How to remove shortcuts from Xiaomi desktop: a complete guide for MIUI

Xiaomi’s desktop eventually turns into a chaos of unnecessary shortcuts, widgets and duplicate icons, especially after updating MIUI or installing new apps that automatically add their icons. Unlike iOS or pure Android, Xiaomi’s shell has its own nuances: you can’t just click “delete” on system shortcuts, and some icons come back after a reboot.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to clean the desktop - from basic (manual removal) to advanced (editing system files through the use of the computer). ADB). We will pay special attention to the problems that arise on different versions. MIUI 12-14, and on Redmi devices, POCO If you're tired of the clutter on the screen, or want to bring back factory minimalism, read on.

Why do Xiaomi desktops have extra shortcuts?

The causes of screen debris fall into three categories:

• 📱 Autoinstall applications: Many programs (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps) create shortcuts without asking permission.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: after major updates (for example, with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) the system may reset desktop settings and return standard widgets.
• 🤖 Viruses and Advertising Software: Some malicious applications (often from third-party sources) add shortcuts to ads or redirects to websites.

On POCO and Redmi devices with global firmware, the problem is compounded by Xiaomi’s aggressive policy of promoting its own services, such as the Mi Pay label, which can appear even if you have never used a payment system. The China ROM has fewer such shortcuts, but it has its own complexities, such as the lack of Google Play.

⚠️ Warning: If you have a label on your desktop that says "You Won a Prize" or "Free Netflix Subscription" is a 100% virus, check your device with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) immediately and remove suspicious apps in Settings. → Annexes → Application management.

Method 1: Manually remove labels (basic method)

The easiest way to do this is to hold your finger on an unwanted icon and drag it into the cart ("Delete" or "Remove" icon), but this method doesn't work for all types of shortcuts:

• ✅ Apps from Google Play: Uninstalled without problems (e.g. Facebook, Instagram).
• ⚠️ Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Community, Themes): the icon will disappear from the screen, but the application itself will remain in the system.
• ❌ Widgets (weather, clock, search bar): you can not remove with retention – you need to use another method (see section about widgets).
• ❌ Folder shortcuts: If you created a folder on your desktop, you can only rename or move it, but not remove it in the standard way.

To remove the folder shortcut, open it first, then drag all the apps out, and move the folder to the basket. If the icon doesn't disappear, try restarting the device.

Make sure it is not a system application (e.g. Phone or Messages)

Check if there are any important labels in the folder

Make a backup of the desktop (Settings → Desktop → Backup)

Restart the device after removal-->

Method 2: Disabling widgets and system icons

Widgets (e.g. weather, calendar, Google search bar) are removed differently from regular shortcuts.

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select "Widgets" (or "Widgets" in English firmware).
3. Find the widget you want to remove and drag it to the screen.
4. At the top of the screen will appear the option "Delete" (basket) - drag the widget there.

For the Google search bar (which often appears after an update), there is a separate way:

1. Open the Google app.
2. Go to Settings → General → Google Search Widget.
3. Turn off the option "Show on the main screen".

If the widget doesn't get deleted, it might be locked by the system, and the ADB method will help.

Method 3: Using hidden MIUI settings (without root)

MIUI has hidden settings that allow you to disable system applications and their shortcuts without superuser rights.

1. Install the MiuiHiddenSettings app (available on Google Play or 4PDA).
2. Open it and give access to settings (you will need permission to change system settings).
3. Go to the "App Management" section.
4. Find the app you want to remove (such as Mi Music or Mi Video).
5. Press the "Hide app icon" (Hide app icon).

This method works for most system applications, but not for everyone, for example, you can't hide the shortcuts Phone, Messages or Camera, they're protected by the system, but you can remove:

• 🎵 Mi Music (if you use Spotify or YouTube Music)
• 📺 Mi Video (replaced with YouTube or Kodi)
• 🌐 Mi Browser (if you use Chrome or Firefox)
• 🎮 Game Center (if you don’t play games from Xiaomi)

⚠️ Note: Once the icon is hidden through MiuiHiddenSettings, the app will remain on the system and will be updated via Google Play. ADB root-right.

Method 4: Removing System Shortcuts Through ADB (Advanced Method)

If the previous methods did not help, you will have to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to completely uninstall system applications, including those that are not removed by standard means. ADB It can cause system failures!

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows) and type:

adb devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the Xiaomi driver and try again.

1. To see a list of all installed applications, type:

adb shell pm list packages -f

1. Find the package you want to remove from the list, for example: Mi Browser: com.android.browser Mi Music: com.miui.player GetApps: com.xiaomi.mipicks

package.name

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package.name

The --user 0 flag means that the application is only removed for the current user (without affecting system files), which is safer than a complete uninstallation.

⚠️ Warning: Do not delete packages with the names com.android, com.miui.home or com.xiaomi - this can lead to a crash of the launcher (the desktop will stop opening.

Method 5: Reset the launcher settings (if nothing helps)

If after all the manipulations on the desktop remain "ghost" shortcuts or settings are lost, resetting the launcher (the program responsible for displaying the desktop) will help. This will return the standard MIUI look, but will delete all your screen settings (wallpaper, folders, widgets).

How to drop the launcher:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the application "Luncher" (or "Launcher", "MIUI Home").
3. Click on "Storage" → "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache".
4. Confirm the action. The phone might just hang out for a while, which is normal.

After discharge:

• ✅ All user shortcuts and widgets will disappear.
• ✅ Standard wallpaper and icon location will return.
• ❌ System applications will be saved (they must be removed separately).
• ❌ Gesture and animation settings may be reset.

If the launcher is unstable after reset (for example, wallpaper disappears or folders do not open), try reinstall it:

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


adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.home

How to prevent the emergence of new labels?

To prevent the desktop from getting littered again, follow these tips:

• 🛡️ Turn off automatic application installation: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Store. disable the option "Auto Update" or "Installation".

Install applications only from verified sources

Check the application permissions

Update MIUI regularly

Xiaomi

For POCO and Redmi devices with global firmware, you can also turn off ads in MIUI:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on MIUI Version 7-10 times until the message “You are a developer” appears.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option to "Disable Advertising" MIUI" (or "disable" MIUI Ads" and activate it.

💡

If you install new apps often, create a Test folder on your desktop and put all the new shortcuts in it, and in a week, check which ones you really need, and delete the rest.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing shortcuts on Xiaomi

💡

Before any manipulation of system files, back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save your data if something goes wrong.