How to remove the widget tape on Xiaomi MIUI 12: the complete guide

The widget tape to the left of the main screen is one of the most controversial features of the MIUI 12 shell. For some users, it is a convenient way to quickly access information, for others it is an annoying element that eats unnecessary gestures and takes up space. If you are in the second category, this article will help you completely disable the widget tape on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO with MIUI 12 firmware.

It's important to understand that depending on the smartphone model and the firmware version, the methods available may vary. We'll look at both standard settings and advanced solutions, from simple concealment to complete removal of the system component. ADB-Root rights or commands, but most users will be able to do without them.

Before you start, check your shell version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have MIUI 12.5 or newer, some methods may not work – in which case, pay attention to alternative solutions at the end of the article.

Why Widget Ribbon is Interfering with Users

On paper, the left panel with widgets looks useful: weather, calendar, quick contacts and notes in one place, but in practice, many people face the following problems:

• 👆 Random swipes: When you try to open the notification panel or application menu, the left boundary of the screen is touched with your finger, which leads to an unwanted opening of the tape.
• 📱 Suboptimal use of space: on devices with small screens (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The tape occupies up to 20% of the workspace.
• 🔄 Lags and Brakes: Some widgets (especially Mi Fit or Mi Home) load longer than the main interface, which creates a “hang” effect".
• 🔒 Limited customization: in MIUI 12 You can not change the order of widgets or remove standard ones (for example, Mi Video or Mi Browser).

According to a survey of Xiaomi users in 2023, 63% of respondents turned off the widget tape during the first month of using a smartphone, the main reasons are accidental activation (41%) and unnecessary functionality (38%).

Method 1: Disconnect via launcher settings (without root)

The easiest method that works on most MIUI 12 devices is to hide the tape through the launcher's built-in options, and unfortunately, you won't be able to remove it completely, but the widgets won't show up when you swipe.

1. Open the settings of your smartphone.
2. Go to Home (or Desktop on some models).
3. Select the option for Additional Settings (may be called Advanced).
4. Find the option of the Widget Ribbon and turn off the slider.
5. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the window that appears.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

1. Hold your finger to the free space on the main screen.
2. In the menu that appears, select the Home Screen Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Widget Ribbon section and deactivate it.

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Backup the home screen (Settings → Home → Backup)

Close all background apps (especially Mi Home and Mi Fit)

Restart the device before changes-->

Method limitation: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 10T or POCO X3 NFC), this method only hides widgets, but the tape itself can still be swiped to the left.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-commands without root)

If the standard settings did not help, you can turn off the tape through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method does not require root rights, but it will require a computer and a computer. USB-Attention: Incorrect commands may disrupt the system, so follow the instructions carefully.

First, prepare the device:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Now, follow the commands in ADB:

adb shell


pm hide com.miui.home/.launcher.LauncherWidgetPane

If the first command fails, try the alternative:

adb shell


settings put secure sysui_qqs_count 0

Important: After the device is restarted, the tape may reappear. To fix the changes, add a command to the autoboot via the Tasker or MacroDroid app.

Method 3: Remove via TWRP (requires root)

For users with an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed, a radical method is available - removing the system APK responsible for the tape. Warning: this can lead to unstable launcher operation, so back up!

Instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Open the /system/priv-app/ folder.
4. Find and delete files: MiuiHome (main launcher) LauncherWidget (widgets)

Reset the device.

After uninstallation, install an alternative launcher (such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) as a standard MIUI Launcher may not work properly.

💡

Before you delete your system files, make a full backup through TWRP (Backup section), which will allow you to restore the device in case of a "brick".

Method 4: Alternative launchers (bypass)

If previous methods have failed or seem too complicated, the most reliable way to get rid of the widget tape is to install a launcher side, which will not remove the tape from the system, but will make it unavailable in everyday use.

The best options for Xiaomi:

After the launcher is installed:

1. Open Settings → Applications → By default.
2. Select a new launcher in the Home section.
3. Set up gestures and layout to your liking.

💡

Alternative launchers not only remove the widget tape, but also improve performance on weak devices (such as the Redmi 8A or POCO C3).

Method 5: Editing System Files (for Advanced)

This method is suitable for users with root rights and experience with system files. We will edit the launcher configuration file to disable the tape at the code level.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Cross the path. /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/.
3. Find the file. launcher_preferences.xml Open it in the text editor.
4. Add or change the following lines: <boolean name="widget_panel_enabled" value="false" /> <boolean name="left_screen_enabled" value="false" />
5. Save the file and restart the device.

If none of the methods worked, your version of MIUI may have unique limitations, in which case contact the XDA Developers community or check for custom firmware for your model.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions