How to reduce icons on the screen of the Xiaomi phone: all ways for MIUI

The size of the icons on Xiaomi’s desktop may seem too large — especially on small-screen models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) or when using the default-scaled MIUI shell. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several built-in ways to reduce icons without installing third-party launchers. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for MIUI 14/15 based on Android 13/14, including hidden settings and workarounds for older versions of the firmware.

The problem of enlarged icons is often associated with screen density settings (DPI) or activated mode Handy display for users with visual impairments. We will show how to return a compact desktop appearance without sacrificing convenience. All instructions tested on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and POCO F5 are suitable for 90% of the brand’s devices.

1. Standard method through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in shell options, which works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, does not require superuser rights and takes less than a minute:

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Select the text size and display.
3. In the Item Size section, move the slider left to the value of Small or Default.
4. Confirm the changes by pressing Ready in the upper right corner.

This method reduces all interface elements, including menu text and system icons. If you only need to change the size of icons on your desktop, move to the next section.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) When you change the size of the items, the widgets may be confused. Before setting up, take a screenshot of the current desktop (click Volume Down). + Nutrition).

2. Change the size of the icons through the launcher settings

The MIUI shell allows you to separately scale icons on the home screen, which does not affect system elements and is suitable for fine-tuning:

• 📱 Hold your finger on an empty space on your desk. → Select Screen Settings.
• 🔍 Go to the section Size of app icons.
• 📏 Move the slider to the left to reduce (values from 75% to 125 are available%).
• ✅ Click Apply and Reboot Launcher (or just return to the home screen).

Nana POCO-In the case of devices, this item may be called the Size of icons and be in the Additional section. If you don't have an option, then your version is MIUI It doesn’t support it – try the methods in the following sections.

Make a backup copy of the data

Remember the current screen settings

Connect your phone to charge (in case of a failure)

Have a cable on hand USB rollback-->

3. Manual Screen Density Change (DPI) via ADB

For power users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to fine-tune the pixel density.This affects the size of all interface elements, including icons, text and menus.

Instructions for modifying the DPI:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, open the command line and type:

adb shell wm density 400 && adb shell wm size reset

Replace 400 with the desired value from the table. Use:

adb shell wm density reset

💡

If the interface becomes blurry after changing the DPI, then follow the command adb shell wm size reset and restart the device. This will reset the zoom cache.

4. Use of alternative launchers

If the built-in methods don't give you enough flexibility, install a third-party launcher.The best options for Xiaomi are:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports setting the size of icons with step 1%, It has adaptive grids (up to) 12×12).
• 🔧 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for the MIUI, retains signature gestures and animations.
• 🎨 Niagara Launcher – Minimalist design with a vertical list of applications and adjustable scale.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the empty space on the screen → Settings → Desktop.
3. Select the size of the icons and move the slider to the desired value (from 50% to 150%).
4. In the Desktop Grid section, set the number of rows/columns (e.g., 6×7 for a compact view).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, branded functions may stop working MIUI, These are things like Double-Tap locks or full-screen navigation gestures. Check compatibility on the Mi Community forum before installing.

5. Configure via display modes (for MIUI 14+)

Newer versions of MIUI have introduced a Display Modes section that allows you to quickly switch between pre-configured zoom profiles to take advantage of this feature:

1. Open Settings → Screen → Display modes.
2. Select Set Up → Create a new regime.
3. Set the parameters: 📱 Badge size: Small 🔍 Scope of text: 85% 🖼️ Desktop grid: 5×6

Compact

You can now quickly switch between modes via the notification bar (long tap on Brightness → Display Modes) this is handy if you need to temporarily enlarge icons (for example, for a presentation) and then return the compact look.

6.Resetting launcher settings to factory

If after experiments with scale the interface began to work incorrectly (the icons come over each other, the inscriptions disappear), reset the launcher settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find MIUI Launcher (or Lawnchair if you use it).
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the size of icons