How to completely remove the widget tape on Xiaomi: from disconnection to deep cleaning

The widget tape on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO models) is one of the most controversial elements of the MIUI interface. On the one hand, it provides quick access to the weather, calendar and other services, but on the other hand, it takes up space on the home screen, slows down the system and sometimes shows unnecessary advertising. If you want to get rid of this element, but do not know how to do it correctly, this article is for you.

We will cover all possible methods, from simple concealment through settings to complete deletion of system files (including ways for users without root rights), pay special attention to the nuances of different versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and models with the shell of POCO Launcher, and understand why after updating the tape can appear again and how to avoid this.

Important: some methods require technical knowledge, and if you are not sure about your actions, use only official methods or back up your data before experimenting.

1. Method 1: Disable the widget tape through standard MIUI settings

The safest and most recommended method is to use built-in system options, and it is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Main screen screen.
• 🔧 Find the option "Widget Tape" (in some versions may be called "Widget Panel" or "Sidebar").
• 🔘 Move the slider to the off position.
• 🔄 Restart the device (required!) to make the changes effective.

If the option is not on the menu, try an alternative route:

1. Hold your finger on the empty spot on the main screen.
2. Select "Home Screen Settings" (or "Screen Style" on some models).
3. Turn off the option "Show Widget Ribbon".

💡

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro), the widget tape is tied to the Weather system app. If you can't turn it off, try removing the updates for that app first in Settings → Apps → App Management → Weather → Remove updates

⚠️ Attention: On devices with POCO Launcher (e.g, POCO F3 or X3 Pro) The widget tape can be integrated into the launcher, in which case it will be disabled and the desktop settings will be reset.

2. Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

If the standard shutdown doesn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that doesn’t require superuser rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to your computer.

Step-by-step:

Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (7 times click on version) → Additional settings → For developers → Debugging over USB

Install Xiaomi USB Drivers and ADB Tools on PC

Connect the phone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission

Download Platform Tools from Google (the official ADB package)

-->

After preparation, run on the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.miservice

If the command fails, try alternative packages:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.weather2 # For the weather


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.notes # For notes (if tape is tied to them)

⚠️ Note: Removing system packages may cause some functions (such as weather or calendar) to function unstable, and can only be restored by resetting or flashing.

3. Method 3: Use of third-party launchers

If you don't like widget tape, but you don't want to interfere with system files, install an alternative launcher, which is completely safe and reversible.

The best options for Xiaomi:

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – Supports gesture customization and hiding unnecessary elements.
• 🎨 Lawnchair is a lightweight open source launcher, no ads.
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, but no widgets imposed.
• 📱 POCO Launcher (official) - not even on the-POCO devices allow you to turn off the tape.

How to determine:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play.
2. Open the app and select it as the default launcher.
3. In the new launcher settings, disable all widgets or panels (usually the option is called "Home Screen" or "Doc").

✅ Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Safe – does not affect system files.
• 🔄 You can return to the standard launcher at any time.
• 🎨 Additional Customization Opportunities.

❌ Deficiencies:

• ⚠️ Some system functions (e.g., double tap to wake) may not work properly.
• 📱 On weak devices (Redmi) 9A, Redmi 8) third-party launchers can slow down.

Method 4: Delete system files (for power users with root only)

This method is only suitable for those who have root rights and experience with system files, and improper actions can lead to a device blink (complete inoperability).

Which files are responsible for the widget tape:

Instructions for users with root:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/MiuiSystemUI.apk.
3. Make a backup copy of the file (copy it on the SD-card).
4. Open MiuiSystemUI.apk in the APK editor (e.g. APK Editor).
5. Remove or comment on lines related to com.miui.miservice and com.miui.weather2.
6. Save the changes, restart the device.

🔧 Alternative method (less risky):

su


mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/priv-app/QuickSearchBox




rm -rf /system/app/Weather2




mount -o ro,remount /system




reboot

💡

Before any manipulation of system files, be sure to create a full backup via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery. In case of an error, you will be able to restore the device.

5. Method 5: Reset the launcher settings (if the tape appeared after the update)

Often, the widget tape returns after updating MIUI or resetting settings, in which case the launcher reset to factory parameters will help.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the launcher (or MIUI Launcher, or POCO Launcher).
3. Select "Storage" → "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache".
4. Reset the device.

If the tape still appears:

• 🔄 Try switching to another launcher (like Nova) and then back up.
• 📥 Install an old version of the launcher from the archive (for example, with APKMirror).
• 🔧 Reverse to the previous version MIUI via Fastboot (instructions are available on Xiaomi.eu).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) The launcher's reset could cause the weather widgets and the calendar to be lost.

MIUI 12

MIUI 13

MIUI 14

Other (specify in the comments)

I don't know.

-->

6.Why does the widget tape return after deletion?

Many users are faced with the fact that the widget tape appears again after:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI through OTA.
• 📥 Install applications from the Mi App Store.
• 🔧 Resetting settings or flashing.
• 📱 Connecting to a Mi Account Account.

Causes and solutions:

🔧 Radical solution: If the tape returns after each update, consider switching to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience). MIUI, but will require unlocking the bootloader and may deprive you of some features (for example, IR-blaster).

7. Alternatives to the widget tape: what to use instead?

If you have removed the widget tape but want to keep quick access to important information, consider these alternatives:

📌 Widgets on the main screen:

• 🌤️ Weather Timeline – Minimalist Weather Widget.
• 📅 Month: Calendar Widget – Calendar with Tasks.
• 📊 Another Widget – Customized Data Panels.

🔧 Gestures and quick action:

• 👆 Fluid Navigation Gestures – Swipe configuration.
• 🔄 Tasker – Automation of gestures.
• 📱 Edge Gestures – call the panels swipe from the edge of the screen.

📡 Voice assistants:

• 🎤 Google Assistant (widget with fast commands).
• 🤖 Bixby (for users who switched from Samsung).
• 🗣️ Alice from Yandex (integration with Yandex services).

💡 Tip: If you lack the functionality of standard widgets, try it KWGT Kustom Widget Maker This app lets you create fully customizable panels with any information (from weather to health statistics).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing widget tape on Xiaomi