Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS offer huge opportunities for customization of the interface. However, standard grid settings often limit the user, especially if you are used to having many applications at hand immediately after unlocking the screen. Increasing the number of icons is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a way to improve productivity by reducing the time you need to find the right programs.
In this article, we'll go into detail all the available methods to put more elements on a single screen, and we'll touch on both the standard features of the system and the hidden features that come with a deeper dive into the settings, and changing the grid density is the first and safest step that doesn't require superuser rights.
And it's worth noting that visual perception of space is very much dependent on the size of the fonts and interface elements, so a comprehensive approach that involves typography as well as grids will give you the best result. Let's look at how you can transform your desktop.
Standard grid settings in MIUI and HyperOS
The first way that is available to every smartphone owner is to use the launcher's built-in settings. The manufacturer provides several layout options, but they are often hidden from the surface of the view.
Go to your device's Settings and find the section that controls the desktop. Depending on the firmware version, this item may be at the root of the menu or nested in the Home category, and that's where the basic switches that affect the interface look and feel are.
- 📱 Find the item “Grid” or “Grid Format” in the desktop settings menu.
- 📱 Choose the option with the maximum number of rows and columns (usually 5x6 or 6x6).
- 📱 Note that changing the grid can automatically hide the bottom panel of the docking station.
It's important to understand that choosing a denser grid automatically reduces the size of the icons. If you have a Xiaomi high-resolution screen, this won't be a problem, but on budget models with HD+ matrices, the text under the icons can become unreadable, so you should consider alternative methods of optimizing space.
Using the “No Signatures” mode to save space
One of the most effective ways to visually unload the screen and place more elements is to avoid text signatures under app icons, and when you know the layout of the programs, the text becomes an extra element occupying precious pixels.
The MIUI desktop settings often include the option “Hide App Names” or “No Signature Mode,” which allows the system to redistribute the space allocated to the text and use it to accommodate additional rows or columns, especially for devices with narrow screens.
⚠️ Warning: After disabling the signatures, navigation on your smartphone will become fully visual. Make sure you remember where important apps are, or use unique icons to quickly identify your smartphone.
In addition, the lack of text allows for more complex and detailed icons in the themes. Visual clarity of the interface contributes to a better perception of information. Many users note that after switching to the unsigned mode, they begin to find the desired programs faster due to muscle memory.
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Use themed icon sets where apps have unique colors or shapes to make it easier to navigate without textual prompts.
Change DPI through the Engineering Menu
For advanced users who don't like standard limits, there's a method of changing the dot-per-inch density (DPI), which directly affects how many elements the system tries to fit on the screen. Changing the DPI affects the entire system, making all the interface elements smaller.
To access these settings, you need to activate the developer mode. → About the phone and quickly press 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI» or "Version" OS». After that, a new section “For developers” will appear in the expanded settings menu».
Settings → Additional settings → For developers → Minimum width (DPI)In the list that opens, find the Smallest width option. The standard value is usually around 360-392 dp. Increasing this number (for example, to 420 or 450) will make the system “think” that the screen is larger, and it will automatically zoom in on all elements, including icons, which will allow you to place more of them.
- 🔧 Write down the reference value DPI before making changes to allow for rollback.
- 🔧 Change the value in small steps (by the 10-20 units, checking the result.
- 🔧 Be careful: too high a value can make the interface unusable.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect setting DPI It can cause some interface elements to move outside the screen or become too small to be pressed.
Application of third-party launchers
If Xiaomi’s standard tools seem too limited, the best solution is to install an alternative launcher. Third-party shells like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher provide almost limitless options for setting up the grid.
Unlike the shell, these apps allow you to set the exact number of rows and columns, regardless of screen resolution. You can create an 8x8 or even 10x10 grid if the diagonal of the device allows you to comfortably click on such small elements.
Popular launchers to maximize space
Installation of a third-party launcher does not require root rights and is performed through the Google Play store. Once installed, simply select the new application as the main one in the system settings. It is worth considering that some features specific to MIUI may work differently or be unavailable in third-party shells.
Comparison of Desktop Optimization Methods
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 benefits of each way to increase the number of icons on your Xiaomi device.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard grid. | Low. | Tall. | Low. |
| Concealment of signatures | Low. | Tall. | Medium |
| Change to DPI | Medium | Medium | Tall. |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Tall. | Maximum |
As you can see from the table, third-party launchers offer the most flexibility, but require getting used to the new interface. Changing the DPI gives a systemic effect, but carries risks. Standard methods are safe, but are limited by the imagination of Xiaomi developers.
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A combination of methods (e.g., signature hiding + tight grid) often yields better results than using one radical method.
Frequent errors and ways to fix them
During the setup process, users often encounter situations where icons are overlapped or part of the screen becomes unavailable, usually when aggressively setting up the DPI or using incompatible design themes.
If you notice that the interface has become unstable after the changes, the first thing you can do is reset the launcher settings. You can do this in the application menu by finding Settings, selecting Applications, and searching the System Launcher (or the name of the installed launcher) in the list.
- 🛑 Click on “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache” for Launcher.
- 🛑 Return the value DPI to the factory standard through the developer menu.
- 🛑 Remove recently installed topics that may conflict with the system.
☑️ Checklist before system change
Also, remember that some widgets may not display correctly when the pixel density is changed. Weather, watch or news widgets may crop or overlap icons, in which case you will have to find a compromise between the number of icons and the functionality of the widgets.
Optimization for devices with different resolutions
Owners of Xiaomi flagships with 2K or 4K screens have a huge advantage: high pixel density allows you to use very small icons without losing readability.
On HD+ devices, the situation is more complicated, where every pixel counts, and a big reduction in elements will lead to a soapy picture. For these smartphones, it is better to use the method of concealing signatures in combination with a standard dense grid, avoiding extreme DPI values.
The screen size is critical: larger screens (6.7 inches and above) can accommodate significantly more elements than compact models, even at the same resolution.