Have you noticed that a frequently used app icon has disappeared from the Xiaomi Redmi home screen? This is a common problem faced by smartphone users on Xiaomi’s MIUI shell. The reasons range from accidentally removing the shortcut to launcher failures or system updates. In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to bring the icon back to the screen without resorting to radical measures like resetting.
It's important to understand that missing an icon doesn't always mean removing the app itself. Most often, it's just a shortcut on the desktop. We'll look at solutions for all versions of MIUI (12 to 14), and take into account the features of the popular Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and others. If you're not sure about the cause of the problem, start with the simplest way and gradually move on to more complex models.
1. Checking the "All Apps" folder
Before you panic, make sure the app is installed on the device at all. In MIUI, all programs are displayed by default in the All Apps menu, even if their shortcuts are removed from the home screen.
To get there:
- 📱 Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen (guest of opening the app menu).
- 🔍 In the search bar, enter the name of the missing application.
- 📌 If it is found, press the icon and drag it to the main screen.
If the app is not in this menu, it has been removed, in which case, check the Recycle Bin folder (if the app backup feature is enabled) or install the program again from Google Play.
2. Restore the shortcut through launcher settings
MIUI uses the proprietary launcher POCO Launcher (on some models) or the standard MIUI Launcher, sometimes causing icons to disappear, to retract the label:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Launcher (or POCO Launcher) in the list and select it.
- Slip it on the vault. → Clear the cache.
- Reboot your smartphone.
After the reboot, check if the icon appears. If not, try resetting the launcher settings:
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → Home screen.
- 📱 Select Resetting Home Screen Settings.
- ✅ Confirm the action.
💡
If after the launcher reset, the icons returned, but your widgets and folders disappeared - do not worry. They can be quickly restored through a backup to Settings → Additional → Backup
3.Use of the function "Hidden applications"
MIUI has a hidden app feature that can be activated by accident, so if the icon is missing for no apparent reason, check the hidden program list:
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Hidden Applications.
- Enter your password (if it has been set).
- Find the missing app on the list and uncheck it.
- Return to the main screen and update it with the swipe down.
If you didn’t set a password for hidden apps, but the system requires it, it could mean someone else (like a child) hid the program. In this case, reset the password through Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
What to do if I forget the password from hidden apps?
Reinstallation of the annex
If previous methods didn't work, there may have been a failure in the application data, in which case reinstallation will help. Importantly, this method is only suitable for user applications (installed from Google Play or APK). System programs (for example, Camera or Phone) can not be reinstalled.
Step-by-step:
☑️ Reinstallation of the annex
Once reinstalled, the icon should automatically appear in the All Apps menu. If that doesn't happen, manually add it to the home screen, holding your finger on the icon and dragging it to the right place.
⚠️ Note: When you delete some applications (such as messengers), unsaved data such as correspondence, media files or settings may be lost. Before deleting, back up through Settings → Xiaomi account → Backup.
5. Resetting the home screen settings
If the problem is systemic (for example, after updating MIUI disappeared several icons), will help to completely reset the settings of the home screen. This procedure will return the standard location of shortcuts, but remove all your desktop settings (folders, widgets, wallpaper).
How to perform the reset:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Home screen.
- 🔄 Select Resetting Home Screen Settings.
- ✅ Confirm the action.
After resetting, all standard icons (including the missing ones) will return to their places.
| Method | Implementation time | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checking the "All Apps" menu | 1 minute | ⭐ | Removal of the screen shortcut |
| Clearing the launcher cache | 2 minutes. | ⭐⭐ | Misfires in MIUI Launcher |
| Checking Hidden Applications | 3 minutes. | ⭐⭐ | Accidental hiding of the icon |
| Reinstallation of the annex | 5 minutes. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Damage to the annex data |
| Resetting screen settings | 2 minutes. | ⭐⭐⭐ | System failures after update |
6. Verification of system and launcher updates
Sometimes the disappearance of icons is due to bugs in a particular version of MIUI or launcher. Xiaomi regularly releases patches that correct such errors.
- Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If a new version is available, download it and install it.
Also check for updates for the launcher:
- 📱 Go to the Google Play Store.
- 🔍 Enter in the search. MIUI Launcher or POCO Launcher (depending on the model).
- 🔄 If you have an “Update” button, press it.
If after upgrading to MIUI 14, several icons are missing, try to roll back to the previous version through Recovery mode. To do this, download stable firmware from the official Xiaomi website and run it through Fastboot.
⚠️ Note: Firmware rollback can lead to data loss if you don't back up in advance.This method is recommended only for advanced users!
💡
If the icon is missing after the MIUI update, try clearing the launcher cache and restarting the device first, which solves the problem 80 percent of the time without drastic measures.