Frequently used applications on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note home screen saves time and makes it easier to access key features. However, the standard MIUI launcher is not always intuitive: users face problems when trying to fix the icon in the dock, desktop or in the quick access menu. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from basic to hidden firmware functions.
The Redmi 9 Note (M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS) features shell versions: on devices with MIUI 12.5 and later, the fixing algorithm differs from older builds. We will take these nuances into account and provide solutions for each version of the software.
If youβve used smartphones from other brands (such as Samsung or Huawei), the MIUI logic may seem unusual. Thereβs no universal βSecureβ button, instead using gestures, long pressing and hidden settings. Itβs important to understand that the fixing capabilities depend on the current firmware version and the launcher installed.
Before you start the instructions, check the MIUI version on your Redmi 9 Note:
- Open the Settings. β The phone.
- Find the MIUI version line (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5).
- Remember the number - it will be useful for choosing the right method.
A critical feature of the Redmi 9 Note: on devices with MIUI 13+, the docking function is limited to 5 default icons. To add a sixth, you will need to edit system files or use workarounds.
1. Standard method: fixation on the main screen
The easiest method is to place the app icon directly on the desktop, which works on all versions of MIUI (11 to 14) and does not require 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.
- Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon to a free place on the main screen.
- Release - the application will be fixed.
If there is no free space on the screen, the system will automatically create a new desktop on the right. To remove unnecessary screens, make a pinch movement (swipe two fingers on the main screen) and click on the cross over the extra table.
Limitations of the method:
- π You can not fix system utilities (for example, Settings or Phone) - they are already placed by default.
- π± The icons of widgets are fixed separately (see section 4).
- π On some firmware MIUI 12.5 Developer Mode may need to be unlocked.
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If the app doesnβt drag and drop, check if there is a third-party launcher on the phone (like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher).
2. Attachment to the dock panel (bottom panel)
The dock panel (or "dock bar") is the lower bar with 4-5 icons that appears on all desktops. By default, it hosts Phone, Messages, Browser and Camera.
Instructions for MIUI 13/14:
- Drag the desired application to the docking panel, holding its icon.
- If the cell is occupied, the system will suggest replacing the existing application.
- Confirm the replacement by pressing Ready.
For MIUI 12.5 and below:
- Open the Settings. β Main screen screen.
- Select the dock panel settings.
- Slip on the icon you want to replace and select a new app from the list.
Make sure there is free space on the dock panel (maximum 5 icons)
Check the MIUI version (in Settings β About the phone)
Turn off the "Light Mode" (if enabled)
Make a backup of the icons location (via Settings) β Main screen screen β Backup copy)-->
β οΈ Note: On some Redmi 9 Note firmware (especially global ones), the editing function of the dock panel may be blocked. In this case, resetting the launcher settings will help: go to Settings β Annexes β Application management β Launcher and press Erase Data.
Fixing in the notification panel (quick access)
The notification bar in MIUI allows you to add shortcuts to quickly run applications, which is convenient if you need to swipe down one application, but not all applications support this feature, only those that have the intentions in their manifesto.
How to add an app to the notification panel:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Put it on the icon. βοΈ (Edit) in upper right corner.
- In the Application Shortcuts section, find the desired application and drag it to the active area.
- Save the changes by clicking on Ready.
List of applications that can be fixed:
- π± WhatsApp, Telegram (fast access to chat rooms).
- π΅ Spotify, YouTube Music (playback control).
- π· Google Photos, Gallery (quick upload photo).
- π Battery settings, Energy saving mode.
Why isnβt my app on the shortlist?
β οΈ Attention: After update MIUI Before version 14.0.3 and above, some app shortcuts may disappear from the notification panel.This is due to Xiaomi's policy on background optimization.To return them, reboot the device or reset the notification panel settings in Settings β Notifications β Additionally. β Reset the settings.
4.Use widgets for quick access
Widgets not only allow you to pin applications, but also to quickly access their functions without fully opening them. For example, the Google Keep widget allows you to create notes directly from the home screen, and the Weather widget shows current data without running the application.
How to add a widget to the Redmi 9 Note:
- Press and hold the empty space on the main screen.
- In the menu that appears, select Widgets.
- Scroll through the list and find the right app.
- Press the widget and drag it to the screen.
- Set the size and parameters (if available).
Popular widgets for Redmi 9 Note:
| Annex | Type of widget | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Google Search Search | Search string | Quick search on the Internet and on the device |
| Calendar | Month/week | View of upcoming events |
| Spotify | Reproduction management | Pause, rewind, favorite tracks |
| Xiaomi Home | Smart home. | Managing Mi Home Devices |
| Battery | Charge status | Display of charge level and temperature |
Weather | Calendar | Music (Spotify, YouTube Music) | Social Networks (VK, Telegram) |Mi Home | No-->
5. Alternative launchers: circumventing MIUI restrictions
If standard methods are not satisfied (for example, you want to fix more than 5 icons in the docking panel or need advanced settings), consider installing a third-party launcher.
Top.-3 launcher for Xiaomi:
- π Nova Launcher β flexible gesture setting, support for Adaptive Icons icons, backup layouts.
- π§ POCO Launcher (official from Xiaomi) β optimized for devices with MIUI, quick and easy.
- π¨ Lawnchair 2 β Open Source, Theme and Plugin Support.
Instructions for installing and configuring Nova Launcher:
- Download the launcher from Google Play or from the official website.
- After installation, click Home and select Nova Launcher as the default launcher.
- Click the empty space on the screen β Settings β Dock panel.
- Increase the number of icons to 7-9 (depending on the screen size).
- Add the apps by drag and drop, as in the standard launcher.
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Third-party launchers can bypass the MIUI limit on the number of icons in the dock (5 pieces), but can increase battery consumption by 5-10% due to background activity.
β οΈ Note: Some functions are disabled when using alternative launchers MIUI, These are: Double-touch lock gestures, pop-up notifications on locked screen, integration with Xiaomi Cloud to synchronize wallpaper, and to get them back, you'll have to go back to the standard launcher.
6. Problem Solving: Why the Application Cannot Be Fixed
If none of the methods worked, the reason may lie in system settings or software conflicts. Let's consider the typical errors and how to fix them.
Frequent problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The icon doesn't drag around. | Children's Mode or Private Mode Enabled | Turn off modes in Settings β Special features |
| No "Secure" option. | A third-party launcher is installed without fixation support | Return to the standard launcher or upgrade the current one |
| The app disappears after the reboot | Launcher cache error | Clear the cache in Settings β Applications β Launcher β Storage |
| You can't fix the system application. | Limit MIUI to prevent discharge | Use ADB or root rights (see spoiler below) |
How to secure a system application through ADB
If the problem persists, reset the launcher settings:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find the launcher (or MIUI Launcher).
- Press Warehouse. β Clear the data.
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
7.Gesturals and Hidden Features for Quick Launch
Beyond standard fixation, MIUI offers hidden ways to quickly launch apps with gestures.These features are available on the Redmi 9 Note, but often go unnoticed.
Quick start methods:
- π Double touch screen: open Settings β Screen locking β Double tap to wake up and select the app to launch.
- π Swipe gesture up from corners: in Settings β Additional settings β Button gestures assign apps to swipes from the left/right lower corner.
- π― Hot corners: Press the screen angle for 2 seconds to open the fixed application (configured in Settings) β Main screen screen β Hot corners).
Example of Gesture Customization for Google Assistant:
- Open Settings β Google β Assistant settings β Gestures.
- Enable the Start option from the Home button.
- Now holding the Home button will be opened by the Assistant.
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Gestures save time, but can conflict with navigation. If swipes stop working, check settings in Settings β System β Gestures and disable duplicate combinations.