third-party launcher:
- Download your favorite launcher from Google Play (for example, Nova Launcher).
- Open the app and follow the setup instructions.
- In MIUI settings, select the new launcher as the main one: Settings → Applications → By default → Launcher.
💡 Pros: Maximum customization, no advertising, stable work.
👎 Cons: Some functions MIUI (Second Space or Dual Apps may not work properly, and third-party launchers may increase battery consumption slightly (3-5%).
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The side launcher is the only way to completely get rid of system icons (for example, Mi Home or Mi Remote) without root rights.
6 Recovery of Deleted Icons After MIUI Update
Many Xiaomi users are facing a problem: after updating the system, previously deleted icons return to the desktop, this happens due to resetting the launcher settings, to prevent unnecessary icons from reappearing:
Solutions:
- 🔄 Before the update MIUI Backup your desktop settings: Settings → Desktop → Backup.
- 📵 After the update, immediately disable the automatic installation of recommended applications (see section 4).
- 🔧 Use it. ADB-command to disable unnecessary packets (requires command line knowledge).
If the icons have already returned, repeat the steps from Section 1 or Section 3. System applications may need to be disabled again in settings.
Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Auto Update → Offline.