Xiaomi’s modern smartphone is not just a communication device, but a powerful tool that, when properly configured, becomes an extension of the user. However, the standard factory layout of the desktop often leaves much to be desired: applications are scattered chaotic, folders have non-informative names, and finding the right program takes precious seconds. Arranging icons on MIUI or HyperOS is the first step to creating a personalized and productive digital environment.
Xiaomi’s shell interface offers many hidden customization options that many owners don’t even know about: You can change the screen grid, hide unnecessary system applications, or group programs by color and frequency of use. In this article, we’ll detail all the methods that will turn the chaos on the screen into a model order, thereby increasing the speed of your work and visual appeal of the interface.
Before we make any radical changes, we need to consider the current state of the workspace: chaoticly scattered widgets and shortcuts not only interfere with navigation, but can also reduce the overall performance of the system due to the constant redrawing of elements. Competent organization of space is a balance between aesthetics and functionality that each user adjusts to suit himself.
Basic sorting and folder creation
The easiest and most obvious way to get things in order is to manually sort apps, and in the Xiaomi ecosystem, this is done with an intuitive drag-and-drop method. You don't have to have the skills of a programmer to move a shortcut to the right place. You just have to hold your finger on the app icon and drag it to the free area of the screen or on top of another application to create a folder.
Foldering is a fundamental function for grouping programs of the same type. For example, all banking applications are logically combined into one group called "Finance", and social networks are called "Communications". The system allows you to create nested folders, although this can slow down access to content. When renaming folders, try to use short and clear names to understand their content at a glance.
⚠️ Attention: Don't create too many folders on one screen. The optimal number of groups is from 4 to 6, otherwise the sense of ordering is lost, and you will waste time again searching for the desired category.
Themes are often used to change the transparency of the background of folders or the animation of opening them. The standard MIUI-based Android interface also allows you to change the font size inside the folder name, which is important for visually impaired users.
- 📁 Group applications by functionality: instant messengers, games, utilities.
- 🎨 Use color coding for quick visual search.
- 📝 Give folders short names (maximum) 1-2 word-word).
- 🗑️ Remove empty folders immediately after moving applications.
Set up the grid and the appearance of the desktop
Visual perception of the interface depends on the density of the elements. In the settings of the Xiaomi desktop, there is a flexible grid system that allows you to choose the optimal number of rows and columns. The standard configuration often changes users depending on the screen diagonal and personal preferences. To change these parameters, you need to go to the editing menu.
To access the grid settings, pinch your two fingers on your desktop or hold your finger on an empty area for a long time. In the bottom menu that appears, select Settings (usually indicated by a gear) and you will find the option "More Options" where the grid density is adjusted. Increasing the number of rows allows you to place more widgets, but makes the icons smaller.
Path to Settings: Desktop → Long Press → Settings → More Options → Grid SizeAn important aspect is the choice of the style of display of the app menu. MIUI has two main modes: classic (all applications on the desktop) and mode with the app menu (as in pure Android). The second option is much cleaner visually, since only the shortcuts of frequently used programs remain on the screens, and the rest is hidden in a separate list called up by the swipe.
☑️ Setting up the perfect grid
And widgets, too, can either decorate your desktop or turn it into a pile of information, use widgets only for the really important data: weather, calendar, pedometer, put them on the top of your screen or on a separate page so they don't block access to the apps you use.
Hiding applications and the Safe Zone mode
One of the most useful features of Xiaomi’s shell is the ability to hide applications, which not only removes rarely used programs from view, but also increases privacy. Hidden applications do not appear in the general list, but continue to work in the background and receive notifications from them (unless otherwise configured).
To activate this feature, you need to go to the Security app, which is preinstalled on each Xiaomi device, find the Hidden Apps section inside and activate the switch, and then you can choose which programs will be hidden, accessed through a special gesture in the menu of all applications (fingering out the sides) or through a search.
| Function | Description | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Hiding applications | Remove the icon from the list | Security → Hidden applications |
| Second space | Create a separate profile with your apps | Settings → Second Space |
| Application protection | Requires a password to launch the app | Security → Application Protection |
The second space feature is not just a cover-up, but a full-fledged second desktop with a separate set of apps, accounts and settings, and switching between the main and second spaces is instantaneous and can be protected by a separate fingerprint or password.
What happens to hidden app notifications?
Using these tools allows you to keep your desktop clean of games you run once a month or specialized banking customers.It also helps to avoid accidentally removing important system components if they are hidden by default by the manufacturer.
Use of third-party launchers for customization
If standard MIUI capabilities aren't enough, you can always turn to third-party launchers, special shell applications that completely replace the desktop interface. The most popular options are Nova Launcher, Smart Launcher and Microsoft Launcher, which provide a level of detail that is not available in stock solutions.
Installing a third-party launcher requires permission in the system. After downloading the application from Google Play and first running, the system will prompt you to select the application for the main screen by default. Choose the installed launcher. Now you get access to advanced features: change the shape of the icons batch, animation of folding applications, gestures to launch programs.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers may consume more battery life than standard shells. On older smartphone models, this could lead to a marked decline in autonomy.
Many custom launchers feature plug-ins and themes. You can download a set of iOS or Material Design icons and apply them with a single click. You can also fine-tune the grid in 1-pixel increments, allowing you to arrange widgets and icons with surgical precision, creating unique compositions.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher – the benchmark for speed and flexibility of settings.
- 🧠 Smart Launcher – automatic sorting of applications by category.
- 🎨 Niagara Launcher – Minimalist List for Focus.
- 📱 Microsoft Launcher – Deep Integration with Windows Services.
When switching to a third-party launcher, it is important to set up a layout backup. In the case of a reset or system reinstallation, you can quickly restore your unique desktop configuration, the saved configuration file is imported.
Automation and smart folders
Xiaomi's modern shells are able to offer self-ordering. Smart folders analyze your habits and suggest grouping the applications you often use together. For example, if you constantly open cards after the navigator, the system may suggest combining them.
And then there's the Frequent sorting in the app menu, which is a dynamic folder that automatically updates to show you the apps you've used recently, and it eliminates the need to manually move shortcuts every time your priorities change, and you can bring that folder to the home screen for quick access.
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Use the App Search widget on your desktop, which learns your habits and suggests you run a program or perform an action (like "call mom") simply by text, which is faster than looking for an icon with your eyes.
Automation also applies to Do Not Disturb mode and profiles, and by setting up scenarios in the Mi AI app or standard settings, you can make sure that only work tools are displayed on your desktop during work hours and entertainment content is displayed in the evening, which requires more in-depth customization, but the result is worth it.
Cleaning up system debris and duplicates
Often, the clutter on the screen is not created by the user, but by the applications that are installed that create duplicate shortcuts or widgets. For example, when installing a game, a shortcut to the store from which it is downloaded or a news widget may appear, and regular desktop revision helps to eliminate this visual noise.
To remove unnecessary items, simply drag the icon to the top of the screen, where the "Delete" or the "Recycle Bin" icon appears. It is important to distinguish between deleting the shortcut from deleting the application itself. In MIUI, when you remove it from the desktop, the system often specifies: remove only the shortcut or the entire application. Be careful not to erase the important program.
It's also worth checking for system applications that can't be removed in the standard way, but can be "freezed" or disabled. This is done through the application settings: find an unnecessary system component (like "Travels" or "Fid"), click on it and select "Disable." The icon will disappear from the menu, freeing up space.
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Regularly cleaning the desktop of unused widgets and duplicate shortcuts not only improves visual style, but also frees up RAM, making the interface more responsive.