Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to personalize the interface of the device to their needs. the standard shell MIUI or HyperOS offers a lot of options, but sometimes users want to completely change the visual style or functionality of the desktop. The process of changing or reinstalling the main screen may be required both to install a third-party launcher and to restore the system to work after a failure.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of managing the system component responsible for displaying icons and widgets. You will learn how to safely change the default application, what popular alternatives exist and what to do if the screen has stopped responding to commands.
Before you make any changes, it’s important to understand that the home screen is not just a picture, but a full-fledged app. Replacing it affects Android system settings, so you should do everything carefully. Below are proven methods to help you achieve the desired result without risking data.
Principles of operation of system launcher in MIUI and HyperOS
Android is based on the concept of splitting the kernel and user interface, and the latter is the launcher, which Xiaomi's default proprietary solution, System Launcher, forms the icon grid, the control panel, the notification curtain and the app menu.
Xiaomi’s shell features deep integration with other system services such as Security, themes and widgets, and when trying to install a third-party interface, users sometimes face limitations such as the inability to change icons or navigation gestures, which is done to ensure the stability of the MIUI.
However, Android allows you to switch between different launchers, and when you install a new application of this type, the operating system registers it as a potential candidate for the main one, and the launch priority is determined in special settings, where we will go next.
Why Xiaomi is restricting third-party launchers?
How to install a third-party launcher from Google Play
The most common scenario is the user’s desire to put a popular launcher, such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher. The installation procedure is standard for Android, but has its own nuances on Xiaomi devices.
Once you have finished downloading and first set up a new application, the system will automatically redirect you to the selection menu, but if you don't, or if you want to change the default settings, you need to manually change the default settings, which is a critical step, without which the new interface will not work.
To perform the replacement, perform the following actions:
- 📱 Open the menu Settings of your smartphone.
- 🔍 In the search by settings, enter the word “Applications” or find the Application section.
- ⚙️ Select Settings (often in the three-dot menu in the top right corner or in the list).
- 🏠 Find the Desktop App or Main Screen section.
- ✅ Click on the current launcher and select from the list the new one you just installed.
Once you select a new option, the system will alert you to change the default application. Confirm the action. Now, when you press the Home button or unlock the screen, you will see an updated interface. The new launcher will receive all the necessary permissions to display the content.
Set up parameters of the new interface
Installation is only half the battle. To make a new desktop really convenient, it needs to be adapted to suit itself. Most modern launchers offer huge customization options, standard MIUI settings. The launcher's menu usually includes sections "Home", "Doc", "Icons" and "Gests".
Note the grid setting. Xiaomi typically offers 4 or 5 columns, but third-party solutions allow you to set any configuration, such as 6x6 or 8x10, which is especially true for devices with a large screen. It is also worth checking the animation settings: too complex effects can consume CPU resources and reduce smoothness.
An important aspect is integration with system functions. Some launchers may not display notifications correctly or allow the swipe down to open the curtain. In such cases, it is recommended to go to the battery settings and allow the new application to auto-start and work in the background so that the system does not “kill” it to save energy.
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Back up your launcher settings immediately after you set up. Most advanced launchers allow you to save your profile to the cloud or file, which will save you from reconfiguring in the event of a system reinstallation.
Restore the main screen after failure
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the desktop “flys”, the screen flashes or a black background with icons is displayed. This may indicate damage to the system launcher cache or conflict after the HyperOS update. In such cases, you need to reset the settings of the current screen application.
To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the Work Desktop (or System Launcher) list. Go to its properties and select Clean → Clear Everything. Don't worry, your icons and folders won't be lost, they're stored in a separate memory section, but the grid and widget settings will be reset to the factory.
If the problem is that the phone is stuck in the launcher selection stage and you can’t get into the menu, try the following method:
- Call a voice assistant (if configured) or use volume buttons to navigate (rarely).
- Try to start Safe Mode: Press the off button, and when the “off” button appears on the screen, press and hold it.
- In Safe Mode, third-party launchers are turned off and you will be able to remove the problem app through the settings.
In critical situations, when the interface does not start at all, connecting the keyboard and mouse through the interface can help. OTG-This allows you to navigate to your settings and remove the faulty component, and physical control access is often the only way out when you're stuck in software.
Comparison of popular launchers for Xiaomi
The launcher market is huge, and it can be difficult to choose the right one. Xiaomi owners are not only interested in visual effects, but also in optimizing to avoid conflicting with aggressive energy saving. Below is a comparison of popular solutions by key parameters.
When choosing, consider the power of your device. On budget models Redmi heavy launchers with a high-performance 3D-Lightweight solutions, on the other hand, may not have the right functionality for advanced users.
| Launcher | RAM consumption | Flexibility of setting | Compatibility with MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Average. | Tall. | Great. |
| Microsoft Launcher | High. | Medium | Good. |
| Lawnchair | Low. | Medium | Great. |
| Smart Launcher 6 | Average. | High (automatic) | Good. |
The Poco launcher, which is often found as ports for regular Xiaomi, offers a unique app menu structure reminiscent of iOS and often works more stable on the brand’s devices. APK-third-party files.
Frequent problems and methods of their solution
Even with proper installation, there can be nuances, and one of the common problems is that fonts or icons are not displayed correctly, and this is solved by installing special icon packages or changing the theme in a standard Themes app, sometimes by simply restarting the device after installing a new interface.
Another problem is that you can't resize widgets, and in MIUI, the system component is responsible for that, and third-party launchers may not have full access to it without root rights, in which case the widgets' functionality will be limited by the launcher itself.
⚠️ Note: When installing launchers from unknown sources (APK-forum files) always check for viruses. Malware embedded in the system application can access all your data, since the launcher sees everything that happens on the screen.
If your fingerprint or face unlock stops working after you install the new screen, try resetting your biometrics and resetting it in the new interface, and sometimes the biometrics cache conflicts with the new interface rendering process.
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Smartphone stability is more important than visual effects. If a new launcher causes heat or lags, it’s better to go back to the standard System Launcher.
Final recommendations for optimization
Installing a home screen on Xiaomi is an easy way to refresh your device without buying a new gadget. A properly selected interface speeds up your work and makes interaction with your phone more enjoyable. Remember to update launchers periodically through the app store, as developers often release compatibility patches with new versions of Android.
Remember that too many widgets and live wallpaper on the home screen can significantly reduce battery life. Optimize space, leaving only the really necessary elements. A clean desktop is the key to fast work of your smartphone.
Experiment with settings, but always have a way to get back to factory settings. Knowing how to manage system applications makes you a full-fledged owner of your device, not just a user limited by the manufacturer's limits.