The standard MIUI/HyperOS launcher on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO is often annoying: annoying ads, limited customization and constant updates that reset settings. Many users want to replace it with Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or even return the classic Pixel Launcher. But just uninstall the system application will not work — you need to know the workarounds.
In this article, we will discuss all working ways to get rid of the native launcher: from temporary shutdown to complete removal (including methods without root).Relevant for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS on Xiaomi 11/12/13/14, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F4/F5 and others.
⚠️ Important: Some methods can cause system failures.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud: On devices with unlocked bootloader, the risks are minimal, but even there, bugs are possible (for example, missing widgets or icons).
1. Disconnection of the standard launcher (without deletion)
The safest way is not to delete, but simply disable the system launcher through the Android settings.This will not free up memory, but will allow you to use an alternative launcher by default.
Instructions:
- Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher from Google Play).
- Run it and press Always when the system asks which launcher to use by default.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the MIUI Launcher (or HyperOS Launcher) and select Disable.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Disabling the launcher can cause icons to disappear on the desktop or gestures to fail. If this happens, return the settings back or use the method with the help of the device. ADB (section).
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If the widgets are missing after the launcher is turned off, restart the phone. They usually recover after 1-2 minutes.
2.Removal of launcher updates (reset to factory version)
Often the problems are not created by the launcher itself, but its updates, which Xiaomi imposes through Google Play. You can roll it back to the factory version - this will remove advertising and unnecessary functions, but retain basic performance.
How to do this:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher.
- Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Remove Updates.
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
After that:
- 🔄 Launcher will return to the version that was when buying the phone.
- 🚫 Ads and unnecessary widgets will disappear (but may return after the next update).
- ⚠️ Some features (such as Super Wallpaper) may stop working.
What to do if the “Remove Updates” button is inactive?
3.Removal of the launcher via ADB (no root)
If the shutdown didn’t work, you can completely remove the launcher using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that doesn’t require root, but requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.home
- Reboot the phone.
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Enable debugging on USB|Download ADB Tools|Connect your phone to the original cable|Make a backup copy of the data-->
⚠️ Warning: On some HyperOS firmware, this command may cause the phone to reboot cyclically. If it does, reset via fastboot:
fastboot erase userdataIt'll delete all the data from the phone!
Alternative command (for POCO Launcher):
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.personalassistant4. Complete replacement of the launcher (installation of alternative)
If you don’t want to remove the standard launcher, but just want to use another one, just install an alternative and make it the default launcher.
| Launcher | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Maximum customization, gesture support, no advertising | Premium version for some functions | Google Play |
| Lawnchair | Free, open source, support for dark topics | Fewer features than in Nova | Google Play |
| Pixel Launcher | Minimalist design, like on Google Pixel | Limited settings, may slow down | APKMirror |
| Hyperion Launcher | Optimized for Xiaomi, Super Wallpapers support | Closed source code, possible bugs | Telegram |
How to determine:
- Download and install the selected launcher.
- When you first start, click Always when the system asks which launcher to use by default.
- If necessary, turn off the standard launcher (see section 1).
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EvenBetter is the best choice for users who want to keep MIUI functional but without advertising, and is based on MIUI Launcher source code but with remote restrictions.
5. Removal of the root-rights launcher (for experienced)
If you have a bootloader unlocked and Magisk installed, you can completely remove the system launcher, which will free up space and prevent it from self-healing.
Instructions:
- Install Root Explorer (such as Mixplorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
- Find the MiuiHome or Lawnchair folders (depending on the firmware) and delete them.
- Reboot the phone.
Alternative method through Terminal:
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
rm -rf /system/priv-app/MiuiHome
rm -rf /system/app/Lawnchair
mount -o ro,remount /system
reboot⚠️ Note: Deleting system files can lead to broken gestures or loss of functionality (such as Super Wallpaper or Double Apps).Be sure to backup through TWRP.
6.Restore the launcher after removal
If after the experiments the phone stopped working normally (cyclical boot, no desktop), you need to return the launcher back.
🔹 Through ADB:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.home🔹 Through TWRP:
- Download the original firmware for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
- Remove the file MiuiHome.apk (located in system/priv-app/).
- Install it with TWRP → Install → Install ZIP.
🔹 Through discharge:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Reset all settings (app data will be saved).
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If the launcher does not appear after recovery, try clearing its cache: Settings → Applications → MIUI Launcher → Clear the cache.
7. Frequent problems and solutions
When replacing the launcher, the following errors may occur:
- 🔄 Cyclical reboot: Usually occurs after the launcher is removed through ADB The solution is to restore the launcher through fastboot or flash the original firmware.
- 📱 Missing icons: Restart your phone or re-install the launcher. If it doesn't work, check the display settings in the alternative launcher.
- ⚙️ Signs don't work: Some firmwares have gestures tied to the system launcher, and the solution is to use third-party gesture software (e.g. Fluid Navigation Gestures).
- 🔒 The launcher itself recovers: This is due to the Miui Optimization feature. ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics