How to reduce icons on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI 12, 13, 14 and 15

The standard size of icons in the MIUI shell often seems to Xiaomi users too large — especially on high-resolution screens like FHD+ or QHD+. Large icons not only take up extra space, but also visually “clutter” the desktop, making it difficult to find the right applications. Fortunately, MIUI has both built-in zooming tools and hidden settings to more accurately control the display of items.

Many owners of Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi 11/12/13 don’t even realize that icon sizes can be changed without installing third-party launchers. In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways, from basic settings to advanced tricks using ADB and design themes. Importantly, some methods only work on certain versions of MIUI, so we’ll show compatibility for each instruction.

If you want to not just reduce icons, but also optimize screen space, look at a combination of methods. For example, reducing icon size along with increasing the number of lines on the desktop has the maximum effect. And for users of POCO Launcher or HyperOS (new firmware for global models), we have prepared separate recommendations.

Before you make any changes, back up your desktop settings. This will help you quickly return the original view if the result does not suit you. In MIUI, backup is done through Settings → Desktop → Backup and Reset → Save screen settings.

1. Standard resizing of icons through MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use built-in zoom options, which is suitable for most Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 12-15 and does not require superuser rights.

Go to Settings → Desktop. Here you will see two key parameters:

• 📏 Size of application icons – adjusts the scale of icons on the home screen and in the application menu.
• 📱 Icon text size – changes the signature font (does not affect the icon itself).
• 🖼️ Desktop grid – allows you to increase the number of rows and columns (indirectly reduces the visual size of icons).

The icon size slider usually offers 3-5 fixed values. The minimum position corresponds to a decrease of ~30% from the standard size. Note: on some models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro), with the extreme left position of the slider, the icons become too small for a comfortable tap, so we recommend stopping at the penultimate or last division.

If icon size is not on the menu, then your version of MIUI doesn't support it, so move on to the following.

2. Use of design themes for customization of icons

Official Xiaomi Theme Store (Themes) → Online themes offer hundreds of styles, many of which include smaller icons, and are suitable for users who want to not only resize but also redesign the interface.

To find the right topic:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Online tab and search for small icons or mini icons.
3. View options marked Icon Pack – they only change icons without affecting wallpaper or fonts.
4. Download your favorite topic and apply it.

Popular themes with small icons:

• 🎨 Minimal UI — Minimalist icons with a reduced size by 20-25%.
• 🖌️ Pixel Icon Pack – icons in the style of Google Pixel with a compact display.
• 🌌 Dark Mode Icons are smaller dark icons for the AMOLED-screen.

⚠️ Note: Some themes may conflict with system applications, causing icon displays to fail. If icons are lost or distorted after applying the theme, return the standard style through the themes → My subjects. → By default.

The advantage of this method is the ability to selectively change icons, for example, in the Mix Plug theme, you can manually size each icon separately (long press → Change the icon).

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If after applying the theme icons become blurred, clear the theme app cache in the phone settings. this often solves the display problem.

3. Set up the desktop grid for optimal placement

Increasing the number of rows and columns on the desktop automatically reduces the visual size of icons, as they take up less space. MIUI This is set up through a hidden menu:

Steps to change the grid:

1. Hold your finger on the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select Desktop Settings (or Screen Settings on new versions).
3. Find the Desktop Grid item (can be called Screen Size).
4. Select the maximum number of lines (usually 5×6 or 6×7).

Comparison of grid options for Xiaomi 13 Pro (screen 2K):

On models with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14), the grid is configured differently: go to Settings → Desktop → Layout → Density and select High.

⚠️ Note: On screens with a diagonal less 6.2 inch (e.g. Redmi) 9A) net 6×7 It can make icons too small for comfortable use — 5×6.

4. Advanced settings via ADB (no root)

If standard methods don't reduce enough, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to change system settings, which works on all versions of MIUI, but requires a connection to a computer.

Instructions for changing the size of icons through ADB:

1. Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) Enter: adb shell settings put global icon_size_scale 0.7 Here. 0.7 — scale (1.0 = standard-size, 0.7 = decrease 30%).
4. Reboot the launcher with the command: adb shell am force-stop com.miui.home

Permissible values for icon_size_scale:

• 📉 0.6 - Maximum reduction (may cause artifacts).
• 📊 0.7–0.8 – Optimal balance.
• 📈 0.9 - slight reduction.

To return the standard size, follow the command:

adb shell settings delete global icon_size_scale

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Enable debugging over USB on your phone

Download ADB Tools (platform-tools)

Connect your phone to the original cable

Check the connection with the adb device command-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global Stable for the POCO X3 Pro) modification icon_size_scale In this case, use the command: adb shell cmd overlay enable-exclusive com.android.internal.display.cutout.emulation.corner (this is a temporary solution, valid until the next system update).

5. Third-party launchers for fine-tuning

If the built-in MIUI tools don't suit you, install an alternative launcher that offers flexible size settings for icons, animations, and even icon shapes.

Comparison of popular launchers:

Instructions for Nova Launcher (recommended for maximum customization):

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Hold your finger on the desktop → Settings.
3. Go to the desk. → Size of icons.
4. Move the slider to the desired value (for example, 60%).
5. In the Desktop Grid section, select 7×8 for maximum density.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🎛️ Accurate size adjustment with steps of 5-10%.
• 🔄 The ability to return a standard launcher in one click.
• 📁 Support for adaptive icons (automatic shape change).

6. Manually modifying icons through the APK editor (for experienced)

This method is suitable for users who want to individually reduce the icons of individual applications. APK-Files and graphic editors.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the APK of the application you want to change (for example, via APKMirror).
2. Unclose the file with either 7-Zip or WinRAR.
3. Go to the res → drawable-xxhdpi folder (or another folder with the resolution that matches your screen).
4. Find icon files (usually have type names) ic_launcher.png).
5. Open the image in Photoshop or GIMP, reduce it to the desired size (for example, from 192×192 to 128×128).
6. Save the changes, reassemble the APK (for example, via APKTool) and install the modified version.

Important nuances:

• 🔧 The modified app may not be updated through the Play Market.
• 🛡️ System applications (such as Settings or Phone) will require root rights.
• 🖼️ Optimal resolution for icons: ldpi: 36×36 mdpi: 48×48 hdpi: 72×72 xhdpi: 96×96 xxhdpi: 144×144 (most common)

⚠️ Attention: Systemic change APK-files without backup can lead to a bootloope (cyclic reboot).Before experimenting, create a full backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When changing the size of icons, users often encounter errors. Here's how to fix them:

Problem 1: The icons became blurred after they were reduced.

• 🔍 Reason: The system automatically scales low resolution icons.
• 🛠️ Solution: Install a theme with vector icons (like Whicons) or use a launcher with responsive icons (like Nova Launcher).

Problem 2: Icon size settings are reset after rebooting.

• 🔍 Reason: Limitations MIUI Modification of system parameters.
• 🛠️ Solution: Use ADB-Continuous application of changes: adb shell settings put secure icon_size_scale_persist 1

Problem 3: Some icons don’t change (e.g., system icons).

• 🔍 Reason: System applications use separate styles.
• 🛠️ Solution: Apply a theme that supports customization of system icons (e.g, MIUI Mix), or use the launcher with Mask icons.

Problem 4: After changing the desktop grid, the widgets moved off.

• 🔍 Reason: Widgets are tied to old screen markup.
• 🛠️ Solution: Remove and add widgets again. To save widget data (such as weather), pre-screenshot settings.

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If after all the manipulations the icons still seem too large, combine the methods: reduce the size through the settings + increase the grid density + apply a minimalist theme.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions