App attachment to Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a seemingly simple task, but users often face non-obvious nuances. Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the shell (POCO Launcher, standard launcher), the algorithm of actions may differ. For example, in MIUI 14 on Redmi 9, when holding the icon, a context menu with the option โSwipe up + pauseโ appears, whereas in earlier versions, you need to use the swipe up + pause gesture.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to fix applications, from classic anchoring on the home screen to hidden functions in the notification panel and multitasking mode. We will focus on typical errors: why the icon โsticksโ after rebooting, how to circumvent the limit on the number of fixed applications (maximum 5 in Redmi 9), and what to do if the โAccessโ option is not available at all in the menu. For clarity, we will give a comparative table of methods and their compatibility with different versions of the firmware.
If you've tried to secure YouTube Music or Google Pay, but the system gives you an "App Can't be Locked" error, the reason could be MIUI policies for system utilities -- we'll talk about that too. And for those who like automation, let's show you how to set up ADB fixing (no root rights!).
1. Classic method: fixing on the main screen
The most obvious method is to place an app icon on your desktop so it doesn't disappear when you clear the cache or reset the launcher settings.In Redmi 9, this works through a long press, but there are pitfalls.
Algorithm:
- ๐ฑ Find the app in the menu (Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).
- ๐ Hold the icon for 1-2 seconds until the vibration and context menu appear.
- ๐ Select "Put on the main screen" (in MIUI 12) or โAddโ (in) MIUI 14).
- ๐ Drag the icon to the right place and let go.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the icon disappears after the reboot, check the launcher settings. in Redmi 9s POCO Launcher by default enabled the option โDesktop Auto Cleanโ (Settings) โ Launcher โ Desktop cleaning. Turn it off, or the system will remove unused shortcuts.
Make sure the app is installed in the main memory (not on the computer). SD-map)|
Check the MIUI version in Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI | version
Turn off power saving modes for the application (Settings โ Battery โ Applications selection)|
Restart your phone if the icon doesnโt appear on the menu.-->
2. Affix in the notification panel (quick access)
Few people know that Redmi 9 can lock up to 5 apps in the notification bar for instant launch, which is convenient for messengers or cameras, but does not work with all programs.
Instructions:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Slap the icon. โ๏ธ (ยซEdit) in upper right corner.
- In the Quick Settings section, find the Application Shortcuts block.
- Drag the desired app (such as WhatsApp or Flashlight) into the active area.
- Press "Ready."
โ ๏ธ Note: Not all apps support this feature, for example, Google Chrome or Instagram may not appear in the list available for fixing. MIUI, policy-related.
Why canโt some apps be pinned to the notification panel?
3. Fixing in multitasking mode (Split Screen)
If you need to keep the app open all the time (like Google Maps for navigation or Spotify for music), use split screen mode. In Redmi 9, this works differently than on other Android devices.
How to fix:
- ๐ Open recent apps (swipe up with pause).
- ๐ Find the right app and hold its icon.
- ๐ In the menu that appears, select โSecureโ (pin icon).
- ๐ Return to the app โ now it wonโt close when you click on โClean it allยป.
Limitations:
- ๐ซ You can only attach one application at a time.
- ๐ซ Does not work with system utilities (for example, Settings or Phone).
- ๐ซ After restarting, the fixation is reset.
Navigator (Google) Maps/Yandex Navi)|
Messenger (WhatsApp/Telegram) |
Music (Spotify/YouTube Music)|
Game (PUBG Mobile/Free Fire)|
Other-->
4. Affixation via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods donโt work (for example, due to custom firmware or MIUI limitations), you can use ADB. This method does not require root rights, but requires a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Enable USB debugging on Redmi 9: Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI Version (Tap 7 times) Settings โ Additional โ For Developers โ Debugging on USB
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm grant [application package] android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW For example, for Google Chrome: adb shell pm grant com.android.chrome android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW
- Reset the device.
โ ๏ธ Note: Not all applications support this method. For example, TikTok or Facebook may ignore the command due to internal limitations. Before executing, check the application package through adb shell pm list packages. | grep [title].
๐ก
To find an application package without ADB, use the free App Inspector app from Google Play. It shows the package name of any software installed.
5. Problem Solving: Why the Application Cannot Be Fixed
If the โSecureโ option is missing or the application โfliesโ out of a fixed state, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| There is no option to โpinโ in the menu | Outdated version of MIUI (below 12.5) | Update the firmware through Settings โ System Update |
| The icon disappears after the reboot | โDesktop Autocleaningโ is included | Turn off the Settings โ Launcher |
| You can't fix the system application. | MIUI Limitation for Settings, Phone, Messages | Use an ADB or third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher) |
| Error "The application cannot be fixed" | The application uses WorkManager or background services | Try pinning through Split Screen or disable battery optimization for it |
๐น Key conclusion: If the problem is not solved by standard methods, check the application permissions (Settings) โ Annexes โ Permit management? Sometimes MIUI Blocks the fixation due to the lack of right to display over other windows (SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW).
6.Alternative methods: third-party launchers and widgets
If the built-in MIUI features donโt suit you, consider third-party solutions:
- ๐ Nova Launcher: allows you to secure an unlimited number of applications, supports gestures and backup of the desktop.
- ๐ฑ Microsoft Launcher: Windows integration and Continue on PCยป.
- ๐ Tasker + AutoNotification: Automatically fixing applications on schedule (requires settings).
โ ๏ธ Note: When using third-party launchers, disable the standard MIUI Launcher, otherwise there's conflict:
- Install an alternative launcher from Google Play.
- When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
- In Settings โ Applications โ By default, reset the launcher settings.
๐ก
Side launchers (like Nova or POCO Launcher) often offer more options for anchoring applications than a standard MIUI Launcher, but can increase battery consumption by 5-10%.