How to remove the icon from the screen of the Xiaomi phone: from apps to system icons

On the screen of your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO appeared unnecessary icon that interferes with and spoils the appearance of the desktop? Don’t rush to reset the settings to the factory — in 90% of cases, the icon can be removed in a few seconds. The problem is that in the shell MIUI (and the new HyperOS) removal methods depend on the type of icon: it can be an application shortcut, a widget, a system icon or even an advertising banner.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible scenarios, from basic application removal to hiding system elements that aren’t removed by standard methods. We’ll focus on hidden MIUI features that aren’t written about in the official instructions but save time. For example, did you know that some icons can be removed through Settings → Desktop, even if they aren’t deleted with a long press?

The instructions are suitable for all current models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, as well as for devices on HyperOS (starting in 2026).If your smartphone runs on Android Go or the old version of MIUI (up to the 12th), some points may differ - we will mention this too.

1. How to remove the app icon from the desktop

The most common case is that you've got a label on a program that you don't use, and there are two scenarios.

• 📱 The application is installed by you – it can be removed completely or simply remove the icon from the screen.
• 🔄 System application – it can not be removed, but you can hide or disable it.

To remove the icon of the installed application:

1. Click on the icon and hold for 1-2 seconds until the menu appears.
2. At the top of the screen, select Remove (basket icon).
3. Confirm the action – the application will be uninstalled and the icon will disappear.

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If you have a Remove from the Screen instead of the Recycle Bin, you are trying to remove the shortcut, not the app itself, in which case the icon will simply disappear from the desktop, but the program will remain in the application menu.

For system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps), the option to delete will not work.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the desired application in the list and select Disable.
3. Confirm the action – the icon will disappear from the screen, and the application will stop working.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications (such as Mi Security or Mi Account) may cause your phone to malfunction. Do not disable programs marked "System" unless absolutely necessary.

2. Removal of widgets and folders with icons

Widgets (e.g. weather, watches, notes) and icon folders are removed differently from regular shortcuts, so the key is not to confuse deleting the widget with deleting the application it belongs to.

To remove the widget:

1. Press the widget and hold for 1-2 seconds.
2. In the menu that appears, select Delete (or drag the widget to the basket at the top of the screen).
3. If the widget is not removed, try resizing it first (stretch or squeeze with two fingers) and then try again.

For the icon folders:

• 📁 Click on the folder and hold until the menu appears.
• 🗑️ Select Delete folder – all icons inside it will return to the desktop.
• 🔄 If you need to save icons, drag them from the folder to the screen first, and then delete the folder itself.

3. How to hide system icons (calling, messages, camera)

System icons (e.g. Phone, Messages, Camera) cannot be removed by standard methods, but they can be hidden or replaced. MIUI And HyperOS has a few ways to do that:

Method 1: Hiding through desktop settings

1. Go to Settings. → Desktop.
2. Select Icon Setting (or Icon Management in HyperOS).
3. Uncheck the boxes against unnecessary icons (such as Calendar or Records).
4. Click Ready – the icons will disappear from the screen, but will remain in the app menu.

Method 2: Use the "Other icons" folder

Some versions of MIUI have a hidden folder for system icons:

1. Click on the free space on the desktop and hold for 2 seconds.
2. In the menu, select Desktop Settings → Folders.
3. Activate the Other icons option – all system icons will be automatically moved to a separate folder.

4.Removal of banner ads and unnecessary MIUI widgets

One of the most unpleasant features of MIUI is banner ads that can appear on the desktop in the form of icons or widgets (for example, “Recommended Apps” or “Shares from Xiaomi”).

Method 1: Disabling Advertising in Settings

1. Go to Settings. → PapaSSWORD & SECURITY → Authorization & revocation (new versions: Settings) → Xiaomi Account → Advertising).
2. Turn off the options: 📢 Personalized recommendations 📢 Promotional notices 📢 Showing Advertising on the Desktop

Restart your phone – the banners should disappear.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (for power users)

If you still have ads, you can turn them off via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution

Once this command is executed, banner ads will disappear forever, but some system updates may bring them back.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It requires you to turn on Developer Mode and connect your phone to your computer, and the wrong commands can disrupt your system.

Enable Developer Mode (7 times press "Version" MIUI" customized)

Activate debugging over USB in the developer settings

Install ADB drivers on your computer

Download the ADB platform (for example, from Google)

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trusted device-->

5. Reset desktop settings (if nothing helps)

If after all the manipulations, unnecessary icons are left, or the desktop starts to glittle, resetting the launcher settings will help, which will return the screen to the factory appearance, but will not affect your data or installed applications.

To reset the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI Launcher (or HyperOS Launcher in newer versions) in the list.
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Confirm the action – the desktop will reboot and all icons will return to the standard look.

After discharge:

• 🔄 You will have to re-arrange icons and widgets.
• 📱 All previously hidden icons will be visible again.
• ⚙️ The settings of the wallpaper and so will be thrown to the factory.

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Resetting the launcher is a last resort, so before you do that, try rebooting your phone or upgrading your MIUI to the latest version, and 80 percent of the time, it's solved without resetting.

6.Alternative launchers: a radical solution

If standard methods don't work, or you're tired of struggling with the limitations of MIUI, you can install a third-party launcher.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – flexible settings, gesture support, hiding icons.
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, minimalist design.
• ⚡ Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher.
• 📱 POCO Launcher – the official launcher from Xiaomi, but without advertising.

After installing an alternative launcher:

1. Open the launcher settings (usually a long press on the free screen space).
2. Find Hidden Apps or Icon Settings.
3. Choose the icons you want to hide and make changes.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🔧 Full control over icons (you can hide even system).
• 🎨 Customization of appearance (themes, animations, icon sizes).
• 🚀 Lack of advertising and unnecessary widgets.

⚠️ Attention: Some functions MIUI (For example, Second Space or App Lock may not work properly with third-party launchers. Check compatibility on forums before installing, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When removing icons, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Another common mistake is to try to remove the Google Play icon of the Store or Settings, which are system-based applications and can result in:

• 🔴 Loss of access to the app store.
• 🔴 Inability to upgrade your phone.
• 🔴 Android malfunctions.

If you accidentally delete an important icon, it can be returned:

1. Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the right app in the list.
3. Click on it and hold it, then drag it to the desktop.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions