Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the desire to optimize the space on the screen so that all the necessary applications are at hand. Standard desktop markup does not always suit users, especially on devices with large diagonals, where the icons seem too large. Changing the number of rows and columns allows you to place significantly more widgets and shortcuts without having to scroll through extra pages.
Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide flexible tools to customize the interface, so you can change the density of the elements using built-in features or third-party solutions, not only improving ergonomics, but also making navigation faster and easier for everyday use.
In this article, we will take a look at all the methods available, from simple settings in the theme menu to advanced manipulations. You do not need to obtain root rights for most of the methods described, which makes the process safe for any user.
Standard grid settings in MIUI and HyperOS
The first thing to start with is to test the built-in capabilities of your firmware version. In the latest shell updates, Xiaomi engineers have added direct access to change the number of rows and columns, and you just need to pinch an empty area on your desktop or pinch a two-finger to go into editing mode.
In the menu that opens, you need to find the Settings button (usually located in the lower right corner) and select the More option. This is where the grid setting is hidden. The standard value is often 4x6 or 5x6, but you can increase it to 6x7 or more, depending on the resolution of your smartphone's matrix.
Changing these settings instantly rebuilt all icons to make them smaller, ideal for those who want to keep a standard launcher but need more shortcuts.
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If you don’t see “More” in the grid settings, try changing the theme to a standard “Classic” or “Limitless” one, as some third-party themes block the change in the number of lines.
It is worth noting that after increasing the density of icons, the text under them may become less readable. If the font seems too small, it is recommended to separately increase the font size in the main settings of the system to maintain a balance between the number of elements and ease of reading.
Using the Themes app to change the grid
If you don't have the ability to change the number of cells in your model's standard settings, the Themes app will come to the rescue. It's the most secure and popular way, and it works on 99% of Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices. The mechanism is simple: certain themes contain (configuration files) that force you to change the launcher grid settings.
To implement this method, open the Themes app and enter a special query in the search bar. The most effective keywords are “Grid 6x7”, “Grid 5x6” or simply “Grid.” In the search results, you will see many design options that, when installed, will only change the structure of the desktop, without affecting the rest of the visual elements if you choose the right theme.
After selecting the right theme, click Download and Apply. The system can warn that the theme will only change the lock screen or the desktop is normal behavior. After applying the theme, go back to the desktop and check the result. If the icons are in the right order, you can immediately change the theme back to the standard one.
⚠️ Note: Some themes from third-party sources may contain promotional modules or mishandle widgets. It is recommended to use only official themes from the built-in high-rated store.
What's unique about this method is that after applying the theme and then returning to standard design, the grid settings are often saved, which allows you to use the design of a standard shell, but with increased capacity of the workspace.
Set up third-party launchers
For users who don't have the functionality of a standard shell, an alternative launcher is a great solution. Applications like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher offer almost limitless customization options. You can set any number of rows and columns, change the indentations and size of icons.
Once you install the launcher from Google Play, you need to give it permissions. Android will ask you to confirm the default app change for the home screen. Then, in the new launcher settings, find the Desktop or Grid section, where you can manually set values like 7x7 or 8x8, which is impossible to do in a standard MIUI without that.
☑️ Set up a third-party launcher
An important advantage of third-party solutions is independence from system updates. Even if Xiaomi changes its policy on MIUI or HyperOS, your launcher will continue to work with the specified parameters. In addition, many of them support gestures, animations and hiding icons, which makes the interface more personal.
However, resource consumption should be considered. Third-party launchers can consume more battery power than the system option, especially if they include live wallpaper or complex transition animations. For older smartphone models, this can be a critical factor.
Comparison of methods of changing the grid
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method depending on your needs and device model.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Flexibility of settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | Low. | Tall. | Limited. |
| Annex Topics | Medium | Tall. | Medium |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Tall. | Maximum |
| ADB / Root | Tall. | Medium | Maximum |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the optimal balance is the use of themes or built-in settings. Methods using ADB or root rights give full control, but require technical knowledge and carry risks if used improperly.
The choice of method also depends on the version of Android. On newer versions of the operating system (Android 13-15), the security system tightens access to system files, so embedded methods and topics become even more relevant.
Advanced Methods: ADB and System Files
For power users who aren’t afraid of the command line, there’s a way to change the grid through USB debugging. This method allows you to make changes at the launcher database level, bypassing the interface constraints. You’ll need a computer, a USB cable, and an installed Platform Tools (ADB) package.
The process starts by turning on the developer mode on your smartphone. To do this, seven times click on the build number in the About Phone section. Then activate "Debugging USB." Once you connect the phone to your PC, type a command to change the density or grid size. Often a command is used to reset the launcher settings or directly edit the database via an adb shell.
adb shell pm clear com.miui.homeThis command clears the system launcher data, which can return the grid settings to factory settings or, in combination with other manipulations, allow hidden configurations to be used, but this method requires caution.
⚠️ Note: Cleaning the system launcher data through ADB remove all widgets and icon locations. Be sure to take screenshots of the current location of the applications before starting the procedure.
Risks of using ADB
Once the commands are executed, the device must be restarted. If all goes well, the system will apply the new grid resolution parameters defined in the configuration files that have been changed or reset.
Possible problems and solutions
Users may encounter a number of difficulties when changing the grid, and it is often the case that after applying the theme or settings, icons run over each other, or widgets stop showing correctly, because not all interface elements are adapted to a non-standard number of cells.
If you notice that the text under the icons is cropped or merged, try to reduce the font size in the screen settings or, conversely, slightly reduce the density of the grid. Also, problems can arise with weather widgets or watches that are fixed in size and can not scale to the new desktop grid.
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The main rule of customization is to always check the readability of the text and the availability of important controls after changing the size of the grid.
In rare cases, you may need to reset your launcher completely. Go to Settings → Applications → All Applications → System Launcher and select Clear Data, which will return the desktop to its original state, allowing you to start setting up again.