How to make a list of applications in Xiaomi: management and configuration

Xiaomi smartphone users often face the need to structure installed software, but MIUI and HyperOS do not have a direct “Create an Application List” button in the usual sense of folders. This query usually hides the need to group shortcuts on the desktop, set up a download list or create a list of hidden programs to preserve privacy. Understanding the shell architecture allows you to effectively manage screen space and system resources.

In this article, we will explore all the available methods for forming such lists, from the banal creation of folders to the use of hidden engineering menus and third-party launchers. You will learn not only to organize shortcuts, but also to manage which programs run with the phone, which directly affects the speed of the device and battery life.

We will focus on the nuances of working with the system limitations of the Xiaomi shell. Many of the features available in pure Android are implemented differently or hidden deeper in the settings. We will look at the regular system tools that do not require obtaining superuser rights (root), so that every smartphone owner can safely optimize their device.

Creating Groups and Folders on the Desktop

The most obvious way to make a visual list of applications is to create folders on the desktop. In the MIUI shell, this process is accomplished through drag-and-drop. You need to pinch an icon of one application and drag it over the icon of another, and the system automatically creates a container where you can add up to a few dozen shortcuts.

Once you create a folder, you can rename it by clicking on the text box above the icons, which allows you to create thematic lists, such as Banks, Social Networks, or Games. It is important to note that the standard folder has display limitations: you can only see the first few icons inside, the rest are hidden in the scroll.

• 📱 Press the app icon and drag to another to create a group.
• ✏️ Click on the folder name to rename the list according to the content.
• 📂 Inside the folder, you can create nested structures, although the system does not always display this correctly.
• 🗑️ To delete the folder, simply drag all applications from it to the free screen area.

There's also a Pocket (or Widget folder) feature that lets you display the contents of the folder directly to the desktop without having to open it, and you create a folder, open it, and click on the expansion icon (usually looks like two arrows or a plus in the corner), which turns the list into an interactive widget.

⚠️ Note: When a standard folder is overflowing (>15-20 The interface may start to slow down when you open it. Try to break up large lists into several thematic groups to keep animations smooth.

Setting up the Autoloading List of Applications

The second type of list that users often search for is the list of programs that run automatically when you turn on your phone, which is managed by a special system service at Xiaomi, and controlling autoboot is critical, since unnecessary processes consume RAM and battery power.

To get into this menu, go to the Security app (green lightning icon), then select the Permissions section and find Autostart. Here is the full list of installed programs with switches. By default, many applications have autorun access, which is not always justified.

Security → Permits → Auto Startup

Turn off auto-runs for programs you don't use all the time (such as taxis, food delivery, or rare games). Google system services and instant messengers are best left on, otherwise notifications may be delayed. Changes take effect immediately after switching toggles.

It is worth mentioning that in newer versions of HyperOS, access to this menu is sometimes masked or requires fingerprint confirmation if enhanced protection is enabled, to prevent inexperienced users from accidentally shutting down critical system processes.

Hiding applications through the Second Space

If by "app list" you meant hiding certain programs from prying eyes, Xiaomi has a powerful tool called Second Space, which is not just a folder with a password, but a fully isolated environment, in fact a second phone inside the same device with its own set of apps and accounts.

To activate, go to Settings → Additional Settings → Second Space. Once you create a profile, you can set a separate pin or fingerprint to log in. When you unlock your phone with a certain finger, this hidden list of programs will open.

• 🔒 Complete data isolation: applications in the second space are not visible in the first space.
• 👤 The ability to use two accounts in one app (e.g. two WhatsApp accounts).
• 🚫 Applications installed in the second space are not displayed in the general list of installed programs.
• ⚙️ Independent notification and permission settings for each environment.

An alternative to quickly hide individual applications (without creating an entire environment) is Hide Apps, which is available through desktop settings. Click on free screen space, select Settings → Hide Apps, and tick the desired programs. They will disappear from the menu, but will remain available through special code or search.

⚠️ Warning: Remember to use a password or login method to the Second Space! Restoring data within an isolated profile without a pre-built backup is almost impossible even for service centers.

Use of third-party launchers for lists

The regular MIUI capabilities may seem limited if you're used to customization, and you can make a list with a third-party launcher, and popular options like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or Smart Launcher offer advanced grouping features.

For example, Smart Launcher automatically sorts all installed programs into categories (Internet, Communication, Games, Media) by creating dynamic lists. You don't have to manually arrange icons — the system will determine the type of application and place it in the desired group, which is ideal for those who have hundreds of programs on the menu.

To install an alternative shell, download APK-file or find a launcher on Google Play. Once installed, the system will request permission to use the default launcher. Select Always for the new application. You can return to the standard interface at any time through settings (Settings) → Desktop).

However, it’s worth considering that third-party launchers can consume more battery resources and sometimes conflict with Xiaomi’s navigation gestures.If you notice lags or unlock issues, it’s best to go back to the drain solution.

Managing System Lists through ADB

For advanced users who want to list their system applications to disable (bloatware), there is a method through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to delete or freeze even those programs that do not have a “Delete” button in the standard menu, this method requires connecting to a computer and enabling debugging over USB.

First, you need to activate the developer mode: seven times click on the build number in the About Phone section. Then turn on USB debugging in the developer menu. Once you connect the phone to your PC, you can use commands to output a list of all packages.

adb shell pm list packages

This command will display a complete list of all packages. To find a specific application, use a filter, such as: adb shell pm list packages | grep facebook. To remove (for the current user), the command adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name.packet is used. This effectively cleans the list of preinstalled garbage.

Use this tool with caution. Removing critical components such as Security, MIUI Home or Google Play services can cause the interface to crash or data to be lost. Always check the name of the package before you enter the command.

Frequent problems and their solution

When working with application lists, users often face a situation where shortcuts disappear or folders do not save changes, most often due to the operation of the MIUI memory optimizer, which forcibly closes the launcher processes or clears the cache.

To prevent resetting your desktop settings, you need to lock the System Launcher app (or your third-party launcher) into memory. Open the menu of running applications (bottom-up swipe and retention), find the launcher window, pinch it, and select the lock icon. This will prevent the system from unloading it from memory.

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If the app shortcuts are gone after the system update, try clearing the desktop app cache in the application settings, but don’t delete the data so as not to reset the icons.

There may also be problems with the design themes, some third-party themes disrupt the folder structure, and if you notice glitches in lists, switch to the standard Classic theme in the Themes app and see if the problem has gone away.

⚠️ Note: When resetting desktop settings (Settings) → Annexes → Desktop → Clear the data) all folders and widgets you have created will be deleted. Use this function only as a last resort.

Organizing your app list properly is not just a matter of aesthetics, it's also a way to speed up your smartphone experience. Using a combination of standard folders, Second Space, and a smart autoload setting, you can turn a chaotic menu into an effective tool.

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The optimal strategy for Xiaomi is to use standard folders for grouping, Second Space for hiding private data, and ADB only to remove obvious system debris.