How to completely remove or replace the desktop on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Why users want to get rid of the standard MIUI launcher and can it be done without risk

The desktop (launcher) on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is not just a background with icons, but a whole ecosystem with widgets, themes and built-in services. For many users, the standard MIUI Launcher becomes a source of irritation: aggressive advertising in widget blocks, the inability to turn off unnecessary interface elements, and sometimes noticeable lags when scrolling screens. But can you really delete the desktop on Android Xiaomi without breaking the system?

Technically complete removal of the system launcher MIUI You can't have root rights without it, and that's going to lead to a reboot cycle, because Android requires at least one active launcher, but there are workarounds, from simply disabling through settings to deep-replacement using the help of a new system. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from the safest to the most radical, and also tell you which models (Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro).+, POCO F5 etc.) support various means.

Before you start, consider that some actions will require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights. If you have never worked with fastboot or ADB, start with the first two methods - they do not require deep technical knowledge and are reversible.

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

The easiest and safest way is not to remove the launcher, but to replace it by default with a third-party one (for example, Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher). MIUI 12/13/14 HyperOS.

Here's how to do it:

• 📱 Install an alternative launcher from Google Play (we recommend Nova Launcher for flexibility of settings).
• 🔧 After installation, click Home, the system will prompt you to select the default launcher. Choose a new one and mark Always.
• ⚙️ To hide the system launcher icons, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management, find MIUI Launcher and click Disable (not all versions) MIUI allow it to be done).
• 🗑️ To completely delete the cache and launcher data (free up to 200-500 MB) in the same menu, click Storage → Clear the data.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI Global for Redmi 10 and older) the Disable option can be blocked.In this case, use Method 3 with ADB.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root, but with bootloader unlocking)

If you need to fully deactivate the system launcher, but you don’t want to get superuser rights, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires you to enable USB debugging and unlock the bootloader, but does not violate the warranty (unless you have custom firmware installed).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command:

adb shell pm hide com.miui.home

This command hides the launcher from the system, but it doesn't physically remove it.

adb shell pm unhide com.miui.home

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with HyperOS (2026), the pm hide command may not work:

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

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Enable debugging over USB

Allow debugging on the phone (pop-up window)

Connect your phone to the original cable

Check the connection with the adb device team-->

Method 3: Completely remove the launcher using Magisk (root required)

If you’re ready for more radical measures, removing the system launcher through Magisk will give you maximum control, which is suitable for users who have already obtained root rights (for example, through OrangeFox Recovery or TWRP), the advantage is freed up to 1 GB of memory, disappearing all traces of MIUI Launcher.

Instructions:

• 🔓 Install Magisk Manager and get root access (see instructions for your model) XDA Developers).
• 📲 Install App Systemizer or Debloater from Magisk repository.
• 🗑️ In the list of system applications, find com.miui.home and select Delete.
• 🔄 Reboot the device. Once booted, the system will prompt you to select a new default launcher.

⚠️ Note: Some models (Mi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) Deleting the launcher may cause Xiaomi Cloud and Mi Account services to fail. Create a backup through the service before deleting it. TWRP Mi Backup.

Method 4: Replace the launcher through custom firmware (for advanced)

The most drastic way is to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS), which does not have traces of MIUI. This method is suitable for models with active support on XDA, such as:

• 📱 POCO F3/F4/F5 (codename alioth, munch)
• 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet)
• 📱 Mi 11 (venus)
• 📱 Xiaomi 12T (plato)

The process includes:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 720 hours to wait on new accounts).
2. Installation of TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
3. Firmware custom software with pre-wipe system, data, dalvik.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids the warranty and may result in loss of features (e.g, IR Blaster or Ultra Wideband on Mi 14.Please check reviews about a specific build on the firmware before you run. 4PDA or XDA.

💡

Before you run custom software, save the persist.img file from /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist. This will help restore IMEI and modem data if they fly off after you change firmware.

Method 5: Alternative solutions for those who do not want to take risks

If all of the above methods seem too complex, there are a few safe alternatives that will visually replace the desktop without making deep system changes:

• 🎨 Use it. KWGT (Kustom Widget Maker to create custom home screen over top MIUI Launcher.
• 🖼️ Install an Icon Pack (like Whicons or Delta) and change the theme through Settings → Topics.
• 🔄 Configure gestures in Nova Launcher so that they overlap the system (for example, swipe up to open applications).
• 📂 Create a folder with a name ~hide (with a tilde) on the desktop — MIUI automatically hides its contents.

For HyperOS models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), there is another life hack: activate the "Lite" mode in the launcher settings, which simplifies the interface, removes ads and speeds up animations.

1. Hold your finger on the free space on the desktop.
2. Select Home Screen Settings → Lite Mode.
3. Reset the device.

💡

Lite mode in HyperOS disables advertising in widget blocks and speeds up the launcher by 15-20% by disabling unnecessary animations.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes have trouble trying to change or remove the launcher on Xiaomi, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🚫 "Launcher app stopped after shutdown MIUI Launcher: The reason is there is no default alternative launcher Solution: Install any third-party launcher and select it in the settings.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot after deletion via Magisk: Return com.miui.home via TWRP (copy APK launcher /system/priv-app/ and establish rights 644).
• 🔌 ADB Does not see the device: Check if debugging is enabled USB, Install the official Xiaomi drivers and try another cable (preferably the original one).
• 📱 After firmware custom software does not work sensor: problem typc for Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse) – install firmware with a patch for touch screen.

If you encounter an error not described here, check logs through ADB Logcat or create a 4PDA theme indicating:

• Device models (fastboot getvar product)
• The MIUI (settings → About the phone) version.
• Describe the exact actions before the failure.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions