Xiaomi's smartphone interface, whether it's the MIUI shell or the latest HyperOS, is famous for its flexibility, but for beginners it can seem overloaded. Standard layout of elements is not always convenient, and the desire to make the screen unique and functional visits every owner. Changing the desktop is not just about aesthetics, it is about creating a comfortable environment for daily use of the gadget.
The personalization process involves many aspects, from simple background replacement to deep redesign of the application grid and the introduction of complex widgets. The desktop on Android based on MIUI is the central node of navigation. Understanding how to manage it opens up access to hidden functions and greatly improves the usability of the device.
In this guide, we'll look at all the ways that interfaces can be transformed, and you'll learn how to use embedded tools and third-party applications to get the results you want, and let's turn a standard box into a personal tool that looks exactly what you want.
Basic screen settings and application grids
The first thing to start with is the foundation on which the entire visual part is built. The standard application grid on Xiaomi is often suboptimal: some icons are too small, others take up a lot of space. You can change the number of rows and columns in the system settings.
To do this, go to Settings → Desktop. Here you will find the option for the size of the grid. Usually, you will have a choice between 4x6, 5x5 or 5x6. Choosing a denser grid will allow you to place more shortcuts on one screen, which is convenient for those who use many applications daily.
⚠️ Note: When selecting a high-density grid (e.g, 5x6) Icons can become too small, making it difficult to reach them with a finger. 5x5.
There's also a Pocket Mode Switch, and if it's on, unlocking your phone requires a double tap across the screen, which prevents accidental taps in your pocket, but can be annoying when you're using it actively. Turn it off if you prefer instant access to your desktop.
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Use the “Increase” function in screen settings if the standard font size and icons seem insufficient, even after changing the grid.
Installation and setting up of design themes
The most radical way to change the look of a smartphone is to use the Themes app, which is a built-in store that allows you to change not only wallpaper, but also the design of system icons, lock screen, notification sounds and even fonts.
To install a new theme, open the Themes app and select the option you like. Once you click Download and Apply, the changes will take effect immediately. The directory offers both free options and paid, more detailed sets.
It's important to note that themes can dramatically change the look of the settings menu and notification curtains. If you like a particular theme but don't like, for example, the icon design, you can apply the theme in part.
- 🎨 Desktop wallpaper
- 🔒 Lock screen
- 📱 Application icons
- 🔔 System sounds
This approach allows you to create a hybrid style, combining the best elements of different designers, for example, you can take beautiful wallpaper from one theme, and icons from another, more minimalist.
Working with Mi widgets and widgets
Widgets are “live” interface elements that display information in real time without having to open an app. There are two types of widgets on Xiaomi: classic Android widgets and branded Mi widgets (Mi Widgets), which have a more modern design and animation.
To add a widget, pinch your two fingers on your desktop or hold a blank space for a long time. In the bottom menu, select "Vidgets." Here you will see a list of all available items: hours, weather, currency rate, step counter, calendar and more.
Branded Mi widgets often require an Internet connection to display current data. They can be of different sizes: from 1x1 to 4x2. Place them strategically, for example, the weather widget is better placed on the top screen, and the music widget is where it is easy to reach with your thumb.
☑️ Customization of widgets
Some widgets, like Notes or Dictatoron, allow you to do quick actions right from your desktop, which makes your smartphone a powerful productivity tool, but it's worth remembering that a large number of active widgets, especially those that are updated over the network, can increase battery consumption.
Comparison of standard launchers and third-party solutions
Xiaomi’s standard launcher is good for its integration with the system, but sometimes its functionality is not enough. Many users resort to installing third-party launchers such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Niagara Launcher to gain more control.
Third-party launchers allow you to create folders with a transparent background, customize swipe gestures by icons (such as a double tap to open the camera), and use an unlimited number of screens, but they also have drawbacks that you need to consider before installing.
| Function | Standard MIUI launcher | Third-party launcher (e.g. Nova) |
|---|---|---|
| Integration with the system | Full (gestures, curtain) | Partial (may be bugs) |
| Flexibility of setting | Limited. | Maximum |
| Memory consumption | Optimized. | Maybe higher. |
| Support for topics | Through the Topics app | Own packs of icons |
When installing a third-party launcher, the system can warn you of possible instability, which is a standard Android security measure. If you decide to go back to the standard view, simply delete the launcher app or select "System Launcher" in the default settings.
How do you get back the standard launcher?
Organization of space: folders and hidden applications
Desktop order is key to fast navigation. Folders on Xiaomi are created by simply dragging and dropping one app icon onto another. You can rename folders, change their color, and even add widgets inside folders (a feature available in some versions of MIUI).
For apps that you rarely use but need to be on hand, use Hide Apps, which not only removes visual noise from the desktop, but also increases privacy. Hidden apps don't show up on the menu, but can be found through a search or gesture.
To hide the app, go to Settings → Apps → Hide apps. To access them in the app menu, swipe up from the center of the screen (or spread your fingers, depending on the firmware version), which is a great way to keep your desktop clean.
⚠️ Warning: Do not hide system applications that you do not know the purpose of, which can lead to unpredictable system behavior or inability to perform settings.
Use color code for folders, like the Social Network folder can be blue, the Work folder can be gray, and the Game folder can be red, which helps you visually navigate your smartphone space faster, especially when you need to quickly find the right tool.
Frequent problems and their solution
Users often face typical customization issues, such as a customization “grid” after a system update, and an update to MIUI or HyperOS can reset icons or replace the theme with a standard one.
Another problem is desynchronizing widgets, and the weather or news widget may stop updating, usually by checking the permissions for a particular widget or data provider app, and making sure the app has permission to run in the background.
If the desktop starts to “lag” or slow down after installing a heavy theme or a lot of widgets, try clearing the launcher cache. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Desktop (or Startup System) and select “Clear Cache”.
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Regular cleaning of the launcher cache and the rejection of “live” high-resolution wallpaper help to keep the smoothness of animations on older Xiaomi models.
Also worth mentioning is the problem of font scale: when you change a topic, the font can become unreadable. Always check the readability of the text after you install new visual styles. Eye health is more important than interface beauty.