How to reduce the icons on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 14 and 15

Xiaomi desktop icons seem too big? you're not alone - many users MIUI This problem is encountered after updating to MIUI 14/15, And there are a few ways, fortunately, to bring back the compact look, from standard settings to hidden features, and even a few other ways to make it look more compact. ADB-Teams for Advanced Users.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including changes through theme settings, editing launcher settings, using third-party shells and manipulating system files. We will focus on the nuances for different models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, so assess the risks in advance.

If you're looking for a solution for your model, check the compatibility of the methods in the table below, and if you're willing to experiment, we'll start to look at each option in detail.

1. Standard settings MIUI: scale and grid icons

To start with, the basics are built-in MIUI tools that are available without any further manipulation, and the manufacturer has made it possible to adjust the size of the icons through theme settings, but not everyone knows where to look for these options.

Go to: Settings → Desktop → Desktop grid

Here you will see the Size of Icons slider (not available on all firmware) and grid options: from 4×5 to 5×6. The more cells, the smaller the icons will look. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, when choosing 5×6, the icon size decreases by ~20% compared to the standard 4×5.

• 🔹 Pros: does not require root rights or ADB, It works with all models with MIUI 12+.
• 🔸 Cons: Minimal reduction (maximum 25%), does not affect the font size in the titles.
• 📌 Nuance: on some firmware (e.g, MIUI 14 Global) icon size slider may not be available - then proceed to the next method.

If your version of MIUI doesn’t have a slider, try an alternative path: Settings → Display → Text and display size → Element size

You can scale down all interface elements by up to 80%, but it will affect not only icons but also the fonts on the menu.

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In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Too small icons can impair readability in bright sunlight. 4×6 icon-size 90%.

2. Hidden launcher settings: editing the configuration file

For users ready for a deeper setup, there is a way to resize icons through editing the system file. launcher_config.xml. This method works for all Xiaomi models with MIUI 13–15, It requires access to the file system.

You'll need:

• 📱 File Manager with access to the root folder (for example, MiXplorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🔧 Developer mode enabled (activated by 7-fold pressing on the Version) MIUI phone-setting).
• 📝 Backup of the file launcher_config.xml (trailing /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/).

Instructions:

1. Open the file. launcher_config.xml text-edit.
2. Find the lines: <string name="pref_key_icon_size_factor">1.0</string> <string name="pref_key_icon_text_size_factor">1.0</string> Here. 1.0 — Replace it with a standard size. 0.8 downsize 20% or 0.7 for 30%.
3. Save the file and restart the launcher (or phone).

Make a backup file.|Ensure that root rights are available|Shut down. MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings|Use a reliable text editor-->

Warning: Incorrect editing of this file may cause the launcher to crash. If the desktop stopped opening after the changes, return the original version of the file or reset the launcher settings through Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear the data.

3.Use of ADB-Teams for Advanced Users

If previous methods have not yielded sufficient results, you can resort to ADB-This is a way of changing the density of the screen (DPI), This is a very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very well. MIUI 14/15 on models with unlocked loader.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB-drivers on PC and connect the phone in Debugging mode USB (It is included in the developer settings).
2. Check the connection command: Adb devices should display the serial number of your device.
3. Find out the current DPI value: adb shell wm density Standard values: 440 for Full HD, 480 for QHD.
4. Set a new value (e.g. 400 to reduce by ~10%): adb shell wm density 400
5. Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

A critical nuance: changing the DPI can break the display of some applications (e.g. banking or gaming). To return a standard value, use the command:

adb shell wm density reset

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Changing the DPI through ADB is the most effective way to reduce icons, but it requires caution. Always test new values for 1-2 days before continuing to use.

Installation of alternative launcher (Nova, Hyperion, Lawnchair)

If you don't want to mess with system settings, the most reliable way is to install a third-party launcher.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports setting the size of icons with step 1%, flexible nets (up to) 10×10), adaptive.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – optimized for Xiaomi, has built-in themes MIUI.
• 🛠️ Lawnchair – open source, minimalist design with the ability to fine-tune.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Go to Settings Nova → Desktop → Icon Size.
3. Choose a value from 70% to 130% (recommended 80-85% for a compact view).
4. In the Desktop Grid section, set 5×6 or 6×7.

The advantage of this method is complete reversibility: you can return a standard MIUI launcher at any time without losing data. In addition, third-party shells often offer additional features that are absent from stock firmware (for example, gestures or support for Icon Packs).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10A) If you install an alternative launcher, you may lose access to Quick Commands (swipe down on the desktop) and you may have to temporarily return the standard launcher to return the function.

5. edit the build.prop file (root only)

For users with unlocked bootloader and root-rights, there is a radical method - changing the system file build.prop. This method allows you to globally reduce the scale of the interface, but requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Open /system/build.prop in a root-access text editor (e.g. BuildProp Editor).
2. Find a line. ro.sf.lcd_density=XXX (where XXX — current DPI).
3. Replace the value with the desired (for example, ro.sf.lcd_density=400 For the Redmi Note 11).
4. Save the file and restart the phone.

This method gives the maximum reduction of icons (up to 30–40%), but has serious side effects:

• 🚨 Failures in some system applications (MIUI Security, Gallery).
• 🔄 Manual adjustments after each update MIUI.
• ⚠️ Risk of a “brick” when editing error (always do backup build.prop).

If the phone stops loading after the changes, restore the original build.prop via TWRP or Fastboot:

fastboot flash system system.img

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To help determine, we have compiled a comparative table of all methods, indicating the complexity, risks and effectiveness:

For most users, the best solution is to combine method 1 (grid) and method 4 (Nova Launcher), which gives a noticeable reduction in icons without risk to the system. If you need maximum reduction, use ADB or build.prop editing, but only after you have created a full backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about reducing icons on Xiaomi