How to reduce the size of icons on Android Xiaomi: all working methods

Why Xiaomi has too big icons and how to fix it

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the problem of overly large desktop icons, which not only spoils the aesthetics of the interface, but also reduces the number of apps displayed on a single screen. The reason lies in the branded shell MIUI, which by default uses enlarged elements to “convenience” users, but this approach is not popular – especially those who are accustomed to compact location on previous versions of Android or other brands.

Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce icons on Xiaomi, from standard MIUI settings to hidden features for power users. In this article, we will break down all the current methods for 2026, including root-free solutions using ADB and even through third-party launchers. It is important to consider that the options available depend on the version of MIUI (13, 14 or 15) and the device model - more about this in the compatibility table below.

Before you make any changes, make sure your device has the latest firmware installed. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Also, we recommend backing up data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset, as some methods may require a launcher reset.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use built-in shell options. In recent versions of MIUI, developers have added the ability to adjust the size of the icons, although with some limitations, this method is suitable for most models, Released after 2021 (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5 and later).

Instructions:

• 📱 Long pressing on the free space of the desktop → Select Screen Settings (or Home Screen Settings in the MIUI 15).
• 🔍 Scroll down to the icon size section (some versions call it the layout).
• 📏 Move the slider to the left to reduce the size. Available values: Small, Medium, Large.
• 🔄 Click Apply and wait until the launcher reboots (may take up to 10 seconds).

Note: In MIUI 13 and older, this option may be hidden if you use Simple Mode (for older users). To turn it off, go to Settings → Special Options → Simple Mode and deactivate the option.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Redmi) 9A/9C, POCO M3) When you change the size of the icons, you can get lost in alignment, and then you can reset the launcher settings. → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Method 2: Use of ADB (for power users)

If standard settings don't offer enough flexibility, you can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands, which allows you to set an arbitrary size of icons, including values that are not available in the GUI, suitable for all devices on MIUI 12 and later, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode) → Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
3. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
4. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type:

adb shell settings put global icon_scale_factor 0.8

Where 0.8 is the scale factor (range 0.6 to 1.2). After completing the command, restart the launcher with the command:

adb shell am force-stop com.miui.home

To return to the standard size, use a value of 1.0. This method works even on devices that do not have a graphical slider setting.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Xiaomi Mi) 11 Lite, Redmi Note 10 Pro) after application ADB-The animations may be lost when you click on the icons. To return them, follow the command adb shell settings delete global settings. icon_scale_factor and reboot the phone.

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If after changing the size of the icons through ADB they became blurred, try clearing the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache.

Method 3: Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If the built-in MIUI is not good, you can always install an alternative launcher, which not only solves the problem of icon size, but also adds additional customization features.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports customization of icon size with 1% increments, adaptive icons, gestures.
• 🎨 Apex Launcher – lightweight launcher with the ability to scale icons and desktop grid.
• 🚀 Hyperion Launcher – optimized for Xiaomi, retains branded chips MIUI with added flexibility.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click on the free desktop space → Settings → Desktop.
3. Select the size of the icons and move the slider (values from 50% to 150%) are available.
4. For fine tuning, go to Additional → Grid Size and set the number of rows/columns (e.g. 6×6 for maximum density).

The advantage of this method is the ability to adjust not only the size of the icons, but also the indentations between them, the style of folders and even animations. However, note that some system functions of MIUI (for example, Dual applications or Second Space Mode) may not work correctly with third-party launchers.

Method 4: Editing system files (requires root)

For root-right users, the most flexible method is direct editing of MIUI configuration files, which allows you to set any size of icons, including non-standard values, as well as change the indentations between them. However, this approach requires caution, since incorrect edits can lead to the crash of the launcher.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Cross the path. /data/system/users/0/ and find the file. miui_home_config.xml.
3. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines: <icon_scale>1.0</icon_scale> <grid_size>5x6</grid_size>
4. Change the meaning. icon_scale (for example 0.75) and save the file.
5. Reboot the launcher with the command su -c am force-stop com.miui.home.

You can also edit the parameter. grid_size, To change the number of icons on the screen, for example, the value of the image. 6x7 allow for 42 Icons instead of standard ones 30. This method works on all versions. MIUI, You need to have a Magisk or other root rights manager.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 Android 13+ file miui_home_config.xml SELinux can be protected. To access, run at the terminal: su setenforce 0 But remember, this temporarily shuts down the system's defenses!

Method 5: Configure through MIUI themes

Little-known fact: some themes in the MIUI Dark Store automatically resize icons, and this works thanks to built-in styles that override standard launcher settings. The method does not require root or ADB, but the choice of themes with this feature is limited.

How to find the right topic:

• 🎭 Open the Themes app on your device.
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter compact icons or small icons.
• 📥 Download and apply one of the themes marked Mini Icons or Dense Layout.
• 🔄 If the icons did not change immediately, restart the launcher through Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Forced stopping.

Popular themes with support for small icons:

• 🖼️ Minimalist Dark – Dark Theme with Smaller Icons and a Closed Grid.
• 🌌 Cosmic Compact – futuristic design with icons 20% smaller than standard.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – imitation of the style of Google Pixel with a compact location.

The disadvantage of this method is the dependence on the authors of the topics. After updating MIUI, the topic may stop working correctly, and you will have to look for an alternative, and some topics are paid (costs from 100 to 300 rubles).

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MIUI themes are the only way to resize icons without technical manipulation, but the choice is limited and not all themes support this feature.

Method 6: Using Magisk modules (for advanced)

For users with Magisk, specialized modules are available that modify the system parameters of MIUI. One of the most popular is MIUI Blur, which, among other features, allows you to fine-tune the size of icons, indentations and even the shape of folders.

Installation instructions:

1. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
2. Click + and select Download from the network.
3. Find the MIUI Blur module (author: Draco) and install it.
4. After installation, restart the device.
5. Open the MIUI Blur app and go to Home Screen → Icon Size.
6. Set the desired size (available values of 60% to 120%) and apply the changes.

Advantages of the module:

• 🎛️ Accurate setup with 5% increments (as opposed to the standard 25% increments) MIUI).
• 🔄 Ability to save multiple setting profiles.
• 🛠️ Additional features: changing animations, hiding icon tags, customizing gestures.

Note: MIUI Blur is not compatible with all versions of MIUI. At the time of writing (June 2026), it works on MIUI 14 and 15, but can cause bugs on MIUI 13.

Compatibility table with Xiaomi models

Not all methods work on all devices, and here is a compatibility table for popular models (relevant to MIUI 14/15):

If your model isn't in the table, focus on the MIUI version and release year. Devices in 2020 and later generally support most methods, whereas older models (Redmi 8, Mi 9) only have third-party launchers or ADBs available.

Frequently asked questions