How to return the “Cleanup” shortcut to Xiaomi desktop: from MIUI 12 to HyperOS

Users of Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphones often experience a useful Cleanup (or Security) label missing from their desktop, a tool that helps quickly free up memory, close background processes, and test the system for viruses. But after a MIUI update or a launcher change, the icon may disappear — and it’s not always clear how to get it back.

The reasons for the label’s disappearance range from firmware bugs to deliberate concealment by developers (e.g. HyperOS, the cleaning functionality is integrated into other menus). In this article, we will discuss 3 working ways to return the icon to the screen, including hidden settings and alternative methods.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 HyperOS) The cleanup shortcut has been replaced with the Quick Optimization widget in the notification bar. Check it before you change your settings!

Why the “Cleanup” label on Xiaomi is missing

The Security icon (or Clearer) may disappear for several reasons, most often due to:

• 🔄 Update MIUI/HyperOS: In newer versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 14+ or hyperos 1.0) Developers transfer cleaning function to other sections, removing a separate label.
• 📱 Change of Launcher: Installing a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Apex) can hide system icons.
• 🚫 Disabling the application: A user or memory optimizer could deactivate com.miui.securitycenter in the settings.
• 🔧 Resetting: After resetting to factory settings, some system shortcuts are not automatically restored.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware: On unofficial builds (for example, Pixel Experience), Xiaomi system utilities may not be available.

On Redmi Note 12 and later, the shortcut is often hidden due to the integration of cleaning functions into Settings → Memory, and on HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), a widget is used in the notification curtain instead of a separate application.

💡 Tip: Before you try to return the icon, check if it has been moved to the Utilities or Systems folder on your desktop. MIUI Automatically grouping rarely used labels.

Method 1: Recovery through application settings

If the shortcut is gone after an update or reset, try to turn on the system applications in the launcher settings first, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

1. Open "Settings»** (⚙️) and go to the Appendix section → Application management.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) The com.miui.securitycenter application can be removed as “bloatware” and can only be restored through firmware or installation. APK reliable.

Check the availability of the "Security" application in the settings |

Make sure the launcher doesn't hide the system icons |

Restart the device after changes |

Try adding a shortcut through widgets-->

Method 2: Use of the MIUI Hidden Settings (Hidden Settings)

If standard methods don’t work, try to enable hidden MIUI options through an engineering menu that is suitable for power users and requires caution.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636## (some models may not work – alternative below).
2. If the code doesn’t work, install the application “MIUI Hidden Settings” (or “Activity Launcher”) from Google Play.
3. In Activity Launcher, search for System Settings and select com.miui.home.settings.HomeSettings.
4. Scroll down to Hidden System Applications and make sure com.miui.securitycenter isn't ticked (meaning it's hidden). uncheck if there is one.
5. Restart the device. Once turned on, check if the shortcut appears on the desktop or in the application menu.

On HyperOS devices (Xiaomi 13/14 series), the engineering menu can block access to hidden settings, in which case use method 3 or install the APK of the Security application manually.

💡

If the shortcut does not appear after the changes to MIUI Hidden Settings, try clearing the launcher cache: go to Settings → Applications → MIUI Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache.

Method 3: Manually add a shortcut through widgets or ADB

If previous methods didn’t help, try adding a shortcut manually through widgets or the ADB command line.

Option A: Through widgets

1. Press and hold your finger on the free desktop space, then select “Widgets”.
2. Scroll down the list and find the shortcuts widget.
3. Drag it to the screen and in the menu that appears, select “Security” or “Clean up”.
4. If you don’t have the right item, try adding the Quick Optimization widget – it performs the same functions.

Option B: Through ADB (for advanced users)

If the widget doesn’t help, use ADB to force the icon to be included:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click to unlock the developer options).
2. Open the command line on PC and type: adb shell pm enable com.miui.securitycenter Then: adb shell am start -n com.miui.securitycenter/com.miui.permcenter.main.MainActivity
3. After you execute the commands, restart the device. The shortcut should appear in the application menu.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB You may fail if you enter the wrong commands. Do not change the settings of com.miui.securitycenter other than those specified!

Alternative ways to clean memory without a label

If you can’t return the icon, use the built-in alternatives:

• 🧹 Through Settings: Go to Settings → Memory. → Cleanup. It's got the same features as the Security app».
• ⚡ Widget in the curtain: On HyperOS swipe down to call the notification bar and find the widget “Fast Optimization».
• 📱 Voice Assistant: Say “OK Google, clear the memory” or activate Xiao AI (Chinese firmware team «»**.
• 🛠️ Third-party apps: Install CCleaner, Files by Google, or SD Maid from Google Play.

On devices with MIUI 14+ and HyperOS, the cleaning function is integrated into Settings → Battery and Performance, where you can manually close applications and optimize the system.

💡

On Xiaomi with HyperOS (2026), the Cleanup label is deliberately removed — its functions are transferred to the curtain widget and the Memory section in the settings. This is not a bug, but a feature of the new firmware.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to return a label, users often face typical problems.

• 🔍 «I can't find com.miui.securitycenter": "On some firmware (e.g., on some firmware, MIUI Global Stable is called something else. Try searching for "cleaner," "security," or "optimize" in your app settings.
• 🔄 «After the reboot, the shortcut disappears again": "This means the launcher resets settings. Install another launcher (like Nova Launcher) and in its settings disable the option "Hide system applications».
• 🚫 «Inactive button: The application can be removed or blocked by manufacturer policies (for example, on the POCO X3 Pro MIUI for POCO). In this case, only re-flashing or installation will help. APK.

If none of the methods worked, check if the system updates for the Security app are disabled.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Security.
2. Press three points (⋮) and select "Auto-Update».
3. Make sure you choose “Which is through Wi-Fi” or “Always”.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions