How to completely remove the sidebar on Xiaomi: disable, hide and remove

The sidebar in MIUI is one of the most controversial elements of Xiaomi’s interface. For some users, it’s a convenient tool for quick access to applications and functions, for others, a bothersome element that occupies precious space on the screen. Especially annoying is the panel of owners of devices with narrow frames, where every pixel counts. But can it be completely removed, not just folded?

In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can do things, from standard settings to deep system changes, and it's important to understand that some methods require superuser rights or ADB, so they're not for everyone. If you're a beginner, start with the first two, they're safe and don't require technical skills.

Please note that in different versions MIUI (12, 13, 14 and HyperOS) may vary in the layout of options. We will show you the current paths for the latest updates in 2026. If your smartphone is running on old firmware, some menu items may be called differently - in this case, use the search by settings (⚙️ → Search).

Why does the sidebar appear again and again?

Many users complain that even after a panel is turned off, it returns after a system reboot or update, because MIUI considers it a system component and automatically restores it when it crashes.

• 🔄 Update the firmware - after installing a new version MIUI Some interface settings are reset.
• 📱 Launcher reset – if you cleared Louncher application data MIUI Or they reset it.
• 🔧 System optimization – the Settings function → Special opportunities → System optimization can restore standard elements.
• 🛠️ Recovery from backup – when transferring data from another device, system settings are sometimes restored.

If you want to get rid of the sidebar forever, you'll have to combine several methods or use radical solutions like modifying system files, but first try the standard methods, which work 80 percent of the time.

Method 1: Disconnect via launcher settings (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. It is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5 and other devices based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Desktop (or Screen in some versions).
2. Scroll down and find the Sidebar section (may be called the Quick Access Panel or the Additional Panel).
3. Turn off the switch Show sidebar.
4. If you have the option to Hide the launch icon, activate it.

On some devices (e.g., POCO X5), the path may be different: Settings → Additional → Special Features → Sidebar.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Close all applications (swipe up)

Turn off VPN/proxy (they can block changes)

Reboot your phone after the changes-->

⚠️ Attention: HyperOS (new firmware for Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) The sidebar is integrated into the control center, and to remove it, you have to turn off the swipe from the right edge of the screen in Settings. → Notifications and control panel → Control panel gestures.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root rights)

If a standard shutdown doesn’t work, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), a method that doesn’t require root rights, but requires connecting the phone to your computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB phone-on
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (download from the official website)

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access to debugging on the smartphone screen.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
6. Follow the command to disable the sidebar: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.miservice Note: Some firmware may require another command - com.miui.freeform.

Once you've done the command, restart the phone. The panel should disappear. If it comes back after the update, repeat the procedure.

Method 3: Modification of system files (requires root)

If you're willing to take drastic measures and you have root rights, you can delete the system files responsible for the sidebar, which permanently removes the panel, but requires caution - an error can cause the system to crash.

Instructions for experienced users:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiFreeForm/ or /system/app/MiuiFreeForm/.
3. Delete or rename (add.bak) the files: MiuiFreeForm.apk and MiuiFreeForm.odex (if any).
4. Clear the cache and data of the MIUI Launcher application in the settings.
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Deleting system files may cause errors in the operation of the launcher or other components MIUI. Before the changes, make a backup copy through TWRP Or Xiaomi Cloud. If you have problems after deleting, restore files from the backup or reflash your phone.

su


ls /system/priv-app/ | grep -i freeform

This will help to avoid errors when searching for the right files.-->

Method 4: Use of an alternative launcher

If you don't want to mess around with system settings, you can just replace the standard launcher with a third-party one. Most alternative shells (for example, Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, Apex Launcher) do not support the MIUI sidebar and automatically hide it.

How to install an alternative launcher:

1. Download your favorite launcher from Google Play (we recommend Nova Launcher for maximum customization).
2. Install and open the application.
3. Click Set as default launcher (the system selection window will appear).
4. In the new launcher settings, disable all options related to MIUI-specific functions.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB.
• ✅ You can return the standard launcher at any time.
• ✅ Additional customization options (badges, gestures, themes).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Certain functions MIUI (For example, dual applications or second space may not work properly.
• ❌ Lags are possible on weak devices (for example, Redmi). 9A).

💡

The alternative launcher is the only way to remove the sidebar without interference, suitable for users who do not want to risk the stability of the phone.

Method 5: Reset the launcher settings (if the panel is back)

Sometimes the sidebar reappears after an update or crash, and resetting the launcher will help, so it will return to factory settings, but it will not affect your data.

How to drop the launcher:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI Launcher (or MIUI Launcher).
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
4. Reboot the phone.

After discharge:

• 🔧 Go to the launcher settings (Long tap on the desktop) → Settings).
• 📱 Disable the sidebar in the Additional settings section.
• 🔄 If the panel appears again - repeat the disconnection through ADB (Method 2).

⚠️ Warning: Resetting the launcher will remove your desktop settings (location of icons, folders, widgets). Take screenshots in advance or write down the configuration to quickly restore it.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove the sidebar, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 Firmware version – some custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) have their own settings.
• 🔒 Access rights – if you use a work profile or a Kids Button, your settings may be blocked.
• 🔄 Firmware region - on Chinese versions MIUI Some options are hidden.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions