How to reduce the size of icons on Xiaomi: all the ways from standard to hidden

Are you tired of the huge icons on Xiaomi’s screen that take up half the display and interfere with comfortable use?The problem of too large icons is especially relevant for owners of devices with small screens (for example, Redmi 10A or POCO M5), where every centimeter of space counts. Fortunately, MIUI has several ways to reduce the size of icons – from standard settings to hidden features for power users.

In this article, we will analyze 7 proven methods, including changes through the theme of design, launcher settings, ADB-commands and even system file editing (for advanced ones) you will learn how to reduce icons on any version MIUI (including 14 and 15) what are the limitations on different models (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi) 13T, POCO X5 Pro et al.), and how to get it back if you don't like it, and we'll also explain why icons sometimes spontaneously enlarge after an update and how to fix it.

1. Standard method: resizing through theme settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI Themes tools, which works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 12) and does not require superuser rights.

Open the Themes app (Brush icon) and go to My profile → Settings → Icon Size. Here you will see a slider that allows you to reduce icons to 75% of the standard size.

• 🔹 Works only for desktop icons (does not affect notification panel or system icons).
• 🔹 In some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) The slider may not be there – in this case, try the following method.
• 🔹 After updating MIUI The settings may reset — they will have to be reconfigured.

If the slider is missing, check if you are using a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion), in which case the icon size is adjusted in the launcher settings itself, not through the Themes.

2. Size change through launcher settings (hidden function)

MIUI Launcher (standard shell) has a hidden option that allows you to more accurately adjust the size of the icons, this method works even where there is no slider in the Topics.

1. Press the free space on the desktop with your finger and select Desktop Settings.
2. Go to Additional Settings → Icon Size (on some firmware, the item may be called Desktop Layout).
3. Choose one of the predefined options: Small, Medium or Large.
4. To apply the changes, restart the launcher (swipe it out of multitasking).

This is less flexible than the Topic slider, but it's more stable and doesn't reset after updates. If this doesn't work for you, read on, we'll talk about more advanced methods.

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If the icons look blurry after resizing, try changing the theme to standard MIUI Default – this often solves the rendering problem.

3.Use of ADB-commands for fine tuning (without root)

For those who are not afraid of the command line, there is a way to resize icons through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on all Xiaomi devices with unlocked USB debugging and does not require superuser rights.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Next, execute the following commands in the terminal (replace 0.8 with the desired coefficient, where 1.0 is the standard size, 0.7 is a 30% decrease):

adb shell settings put global icon_scale 0.8


adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.miui.home/.launcher.Launcher

After the commands are executed, the launcher will restart, and you will see changes. To return the standard size, use:

adb shell settings put global icon_scale 1.0

Enable debugging over USB

Install ADB Tools on PC

Connect your phone to the original cable

Allow debugging on the phone (pop-up window)

Reboot the launcher after commands-->

4. Reduce icons through editing system files (root required)

If you have root rights on your Xiaomi, you can manually edit the system files that control the size of the icons, which gives you maximum flexibility, but requires caution - incorrect changes can lead to a crash of the launcher.

You will need any root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).

1. Open the file manager and go to /data/system/users/0/
2. Find the file. miui_launcher_preferences.xml Open it in the text editor.
3. Find the line with the parameter icon_scale (If it is not, add it manually).
4. Change the value to the desired one (for example, 0.75 to reduce by 25%).
5. Save the file and restart the device.

Warning: Before editing, back up the file! If the launcher stopped working after the changes, delete the file miui_launcher_preferences.xml — It will be restored automatically with standard settings.

5.Using third-party launchers for flexible setup

If the built-in methods don't suit you, the best way out is to install a third-party launcher.

To install a third-party launcher:

1. Download. APK-file from the official website (for example, Nova Launcher).
2. Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).
3. Launch the launcher and select it as the main one in the default settings.
4. In the launcher settings, find the section Size of icons or Desktop layout.

The advantage of this method is that you not only get control over the size of the icons, but also additional features such as customizable grid, gestures and a dark theme for all interface elements.

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The launcher side is the only way to reduce icons below 70% of the standard size on Xiaomi without root rights.

6 Why icons spontaneously enlarge and how to fix it

Many Xiaomi users have a problem when, after updating MIUI or rebooting the device, the icons suddenly return to their standard size.

• 🔄 Automatic reset of launcher settings when updating the system.
• 📱 Conflict between system theme and user settings.
• 🔧 File errors miui_launcher_preferences.xml (If you edited it manually).

To prevent spontaneous change in the size of the icons:

1. Turn off automatic themes updates: Go to Themes → Settings → Auto-Update Themes and deactivate the option.
2. Block Launcher Settings (root required): Use App Ops or Lucky Patcher to prevent the launcher from changing its settings.
3. Use it. ADB-Size-fixing command: adb shell settings put global icon_scale_lock 1 This team will block the resizing of icons through system updates.

If the icons have already increased, just repeat one of the methods described above (for example, through ADB or launcher settings).

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After each major MIUI update, check the icon size – sometimes system settings are reset even when auto-update is disabled.

7. Features for different Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models

Not all methods work equally well on different Xiaomi devices, but here’s what you need to know about specific models:

On devices with MIUI for POCO (such as the POCO X4 Pro or the POCO M6 Pro), standard launcher settings may not be available, in which case the best option is to use ADB or install Nova Launcher.

On budget models (Redmi) A2, Redmi 10C) Due to weak iron, third-party launchers can work with delays. ADB-method or standard setting.

FAQ: Frequent questions about reducing icons on Xiaomi