Xiaomi desktop shortcuts are a convenient way to quickly access applications, but over time, their number can turn into chaos. Especially annoying are duplicate icons, system shortcuts that can not be moved, or randomly created folders. In this article, we will analyze all possible methods of removal, from basic to hidden MIUI functions that work even on the latest versions of the shell (including HyperOS).
It is important to understand the difference between the types of shortcuts: custom shortcuts (manually created by you), system shortcuts (like Weather or Camera), and widgets (interactive elements). If the standard finger retention and drag-and-drop in the basket doesn't work, don't rush to reset the settings. 90% of the time, the problem is solved through hidden menus or a hidden menu. ADB-team.
1. Standard removal: why it doesn't always work
The most obvious way is to press and hold your finger on the label until the menu or the basket comes up.
- 🔄 The icon does not move or respond to a long press.
- 🗑️ The shopping cart does not appear, but only the menu “Delete” or “Information»
- 🔒 The label is protected by the system (for example, Google or Phone»)
The problem is often the type of shortcut: Custom icons (applications you install) are easily removed, and system icons are blocked by MIUI “for convenience”; for example, the Camera label cannot be removed in the standard way on the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5, but it can be hidden through the launcher settings.
Another nuance is the desktop editing mode, where some firmwares have to click on the free screen space and select "Edit" and then try to delete the icons, and if that mode is missing, try alternative methods from the following sections.
2. Removal through launcher settings (hidden method)
The MIUI launcher (desktop program) has hidden options that don't appear in the main menu.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, enter Launcher (or Launcher in English firmware).
- Select MIUI Launcher (or POCO Launcher if you have POCO).
- Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
⚠️ Note: This method will reset all desktop settings (wallpaper, folders, widgets) System application shortcuts (e.g., Settings or Messages) may return after a reboot, but custom icons will disappear forever.
For more point removal:
- 📱 Go to Launcher Settings (hold your finger in the free screen space) → «Home screen settings»).
- 🔍 Find the Hidden Apps section or the Icon Management section».
- 🗃️ Tick unneeded labels and click "Hide».
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If the launcher settings do not include Hidden Apps, try installing an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) and removing icons through it.
3. ADB-commands to remove system labels
If the shortcut is protected by a system (like Google Play Store or Themes), it can be removed via USB debugging, a method that requires a computer and minimal ADB knowledge, but works on 100% of Xiaomi devices.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate “Debugging by USB”.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Follow the command to remove the shortcut (replace com.example.app with the application package): adb shell pm hide com.example.app
🔹 How to find out the application package? Install App Inspector from Google Play or use the command:
adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"For example, for Google Play Store, the package would be com.android.vending.
☑️ Preparation for ADB-removal
⚠️ Note: pm hide does not remove the app completely, but only hides its icon. To return the shortcut, use adb shell pm unhide com.example.app. Do not use pm uninstall for system applications - this can cause crashes!
4. Removal via Safe Mode (if the label is a virus)
If the label appears on its own, changes location or opens an ad, it's an adver virus.
- 🛡️ Download your phone to Safe Mode (hold the power button) → long tap on "Switch off» → «Reboot to Safe Mode»).
- 🔍 Check the list of installed applications in Settings → Sort by installation date.
- 🗑️ Remove suspicious programs (often disguised as System Updates or Optimizers»).
- 🔄 Restart your phone in normal mode.
Typical "viral" labels:
| Name of the label | Signs of the virus | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Save, Clean Master | Appears after APK installation from unknown sources | Remove via Safe Mode |
| Security Update | Requests to update the system, but not from an official source | Delete + check for viruses |
| Game Center | Opens ads when pressed | Reset the launcher settings |
If the virus persists, use Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light to scan. Avoid cleaners like Clean Master, which are often the source of advertising shortcuts themselves.
5. Resetting launcher settings (last resort)
If none of these things work, you'll have to reset the launcher completely, and that will bring the desktop back to the factory settings, but it will save all the applications and data.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the MIUI Launcher (or POCO Launcher).
- Press Warehouse. → Clear all data.
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
After discharge:
- ✅ All user shortcuts and folders will disappear.
- ⚠️ System icons (such as “Phone” or “Messages”) may return.
- 🔄 Wallpaper and widgets will be dropped to standard.
⚠️ Note: On some HyperOS firmware, a launcher reset may cause desktop animations to crash. If the screen starts to "suppose" after the reboot, reinstall the shell via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
What if the reset didn't help?
6.Alternative launchers: a radical solution
If fighting labels has become a persistent problem, consider installing a side launcher.
- 🌟 Nova Launcher – flexible configuration, gesture support, hiding icons.
- 🎨 Lawnchair is a lightweight open source launcher optimized for Xiaomi.
- ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Simulates iOS, but with advanced features.
After installing an alternative launcher:
- Open its settings and find the Hidden Applications section.
- Mark unnecessary labels and apply changes.
- Return to the standard launcher (if necessary) – hidden icons will remain invisible.
⚠️ Important: MIUI 14 and HyperOS, some launchers may conflict with system services (e.g., shut down after an update). 4PDA or XDA-Developers.
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Alternative launchers are the only way to permanently remove root-free system shortcuts, but they consume additional RAM (around 100-200 MB).