How to permanently remove unnecessary icons from the screen Xiaomi Redmi: from system applications to advertising

The cluttered main screen of a smartphone is a problem familiar to every Xiaomi Redmi owner. Even after resetting, the device has undeleteable system app icons, MIUI advertising widgets and duplicate shortcuts. Unlike an iPhone or “pure” Android, Xiaomi’s firmware aggressively imposes unnecessary interface elements on the user, many of which do not have an obvious delete button.

The challenge is that not all icons can be removed using standard methods, such as Security icons, Theme icons, or Mi Video icons, which are often blocked by the system, and hiding them through the app menu causes them to return after a reboot. In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways, from basic MIUI settings to advanced ADB tricks that will help clean the screen even without superuser rights.

Warning: Some methods require caution: Incorrect editing of system files via ADB can cause a launcher failure or reboot cycle – especially on Redmi Note 10/11 models with MIUI 13+. If you are not sure about your actions, start with safe ways (sections 1-3), and then move on to radical measures.

1. Standard Hiding of Icons through MIUI Settings

The easiest way to remove unnecessary icons is to use built-in MIUI features. It is suitable for third-party applications (such as Facebook, TikTok) and some system utilities (Camera, Gallery). However, it is important to understand that this is not deletion, but concealment - the applications will remain in the system and will take up space.

To hide the icon:

1. Press and hold your finger on the icon you want to remove.
2. In the menu that appears, select Remove (for third-party applications) or Hide (for system applications).
3. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

If Hide is inactive, the application is protected by the system, and an alternative path will help:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the desired application in the list and tap it.
3. Select Disable (this will remove the icon from the screen, but will not uninstall the software).

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications like Mi Account or System Update may disrupt your smartphone, such as when the fingerprint scanner is disabled.

2. Removal of advertising widgets and junk icons

Xiaomi is known for embedding ads even in the system menus, and on the home screen, this manifests itself in the form of Mi Browser, Mi Pay or GetApps widgets — they can not be removed in the standard way, but you can turn off the display.

Instructions for removing advertising elements:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Main screen screen.
• 🔍 Select Widgets and Shortcuts (or Additional Settings in Older Versions).
• ❌ Turn off sliders next to unnecessary widgets (e.g. Recommended Apps, News) MIUI).
• 🔄 Restart your smartphone – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.

If the widget still appears, try resetting the launcher settings:

1. Click the empty space on the main screen.
2. Select the screen settings (cog icon).
3. Slip again. → Reset the settings.

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On Redmi Note 12 and later, advertising widgets can be turned off via Settings → Special Options → Delete Ads (hidden option, requires several clicks on an empty field).

3. Use of an alternative launcher

If built-in methods don't work, the radical solution is to install a third-party launcher, which not only removes unnecessary icons, but also completely changes the interface.

• 🏆 Nova Launcher – flexible settings, gesture support, hiding applications.
• ⚡ Lawnchair is a lightweight open source launcher optimized for Xiaomi.
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, minimalist design.

After the launcher is installed:

1. Assign it as the default launcher in the application settings.
2. In the launcher menu, find the option to Hide apps (in Nova Launcher it is Settings → Apps and widgets → Hide apps).
3. Check out unnecessary icons and save the changes.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ Some launchers may conflict with system services, causing slowdowns. Check compatibility on forums before installing them (e.g, 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

Disable system applications via ADB (without root)

For advanced users willing to work with the command line, there is a way to disable system applications without obtaining root permissions. This requires connecting a smartphone to a PC and using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the Build Number in Settings → About the phone).
3. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and in the command line (in the folder with adb.exe) perform: adb devices (the device should appear).
5. To disable the application (e.g. Mi Browser), type: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser

List of popular packs to disable:

• 🌐 Mi Browser: com.android.browser
• 🎬 Mi Video: com.miui.videoplayer
• 🛡️ Security: com.miui.securitycenter (disable gently!)
• 📦 GetApps: com.xiaomi.mipicks

⚠️ Caution: Disabling critical services (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may result in loss of functionality (face unlocking will not work, VPN, Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

5. Radical methods: uninstallation through TWRP (for experienced)

If you are willing to take risks and have experience with custom firmware, complete removal of system applications is possible through TWRP recovery.

• Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• Installed TWRP Recovery.
• Backup of the data (required!).

Instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
4. Find a folder with an unnecessary app (like Browser) and delete it.
5. Wipe your cache (Wipe → Cache) and restart.

List of relatively safe packet removal:

6. Recovering deleted icons (if something went wrong)

If important icons (such as Settings or Phone) are missing after manipulating system files or ADBs, don't panic. In most cases, they can be returned without resetting to factory settings.

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 Reboot: Sometimes icons come back after reboot.
• 🛠️ Launcher reset: Clip the empty space on the screen → Screen settings → Reset the settings.
• 📱 Incorporation through ADB: If the application is disabled, return it with the command: adb shell pm enable com.android.settings (replace com.android.settings with the desired package).
• 🔧 Reinstallation of the launcher: For MIUI Launcher execute in ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.home

If none of the methods worked, you have to reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset).

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Before any manipulation of system files, back up via Settings → Additional → Backup or TWRP. This is the only way to bring your phone back to life in case of a critical error.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing icons on Xiaomi Redmi