How to completely remove the widget tape on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: proven methods

The Xiaomi Redmi 7A, with its lightweight version of MIUI, is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users are faced with an annoying tape of widgets (or “mi-tape”) to the left of the home screen, a feature designed to speed up access to frequently used Xiaomi applications and services, is not always convenient — especially when accidentally opened when swiping or takes over space in the interface.

Unlike flagship models, where tape can be turned off in two clicks, on Redmi 7A with MIUI 10/11 (and sometimes on newer versions after updates), this process requires knowing hidden settings or even interfering with system files. In this article, we will discuss 4 working methods - from standard to advanced - that will help get rid of unnecessary tape forever. Importantly, some methods may require root rights or rollback to an old version of firmware, so read the warnings carefully before you act.

Why does the widget tape appear on Redmi 7A and can it be removed without root?

The widget tape (aka Mi App Vault or Mi-Lenta) is a MIUI feature that is integrated into the default launcher, and on Redmi 7A, it activates automatically after a system update or reset, the main reasons for its appearance:

• 📱 Update MIUI: After switching to a new version of the firmware (for example, with the MIUI 10. MIUI (11) the tape can be turned on by itself even if it was not there before.
• 🔄 Resetting: When you return to factory settings, all system applications, including tape, are restored.
• 📦 Third-party launcher installation: Some alternative launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher) conflict with Mi App Vault, resulting in forced display.
• 🔧 Hidden settings MIUI: In some regional firmware, the tape is activated at the configuration file level and has no visible switch in the menu.

Can you remove the tape without root rights? Yes, but with reservations:

• ✅ Nana MIUI 10/11 — only by disabling updates or changing the launcher.
• ✅ Nana MIUI 12+ — Sometimes hiding through screen settings helps.
• ❌ On some custom firmware - only with root or through ADB.

On Redmi 7A with V11.0.8.0.PCMIXM (and similar), the widget tape is tied to the com.miui.miservice system application, and removing it completely without root causes errors in other Xiaomi services, so the safest way is not to delete it, but to disable its display.

Method 1: Disable the tape through the launcher settings (without root)

This is the simplest method that works on most versions of MIUI 10-12, and it doesn't remove the tape completely, but it does remove it from the home screen.

1. Open the Settings. → Home (or Desktop).
2. Select Screen Style (or Desktop Style)
3. Scroll down and find the App Tape (or Mi App Vault) option.
4. Switch the slider to the off position.
5. Reboot your smartphone (required!) to make the changes take effect.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

1. Click the empty space on the home screen → select Settings.
2. Slip it on the side. → Special facilities.
3. Find the Widget Ribbon and turn it off.

What if there is no option? This means that your version of MIUI hides the settings of the tape, in which case you go to Method 2 or Method 3.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may reappear after settings have disabled the tape. To avoid this, block automatic updates. MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⋮ → Settings → Auto-update.

Method 2: Remove updates for Mi App Vault (for MIUI 11-12)

The Redmi 7A widget tape often appears after the Mi App Vault system app updates. If you disable its updates, the tape may disappear:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type Mi App Vault (or “App Tape”).
3. Tap on the app. → ⋮ (three-point) → Remove updates.
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

If the Remove Updates button is inactive:

• 🔹 Try to stop the app first, then try again.
• 🔹 Install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher) – this sometimes resets the tape settings.

⚠️ Note: After removing updates for Mi App Vault, some system services, such as fast payments or smart assistant, may stop working.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which doesn't require root, but requires a computer and a developer mode on.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Enter the pattern lock (if required).

Settings → Additional → For Developers

• USB debugging
• Unlocking OEM (if any)
• Download ADB Tools on PC and unpack it into a separate folder.

What if the tape comes back after the reboot? It means that the system application automatically recovers.

• 🔹 Repeat the command adb shell pm disable-user after each reboot.
• 🔹 Install Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically execute commands when you turn on your phone.
• 🔹 Consider the option of getting root.

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If ADB-commands do not work, try first to turn off the tape through the launcher settings (Method 1), and then apply ADB. This increases the chances of success.

Method 4: Removing tape with root rights (advanced)

If previous methods have failed, the radical solution is to remove the system application through root, which is only suitable for advanced users, since improper actions can lead to a phone blink.

Step 1: Getting root rights:

• 🔹 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and device binding).
• 🔹 Install custom restoration (TWRP) for Redmi 7A (Look for the current version on the official website).
• 🔹 Scroll Magisk to get root through TWRP.
• Clear the cache and launcher data (com.miui.home) in Settings → Applications.
• Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: After removal, MiAppVault may stop working: 🔹 Quick payments via Mi Pay; 🔹 Some System Notifications; 🔹 Smart Assistant feature: If you notice a critical failure, restore deleted files from backup TWRP.

💡

Before you delete system files, make sure to back up via TWRP or Titanum Backup, which will allow you to roll back changes in case of a problem.

What to do if the widget tape returned after the MIUI update

One of the most common problems is that the tape returns after a system update, because newer versions of MIUI automatically restore system applications.

• 🔹 Reverse to the old version MIUI: Download the firmware you need from Xiaomi Firmware Updater. TWRP Mi Flash Tool (with complete data cleanup!).

Mi App Vault

• Use the Package Disabler (requires root).
• Or turn off automatic app updates in Google Play.

Install an alternative launcher:

• 📌 Nova Launcher (configurable, no tape).
• 📌 Lawnchair (with gesture support).
• 📌 POCO Launcher (optimized for Xiaomi).

How to prevent the return of the tape in the future?

• ✅ Turn off automatic updates MIUI customized.
• ✅ Check the list of applications for Mi App Vault.
• ✅ Use it. ADB To block system application updates: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.discover

Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If all of the above methods have not worked, consider the following options:

• 🔹 Reset to factory settings: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Recover and Reset. Select Settings Reset (don't forget to do a backup!) After reset, don't connect to the internet right away - first turn off the tape through the launcher settings.

Installation of custom firmware:

• 📌 LineageOS (without branded Xiaomi services).
• 📌 Pixel Experience (Pure Android).
• 📌 Havoc-OS (with extensive customization capabilities).

⚠️ The installation will require an unlocked loader and TWRP.

Use of the Xposed Framework:

• Install Xposed Installer and MIUI Xposed.
• In the module settings, disable Mi App Vault.

⚠️ It only works on MIUI 10–11 and requires rooting.

Last tip: If the widget tape is not very uncomfortable, but you want to hide it visually, try:

• 🔹 Install a transparent launcher (for example, Transparent Screen).
• 🔹 Use navigation gestures instead of swipes on the screen.
• 🔹 Turn off swipe left in gesture settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Gestures).

⚠️ All data will be deleted!