Desktop MIUI Xiaomi: what kind of program is it, how to set up and replace

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, I think you probably have the term “desktop” MIUI». It's not just a background screen with icons, it's a whole program that defines what your device's interface looks like, how apps open, even how gestures work. But what exactly is behind that name? Why? MIUI So different from “pure” Android, and can it be replaced with another launcher?

In this article, we will discuss in detail what a desktop is. MIUI, How it works, what features it hides, and how to customize it, and you'll learn why some users like it for its flexibility, while others prefer to install alternative launchers. MIUI Launcher, which is not in the standard Android, and give step-by-step instructions for customization. If you ever wondered how to make your Xiaomi unique, this guide is for you.

What is a desktop? MIUI And why do you need it?

Desktop MIUI (or MIUI Launcher is the standard shell that Xiaomi installs on all its smartphones instead of the standard Android launcher:

• 📱 The appearance of the main screen (icons, widgets, wallpapers);
• 🔍 Search for applications and files;
• 👆 Gestures and animations when switching between screens;
• 📂 Folder and shortcut management;
• 🔄 Multitasking (switching between applications).

Unlike the “naked” Android, where the launcher is often minimalistic, MIUI It offers a lot of additional features, from the built-in App Vault (panel with a weather widget, calendar and fast actions) to unique transitions between screens. MIUI 14 there was support for large folders, where you can store up to 200 applications, as well as super icons – enlarged icons with a widget inside.

But why doesn't Xiaomi use a standard launcher: MIUI Launcher is closely integrated with the company’s proprietary services, such as Mi Account, Mi Cloud and GetApps. This allows you to synchronize settings between devices, quickly set themes and even block ads in system applications (in some regions). However, this approach has a downside: the launcher consumes more RAM and sometimes works slower than third-party counterparts.

Differences MIUI Launcher from standard Android and other launchers

If you have previously used smartphones of other brands (for example, Samsung or Google Pixel), then the transition to the smartphone is not possible. MIUI This may seem unusual. Here are the key differences:

One of the main advantages MIUI Launcher is a deep integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem, for example, if you have smart Mi Home devices (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners, cameras), they can be controlled directly to the desktop in the form of widgets. MIUI There is a unique Second Space feature – a second desktop with separate apps and settings, which is useful for separating personal and work information.

But MIUI The launcher has its downsides, for example, it doesn’t support adaptive-sized icons (like Android 12).+), And some animations can seem redundant, and if you like minimalism, standard themes. MIUI They may seem too bright and overloaded.

💡

If you lack the standard functions MIUI Launcher, try to enable developer mode and activate Force option GPU rendering in settings. This will make animations smoother, but it can increase battery consumption.

How to set up a desktop MIUI For yourself: step-by-step instructions

Even if you are satisfied with the standard look. MIUI Launcher, it's highly customizable. This is what you can change without installing third-party software:

1. Change the wallpaper and theme Go to Settings → Wallpaper or Themes. You can choose static or live wallpapers, and download themes from the Mi Themes Store. Note the Super Wallpaper section, which is animated background images that respond to gestures (e.g., the paralax effect when tilting your phone).
2. Set up icons and folders Press your finger on the free desktop space → Screen settings. You can do this here: 🔄 Change the size of the icons (from small to very large); 📂 Enable large folders (up to 200 applications in one); 🎨 Apply super icons (icon) + single-batch widget).
3. Add widgets Click on the free space on the screen → Widgets. MIUI There are unique widgets, for example: 🌡️ App Vault (weather, calendar, pedometer); 📊 Usage statistics (screen time, battery charge); 🎵 Music player with control right on the desktop.

Set up your gestures.

Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Gestures, you can set up actions here:

• 👆 Swipe up (open search or notification panel);
• 👇 Swipe down (unlock or launch the camera);
• ☝️ Double touch (sleep/wake up screen).

If you want more features than the standard launcher offers, you can use hidden settings. MIUI 14, there's an experimental Ultra Battery Saver feature that simplifies the interface to save charge:

Settings → Battery and Performance → Super-Economic Mode → Include

Remove unnecessary widgets from the desktop |

Disable animations in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (5 times press for the developer mode) → Animation. = 0.5x|

Enable Easy Mode in Launcher Settings|

Limit background activity for Mi Themes and GetApps-->

How to replace MIUI Launcher on another: Nova, Hyperion, Lawnchair

If you don’t like the standard launcher MIUI, It can be replaced with a third-party one. It doesn't require root rights, and it only takes a few minutes:

1. Install an alternative launcher Download any launcher from Google Play, for example: 🌟 Nova Launcher is the most flexible and customizable; ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi; 🍃 Lawnchair – Minimalist with Android 10 gesture support+.

Make it a default launcher

Once installed, open the app and follow the prompts. The system will suggest you choose the default launcher — choose a new one.

Set up gestures and appearance

Each launcher has its own characteristics, for example, in Nova Launcher you can:

• 🎨 Adaptive icons (like those in Android 12);
• 🔄 Change transitions between screens;
• 📂 Create smart folders (automatic sorting of applications).

But there is one caveat: even after replacing the launcher, some functions are not available. MIUI For example, the App Vault and Xiaomi gestures may conflict with the new launcher. To avoid this, turn them off in the settings:

Settings → Home screen → Disable App Vault


Settings → Additional → Gestures → Disable MIUI gestures

If after installing a third-party launcher you began to slow down animations, try to disable optimization. MIUI for:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Find a Launcher → Battery → Without Limitations

Hidden functions MIUI Launcher that you didn’t know about

MIUI Launcher hides a lot of useful things that are not obvious at first glance:

• 🔍 Quick search with the swipe down the center of the desktop, and you'll see a search bar where you can search not only apps, but also contacts, messages, and even system settings.
• 📱 Hidden folders Hold your finger on the folder → Hide it, it'll disappear from your desktop, but it'll remain searchable, useful if you want to hide your personal apps.
• 🔄 In the launcher settings there is an option Autosort, which places the icons alphabetically or categories (social networks, games, tools).
• 🎨 Dynamic wallpapers in Mi Themes have wallpapers that change depending on the time of day or the weather, for example, the background may get darker in the evening.
• 🔒 Blocking applications on the desktop Press the application icon → Now you need a password or a fingerprint to open it.

Another little-known feature is Second Space, which is like a second account on a phone with separate apps, wallpapers and settings, useful if you want to separate work and privacy, or give a phone to a child without the risk of it ruining anything, to enable:

Settings → Second Space → Create a Space

V MIUI 14 also introduced a feature called Cross-Device Communication. If you have a Xiaomi laptop or tablet, you can synchronize clipboards, files and even notifications between devices:

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Cross-Device Communication → Enable

💡

Second Space function in MIUI It allows you to create a completely isolated workspace with separate applications, wallpapers and even social media accounts, which is useful for protecting personal data or testing new applications without risking the main system.

Problems with MIUI Launcher and how to solve them

Despite the upsides, MIUI Launcher sometimes doesn't work well. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

⚠️ Attention If After Update MIUI Launcher started to brake or fly out, try to clear its cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Clear the cache.

If the launcher has stopped working, you can try resetting it to the factory settings.

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Reset Settings

⚠️ Some users face a problem when after installing a third-party launcher MIUI The launcher still starts after the restart. This is because of the system protection function in the system. MIUI. To avoid this, disable automatic system application recovery: Settings → Memory. → Auto-cleaning → Disable Application Recovery.

If nothing works, the last option is to reset your phone to factory settings, but before you do that, make sure to back up your data through Settings. → The phone. → Backup.

MIUI Launcher vs Other shells: What’s best for Xiaomi

Many Xiaomi users are wondering if they should use the standard. MIUI Launcher or better put an alternative? Let's compare it to popular shells:

• 🆚 MIUI Nova Launcher Nova wins in flexibility (guest customization, adaptive icons, tabs in folders), but loses in integration with Xiaomi services (no App Vault and Second Space).
• 🆚 MIUI Hyperion Launcher Hyperion is designed specifically for Xiaomi and supports all features MIUI, But with better animations and less battery consumption, minus less design.
• 🆚 MIUI vs Lawnchair Lawnchair offers minimalist design in the style of Pixel Launcher, but without the support of Xiaomi's signature chips.
• 🆚 MIUI vs POCO Launcher POCO Launcher (for a lineup) POCO) lighter and faster than standard MIUI, It has fewer customization functions. It's good for weak devices.

Which launcher to choose depends on your priorities:

• 🎨 Maximum customization → Nova Launcher;
• ⚡ Productivity → hyperion POCO Launcher;
• 🏠 Integration with Xiaomi ecosystem → MIUI Launcher;
• 📱 Minimalism → Lawnchair.

If you’re not sure which launcher is right for you, try installing a few and comparing them over the course of a week. Most launchers (like Nova) have free trials with full functionality.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the desktop MIUI