Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones feature high-pixel density displays that allow for sharp and detailed images. However, standard MIUI or HyperOS shell interface settings do not always meet the needs of advanced users. Often, there is a need to change the visual perception of the desktop, making controls more compact to accommodate more widgets and application shortcuts.
The question of how to reduce icons on Xiaomi is relevant for those who are used to minimalism or use devices with a screen diagonal of more than 6.5 inches. Large elements by default can take up too much usable space, forcing you to constantly flip through screens. Fortunately, Android provides flexible customization tools that do not require superuser rights.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for resizing interface elements, learning how to manage the screen grid, adjust the system font and use hidden features to achieve the desired result.
Use of built-in design themes
The easiest and safest way to change the visual style, including the size of app shortcuts, is to use the Themes app. Xiaomi’s official store features thousands of designs created by both the company and independent designers, many of which dramatically change the geometry of the desktop.
When choosing a new theme, look at the screenshots in the description. Often, designers make icons more compact or, conversely, more rounded and larger. The theme installation affects not only shortcuts, but also the notification bar, settings menu and system sounds. It is a complete solution for those who want to refresh the appearance of the gadget.
To install, go to the Themes app, select your favorite design, and click Download and then Apply. If you only like the icon style but not other elements, some themes allow components to be selectively applied. Once the changes are applied, the interface may require a reboot.
- 🎨 Open the “Themes” app on the main screen.
- 🔍 In the search, type “Small icons” or “Compact».
- ⬇️ Download and apply your favorite theme of design.
- 🔄 If necessary, restart the device for correct display.
⚠️ Note: Some third-party themes may contain ads or require you to watch videos to unlock.Use only proven high-ranking themes.
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Before installing a new theme, take a screenshot of the current desktop settings to know which widgets and folders will need to be placed again.
It's important to understand that the theme changes the graphical shell, but not always the physical size of the clickable area. Visually, the elements will become smaller, but the grid will remain the same if you don't change other parameters. This is a good first step for those who are afraid to go deep into the system settings.
Setting up the desktop grid
The fundamental parameter that affects the number and size of objects you see is the grid of the screen, and changing the number of rows and columns automatically recalculates the size of each cell, and the more cells you put on the screen, the smaller each individual element will be.
To access these settings, you need to go to the desktop editing menu. On most devices with a MIUI shell and HyperOS, this is done by long pressing on the empty space of the screen or pinching with two fingers (finger mixing), in the menu that appears, you need to select Settings (often looks like a gear).
In the window that opens, look for the Grid or Layout section, and you'll be asked to choose a configuration like 4x6, 5x6, or even 6x9 for larger displays, and the option with more columns and rows is a direct answer to the question of how to reduce the icons on Xiaomi by software.
Once you have a new configuration, it will instantly redesign the desktop, all the shortcuts will shrink to fit into the new boundaries, and this is the most efficient method that doesn't require any additional software, but you have to consider that the text underneath the icons can also become very small and poorly readable.
- 📐 Make a long press on the free section of the screen.
- ⚙️ Click on the settings icon in the bottom corner of the menu.
- 📱 Select the "Grid" or "More" option».
- ✅ Set the maximum number of rows and columns.
Note that different versions of firmware may have different menu layouts. In some cases, the grid option is placed in the general settings of the system along the Settings → Desktop path. If you don't find this item in the quick menu, check the main settings menu of the phone.
| Grid configuration | Number of cells | Visual effect | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 6 | 24 | Major elements | For users with poor vision |
| 5 x 6 | 30 | Standard size | Balance between capacity and readability |
| 6 x 9 | 54 | Miniature elements | To accommodate the maximum number of widgets |
| 5 x 7 | 35 | Elongated cells | For narrow screens and contact lists |
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Changing the grid is the most effective way to reduce the size of icons without losing image quality and installing third-party software.
Adjusting font size and scaling
The size of the app shortcut is not just the graphics, but the text signature underneath, and by reducing the system font, you visually free up the space around the icon, which will create the effect of reducing the entire element, and this setting is in the special features section.
Go to Settings → Screen → Text Size. Here you will see a slider that moves to the left will reduce the letters throughout the system. Be careful not to set a minimum value at once, as text in some applications may become unreadable or cropped.
In addition to text, the current versions of Android and MIUI have the option “Size of screen elements” or “Scale” that affects the indentations and overall proportions of the interface. Scaling down compresses all controls, making the interface denser and more informative.
This method is especially useful for users with Redmi Note or Xiaomi Mi models, where the screen diagonal allows you to comfortably perceive reduced text. The combination of small font and dense grid gives the best result for multitasking users.
- 🔤 Go to the screen settings of your smartphone.
- 📉 Find the text size slider and move it to the left.
- 👁️ Check the display in different applications.
- ⚖️ Adjust the scale of elements for balance.
⚠️ Warning: Excessive font reduction can make the interface uncomfortable for everyday use in bright sunlight.
Hidden font settings
Application of third-party launchers
If standard MIUI or HyperOS shells don’t suit you, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher, a complete replacement for the standard desktop that gives you full control of every pixel on the screen, and popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and Lawnchair.
Once a launcher is installed (like Nova Launcher), it needs to be given the necessary permissions. Xiaomi is known for its aggressive energy saving policy, so you need to prevent the system from "killing" the launcher process. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find your launcher, go to "Sun Start" and turn it on, and also select "No restrictions" in "Battery".
In the launcher settings, you'll find an advanced grid editor, you can set the grid to 10x10, 12x12 and even higher, and you can also set the percentage size of the icons, the indentations between them, and the signature font size, regardless of the system settings.
☑️ Installation of a third-party launcher
Using a third-party launcher is the most flexible option. You can create a Job profile with small and strict icons and a Home profile with large widgets. However, it is worth remembering that third-party launchers can consume more battery resources than a standard shell.
- 📲 Download Nova Launcher or analogue from Google Play.
- 🔓 Give all the requested permits for work.
- ⚙️ In the launcher settings, select “Desktop» → «Grid».
- 🎚️ Slider “Scale of icons” reduce them to the desired size.
An important advantage of launchers is the ability to use icon packs. You can download a package of minimalistic black and white icons that visually take up less space and do not create noise on the screen, even if their physical size remains the same.
Special Opportunities and DPI settings
For power users who aren't afraid to experiment, there's a method of changing the density of dots per inch (DPI) through the developer menu. It's a system parameter that forces Android to recalculate the sizes of all the interface elements.
To activate the developer menu, you need to quickly click on the build number in the About Phone section 7 times. After the notification “You became a developer”, a new option “Advanced Settings” → “For developers” will appear in the settings menu.
In the list of options, find Smallest width. Remember or write down the original value (usually 360-411 dp) to be able to go back. Increasing this number (for example, to 450 or 500) will reduce all interface elements, including icons, fonts and indentations.
adb shell wm density 480This command can be executed via ADB on your computer by connecting your phone over USB if you don't want to get into the phone's menu, which will change the pixel density globally, but changing the DPI can cause some applications to display incorrectly or "go" to the layout.
⚠️ Attention: change DPI If the values are not matched correctly, the phone may become unusable without resetting the settings.
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Always write down the original DPI before changing. For most Xiaomi smartphones, this value is in the 360-420 dp range.
This method is considered "expert"; it gives maximum control, but requires caution. If the screen turns black after changing the values or the buttons stop pressing, try quickly connecting the keyboard and mouse (via OTG) or using voice control to return the settings back, or reset via Recovery.