Frequently used applications on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro home screen are a basic feature that saves time and makes it easier to access important services. However, in the MIUI shell (especially on older versions like the Redmi 8 Pro with MIUI 11-12), this process can be different from standard Android. Users often face problems: icons are “reset” after a reboot, docked or disappear after an update.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to fix applications on the Redmi 8 Pro, including hidden MIUI functions, bypassing system limitations and solving typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to the differences between firmware versions, which is critical, since the MIUI interface changed dramatically even within the same model.
If you just bought a used Redmi 8 Pro or upgraded your firmware, some methods may not work out of the box. We tested the instructions on MIUI 11.0.8 (Android 9) and MIUI 12.5 (Android 10) — the most common versions for this model. Prepare: some steps will require the inclusion of hidden developer settings or even installing third-party launchers.
1. Standard method: fixing through the application menu
The most obvious method is to use the built-in MIUI functionality. It works on all versions of the shell, but has limitations (for example, the inability to fix more than 5 icons in the dock panel without additional settings).
Algorithm of action:
- Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
- Find the desired application and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
- Drag the icon to the main screen or to the dock panel (bottom of the screen).
- Release your finger when the words "Stick" or "cage contour" appear.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 11 When you drag and drop an icon into the dock, you may see a message that says Maximum applications are reached, which means that by default, you can only place the icon in the dock. 4-5 To increase the limit, go to Settings. → Main screen screen → Dock settings and select an option 5 icon 6 Icons (not available on all versions).
If the app is not fixed (the icon returns to the place), check:
- 🔄 Screen editing mode: sometimes MIUI Blocks changes if Data Protection mode is enabled (find it in Settings) → Confidentiality).
- 📱 Default Launcher: If you installed third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher), they may conflict with the system.
- 🔧 Limitations MIUI: Some system applications (e.g. Security or Themes) cannot be fixed in a standard way.
Make sure there is free space on the main screen.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone
Turn off the power saving mode (can block changes)
Reboot your phone if the icons don’t “tend”
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2. Fixing through the settings of the main screen
MIUI provides advanced home screen customization options that many users miss out on, a method that is useful if standard drag and drop doesn’t work or you need to pin your app folder.
Step-by-step:
- Click the empty space on the home screen to open the editing menu.
- Select Screen Settings (or Home Screen Settings in MIUI 11).
- Go to the Dock Panel or Fixed Applications section.
- Click Add App and select the one you want from the list.
In some versions of MIUI, you can also configure:
- 📌 Automatic icon sorting (turn off if apps “disappear” after updates).
- 🔒 Edit blocking (useful if children or other users accidentally change layout).
- 🎨 Style of icons: for example, displaying names under icons or hiding them.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 11.0.8 (Android 9) may not have an app add option in the dock settings, so use an alternative way: create a folder on the home screen, drag the application into it, and then fix the folder itself in the dock.
Why do apps disappear after a reboot?
3.Use of Developer Mode to Secure System Applications
Some applications (such as Settings, Contacts or Messages) are blocked by MIUI for fixing through the standard interface, and can be circumvented through the developer settings.
How to turn on the developer mode:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version (you will be notified of becoming a developer!).
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
Next, perform the following actions:
- 🔧 Find the debugging option by USB and turn it on (this will unlock additional launcher features).
- 📱 Enable Change of System Applications (if available).
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
Then try to re-enable the application in the standard way. If the icon is still not fixed, use the ADB command (requires a PC connection):
adb shell pm grant com.miui.home android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGSThis command gives the launcher the rights to change system settings, but may not work on all versions of MIUI. Use it at your own risk!
4. Fixing through third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Apex)
If the built-in methods don't work, third-party launchers will be the alternative, not only to fix the problem, but also to offer flexible interface configuration. Redmi 8 Pro has a proven track record:
- 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports gestures, adaptive icons and layout backup.
- ⚡ Apex Launcher – Lightweight Launcher with Minimalist Design.
- 🔧 Lawnchair – open launcher with Material You themes.
Instructions for setting up Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- When you first start, select Nova Launcher as the default launcher.
- Click the empty space on the screen → Settings → Dock panel.
- Enable the option to Allow change of the dock panel and add the desired applications.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, problems with:
- 🔔 Notifications: Some System Notifications MIUI (For example, from Security) may not be displayed.
- 🔋 Power consumption: launchers like Nova increase battery consumption 5-10%.
- 📱 Navigation gestures: on MIUI 12+ Return gestures and launcher swipes may conflict.
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If you lose your weather widgets or MIUI watches after installing a third-party launcher, install MIUI Widgets for 3rd Party Launchers from Google Play, which restores system widgets.
5. Problem Solving: Why Apps Are Not Secured
Even after all the instructions are followed, attaching applications may not work, and let's look at the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The icon returns to its place when dragging. | Locking the launcher or mode of energy saving | Clear the launcher cache in Settings → Apps |
| The app disappears after the reboot | Resetting the launcher settings when optimizing | Turn off optimization for com.miui.home in battery settings |
| You cannot fix the system application (Settings, Contacts) | MIUI Limitations for Critical Services | Use it. ADB-side-launcher |
| The dock panel does not save more than 4 icons | Limitation of MIUI (especially in MIUI 11) | Update your firmware or change your settings through Settings → Home screen |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 🛠️ System File Integrity: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and click on three dots in the upper right corner → Verification of updates → Download the full package. This will restore the damaged files. MIUI.
- 📦 Topics conflicts: Some topics from the Themes can break the interface.
- 🔄 Resetting the launcher settings: in Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Storage click Clear Data (all icons will be reset!).
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On the Redmi 8 Pro with MIUI 11.0.8, the most common problem is the limitations of the dock panel. If you can't fix more than 4 icons, upgrade to MIUI 12.5 or use a third-party launcher.
6. Alternative methods of rapid access
If you can’t fix the application, consider alternatives for a quick start:
- 🔍 Screen search: swipe down on the home screen → Enter the name of the appendix. MIUI Search works even on the content of applications.
- ⚡ Gestures: In Settings → Additionally. → Gestures can be assigned to swipes to run applications (e.g. double-touching the screen).
- 📌 Widgets: Some apps (like Google Keep or Calendar) support widgets for quick access.
- 🔗 Shortcuts on the lock screen: in Settings → Lock screen → Shortcuts can be added to up to 5 applications.
For advanced users, Tasker or MacroDroid can create an automatic rule:
- When you double press the power button, open the camera.
- When you connect headphones, start Spotify.
- When shaking the phone, open the flashlight.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8 Pro with MIUI 11 Tasker may require the manual grant of rights through ADB:
adb shell pm grant net.dinglisch.android.taskerm android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
The experience of Redmi 8 Pro users shows that most of the problems with app attachment arise from:
- 🔄 Incomplete updates: If the firmware was installed on top of the old one without resetting, bugs may persist. MIUI via Fastboot.
- 📱 Conflicts with Magisk or root rights: the modified system can block changes to the launcher. Check logs through Logcat (MatLog app from Play Market).
- 🔧 Incompatible themes: Custom icon themes sometimes break the fixing functionality.Bring back the standard Default theme.
If you are faced with a constant reset of icons, follow the following steps:
- Back up your current layout via Settings → Home Screen → Backup (if available).
- Remove updates for the Launcher app in Settings → Apps.
- Clear the data and cache com.miui.home.
- Restart the phone and restore the layout from the backup.