If you own a smartphone, tablet or Xiaomi smart TV, you’ve probably come across the term “tabs” – but you didn’t always understand what it meant in context. MIUI Unlike other manufacturers, where tabs are more often associated with the browser, in the Xiaomi ecosystem, this term has an extended meaning. It can denote virtual workspaces in multitasking, interface sections in applications, and even physical switches in smart devices.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all types of tabs in Xiaomi devices – from basic functions to hidden features that the manufacturer does not always advertise. You will learn how to customize tabs for your tasks, how they differ from similar solutions from Samsung or Apple, and how to solve typical problems (for example, when the tabs Suddenly disappear or do not save state). AI-XiaoAI Assistant and Mi Cloud Services.
What are tabs in Xiaomi smartphones: the main types
In the Xiaomi ecosystem, the term "tabs" is used in three key contexts: First, it's virtual desktops in the shell. MIUI/HyperOS, This allows you to separate applications by topic (for example, “Work”, “Personal”, “Games”). Second, we are talking about tabs in the browser – here Xiaomi offers unique features like synchronization between devices through Mi Account. Third, tabs can denote partitions in system applications (for example, in Settings or Security»).
It is important to understand that the functionality of tabs depends on the firmware version and device model. For example, in Xiaomi 14 Pro running HyperOS 1.0, dynamic tabs are available that automatically group applications by time of use, whereas in budget models (for example, Redmi Note 12), this feature may not be available.
- 📱 Desktop Tabs: Virtual spaces for organizing applications, support gestures and voice control via XiaoAI.
- 🌐 Browser tabs: Mi Browser and Chrome (on Xiaomi) have a Tab Group feature with synchronization via Mi Cloud.
- ⚙️ System partitions: Tabs in Settings (e.g. Display, Sound) may have additional submenu hidden by default.
- 🔄 Multitasking: Tabs of the latest apps in the multitasking menu (swipe up call with delay).
Interesting fact: in Xiaomi Pad 6, desktop tabs support horizontal orientation with an adaptive layout, which is convenient for multimedia. TV Tabs are used to switch between signal sources (HDMI, USB, TV) and streaming services.
How to set up the desktop tabs in MIUI hyperos
Setup of the desktop tabs in Xiaomi starts with a long tap in the free space of the screen. In the menu that appears, select Desktop Settings, then go to Desktop Style. Here you can:
- 🔄 Add/remove tab: Swipe left/right switch to the desktop and click «+».
- 🎨 Change the wallpaper for each tab: HyperOS supports Super Wallpapers with 3D-effects.
- 🔒 Block the layout: To avoid accidentally moving the icons (the option to Fix the applications).
- 📱 Activate gestures: For example, swipe down on the desktop to search or swipe up to call XiaoAI.
For advanced users, hidden settings are available. To open them, go to Settings. → Special facilities → Functions lab and turn on Desktop Developer Mode option. Then, additional settings will appear in the tab settings:
| Function | Description | Need a HyperOS? |
|---|---|---|
| Switch animations | Smooth transition between tabs with the effect of “wave” | Yes (1.0.+) |
| Automatic sorting | Applications are grouped by frequency of use | No (available in) MIUI 14) |
| Voice control | Switch tabs with the command "Hey XiaoAI, open desktop 2" | Yes (China only) |
| Badges Only mode | Hide app names, leaving only icons | No. |
Please note: if after updating the firmware tabs reset, try to restore them through Mi Cloud. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Restore → Desktop settings: If the option is inactive, check if sync is enabled in your account settings.
Long tap on the screen → Desktop settings|Select a style (standard/without frames)|Add the swipe tab to the left|Set up wallpaper for each tab separately|Activate synchronization with Mi Cloud-->
Tabs in the Xiaomi browser: synchronization and hidden functions
The Mi Browser, pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices, offers unique tab-based features, and the main difference from Chrome is deep integration with the Mi Account ecosystem.
- 🔄 Synchronize tabs between smartphone, tablet and Xiaomi TV (If the TV has a Mi browser installed TV Browser).
- 📁 Group tabs by project (e.g., “Travel”, “Work”) with color tags.
- 🔍 Search by text on the page in all open tabs at the same time (the option is Global Search in the menu).
- 🛡️ Block tabs with a password (in privacy settings).
To enable synchronization, go to Mi Browser → Profile → Sign in to Mi Account and activate tab sync. After that, all open pages will be available on other devices in the section Recent tabs. Important: to work correctly, you need a stable Internet connection and the latest version of the browser (you can update to GetApps or Google Play).
Hidden feature: if you hold your finger on the New tab button, a menu will appear with quick access to:
- 📥 Downloaded files (Download folder)
- 📋 Exchange buffer (last copied links)
- 🌐 VR-The mode (for viewing 360)°-content)
⚠️ Note: If tabs in Mi BrowserSuddenly start to close on their own, check your optimization settings in Settings → Battery → Battery optimization: Add your browser to the exclusion list, otherwise the system may force background processes to close.
How to restore accidentally closed tabs?
Tabs in system applications: hidden opportunities
Many Xiaomi system applications use tabs to organize content, such as the Security app, which has three key tabs:
- Scanner – checking for viruses and vulnerabilities
- Optimization – cleaning memory and cache;
- Privacy – Control of permissions for applications.
In the Settings app, tabs can be nested, for example, in the Display section there are tabs:
- 📱 Screen resolution (with Adaptive Refresh Rate option for dynamic refresh rate);
- 🌓 Dark theme (with schedule and exceptions for individual applications);
- 🔍 Reading (vision protection mode with blue light filter).
Tip: If the settings lack tabs (for example, there is no Developer section), activate it manually. → About the phone and 7 times tap on the version MIUI. After that, a hidden tab will appear for developers with advanced options.
In the Camera app, tabs are responsible for shooting modes. In Xiaomi 13 Ultra, there are more than 10 of them, including:
- 📸 Photo by Leica Authentic Look);
- 🎥 Video (with permission up to) 8K@24fps);
- 🌃 Night mode (with manual exposure settings up to 30 seconds).
⚠️ Note: In some regional firmware (e.g. Europe), some tabs in system applications may be hidden due to legal restrictions. → Additionally. → Region.
Xiaomi tab problems and their solutions
Xiaomi users often face typical tab-related problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop tabs are reset after rebooting | Mi Cloud sync disabled or Launcher cache damaged | Enable sync in account settings or clear the cache through Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse |
| You cannot add a new tab (button «+» idle) | Limitation of the shell (maximum) 5 tab in Redmi or 9 into Xiaomi/Poco) | Remove unnecessary tabs or use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher) |
| The tabs in the browser are not synchronized | Mi Browser version or Mi Account issues | Update your browser and check your account status at account.xiaomi.com |
| Tab switching animations slow down | Power saving mode or weak processor enabled | Turn off animation in Settings → Special facilities → Remove animations. |
If the tabs in the multitasking menu don't keep the state (for example, apps disappear from the list), the problem may be due to aggressive battery optimization.
- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.
- Select All Apps and find the problem one (like Chrome or Telegram).
- Slip it and select it without restrictions.
Critical information: In firmware based on HyperOS 1.0+ There's a new bug where desktop tabs can duplicate after the update, and to fix it, you have to reset the launcher settings through the command. ADB: adb shell pm clear com.miui.home. make a backup of the data before execution!
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If tabs in the Mi Browser browser open too slowly, try disabling page preloading in the settings: Mi Browser → Settings → Additionally. → Preloading pages. It'll reduce the processor load.
Comparison of Xiaomi tabs with other brands
Unlike Apple or Samsung, where desktop and browser tabs are standardized, Xiaomi offers a more flexible, but sometimes less stable system.
- 🍎 iOS (Apple): No desktop tabs (only one screen with folders). In Safari, tab synchronization works only between Apple devices.
- 🤖 Samsung (One UI): Support for tabs in Samsung Internet Browser with synchronization through Samsung Account, but without project grouping.
- 📱 Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS): Maximum customization (up to) 9 Tab integration with Mi Cloud and XiaoAI, but bugs are possible after updates.
- 🪟 Windows (Microsoft): Edge tabs sync to PCs, but no link to Xiaomi mobile devices.
Xiaomi has the advantage of being cross-platform, like the browser tabs that are open on Xiaomi Pad. 6, You can continue to look at Xiaomi. TV Stick or even Mi Browser on PC (via BlueStacks emulator with Mi Account authorization), but there is a downside to this flexibility: due to the frequency of updates. MIUI/HyperOS (time 1–2 the tab interface may change, which causes confusion among users.
In terms of performance Xiaomi loses Apple: on budget models (for example, Redmi) 12C) Switching between tabs may be accompanied by delays due to a weak Helio processor G85. At the same time, flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) handle multitasking as well as the iPhone 15.
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The main difference between Xiaomi tabs is deep integration with the ecosystem (synchronization between devices, voice control via XiaoAI), but for this you have to pay occasional instability after updates.
The future of tabs in Xiaomi: what to expect in 2026-2026
According to leaks and official announcements, in HyperOS 2.0 (expected at the end of 2026), tabs will undergo major changes:
- 🤖 AI Grouping: The system will automatically create desktop tabs based on your habits (e.g. Morning, Evening, Work»).
- 🌐 Cloud Tabs: The ability to save browser tabs to Mi Cloud and open them on any device, including Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (via voice commands).
- 🎮 Game tabs: Xiaomi Gaming Center will have separate spaces for streaming, chatting and managing game settings.
- 🔒 Private tabs: Incognito mode with hardware encryption (based on Xiaomi Security Chip chip).
Tabs are also expected to become part of Xiaomi Smart Home, for example, on the Xiaomi Smart Display screen you can switch between the Home, Security and Schedule tabs using gestures or voice commands. API, allowing you to create custom tabs in third-party applications with integration in Quick Settings.
Xiaomi. SU7 (The tabs will be used to manage media, navigation and climate control on the central screen, confirming Xiaomi’s strategy to unify interfaces across all devices in the ecosystem.