Have you accidentally removed the app shortcut from the Xiaomi desktop or did it disappear after the MIUI update? Don't rush to reinstall the program - in 90% of cases, the icon can be returned in a few seconds. In this article, we will analyze all working methods from basic (via the app menu) to hidden (reset launcher settings).
The problem with missing shortcuts is typical for Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones on MIUI 12-14 firmware.
- 🧹 cleaning the cache of system applications (for example, through Settings) → Memory);
- 🔄 firmware update;
- 👆 random swipe icon up (function "Delete" in the MIUI);
- 📱 change-of-the-topic.
Important: If the icon is missing after being reset to factory settings, first check the Archive folder on your desktop, where all deleted shortcuts automatically add up. If it's empty, read on.
1. Recovery through the Apps menu
The fastest way is to return the icon from the common installed program list, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11.
Instructions:
- Touch the empty space on your desktop and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds.
- At the bottom of the screen, a panel with options will appear – select “Widgets” (or “Apps” on older versions of MIUI).
- Scroll down to All Apps (or Installed) section.
- Find the right application, pinch its icon and drag it to the desktop.
If the app is not listed, it has been removed completely (not just shortcuts), in which case you can go to the reinstallation section.
☑️ Preparation for the restoration of the icon
2.Using the Archive function in MIUI
MIUI automatically saves deleted shortcuts in the hidden folder Archive, which is located on the back page of the desktop (scroll left to the end).
How to restore:
- 📁 Open the Archive folder (if it is not there, then the label is deleted irrevocably).
- 🔍 Find the right app and pinch its icon.
- 📲 Drag to the desktop or in the folder.
⚠️ Attention: The Archive folder only stores the labels for 30 days, and then they are permanently deleted. If the icon is gone long ago, this method will not work.
3.Resetting launcher settings
If the icons are missing en masse or not displayed even after recovery, the problem may be a launcher failure (MIUI shell), resetting its settings will return the standard location of the shortcuts.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show all apps."
- Find the MIUI Launcher (or POCO Launcher for POCO devices) in the list.
- Open "Storage" → "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache".
- Reboot your smartphone.
Once reset, all icons will return to their standard locations, but folders and widgets will have to be reconfigured, and this method also helps if:
- 📱 The desktop has become slow to work;
- 🔄 Labels duplicated;
- 🖼️ Wallpaper is reset after resetting.
What to do if the launcher is not reset?
Reinstallation of the annex
If the icon is lost along with the application itself (for example, after cleaning the data through Settings → Memory), it will have to be re-installed.
- 📱 Pre-installed programs (Mi Video, Mi Music);
- 🔧 System Utilities (Security, Topics);
- 🎮 Games and third-party applications.
How to reinstall:
- Open Google Play Market or GetApps (branded Xiaomi store).
- Find the application you want and click “Install” (or “Update” if it is already installed).
- After installation, the icon will appear in the application menu – transfer it to the desktop (see section 1).
⚠️ Note: Some system applications (Mi Account, Mi Share) cannot be removed completely, they are simply hidden. ADB.
| Type of application | Can I remove it? | How to get the icon back |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party (from Google Play) | Yes. | Reinstalled through the store |
| Pre-installed (Mi Video, Mi Browser) | No (only turn off) | Include in Settings → Applications |
| System (Settings, Phone) | No. | Resetting the launcher or ADB |
| Hidden (e.g. Game Turbo) | No. | Activate through Settings → Special. capabilities |
5. Recovery through ADB (for experienced)
If the icon of the system application (for example, Camera or Settings) is missing and is not restored by standard methods, the ADB team will help.
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
- On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times)
- Turn on "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell pm enable com.miui.camera (replace com.miui.camera with the package of the desired application).
- Reset the device.
List of packages of popular system applications Xiaomi:
- 📷 com.android.camera - Camera;
- 📞 com.android.contacts - Contacts;
- 🎵 com.miui.player - Music;
- 📂 com.miui.gallery - Gallery.
💡
To find out the package of any application, install the App Inspector from Google Play. ADB-team.
6.Verifying hidden applications
Some apps (like Game Turbo or Second Space) are hidden by default in MIUI, and their icons don’t appear on the menu or desktop, but the programs continue to work.
How to show hidden applications:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Press three points. → "Show all applications".
- In the top menu, select the Hidden filter.
- Find the right application and click "Show".
After that, the icon will appear in the general list, and you can transfer it to the desktop.
7. MIUI firmware update
If the problem with the missing icons appeared after the system update, it may be a bug of the current version of MIUI.
- 🔄 Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 📥 If the update is available, install it.
- 🔙 If the bug appeared after the last update - roll back to the previous version via Fastboot (instructions are on the forum). 4PDA).
⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback erases all data! pre-reverse through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
💡
If icons disappear after each MIUI update, install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) to prevent future crashes.