Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where, after a system update, a change in theme or a random action from the desktop, the familiar and useful memory cleaning widget disappears. This tool, which is part of the system application Security, is critical to quickly optimize the operation of the device. Its absence forces users to search for alternatives or manually dig into settings, which reduces the usability of the MIUI interface or the new HyperOS.
Recovery of this element does not require complex technical knowledge or obtaining superuser rights. The problem is solved by the regular means of the Android operating system with a shell from a Chinese manufacturer. In most cases, it is enough to simply re-introduce the widget to the home screen or reset the launcher settings if a software error occurs. Below we will consider all the proven methods that will help you return functionality in one click.
It is worth noting that the location of elements may vary slightly in different versions of the firmware, but the logic of the widget system remains the same for all models, whether it is a budget Redmi Note or the flagship Xiaomi 14.
Adding a widget through the desktop menu
The easiest and most common way to get back functionality is to use the standard widget menu, which works in 95% of cases when the user simply removed the shortcut, confusing it with the usual application, and first you need to unlock the smartphone and go to the main screen, where there are no unnecessary open windows or menus.
Push two fingers across the screen, or just swipe left to right across the center of the display, and this action will open the desktop editing menu. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a few tabs, which you'll want to select Widgets, and that's where all the system and user elements you can install are stored.
In the list that opens, you'll need to find a section that's related to system utilities, which can be called Security, Security, or simply System Applications. Inside this section, look for an item called Cleanup or Acceleration, which often looks like a small broom or shield, and click on it and hold your finger to drag the icon to the free desktop space.
- 🔍 Find an icon with a broomstick or shield in the list of widgets, this is a standard symbol of the cleaning utility.
- 📲 Make sure there is at least a free space on the desktop. 1x1 or 2x1 cell.
- 🔄 If the widget is not added, try to rescaling the desktop grid in the launcher settings.
Once you put the widget on the screen, try clicking on it, and if you open the garbage cleanup menu and speed up RAM, you've solved the problem, and it's important to understand that this widget is not a separate application, but only a shortcut link to a function inside the system service, so removing it doesn't remove the cleaning program itself.
Checking the launcher settings and screen grid
Sometimes the cleaning icon doesn’t show up because of changes in the configuration of the desktop itself. MIUI and HyperOS shells allow you to flexibly adjust the screen grid, but if you don’t set up properly, some system widgets can hide or scale incorrectly, especially for users who often change the themes of the design or use third-party launchers.
You need to go to the device settings and find the partition that is responsible for the desktop. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Desktop. Here you should pay attention to the "Grid" option. If the resolution is too large (for example, 4x5 or 5x5), some widgets may simply not fit or crop when you add. Try temporarily changing the grid to a standard (usually 4x6 or 5x6) and repeat the addition procedure.
There's also a "Hide App Icon" option on this menu to make sure that the system utilities don't make the hidden list. Although the cleaning widget isn't exactly an app, its parental process can be affected by global visibility settings. In some cases, switching Classic Menu mode to No Menu and back again helps, rebooting the launcher configuration.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Lawnchair) can completely block the work of native Xiaomi widgets.
If changing the grid settings didn’t help, try resetting the launcher settings. This action will return the icons to factory status, but save your apps. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the Desktop (or System Launcher) list, and select Clear → Reset.
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Before resetting the launcher settings, take a screenshot of the current location of the icons to quickly restore the usual desktop structure.
Display settings in the Security app
At the center of the cleaning ecosystem is the Security app, which is the engine that analyzes memory and cache, and if the widget doesn't appear on the desktop, the internal settings for displaying the security application's features may have gone wrong.
Open the Security app directly from the menu of all apps (green shield icon). In the upper right corner, click on the gear icon to enter the settings. Here you need to find the section related to "Memory Clearup" or "Acceleration." Make sure that the "Show floating button" or "Add widget" option is activated if it is present in your version of the software.
In newer versions of HyperOS, the cleaning functionality is integrated deeper into the system. Check if the optimization function itself is disabled. Sometimes after major updates, users accidentally prohibit auto-start or work in the background for system services, which can block the widget from working. In the application settings, find the "Out-Start" option and make sure that it is allowed for security.
- 🛡️ Open the Security app and go to settings through the gear in the corner of the screen.
- ✅ Check if the “Rescue Cleanup” and “Memory Acceleration” functions are activated».
- 🔋 Make sure that the Security application does not have to limit background activity in the Battery section».
It’s also worth checking for updates to the Security app itself, which is updated through the GetApps or Google Play app store, regardless of firmware updates. An outdated version of the security component may contain bugs that prevent you from properly creating widgets on your desktop.
☑️ Diagnostics of the Security Application
Comparison of icon recovery methods
Different situations require different approaches to solving the problem. Below is a table that will help you choose the best recovery method depending on the symptoms of the malfunction. Understanding the cause of the icon disappears saves time and avoids unnecessary actions.
| Symptom of the problem | Probable cause | Recommended method of decision | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| The badge disappeared after changing the subject | Incompatibility of theme with standard widgets | Changing the theme to a standard or adding a widget manually | Low. |
| The widget is on the menu, but not put | Not enough grid space or launcher bug | Change the screen grid or reset the launcher settings | Medium |
| Nothing happens when you press it. | System process or cache error | Cleaning the data of the Security application | Medium |
| There is no function in the settings | Regional restrictions or software version | Change of region or system update | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, most of the time, the problem is solved by simple interface manipulations, but if you encounter the situation described in the last line, where the function is completely absent from the system, point to deeper changes in the firmware for a particular region.
Some global firmware versions may have a reduced functionality compared to the Chinese versions, in which case, if the widget is critical, users sometimes resort to changing the region in the phone settings (for example, India or China), which can activate hidden features, although this does not always guarantee the appearance of the widget on the desktop.
Why does the widget disappear after an Android update?
Relocation and update of components
One of the specific features of Xiaomi smartphones is that the feature set depends on the selected region. In the device settings, in the section Additional → Region, you can choose another country. It is noted that in some regions (for example, India or China), the Security application interface is more saturated with widgets and cleaning functions than in the version for Europe or Russia.
You may need to change region if you have refurbished your phone or bought a version of Global that has cut out the component for some reason. After changing region, the phone will reboot some system services, and new items may appear in the widget menu. However, it is worth remembering that this can also change the list of recommended apps and news feed.
Also, don't ignore system updates. Manufacturers regularly release patches that fix interface bugs. Go to Settings → About your phone and check for updates. If a new version of MIUI or HyperOS is available, install it. Often the problem with disappearing widgets is massive and fixed by developers as a matter of urgency.
⚠️ Attention: Changes in region may affect some local services, the frequency of updates to system applications and the set of pre-installed software.
If you don't get an automatic update, you can check system component updates manually through the GetApps (Mi Store) app. Find the Security or Security app there and see if the update is available. Sometimes system modules are updated regardless of the main firmware.
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Relocation is a software crutch that can bring back functionality, but it is not an official method for solving interface bugs.
Alternative methods of rapid cleaning
If the widget is not restored or is not working properly, you should consider alternative options for accessing the cleanup function. Android and the MIUI shell provide multiple levels of memory management access that may be more convenient than a standard icon.
First, use the notification curtain. Swipe down from top to top to open the control center. There's often a "Clean" or "Accelerate" button. If it's not on the first screen of the curtain, tap on the pencil (edit) and add this switch to the active one, which allows you to clean the memory in one click without going back to the desktop.
Second, set up automatic cleaning. Security → Cleaning → Settings (cogs) can enable “Clean Automatically.” Select frequency (e.g., once every 3 days) and condition (only when the phone is not in use). The system will maintain order itself, and you will less likely have to use a hand-held icon.
- 📱 Add the Performance widget (large circle) that shows RAM loading in real time and cleans memory when pressed.
- ⚙️ Use a sidebar (BoX) if supported by your model for quick access to cleaning tools.
- 🤖 Install a third-party application-cliner from Google Play, if native methods have ceased to suit the functionality.
The third option is to use a voice assistant: say "Hey Google, clear your memory" or use the built-in Xiao AI assent (if available and configured in Russian), voice commands can run system clearing scenarios without having to look for icons on the screen.