How to completely remove the widget tape and disable updates on Xiaomi: a detailed guide

The widget tape on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, Poco and Black Shark models) often annoys users with excessive advertising, unnecessary updates and constant notifications about “recommended content.” Although MIUI positions this element as a “useful personalization tool”, many consider it intrusive and resource-intensive, especially for owners of devices with limited RAM or those who prefer a minimalist interface.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can remove your widget tape, from standard settings to deep changes to your system (including ADB and MIUI file modifications), and how to permanently disable automatic updates to widgets and system applications that often return the tape after a reboot. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions).

Why does the widget tape appear again after removal?

The main problem is the mechanism of the MIUI system launcher, which is integrated into the kernel-level shell, and it cannot be completely removed without the superuser rights (root).

• 🔄 Automatic Recovery: After Updating MIUI or reset the tape is returned, as its configuration is stored in the file /data/system/users/0/miui_home_config.xml.

To get rid of tape forever, you have to combine several methods, and we'll look at them in terms of their effectiveness, from simple to radical.

Method 1: Turn off the tape via MIUI settings (without root)

The safest method, but it doesn't work on all firmware versions, is suitable for users who don't want to risk the stability of the system.

1. Find the option of Widget Ribbon (or MiuiHome Screen in global versions) and turn off the slider.

If this item is missing (which is typical of MIUI 14 on new models), try an alternative path:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → Desktop settings.
2. Go to Additional Settings → System Applications.
3. Find the Widget Ribbon and press Disable.

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If the tape still appears after turning off, check for updates for MiuiHome in Google Play. Sometimes it is enough to roll the application back to the factory version.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

The method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

Advantages:

• ✅ Does not require superuser rights.
• ✅ It works on most versions. MIUI (including 14).
• ✅ Does not violate the guarantee.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.mishare.connectivity


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.home




adb shell pm hide com.miui.home

If the commands don’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell cmd package uninstall --user 0 com.miui.home

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Download ADB Tools (platform-tools)

Enable debugging over USB on your phone

Connect your phone to the original cable

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⚠️ Note: On some models (Poco) F4, Redmi K50) These commands can cause the launcher to crash. If the screen turns black after execution, restart the device in Safe Mode (Power button) → Restart in Safe Mode and return settings.

Method 3: Modification of system files (root required)

If you have superuser rights (like Magisk), you can delete the widget tape permanently by editing your system files, a method that works on all versions of MIUI, but requires caution.

Steps:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiHome and delete the MiuiHome.apk file.
3. Clear the cache and data of the MiuiHome application in Settings → Applications.
4. Reset the device.

Alternatively, edit the file /system/build.prop:

1. Open build.prop in the text editor (with root rights).
2. Add a line:

ro.miui.home.disable_widget_panel=true

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of build.prop can lead to bootloop ( looped download!

Method 4: Using third-party launchers

If previous methods have failed or seem too complicated, you can simply replace the standard launcher with an alternative one (like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion Launcher) that won’t physically remove the widget tape, but hide it from the user.

How to install a third-party launcher:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (recommended Nova Launcher).
2. Open the app and select it as the default launcher.
3. In the new launcher settings, disable all MIUI widgets:

• 📱 Long press on the desktop → Settings → Widgets → Hide the system.
• 🔍 Remove all widgets related to MiuiHome or Mi Share.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB.
• ✅ Allows customization of the interface (icons, gestures, animations).
• ✅ The widget tape remains in the system, but does not interfere with the work.

Method 5: Disabling Widget and MIUI Updates

Even after removing the widget tape, it can return after updating MIUI or system applications. To avoid this, you need to block the automatic update.

How to disable updates:

1. For MIUI: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Turn off Auto Boot.
2. For Google Play: Open Google Play → Menu → Settings → Auto-Update Apps. Choose Not to Update Automatically.

For system applications:

• Use ADB to block MiuiHome updates:
• Then roll back the app to the factory version:

adb shell pm block-package com.miui.home

This will prevent any changes to the app, including the restoration of widget tape.-->

What do you do if nothing helps?

If the widget tape keeps popping up despite your best efforts, consider the following options:

• 🔧 Flashing to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) is a radical method, but it completely removes all elements. MIUI, ribbon-inclusive.
• 📉 Reverse to an older version MIUI. On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5) The widget tape is less intrusive or easier to disable.
• 🛠️ Contact the service center. If the device is guaranteed, you can ask to turn off the tape through service utilities (for example, Mi Flash with debugging options).

For flashing, we recommend using official Xiaomi tools:

• MIUI ROM official website (select Fastboot or Recovery version).
• Xiaomi Flash Tool for installing firmware via PC.
• TWRP for custom firmware (requires an unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot flashing erases all data from the device. Pre-backup via Mi Cloud or Google Drive. Also note that unlocking the bootloader on new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) requires waiting 7 days after you have attached your account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing widget tape