Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which use MIUI or HyperOS shells, offer users a wide range of personalization options. However, the standard size of app icons may seem too small for people with low vision or those who are used to large interface elements. This is especially true for older users who find it difficult to get a finger at small details on the screen. Fortunately, the company’s engineers have devised several ways to solve this problem without installing third-party software.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for scaling interface elements, not only the basic system settings, but also the hidden features that make working with a Xiaomi device as comfortable as possible. We will look at resizing the font, scaling the entire system and using a special mode for older people.
Before you make any changes, it’s important to understand that increasing the interface elements can affect the number of apps displayed on the desktop.You’ll have to choose between the detail and the number of widgets available. Let’s look at the basic tools that will help you customize your gadget to your individual needs.
Use of the "Pensioner" mode (Lite-mode)
The most radical and effective way to increase icons is to activate a special mode, often called "Retirement" or "Lite," which completely redesigns the interface of the Redmi smartphone, making it as simple and clear as possible: icons become huge, the font increases, and unnecessary functions are hidden so as not to distract the user.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the settings and find the appropriate item, usually located in the “Additional” section or in a separate menu depending on the firmware version. Once turned on, the phone will suggest restarting the launcher, and you will see a radically modified desktop with large controls.
⚠️ Attention: In the "Pensioner" mode, the quick settings panel disappears in its usual form, and some complex applications can be hidden. You can only return everything back through the settings or (with a long press) on an empty desktop space.
This is ideal if the smartphone is designed for someone who does not want to understand complex menus. Large dial and message buttons will always be at hand. However, for advanced users who are accustomed to dense widget layout, this mode may seem too limited.
Setting the font size and display elements
If switching to light mode is too radical for you, you can use a finer setup via the Screen menu, where the system allows you to adjust the size of the text, which automatically affects the size of some interface elements, including application names and system labels.
To find these settings, go to Settings → Screen → Text Size and Display. In the menu that opens, you will see a slider that zooms in to the right. Note that in some versions of MIUI, this slider only affects the text, not the graphic images of the applications themselves.
There's also the possibility of resizing display elements, which affects not only text, but also the indentations between them, which creates the effect of "approximating" the interface, the user gets larger letters and buttons, but it puts less information on the screen, which is a trade-off between readability and information.
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As you zoom in, some applications may not display correctly, and if you notice a "gotten" layout in your favorite program, try to bring the scale settings back to the average values.
And the important thing to note is that changing these parameters doesn't require rebooting the device. All the changes are instantaneous. You can experiment with sliders by immediately evaluating the results on the desktop and in the settings menu.
Scaling through the Developer Menu
The most flexible tool for resizing icons is hidden in the Developer Menu, where you can change the minimum screen width (DPI) to make the system redraw all the interface elements, a professional method that gives you complete control over the pixel density.
To access these settings, you first need to activate the developer mode. Make 7 quick clicks on the MIUI Version or OS Version field in the About Phone menu. Then a new option will appear in the Advanced Settings section.
Inside the menu, find the “Minimum Width” option (or “Smallest Width”). The default value is usually around 360-390 dpi. Reducing that number (like 320 or 300) will result in an increase in all elements on the screen, including app icons.
⚠️ Attention: Do not reduce the value DPI This can make the interface unreadable or cause some system buttons to go off the screen and you can’t control them.
Changing this parameter affects the entire system globally, which means that even those applications that ignore the system settings of the font will be enlarged. It's a powerful tool, but it requires caution when used.
☑️ Setup through the developer
Change of the desktop grid
Another way to visually zoom in on icons is to change the desktop grid, so if you reduce the number of cells allocated for the icons, the system will automatically stretch the remaining applications to fill the free space.
To do this, you need to pinch the empty space on your desktop with your finger and select Settings or Grid. Here you can choose a configuration like 4x5 instead of the standard 5x6 or 6x6. Fewer icons in the row means that each one will take up more space.
It doesn't require deep immersion in system settings, and it's safe for anyone, it changes the way you organize your desktop, without affecting your internal settings menus or other applications, and it's a great balance between usability and functionality.
And you have to consider that changing the grid can move your widgets and folders, and you have to re-arrange the screen space to make it look aesthetic, but the result is worth it, because the icons are going to be noticeably larger and more user-friendly.
Comparison of methods of increasing icons
To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method depending on your goals and level of ownership of a Xiaomi smartphone.
| Method | Difficulty | Impact on the system | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pensioner regime. | Low. | Complete interface change | Elderly people with visual impairment |
| Screen settings | Low. | Text and indents only | Basic increase in readability |
| Minimum width (DPI) | Tall. | Global scaling | Experienced users |
| Desktop grid | Medium | Only the desktop. | Increased touch area |
As you can see from the table, each method has its own specifics. For maximum effect, it often makes sense to combine several ways, for example, you can change the desktop grid and simultaneously increase the font in the system settings.
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Combining methods (e.g., changing the grid + enlarging the font) gives the best visual result without the risk of system failure.
Use of third-party launchers
If the standard HyperOS or MIUI shell features don’t satisfy you, you can always turn to third-party launchers, and apps like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher allow you to flexibly adjust the size of each icon separately.
Installing this launcher gives you complete control over the look of your smartphone, so you can make icons giant, change their shape, add any size of signature, and it turns the standard interface into a unique tool that's designed specifically for your eyes.
However, it is worth remembering that third-party launchers consume more battery and RAM resources. On low-end Redmi models, this can lead to a slight decrease in performance.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a third-party launcher, make sure that (give) it all the necessary permissions. Otherwise, swipes, widgets or app search functionality may not work.
For most users, the standard shell is enough, but if you're an enthusiast and you want to get the perfect result, the launcher experiment can be an interesting experience, and the key is to back up important data before major changes.