Xiaomi smartphone users often face a situation where, after the next MIUI update, the familiar interface changes dramatically, instead of the expected icons and widgets, a new shell appears that may seem less convenient or simply unusual, especially when switching to HyperOS or more recent firmware versions, where developers change the logic of the arrangement of controls.
Many device owners are looking for ways to bring back a classic desktop so they don’t waste time getting used to new elements. Fortunately, Android allows you to flexibly customize the look using built-in tools or third-party apps. In this article, we’ll look at all the methods available to restore the familiar environment.
It should be understood that by “classic” table users can mean different things: standard launcher MIUI, which was in earlier versions, or a completely different interface from third-party developers.
Why Xiaomi's interface is changing after the update
Xiaomi regularly updates its software with new features and visual style changes, often automatically when a new version of MIUI or HyperOS is installed, which may be due to the company’s desire to unify its experience across markets or implement new algorithms for working with widgets.
Sometimes a launcher changes due to system components or application version conflicts. System launcher is a key interface element that displays icons, folders and menus. If it stops working correctly, the system can switch to an alternative or prompt the user to choose the default application.
Also, the change in appearance can be the result of the actions of the user who accidentally installed a new theme or activated an experimental design mode, either way, understanding the cause helps to quickly find a solution to the problem and return the desired look of the desktop.
It is important to note that some interface changes are temporary and involve testing new features in specific regions, and if you notice a sharp change in design without your involvement, it is likely the result of a planned update of server settings for your Mi Account account.
How to choose the default launcher in the settings
The first and easiest way to get back to normal is to check the default settings of the applications, and it often happens that after an update, the system resets the user's preferences, and the system or third-party launcher, which was installed earlier, is chosen as the main launcher.
To check, you need to go to the smartphone settings menu, find the application section, and select the standard actions control point, and this is where you can force the system to specify which interface to use to display the desktop.
☑️ Checking the launcher settings
In the list that opens, you'll see all the launchers installed on the device. If there's a System Launcher or MIUI Home, select it. If you want to use a third-party solution, make sure it's installed and has the necessary permissions.
⚠️ Note: If the system option is not on the list of available launchers, it may have been removed or disabled, in which case you will need to reset application settings or reinstall system updates.
Once you select the right item, the system can request confirmation of actions, agree to the changes, and the interface must update according to the selected parameters. If nothing happens, try restarting the device.
Using themes to bring back the old style
The official Themes store on Xiaomi devices offers a huge selection of designs that can dramatically change the appearance of a smartphone. Some themes mimic older versions of MIUI or create a completely unique design close to the “classic” understanding of the interface.
To use this method, open the Themes app on your device. Type in queries like “Classic,” “Old MIUI,” or “Simple” in the search box, and you’ll be surprised at how many options are available for download, many of which are free.
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After selecting the appropriate theme, click Download and then Apply. The system will suggest choosing which elements will be changed: icons, wallpaper, lock screen or system sounds.
Keep in mind that the use of the theme can affect the performance of the device, especially on older models. If after installation you notice a slowdown, it is better to delete the theme and return to standard design through the settings.
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Before applying a new theme, take a screenshot of the current location of the icons to quickly restore order if you don’t like the new design.
Installation of a third-party launcher with a classic view
If the built-in tools do not achieve the desired result, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher. Google Play Store offers many options that completely replace the standard MIUI interface, providing more flexible settings and familiar logic.
Popular options are Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, or Microsoft Launcher, which allow you to customize your icon grid, transition animation, folder behavior, and more, and they often run more stable and faster than standard solutions from the manufacturer.
To install, go to the app store, find the launcher you want, and click "Install." Once you've finished downloading, the system will suggest you set up a new application and possibly move data from the old launcher. Follow the instructions on the screen.
| The name of the launcher | Main features | Difficulty setting up | License. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Maximum flexibility, many plugins | Tall. | Freemium |
| Lawnchair | Pixel style, lightness, open source | Low. | Free |
| Microsoft Launcher | Integration with Microsoft services, news feed | Medium | Free |
| Smart Launcher | Automatic categorization of applications | Medium | Freemium |
Once you install a new launcher, you must assign it to the main one, as described in the previous section, otherwise, every time you access the desktop, the system will return you to the standard Xiaomi interface.
Setting up a grid of icons and widgets
One of the main reasons for discomfort when changing the interface is the change in the size of the desktop grid. In new versions of MIUI, icons can become larger or smaller, and the number of columns can change, which is easy to fix through the screen settings.
Press your finger on an empty portion of your desktop or pinch the screen with two fingers to go into edit mode. From the bottom menu, select Settings (usually indicated by a gear) and you will find Grid or Grid Size options here.
Change the number of rows and columns to a value that you're comfortable with. The classic option is often a 4x6 or 5x6 grid, but that depends on the diagonal of your smartphone screen, and you can also change the size of the signature fonts under the icons.
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A properly selected grid of icons significantly increases the ergonomics of using a smartphone with one hand.
Remember to configure widgets if they're missing or have changed their appearance. In desktop editing mode, select "Widgets" and add the necessary elements: clock, weather, calendar, arrange them so that they do not overlap important controls.
Solving problems with system launcher
In some cases, a standard MIUI launcher may not work properly, such as freezing, not responding to touch, or closing spontaneously, which may be due to cache overflows or damage to configuration files.
To solve the problem, try to clear the application data. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, search the System Launcher (or MIUI Home) list, and select Clean → Clear All. This will return the launcher settings to factory settings.
⚠️ Warning: Cleaning up the system launcher data will reset all icons and widgets on desktops. You will have to reorganize the space, but this often solves the interface glitches.
If the cleanup didn’t work, check for updates for system components. Sometimes interface bugs are patched in security patches or minor firmware updates. Go to Settings → About phone and click on the MIUI version to check.
In extreme cases, if interface problems interfere with normal use of the device, you can reset all settings of the phone. However, before doing this, be sure to back up important data, as this step will delete all personal information.