How to install another desktop on Xiaomi: changing the interface

Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their functionality and affordable price, but the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS does not always satisfy the needs of advanced users. The standard interface can seem overloaded, and the customization options are limited compared to pure Android.

Replacing the standard launcher is the easiest way to radically change the look of the gadget without resorting to complex firmware procedures.You can get smooth animations, new gestures and unique widgets that are not available in the stock version of the system.This action is safe for warranty and does not require root rights, which makes the procedure accessible even for beginners.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at the process of selecting, installing and configuring an alternative interface, learn about potential problems with navigation buttons and how to solve them, and get a list of the best apps to personalize your Xiaomi.

Why Change the Standard Launcher to Xiaomi

The standard MIUI shell has its own features that can annoy some users, such as the lack of a full application menu on some versions or the specific logic of widgets, installing a third-party desktop allows you to bypass these restrictions and customize the device to suit yourself.

One of the main reasons is the desire to improve performance: Some third-party launchers are optimized better than stock solutions and consume less RAM, especially for budget smartphone models, where every megabyte of RAM counts.

And it also opens up a huge array of themes and icons, and if you don't like the visual style of HyperOS, you can turn your phone into an iOS-like experience, or you can have a minimalist Pixel-style interface, and the possibilities of customization are almost limitless.

It's important to understand that changing the launcher doesn't delete your data or your applications, it's just an add-on over the operating system that controls how items are displayed on the screen, and you can go back to factory settings at any time if the new version doesn't suit you.

Choosing the right launcher for MIUI and HyperOS

There are dozens of desktop replacement apps on the market, but not all of them work equally well on Xiaomi devices. Some may conflict with system gestures or display notifications incorrectly, so it is important to choose a proven solution.

One of the most popular options is Nova Launcher.It's a classic of the genre that offers incredible flexibility in customization.You can change the grid size, animations, swipe behavior and more.For Xiaomi users, it's often the number one choice.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – benchmark performance and customization, ideal for power users.
• 🎨 Lawnchair is a great choice for those who love Pixel style and pure Android.
• 📱 Microsoft Launcher is good for integration with the Windows ecosystem and office tasks.
• 🔋 Niagara Launcher – a minimalist interface that focuses on the important and saves power.

Also worth looking at is the Smart Launcher, which automatically sorts apps into categories. This is handy if you have a lot of software installed and want order without manual intervention. Each launcher has its own advantages, and the choice depends on your personal preferences.

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Before installing a new launcher, go to the theme settings and save the current icon configuration if you are afraid of losing your usual look.

Installation process and initial setup

Installing a new desktop starts with downloading the app from the official Google Play store, which takes only a few minutes and requires no special skills, and the main thing is to follow the instructions on the screen after the first launch.

Once you download and install the application, Android will automatically prompt you to choose how to open certain types of files or actions. You will need to specify that you want to use the new default launcher. If this does not happen, you can change the settings manually.

To manually activate, go to the smartphone settings menu. Find the app section and select the desktop control. In the options list, mark the app you just installed. Now, when you press the Home button, a new interface will start.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI The launcher selection point may be hidden. If you don't find it in the main settings, search the settings by entering the "Desktop" or "Launcher" request".

Once activated, you should immediately go to the launcher settings, where you can import icons, set up a desktop grid and select wallpapers, and don’t ignore this step, as the basic settings often look too simple and don’t reveal the full potential of the program.

Solving navigation and gesture problems

The most common problem when changing interfaces to Xiaomi is a conflict with system navigation, users may find that swipe gestures stop working, or the Back button behaves unpredictable, due to the peculiarities of the MIUI shell construction.

Often, the problem is solved by switching the navigation type. If you've used gestures, try temporarily switching to the classic three buttons, which will allow the new launcher to display the controls correctly, and then you can try to go back to gestures, but in conjunction with the new application.

In some cases, special permissions are required; the launcher may need access to a phone, contacts, or the right to display on top of other applications; without these permissions, functionality may be cut and work may be unstable.

Customization of appearance and widgets

Once the technical part is done, you can get creative, and with modern launchers, you can change everything from icon shapes to fonts to unlock effects, and that makes your smartphone a unique device.

To start, install the icon package. Google Play has thousands of them, from realistic to cartoon. Once you install the package, go to the launcher settings, find the "Icon Style" section, and select the downloaded set. App images will change instantly.

Pay special attention to widgets. They not only decorate the desktop, but also carry functional load. Weather, currency cursor, calendar, notes — all of these can always be at hand. Unlike standard Xiaomi widgets, third-party widgets often have more flexible size and transparency settings.

• 🌤 Weather widgets – often have beautiful animations and detailed information.
• 📅 Calendars – allow you to see the schedule immediately on the desktop without opening the application.
• 🎵 Players are stylish music controllers that can be placed anywhere on the screen.
• ⚡ Quick switches – access to flashlight, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth in one click.

⚠️ Attention: Installing a large number of heavy widgets and live wallpaper can significantly increase battery consumption.

Optimization and removal of old launcher

When a new desktop is set up and running consistently, the question is, can you uninstall the old one? Xiaomi's standard launcher is a system application, so the usual way to uninstall it is not going to work, nor should it be. It just won't be active until you choose it again.

However, to keep it from consuming resources in the background, you can limit its activity: go to the application settings, find the Desktop (or mihome) and force it to stop, and it is also useful to disable auto-start for all unused launchers if you have several installed for the test.

You can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) for deep cleaning, but it requires a connection to a computer and a certain amount of knowledge. It's enough for the average user to just keep one selected launcher active. The system itself will prioritize its work.

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Do not attempt to remove the MIUI system launcher through third-party utilities without a backup – this can lead to a cyclic phone restart (bootloop).

Regularly update your chosen launcher through the app store. Developers are constantly releasing patches that improve compatibility with new versions of Android and fix bugs, which ensures that your personalized interface works smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)