How to completely remove the widget tape on Xiaomi Redmi Note: all methods (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS)

The widget tape on Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones is one of the most controversial elements of the MIUI and HyperOS interface. For some users, it is a convenient tool for quick access to information, for others, an annoying advertising platform that eats battery power and takes up space on the screen. If you fall into the second category, this article will help completely remove the tape of widgets — from simple concealment to deep shutdown of system processes.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi does not provide the standard “delete forever” option in the settings. All the methods described below are based on workarounds – from changing configuration files to using the system. ADB-We tested them on Redmi Note models. 10/11/12/13 Pro with firmware MIUI 13/14 HyperOS 1.0. If your smartphone is running on an older version (e.g. Redmi Note) 8 on MIUI 12), Some of these methods may not work – we will warn you about this in advance.

Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI/HyperOS. This will help you choose the best method. Also note that some actions require unlocking the bootloader or the rights of the superuser (root) - without them, you can not completely remove the tape of widgets.

1. Method: Hiding the widget tape through the launcher settings

The easiest and safest method is to turn off the tape without physically removing it, and it won't eliminate the background activity, but it will be visually solved. MIUI HyperOS:

1. Long click on the free space on the main screen to open the wallpaper and widget settings menu.
2. Slip on the Settings icon (cog) in the lower right corner.
3. Go to the Home Screen (or Desktop in HyperOS) section.
4. Find the option of the Widget Ribbon (in some versions - Minus screen or Left screen).
5. Turn off the slider Show the widget tape.

If you don’t have this option, your launcher is modified (for example, POCO Launcher or third-party).

• 🔄 Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 📱 Install an alternative launcher (such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) where there are no default widget tapes.
• ⚙️ Update firmware: HyperOS tape hiding option appeared in version 1.0.3.0 and later.

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If the tape keeps showing up when you swipe left after you turn it off, try restarting your phone. Sometimes the changes only apply after the reboot.

Method: Disconnect via ADB (without root)

If the concealment is not enough, you can programmatically disable the tape widgets using ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method does not require root rights, but it will require a computer and a computer. USB-Importantly, once you reset your settings or update your firmware, the tape can come back, and you have to repeat the procedure.

Preparation:

1. Turn on USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
2. Download ADB Tools on PC and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.
3. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.

Now run commands in Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux):

adb shell


pm hide com.miui.miservice




pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolution

If the first command doesn’t work, try the alternative:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.miservice

Download ADB Tools on PC

Enable debugging over USB on your phone

Connect the phone to the computer

Start the command line on behalf of the administrator

-->

After you execute the commands, restart the phone. The widget tape should disappear. [DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER], This means your phone is managed by corporate policy (e.g., Mi Account) – this method will not work.

3. Method: Removal through root (complete removal)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, removing the widget tape completely is only possible with root rights, a method that's suitable for power users, as it requires:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
• 📱 Custom recaveri installations (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Getting root through Magisk.

Warning: unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone, and root may disrupt some features (such as Mi Pay or banking apps).

1. Install Root Explorer or any file manager with root access.
2. Go to /system/priv-app/.
3. Find and delete the following folders (or rename it by adding.bak): MiuiSystemAdSolution MiService MSA (if any)

Reboot the phone.

After removal, the widget tape will disappear forever, but side effects may occur:

• 📵 Some system notifications (such as weather) will stop working).
• 🔄 Firmware updates “over the air" (OTA) may break.
• ⚠️ Mi Account can block access to certain features (e.g. cloud backup).

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Root method gives 100% results, but it is not guaranteed and can disrupt the stability of the system.

4. Method: Use of third-party launchers

Unless you want to remove the widget tape at the system level, the easiest way out is to install an alternative launcher. Most third-party shells (e.g. Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, Apex Launcher) do not support left-hand screens by default.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB.
• ✅ It keeps all the functions of the phone.
• ✅ Allows customization of the interface (icons, gestures, animations).

How to set up:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (we recommend Nova Launcher – it is as stable as possible on Xiaomi).
2. Set it as the default launcher: When you click on the Home button, select a new launcher and mark Always.
3. In the launcher settings, disable all options associated with left-hand screens (usually in the Home Screen → Additional Screens section).

Disadvantages:

• 📱 Some Xiaomi widgets (such as weather or pedometer) may not work.
• 🔋 A slight increase in battery consumption (by 3-5%) because of the second launcher's work.

5. Method: Disconnection through "For Developers" (MIUI 14+)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS have a hidden option to disable the widget tape through the developer menu.It is not dokument, but works on most Redmi Note 11/12/13 models.

Instructions:

1. Activate the developer mode (as in the ADB method).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the option to turn off the widget tape (or Disable minus screen in English localization).
4. Activate it and restart the phone.

If you don’t have this option, try:

• 🔍 Enter the search for the settings request minus screen.
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version (in HyperOS 1.0.4.0)+ The option appears guaranteed).

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Some firmware uses the option called Force Disable Left Screen, and if you don't, try changing the language to English, which sometimes helps.

6. Method: Blocking through Hosts (for experienced)

The widget tape downloads content from Xiaomi servers, and if you block access to them, it stops working. This method doesn't physically remove the tape, but makes it empty.

• 🔓 Root rights or ADB record-holder /system.
• 📝 Hosts file editor (e.g., Hosts Editor from Google Play).

Add the following lines to /system/etc/hosts:

127.0.0.1 ad.mi.com


127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com




127.0.0.1 globalapi.ad.xiaomi.com




127.0.0.1 tracking.miui.com

Once saved, restart the phone. The widget tape will remain in place, but will be empty (no ads or content).

• ⚠️ Other Xiaomi services may stop working (e.g. cloud notifications).
• 🔄 After updating the firmware, the hosts file will reset.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after successfully removing the widget tape, users are faced with typical problems, and we've collected the most common and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If navigation gestures stop working after the tape is turned off (for example, swipe up to return to the main screen), reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.

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If none of these methods worked, check if you have parental control or corporate management software on your phone (such as Mi Enterprise) that can block changes to your system settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions