How to Remove Unnecessary Shortcuts on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to the Best Way to Get Rid of the Fast MIUI

The desktop of Xiaomi’s smartphone quickly fills with shortcuts of apps, widgets and folders — especially if you’re actively installing programs or syncing data with the cloud. Over time, screens turn into a chaos of icons, among which it’s hard to find the right ones, MIUI Offers several ways to clean your desktop, from basic removal to hidden features for power users.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods - from standard removal through long pressing to use. ADB-You'll learn how the process differs across different versions of the shell (MIUI 12/13/14), Which labels can be removed without consequences, and which ones should be hidden, and we will also consider the typical errors that cause icons to return after a reboot, and give recommendations for optimizing the workspace.

Important: Some methods require administrator rights or debugging USB. If you’re a beginner, start with the first two methods – they’re secure and don’t affect system files.

1. Standard removal of shortcuts through long pressing

The easiest way to do this is to hold your finger on an unnecessary icon, which works on all Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) and doesn't require any extra settings. Here's how to do it right:

• 📱 Click and hold the app shortcut on your desktop (not in the app menu!).
• 🗑️ At the top of the screen, a basket icon (or "Delete" will appear. Drag the icon there.
• ⚠️ If instead of the shopping cart, a menu with the options “Information” or “Unlock” appears, then you are trying to remove the system application – it can only be hidden (more about this below).
• 🔄 After removal, the shortcut will disappear, but the application itself will remain in the menu of all programs (Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).

This method is suitable for:

• 📌 Shortcuts of user applications (for example, Telegram, VK, TikTok).
• 📁 Folders with shortcuts (the entire folder will be deleted, but the applications inside will remain in the system).
• 📊 Weather widgets, watches or notes (after deleting them, you can add them again through the widget menu).

⚠️ Note: If you remove the shortcut of the system application (e.g. Camera or Phone), its icon may return after the device is restarted).

2. Remove via the application settings menu

Not everyone knows that shortcuts can be removed through the settings of a particular application, which is useful if a long press does not work (for example, on some versions). MIUI 14 for POCO F5). Instructions:

1. Open the menu of all applications (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).
2. Find the desired application and click on its icon with one finger, and with the second finger touch the icon. ⚙️ («Settings) in the upper corner.
3. In the menu that opens, select “Delete from desktop” (or “Unplug” if the translation is different).
4. Confirm the action – the label will disappear, but the application itself will remain in the system.

Advantages of this method:

• 🎯 Works even if a long press in the gesture settings is disabled.
• 🛡️ Safe for system applications – does not cause failures.
• 🔍 Allows you to see additional information about the application (size, permissions).

If the menu does not have the option "Delete from the desktop", then the application is fixed by the manufacturer, in which case the next section will help.

💡

To quickly find the app in the menu, swipe your finger to the right on the alphabetic scale to the right of the screen – so you move to the desired letter.

3. Hiding system shortcuts without removal

System applications (e.g., Security, Themes, Mi Video) cannot be removed in the standard way, but they can be hidden.This is useful if you do not use Xiaomi's built-in services, but do not want to risk system stability.

Method 1: Through the MIUI settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the All Apps tab and find the right one (such as Mi Music).
3. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Hide.
4. Confirm the action – the shortcut will disappear from the desktop, but will remain in the menu of all applications.

Method 2: Using a launcher from a third-party developer

If the built-in settings do not allow you to hide the application, install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair), which has the option to hide any icons:

• 📲 Install a launcher from Google Play.
• 🔧 Go to its settings (usually a long press on the desktop). → «Launcher settings»).
• 👁️ Find the “Hidden Apps” section and add unnecessary ones.

⚠️ Note: Hiding system applications through ADB (section (5) may lead to errors in the work MIUI, If you delete critical components, for example, disabling "Mi Share" will disrupt the fast file transfer function.

4. Removal of shortcuts through desktop editing mode

V MIUI 13/14 And we have a special editing mode that makes it easier to manage icons:

1. Touch the empty space on your desktop and hold your finger for 2-3 seconds.
2. At the bottom of the screen, a panel will appear with options: "Widgets", "Wallpaper", "Settings". Click on "Settings" (icon) ⚙️).
3. Turn on the "Edit Mode" switch (or "Edit Mode" in the English version).
4. Now you can:

• 🗑️ Remove shortcuts by dragging them into the cart (as in method 1, but with visual cues).
• 📏 Change the size of the icons (useful to save space).
• 🔒 Block shortcuts from accidental deletion (the option "Secure»).
• 📂 Group icons into folders directly in editing mode.

This mode is especially convenient for owners of Xiaomi with large screens (for example, Mi Max 3 or Redmi). K60 Ultra, where the desktop fills up quickly, and you can set up automatic sorting of icons by alphabet or color.

Back up important shortcuts (such as contacts)

Close all background applications

Connect the charger (if the battery is below 20%)

Check the version. MIUI at the Settings → The phone.-->

5. Removal of system labels through ADB (power-user)

If you want to completely remove the system application along with the shortcut, you will need to ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This method is suitable for power users and requires the inclusion of debugging by USB. Step-by-step instruction:

Step 1: Preparation

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools to your computer (download from the official Google website).
• 📱 On your smartphone, turn on “Developer Mode” (7 times click on “Version” MIUI» In Settings → The phone).
• 🔌 Turn on "Debugging by" USB» In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• 🔗 Connect your phone to your PC via cable and confirm your trust in your computer.

Step 2: Execution of commands

Open the command line (cmd) on the PC and type:

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear).

Then use the command to remove the packet (e.g., for Mi Music):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player

List of popular removal packages:

• 🎵 Mi Music: com.miui.player
• 📺 Mi Video: com.miui.videoplayer
• 📰 Mi Browser: com.android.browser
• 🛡️ Security: com.miui.securitycenter (remove carefully!)

⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.miui.home) will cause the system to fail. Before experimenting, back up your system using adb backup or Mi Cloud.

6. Automatic cleaning of the desktop in MIUI

Xiaomi has added in the latest versions MIUI It's a shortcut automatic sorting feature, and it's useful if you install new apps often and you don't want to manually remove unnecessary icons:

1. Go to Settings. → Desktop.
2. Select "Automatic sorting".
3. Enable the option and select the criteria:

• 🔤 Alphabetically, applications will be sorted from A to Z.
• 📅 By installation date, new applications will be at the end of the.
• 🎨 By color – icons are grouped by palette (not available on all devices).
• 🗑️ Hide Unused Apps – App shortcuts that you haven’t used in more than 30 days will automatically be removed.

You can also include the option “Smart folder” here» — MIUI It will automatically group similar applications (for example, all messengers into one folder).

Limitations of function:

• ❌ It does not work for widgets and system applications.
• ❌ May be reset after the update MIUI.
• ❌ On certain devices (e.g, POCO M5) The option is hidden in the depth of the menu.

💡

Automatic sorting saves time, but does not replace manual cleaning. Periodically check the Hidden folder in the app menu, which may get the right shortcuts.

7. Recovery of accidentally deleted labels

If you delete the label of an important application (e.g., Messages or Camera), it can be returned without resetting.

Method 1: Through the menu of all applications

1. Open the application menu (swipe up from the bottom edge).
2. Find the right app and hold its icon.
3. Drag it to the desktop (the inscription “Add to the main screen” will appear).

Method 2: Through the launcher settings

If the app has disappeared from the menu:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app you want and click “Show” (if it has been hidden).
3. Return to the desktop and add the label again.

Method 3: For system applications

If the system application shortcut has disappeared after the update:

• 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI Restores standard icons automatically.
• 🔧 Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher (com.miui.home) → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• ⚠️ Warning: Clearing the launcher data will reset all your desktop settings (wallpaper, folders, widgets).

8.Desktop optimization: tips from experts

To prevent the desktop from filling chaotically, follow these recommendations:

• 📌 Use folders: Group similar applications (for example, “Social networks”, “Games”, “Work”). MIUI You can create folders (drop one folder into another).
• 🔍 Set up a search: In MIUI There's a quick app search (swipe down on desktop) instead of putting all the icons on the screen.
• 🌐 Disable Automatic Addition: In Launcher Settings (Settings) → Desktop → Additionally) disable the option “Add new applications to the desktop».
• 📱 Use gestures: Set up gestures to quickly launch frequently used apps (like double-touch for the camera).
• 🖼️ Minimize widgets: Weather or watch widgets take up a lot of space. replace them with compact versions or remove them.

For advanced users:

• 🛠️ Install Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically hide shortcuts on a schedule (for example, work apps only appear on weekdays).
• 🎨 Use themes with minimalist icons (there is a section on Minimalism in Themes»).
• 🔗 Set up Mi Share to quickly transfer frequently used files instead of placing their shortcuts on the screen.

💡

To quickly hide all the shortcuts on your desktop, install blank wallpaper with transparent icons (available in Mi Themes under Hidden Wallpaper).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing shortcuts on Xiaomi