How to change the application menu on Xiaomi Poco X3: from standard settings to custom launchers

The app menu on Xiaomi Poco X3 is not just a list of programs, but a key interface element that determines the usability of a smartphone. Many users face a problem: the standard MIUI launcher offers limited sorting options, and application icons are often randomly arranged, especially after system updates, when the automatic placement algorithm resets your personal settings.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can change your application menu, from basic MIUI settings to alternative launchers, how to hide unwanted applications, group them into folders, change the display order, and even completely replace the standard interface with a more functional one, and we’ll also uncover the hidden MIUI feature that allows you to lock frequently used programs at the top of the list without third-party utilities.

Why the standard app menu on Poco X3 is uncomfortable

Smartphone manufacturers often optimize the interface for the average user, but this does not always meet real needs. In the case of the Poco X3, the main complaints about the app menu are reduced to three key problems:

• 🔄 Automatic sorting after each update MIUI The system resets the order of the icons, returning an alphabetic or "smart" mode that is not always logical.
• 📱 Lack of flexible grouping – unlike iOS or some custom firmware, MIUI It does not allow you to create smart folders by category (for example, “Social Networks” or “Games”) in one click.
• 🚫 Inability to hide system applications – many pre-installed Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) can not be removed or hidden without root rights.

In addition, users note that with a large number of installed programs (more than 50), the standard launcher begins to “brake” – there are delays when scrolling the list, this is due to the peculiarities of optimizing MIUI for budget devices, where the Poco X3 is positioned as a gaming smartphone, but does not always cope with multitasking interface.

⚠️ Note: If you use the topics MIUI with custom icons, some ways to change the menu (for example, fixing applications) may not work correctly. Before setting up, check the compatibility of the theme with your firmware version in Settings → Registration → My subjects.

Method 1: Configure the standard MIUI launcher

Before installing third-party solutions, try optimizing the built-in features. MIUI has a few hidden features that allow you to customize the app menu in part:

1. Fix frequently used programs: Hold your finger on any icon in the app menu and drag it to the top of the screen. Once the "Secure" prompt appears, release it - the application will remain in place even after automatic sorting.
2. Sort by alphabet or installation date Open the application menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Sort." Here you can find options: "By alphabetical", "By installation date" or "By frequency of use".
3. Hide applications (no root) Go to Settings → Apps → Application Management, select an unnecessary app and click Hide. It will disappear from the menu, but stay in the system.

The limitation of this method is that you can't create custom categories or resize icons, and you should also consider that after resetting your settings or updating your firmware, all changes can be reset.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Backup of important data

Turn off automatic updates to themes in Settings → Registration

Close all background applications for stable operation-->

Method 2: Use of alternative launchers

If built-in capabilities MIUI Not enough, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher. X3 The following options are appropriate:

To install an alternative launcher:

1. Download the selected application from Google Play.
2. After installation, click the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. Configure the application menu through the launcher options (usually available on the long tap on the desktop).

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (such as Nova Launcher) may conflict with system gestures MIUI. If swipes for returning back or opening menus are missing after installation, check the gesture settings in Settings → System system → Gestures.

Standard MIUI

Nova Launcher

Lawnchair

Microsoft Launcher

Other-->

Method 3: Hiding and grouping applications without root

If you just need to organize the menu, but you do not want to install a new launcher, use these techniques:

• 📁 Drag one icon to another on your desktop, you'll see a folder. You can rename it and add up to 16 apps.
• 👁️ Hiding through Second Space" MIUI Create a second user profile (Settings) → Second space where you can hide unwanted apps, and they will only be available after you switch your profile.
• 🔍 Search instead of menu Set up Google search bar on desktop and turn off the app menu display altogether. To do this, select Hide the app menu in the launcher settings".

For advanced users, there is another way – using ADB-commands to disable system applications. For example, to hide Mi Video, run it in the terminal:

adb shell pm hide com.miui.videoplayer

To return the app, replace hide with unhide. Careful: don't disable system services (e.g. com.android.systemui), this could lead to the collapse of the interface!

Optimizing productivity after changes

Any manipulation of the app menu — especially installing third-party launchers — can affect the speed of the smartphone.

1. Clear the launcher cache Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, find your launcher (like Nova Launcher) and click Clear Cache.
2. Turn off animations Enable Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in your phone settings), then in Settings → Additional → For developers, set Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Animator Duration on 0.5x.
3. Limit background activity In the same settings for developers, turn on "Do not save actions" and set a limit of background processes for 2-3 processes.

If the Poco X3 starts to warm up or run out quickly after the launcher change, check the battery consumption in Settings → Battery. Some launchers (for example, Microsoft Launcher) actively sync to the cloud, which increases the load on the processor.

💡

If the desktop icons are missing after installing the new launcher, try restarting the phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) and this will reset the launcher's cache without losing data.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When changing the app menu, Poco X3 users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of these things worked, try resetting the launcher to the factory.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find your launcher (like Nova Launcher).
3. Press "Storage" → "Delete the data".

⚠️ Note: Resetting the launcher data will delete all your settings, including the location of icons and folders. Before this procedure, make a backup through the export of settings (if such a feature is supported).

💡

The most stable solution for the Poco X3 is the combination of the standard MIUI launcher with fixing frequently used applications and creating folders on the desktop. Third-party launchers give more freedom, but can affect performance.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions