How to reduce the desktop grid Xiaomi: the complete guide

Owners of modern Xiaomi smartphones often face a situation where the standard layout of interface elements no longer meets their needs. Screens become larger and the resolution of the matrices increases, which allows you to display more information, but sometimes this leads to the desktop looking too empty or, conversely, overloaded with small details. Users are looking for a way to change the number of rows and columns to optimize the space for their tasks.

MIUI and its new successor HyperOS offer a lot of customization options, but the hidden grid settings aren’t always obvious to the average user. Changing pixel density or cell count requires understanding how the system renders icons and widgets. In this article, we’ll look at all the available methods, from standard tools to advanced tools.

It’s worth noting that changing the mesh settings directly affects the ergonomics of using the device. Too small elements can make navigation difficult, while too large precious display space. Proper tuning helps create the perfect balance between visual aesthetics and functionality of your gadget.

Standard grid settings in MIUI and HyperOS

The first thing to do before making changes is to explore the capabilities that the manufacturer itself provides. In recent versions of the shells from Xiaomi, the desktop configuration functionality has become more flexible, allowing the user to choose from several (preset) layout options.

To access the basic settings, you need to pinch an empty space on the desktop or pinch a two-fingered one. In the menu that opens, you should select Settings (usually the gear icon), and here is the Grid or Grid Size section, where the system suggests you select the number of rows and columns.

• 📱 Standard grid. 4x6 Suitable for most users, providing large, easy-to-press icons.
• ⚙️ Option 5x7 allows you to place more applications, slightly reducing their size, which is important for devices with a diagonal of 6.5 inches.
• 🔍 Regime. 6x8 available on some high-resolution models, but makes the interface elements quite small.

It's important to understand that the standard settings are limited by the system's algorithms. You can't randomly set a 9x12 grid, for example, without using third-party software. The system launcher protects the user from creating an unreadable interface, so the choices are limited.

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The standard settings allow you to change only the number of cells, but not their actual physical size regardless of the screen resolution.

Using Developer Mode for Fine Customization

If standard options aren't enough, you can turn to hidden Android features. Developer mode is a powerful tool that gives you access to settings that are usually hidden from the eyes of the average user. Here you can find settings that affect the minimum width of the interface.

To activate this mode, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI Version or OS Version. After the notification that you have become a developer, a new section Additional or Advanced Settings will appear in the settings menu.

Inside the developer menu, we're interested in Smallest width, which has a direct impact on how much content is placed on the screen, and increasing the number makes all the elements, including the desktop grid, visually smaller.

⚠️ Warning: Be extremely careful when changing the minimum width. Too many can make the interface unreadable, and it will be difficult to get it back without resetting the settings.

It's recommended that you write down the original value before you make changes, and if you accidentally set an extreme setting, the screen may turn black or the controls disappear outside the visible area, in which case only a complete data reset or flashing will help.

Third-party launchers as a solution to the problem

The most flexible way to change the desktop grid is to install an alternative launcher. Apps from the Google Play Store, such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchair, provide almost limitless customization options.

Once you have this launcher, it becomes the main interface of the system, and you can set any number of rows and columns in the settings that support your screen resolution, and you can create a unique structure for your workspace.

• 🎨 Nova Launcher lets you customize the grid separately for the home screen and app menu.
• 🚀 Lawnchair offers clean Android style and flexible icon size settings.
• 📂 Microsoft Launcher integrates perfectly with the Windows ecosystem and has convenient tape widgets.

Using third-party software requires device resources; on older Xiaomi models with little RAM, this can lead to micro-latency when switching between screens; however, on modern processors, the difference is almost invisible.

Comparison of methods of changing the grid

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the risks and opportunities of each way to change the display parameters.

As you can see from the table, for most users, third-party launchers are the best solution, combining security with high customization, and the developer mode is best used only by experienced users who understand the consequences of changing the DPI.

It’s also worth mentioning that some Xiaomi system widgets may not display correctly in third-party launchers, such as weather or pedometer widgets, which may lose functionality or appearance, and you’ll have to look for alternative widgets on Google Play.

Advanced customization through ADB

For those who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method of changing the density of the screen through debugging over USB, which allows you to set an exact DPI value that you can not select from the usual settings menu.

To start, you need to enable USB debugging in developer mode and connect the phone to the computer. The PC needs to have ADB Driver and platform tools installed. The command to change density is as follows:

adb shell wm density 400

In this example, 400 is the density value. The standard values for Xiaomi smartphones usually range from 360 to 480. Decreasing the number will make the items larger, magnifying them smaller. To return the standard value, use the command adb shell wm density reset.

⚠️ Attention: The wrong density value can lead to the fact that you will not be able to control the phone.Always have the opportunity to perform a reset via Recovery on hand.

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Before changing the DPI through ADB, take a picture of the current value or write it down so you can quickly return to the original state.

Effect of screen resolution on the grid

Keep in mind that the physical resolution of your smartphone’s matrix is key: On a 1080p device, a 6x8 grid will look different than on a 2K or 4K screen.

Pixel density (PPI) determines how sharp and fine elements will look. If you reduce the grid on a low-resolution device, the text inside the icons may become unreadable. So always consider the specifications of your gadget.

Owners of the Redmi Note series often have to compromise, as budget matrixes may not have enough pickel density for very small meshes. At the same time, flagship Xiaomi and POCO easily cope with high interface density values.

Optimization of the working space

Once you've reduced the grid, it's important to organize the space properly. Small cells allow you to place more widgets, but that can lead to visual noise. Try to group applications by functionality.

Use folders for rarely used programs, which will free up space on the home screen for the most important widgets, such as calendar, weather or notes, and make the device more productive and faster.

Regularly review desktop content. Remove app shortcuts you haven't used in more than a month. A clean interface is faster and more enjoyable, regardless of the size of the grid you choose.

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The optimal grid is a balance between the number of items available and the ease of using them with one hand.