How to Enable Hidden Application Menu on Xiaomi with MIUI 11:3 Proven Ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI 11 has dramatically changed the way it works by removing the app drawer that many users use. Instead, all program icons are now displayed directly on the main screens, which has caused controversy. However, few people know that developers have left the option to bring back the classic interface – you just need to know where to look.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to include the application menu on MIUI 11, including hidden settings and workarounds for different models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9T, POCO F1 and others), and you will learn why this functionality can be disabled on some firmware and how to circumvent restrictions without root rights.

Why is there no default app menu in MIUI 11?

With the release of MIUI 11 in 2019, Xiaomi decided to abandon the traditional app drawer in favor of a clean desktop, where all applications are hosted on the main screens.

• 📱 Simplifying the interface for new users – no unnecessary gestures and menus reduce the entry threshold.
• 🎨 Visual Harmony: Designers MIUI They wanted minimalism, where all elements are available in one tap.
• 📊 Usage statistics have shown that most Xiaomi owners do not use the retractable menu, preferring to place frequently used programs on the desktop.
• 🔄 Unification with iOS – this approach is used in the iPhone, which simplifies the transition of users between platforms.

But for many Android fans, the lack of an app menu has been a major inconvenience, and fortunately, MIUI 11 still has the ability to activate it, though it's deeper than previous versions of the shell, and we'll show you how to find it.

Method 1: Enable via launcher settings (official method)

The easiest and safest way to return the app menu is to use the built-in settings of the standard MIUI launcher, which works on most devices with MIUI 11, including the Redmi Note 7, Mi 9 and POCO X2.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings of your smartphone.
2. Go to the Desktop section (or Home in some localizations).
3. Slip on the launcher settings item (may be called Desktop Style).
4. In the menu that opens, find the option of the App Menu (or App Drawer) and activate the switch.
5. Confirm the changes by clicking Ready or Save.

If the menu doesn't appear after these actions, try restarting the device, and in some cases, the changes only apply after the reboot.

Check out the MIUI version (should be 11.x.x)

Make sure the launcher is not replaced by a third party.

Close all background applications

Make a backup copy of the desktop settings-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K20 Pro) the option of the application menu may be hidden, in which case try the alternative methods described below.

Method 2: Use of Developer Mode (Advanced Method)

If the standard path didn't work, you can try activating the app menu through developer mode, which requires more action, but often helps on devices where the option is hidden.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

Settings

Additionally.

Advanced settings

For developers

Enable the application menu

Force App Drawer

Restart the device to apply the changes.

On some firmware (e.g., the global version for Redmi Note 8), this option may be called Enable App Drawer in Launcher and may be located in the Debugging section.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in developer mode can affect the stability of the system. Do not activate other options unless you understand their purpose.

Method 3: Installation of an alternative launcher (universal solution)

If the first two methods fail, the most reliable option is to install a third-party launcher with application menu support, which is suitable for all devices on MIUI 11, including those where the option is locked at the firmware level.

Recommended launchers:

• 🚀 Nova Launcher offers flexible settings, gesture and design themes support. The free version has all the necessary features.
• 🎨 Lawnchair is an open source launcher that mimics Google’s Pixel Launcher.
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, cloud sync and built-in application menu.
• 📱 POCO Launcher – official launcher from Xiaomi with support for app drawer (even on devices without any other devices) POCO titled).

Installation:

1. Download the selected launcher from Google Play Market.
2. After installation, click the Home button and select the new launcher as standard.
3. In the launcher settings, find the Application Menu (or App Drawer) section and configure its display.

💡

Before installing a third-party launcher, back up your current desktop settings through Settings → Desktop → Backup. This will allow you to quickly return the standard interface if the new launcher doesn’t like it.

The advantage of this method is that you get not only the app menu, but also additional features: customization of icons, gestures, adaptive themes and more. However, note that some launchers can slightly increase battery consumption.

What to do if the app menu does not appear?

If none of the above methods worked, the problem may be due to one of the following reasons:

• 🔧 Modified firmware: some custom builds MIUI 11 remove the application menu option at the system level.
• 📦 Restrictions of regional firmware: on Chinese versions MIUI Functionality may be blocked.
• 🔄 Update conflict: after a major update, launcher settings can be reset.
• 🛠️ Damage to system files: rare but occurs when you update incorrectly.

Decisions:

1. Reset your launcher settings: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the MIUI (or System Launcher). Slip Storage → Clear the data.

⚠️ Warning: This action will remove all your widgets and icon locations on your desktop.Previously take screenshots of the current configuration.

Update the firmware

Settings → Software Update

Install global firmware

MIUI

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and to make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparative table:

For most users, the first method (through launcher settings) will be optimal - it does not require installing additional programs and minimally affects the system. If it does not work, try the second method with developer mode. The third option (third-party launcher) is suitable for those who want to not only return the application menu, but also completely change the appearance of the interface.

💡

On devices with MIUI 11 based on Android 10 (such as the Redmi K20 Pro), the application menu can be locked at the kernel level, in which case the only solution is a third-party launcher.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to turn on the app menu, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔍 "No App Menu in Settings: Check if you have a third-party launcher installed. Go back to standard via Settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.
• 🔄 "After the reboot, the menu disappeared": "This may be due to system optimization. Try turning off Adaptive Brightness in screen settings - sometimes it helps.
• 📵 "No gesture to open the menu: MIUI 11 gesture to call the app menu — swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen. If it doesn't work, check your gesture settings in Settings → Desktop → Gestures.
• 🔧 "Option gray and inactive": This means that the function is blocked by the current firmware. MIUI or install a third-party launcher.

If you're facing another problem, try resetting the launcher to the factory.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI Launcher.
3. Slip the vault. → Clear the data.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions