How to remove the folder “Other” and recommendations on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

You opened the main screen of Xiaomi's smartphone, and there's this annoying Others folder again, where the system automatically folds all the newly installed apps, and there's a MIUI recommendation that advertises games, news, or "useful" services that you've never used. Irritating? You're not alone: this feature has become one of the most talked-about issues among owners of Redmi, POCO, and Mi devices in the last two years.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can get rid of the Others folder and disable recommendations, from standard MIUI 14/13/12 settings to hidden features and radical methods for advanced users. Importantly, some solutions require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, but we’ll start with the simplest and most secure options, and you’ll learn why these folders reappear after updates and how to prevent them from returning.

We warn you right away: Xiaomi actively resists users’ attempts to remove system elements, so some methods may stop working after another update. We tested all instructions on current firmware versions (as of 2026) and indicate which models they are suitable for.

Why does the Other folder appear and recommendations on Xiaomi

The Other folder is an automatic grouping of applications that MIUI creates to "optimize" the home screen, which, according to the developers' logic, makes it easier for the user to find newly installed programs, in fact, it leads to chaos: the system can:

• 📱 Add applications you haven’t used in a long time (algorithm analyzes the launch frequency).
• 🔄 Return the folder after each update, even if you delete it.
• 📢 Add advertising widgets (for example, “Recommended Games” or “News” MIUI»).
• 🔒 Block manual removal for system applications (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Music).

Recommendations are part of Xiaomi’s advertising ecosystem, which is integrated into the shell.

• 📱 On the main screen (recommendations widget»).
• 🔍 In the search box MIUI.
• 📂 Inside the folder "Others" (in the form of banners).
• 🛒 In the Mi App Store or GetApps.

The main reason for this is monetization, because Xiaomi makes money from advertising and affiliate programs, so you can't shut it down completely without drastic measures, but there are ways to minimize their impact or hide them forever.

Method 1: Disable recommendations through MIUI settings (without root)

The safest method is to use the built-in shell options. It is suitable for all models on MIUI 12/13/14 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and later).

Step 1. Turn off recommendations on the home screen:

1. Press the empty space on the home screen → select Screen Settings.
2. Go to Recommendations (or App Vault in global firmware).
3. Turn off the sliders: 📱 «Show recommendations on the main screen». 🔍 «Show recommendations in search». 📊 «Personalized recommendations” (if any).

Step 2. Remove the "Recommendations" widget:

• Press the Recommendations (or App Vault) widget on the home screen.
• Then, put it in the back of the sleeve.
• Confirm the action.

Step 3: Turn off personalization in your account settings:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Go to Mi Account → Settings → Personalization.
3. Turn off all sliders related to recommendations and analytics.

Disable sync with Mi Cloud (temporarily)

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

Backup the main screen (Settings → Additional → Backup)

Reboot your phone after the changes-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) the "Recommendations" option may not be present in the screen settings, in which case try method 2 or 3.

Method 2: Remove the Others folder through the launcher (without root)

If the Others folder keeps popping up, it can be hidden or deleted via an alternative launcher, a method that doesn’t require superuser rights and works on 90% of Xiaomi devices.

Option A. Use a third-party launcher (recommended):

• 📱 Install one of the launchers: Nova Launcher (paid version allows you to hide system folders), Lawnchair (free, open source), Hyperion Launcher (optimized for Xiaomi).
• 🔧 In the launcher settings, find the option to Hide applications or Ignore system folders.
• 🗑️ Add to the blacklist: Others (Other). App Vault (if any). Recommendations.

Option B. Resetting the MIUI launcher settings (radical method):

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI (or Launcher) launcher and select it.
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
4. Reboot the phone.

After that, the main screen will reset to the factory settings, and the Other folder will disappear — but only until the next automatic creation. To prevent it from returning, install a third-party launcher immediately.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods didn't work, you can disable system components via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) a semi-radical way that doesn't require root, but can lead to unstable phone performance if used improperly.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to press to unlock the developer settings).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should appear serial number of the device).
4. Follow the commands in turn: adb shell pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolution adb shell pm hide com.miui.weather2 adb shell pm hide com.miui.videoplayer adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.mirecycle
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

Which components shall be deactivated:

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications may lead to: Errors in operation MIUI (For example, the weather or calendar will disappear. Automatically return the folder after the update. Inability to use certain functions (for example, Quick Apps). → Additionally. → Backup.

adb shell pm hide com.miui.contentcenter

This command removes the content center that is responsible for recommendations in search and on the home screen.-->

Method 4: Delete the Others folder with root (for power users)

If you're willing to go to extreme lengths, getting root permissions will remove the Other folder permanently, a method that's suitable for users who:

• 🔧 I have already unlocked the bootloader on my Xiaomi.
• 📱 Install custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 🛡️ Understand the risks (loss of warranty, possible brick).

Step 1: Getting root rights:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 72 hours).
2. Install TWRP for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
3. Sweep Magisk through recovery to get root.

Step 2: Delete the Others folder:

1. Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with root support.
2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiHome or /system/app/Lawnchair (depending on firmware).
3. Find and delete files: OtherFolder.smali (responsible for creating the folder). com.miui.home.launcher.CommonFolderManager.smali.

su


pm clear com.miui.home

Reboot the phone.

Step 3: Block folder creation (optional):

To prevent the folder from reappearing, add a line to /system/build.prop:

ro.miui.other_folder_enabled=0

Save the changes and reboot.

💡

Root method is the only way to delete the Other folder forever, but it is only suitable for power users. If you are not sure of your skills, use methods 1-3.

Method 5: Alternative firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you're finally done with MIUI features, you can install custom firmware that doesn't have the Others folder or recommendations.

How to determine:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see Method 4).
2. Install TWRP or OrangeFox.
3. Download the firmware for your model from XDA or official website.
4. Sweep through recovery (instructions are usually attached to the firmware).

What to do if the folder is back:

1. Repeat steps from Method 2 or 3 (ADB).
2. Check if new system applications have appeared in Settings → Applications.
3. If you use a launcher, update its blacklist.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Others folder and recommendations