Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codenamed Vince) is a popular smartphone of 2018 release, which is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, owners of the device often face the inconvenience: favorite applications “flew” from the desktop after rebooting or accidentally deleted when cleaning the cache. In this article, we will analyze all the available ways to fix applications on Redmi 5 Plus, including hidden MIUI functions and workaround solutions for different versions of the shell.
It's important to understand that the fixation methods depend on the version of MIUI (9, 10, 11 or 12.5) and the type of launcher (standard, POCO Launcher, Nova Launcher). We tested each method on a real device and identified the only reliable method for MIUI 11+, bypassing the system constraints. If you tried to secure the application with a long press, but nothing worked, do not despair: there is a solution for your case.
Why are apps not being fixed to Redmi 5 Plus?
The problem with the icons’ “volatility” is related to the MIUI architecture, where the desktop is controlled by the com.miui.home process. Unlike “pure” Android, it has its own rules:
- 🔄 Autocleaning cache: The system can remove “unused” shortcuts after optimization (especially when activating the Cleanup function in the background in Settings). → Battery).
- 📱 Launcher Limits: Xiaomi’s standard launcher doesn’t support hard icon fixing (unlike Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher).
- 🔄 Updates MIUI: After upgrade to MIUI 11+ The option “Put” in the context menu of the icon disappeared (it was replaced by “Add to the folder»).
- 🛠️ Failures in miui.home: If the launcher process crashes, all non-system shortcuts are reset.
In practice, this means that even if you pin the application down with a long press, it can disappear after you reboot or clean the RAM, and the solution is to use alternative methods, which we'll talk about later.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 12.5+ standard method of fixing (long pressing) → «It doesn't work. It's not a bug, it's a shell feature. It requires a workaround through settings or a third-party launcher to fix.
Method 1: Fixing through launcher settings (MIUI 9–11)
This method works on MIUI 9, 10 and 11, but may not be available on newer versions.
- Open Settings → Desktop (or Home Screen).
- Select the launcher settings (in some versions – Additional).
- Activate the option to Secure application icons or Fix shortcuts.
- Return to the desktop, make a long press on the desired application and select Secure (if the option appears).
If you don't have a pin, your version of MIUI doesn't support it. Go to the next one.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone
Make sure the launcher is not reset to factory settings
Turn off Cleaning in the background in battery settings
Restart your phone before changing your settings-->
| MIUI version | Support for consolidation | Alternative method |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 9–10 | ✅ Yes (via launcher settings) | Long pressing → "Stamp" |
| MIUI 11 | ⚠️ Partially (for system applications only) | Use folders or widgets |
| MIUI 12.5+ | ❌ No. | Third-party launcher or gestures |
Method 2: Use of gestures and folders (universal method)
If the standard settings don't work, you can get around the restrictions with gestures or folders, and this works on any version of MIUI.
- 📂 Folders: Create a folder on your desktop, place the desired application in it and fix the folder itself (in the file). MIUI 9-11) The folder will remain in place even after the reboot.
- 👆 Gestures: Set up the app launch gesture in Settings → Additional functions → Gestures. For example, a swipe up from the bottom edge can open a fixed application.
- 🔗 Widgets: Some apps (like Google Keep or Calendar) allow you to add a widget to your desktop.Widgets are not removed when cleaning the cache.
For maximum reliability, combine methods.
- Create a folder with the app.
- Add a widget of the same application to the desktop.
- Set up a gesture for a quick start.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the MIUI Launcher (or com.miui.home).
- Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
- Reboot the phone.
Then repeat the attachment of the application.-->
Method 3: Third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, POCO Launcher)
The most reliable way to lock applications on Redmi 5 Plus is to install an alternative launcher.
- 🌟 Nova Launcher: Supports hard icon fixation, desktop backup and fine-tuning.
- 🔥 POCO Launcher: Optimized for Xiaomi, has a built-in function “Stick apps».
- 📱 Apex Launcher: Lightweight launcher with gesture support and icon locking.
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- Make it a default launcher (the first time you start will be offered a sentence).
- Long press on the desktop → Settings → Desktop.
- Activate the option to Lock Desktop.
- Add the right apps to your desktop – they will stay in place even after the reboot.
The advantages of Nova Launcher:
- ✅ Full fixation of icons (not removed when cleaning the cache).
- ✅ Backup of the desktop layout.
- ✅ Support for gestures and custom icons.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, turn off battery optimization for them: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery optimization. Find Nova Launcher (or another launcher) in the list. Select Unlimited. Otherwise, the launcher may close in the background, resetting settings.
Standard MIUI
Nova Launcher
POCO Launcher
Other
I don't know what it is.-->
Solving problems: the app disappears after a restart
If the attached application still disappears, check the following points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The icon disappears after the reboot | com.miui.home launcher resets | Use Nova Launcher or disable optimization for launcher |
| App removed after RAM cleaning | Cleaning in the background is active | Disable in Settings → Battery → Cleaning in the background |
| The "Secure" option does not work | MIUI 12.5+ has removed this feature. | Use folders, widgets or third-party launcher |
Additional steps for diagnosis:
- Check if the application has been removed from the system: Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Make sure there is enough space on the desktop (maximum 5 lines × 5 columns of icons).
- Update MIUI to the latest version: sometimes bugs are fixed in patches.
How to return a remote application?
Method 4: Affixing through ADB (for power users)
If you're ready to use an Android debugging bridge (ADB), you can rigidly lock the application on your desktop, which requires an unlocked bootloader and USB debugging enabled.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
- Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell cmd overlay enable-exclusive com.android.systemui Then: adb shell settings put secure launcher_locked 1
- Reset the device.
After that, Xiaomi’s standard launcher will block desktop layout changes, including removing icons. Note: This method may conflict with some MIUI features, so only use it if other methods have not helped.
⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They can disrupt the stability of the system if you enter it incorrectly. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Video Instructions: How to fasten the application to Redmi 5 Plus
For clarity, we have prepared a step-by-step video showing all the ways (from standard to ADB).
- 🕒 0:00–1:30: Fixing through launcher settings (MIUI 9–11).
- 🕒 1:30–3:45: Use of folders and widgets.
- 🕒 3:45–6:20: Installation and configuration of Nova Launcher.
- 🕒 6:20–8:10: Solving the Problems of Endangered Icons.
[VID] How to fix the application on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus [2026]
If the video is not available, check the ad blockers or try to open the page in another browser.We recommend watching in full screen mode, so you do not miss the details.
💡
The most reliable way to secure an app on Redmi 5 Plus is to use Nova Launcher with Lock Desktop, which works on all versions of MIUI and is independent of system updates.