Why Xiaomi can’t remove icons from the screen?
Users of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They are regularly challenged: some desktop icons cannot be removed in the standard way. Unlike app shortcuts that are removed by a long tap, system icons (such as Weather, Themes or Security) are often glued to the screen. MIUI, where part of the widgets is integrated into the launcher at the firmware level.
In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios: from removing the usual shortcuts to hiding the system icons without root rights. Relevant for devices on MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14, including Xiaomi 13/14 models, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5. If you tried to swipe the icon into the cart, but nothing happened, you have come to the right place.
⚠️ Important: Some methods require changes to system settings. Before experimenting, check that the device has deactivated developer mode (if not used) and backed up important data through Settings. → Google → Backup.
Method 1: Removing Normal Application Shortcuts
If the icon is a shortcut to an installed application (for example, Telegram, VKontakte or games), it can be removed in 2 seconds:
- 👆 Long tap on the icon → A menu with a basket will appear at the top of the screen.
- 🗑️ Drag the icon into the basket (delete icon").
- 🔄 If the cart doesn't show up, try removing the screen lock first (sometimes). MIUI Blocks changes to the locked device).
⚠️ Note: This method does not remove the application itself, only a shortcut from the desktop. To uninstall the program completely, go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
☑️ What to do if the basket does not appear
If the shortcut appears again after removal, the app is added to the autoload. Turn off this option in the application settings (Settings → Applications → [Name] → Autorun).
Method 2: Hiding system icons through MIUI settings
System icons like Weather, Themes, Security or Camera can't be removed in the standard way, but they can be hidden.
- Long tap on the empty space on the desktop → screen settings.
- Select icon settings (or Icon Management in newer versions of MIUI).
- Scroll down to the Hidden Apps section.
- Tick the icons you want to remove and click Ready.
🔹 Limitation: This method does not work for all system icons, for example, Google and Play Store will not be able to hide – they can only be disabled through the application settings.
What if there is no “Hidden Apps” section?
| Icon | Can I hide it? | Alternative method |
|---|---|---|
| Weather. | ✅ Yes. | Disable in Settings → Applications |
| Topics | ✅ Yes. | Remove updates in the Play Store |
| ❌ No. | Disable via adb (mode 4) | |
| Security | ✅ Yes. | Resetting launcher settings |
| Camera. | ❌ No. | Set up a third-party launcher |
Method 3: Disabling applications through Android settings
If the icon belongs to a system application that cannot be removed (such as Mi Video, Music or Browser), it can be disabled, which will remove the icon from the screen and prevent the application from running in the background.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the app you want in the list (use the search at the top).
- Slip on it → Disable (button will be active only for system applications).
- Confirm the action in the pop-up window.
⚠️ Note: Disabling some system applications (such as MiuiDaemon or SecurityCenter) can cause your smartphone to run in an unstable way. Do not disable services with names that contain miui, system or android unless you are sure of their purpose.
Once the app is disabled, its icon will disappear from the desktop, but the program files will remain in the device's memory. This will not free up space, but reduce the load on the battery.
Method 4: Remove icons via ADB (for advanced users)
If previous methods have failed, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool to control your smartphone through your computer, which allows you to completely remove system applications, but requires caution.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🛠️ Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools.
- ⚙️ Included Developer Mode and Debugging by USB smartphone.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your computer and allow debugging over USB.
- Open the command prompt (or Terminal) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
- To see a list of all applications, follow: adb shell pm list packages
- Find the name of the application package in the list (e.g. com.miui.weather2).
- Remove the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.weather2 Replace com.miui.weather2 with the desired package.
💡
To find the name of the package for a particular icon, install the App Inspector app from the Play Store, which shows the application technical data directly on the screen.
⚠️ Warning: Removing system packages could lead to crash MIUI or the inability to update the firmware. Before experimenting, create a full backup using adb backup or TWRP (if established).
Method 5: Using a third-party launcher
If you're tired of the limitations of the standard MIUI launcher, install an alternative.
- 🌈 Nova Launcher – flexible customization of icons, gestures and animations.
- ⚡ Lawnchair – lightweight launcher with support for themes and adaptive icons.
- 🔄 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and Cloud Services.
- 🎨 Apex Launcher - Advanced Desktop Settings.
After installation:
- Open the launcher app.
- Click Set as the default launcher.
- Long tap on unnecessary icon → Delete or Hide (depending on the launcher).
🔹 Pros: Full control of the desktop, the ability to hide any icons, including system.
🔸 Cons: Some functions MIUI (For example, Super Wallpaper or Global Search may not work properly.
💡
Side launcher is the safest way to hide system icons without the risk of damaging MIUI. All changes are reversible: just return the standard launcher in the settings.
What if the icon reappears after the reboot?
If a deleted icon comes back after a reboot or MIUI update, the problem is autorestore shortcuts. This is a typical feature of Xiaomi's shell that tries to bring "useful" apps back to the screen.
- 🔧 Resetting the launcher settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. Find Louncher. MIUI (or Launcher.Slip the Storage. → Clear the data.
⚠️ This will reset all desktop settings (wallpaper, folders, widgets).
Disabling Auto-Update Labels:
adb shell settings put global auto_restore_app_icons 0(demand ADB).
MIUI Update:
MIUI 14.0.5
If none of these methods worked, the last option is to roll back to factory settings (with total loss of data).Be sure to back up through Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset before doing so.