How to fix the application on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways + problem solving

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 โ€œSwipe 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 โ€œsticksโ€ after rebooting, how to circumvent the limit on the number of fixed applications (maximum 5 in Redmi 9), and what to do if the โ€œAccessโ€ 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:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Find the app in the menu (Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).
  • ๐Ÿ‘† Hold the icon for 1-2 seconds until the vibration and context menu appear.
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Select "Put on the main screen" (in MIUI 12) or โ€œAddโ€ (in) MIUI 14).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Drag the icon to the right place and let go.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the icon disappears after the reboot, check the launcher settings. in Redmi 9s POCO Launcher by default enabled the option โ€œDesktop 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 doesnโ€™t 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:

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Slap the icon. โš™๏ธ (ยซEdit) in upper right corner.
  3. In the Quick Settings section, find the Application Shortcuts block.
  4. Drag the desired app (such as WhatsApp or Flashlight) into the active area.
  5. Press "Ready."

โš ๏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 canโ€™t some apps be pinned to the notification panel?
Applications that use WorkManager or background services (such as Telegram or Viber) are blocked by the system due to the risk of increased battery consumption. MIUI prohibits the fixing of utilities with rights SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW (For example, Greenify or Tasker).

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:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Open recent apps (swipe up with pause).
  • ๐Ÿ“ Find the right app and hold its icon.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ In the menu that appears, select โ€œSecureโ€ (pin icon).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Return to the app โ€“ now it wonโ€™t close when you click on โ€œClean it allยป.

Limitations:

  • ๐Ÿšซ You can only attach one application at a time.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Does not work with system utilities (for example, Settings or Phone).
  • ๐Ÿšซ 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 donโ€™t 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:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Reset the device.

โš ๏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].

๐Ÿ’ก

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 โ€œSecureโ€ option is missing or the application โ€œfliesโ€ out of a fixed state, the reasons may be as follows:

Problem.Reason.Decision
There is no option to โ€œpinโ€ in the menuOutdated version of MIUI (below 12.5)Update the firmware through Settings โ†’ System Update
The icon disappears after the rebootโ€œDesktop Autocleaningโ€ is includedTurn off the Settings โ†’ Launcher
You can't fix the system application.MIUI Limitation for Settings, Phone, MessagesUse an ADB or third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher)
Error "The application cannot be fixed"The application uses WorkManager or background servicesTry pinning through Split Screen or disable battery optimization for it

๐Ÿ”น 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 donโ€™t suit you, consider third-party solutions:

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Nova Launcher: allows you to secure an unlimited number of applications, supports gestures and backup of the desktop.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Microsoft Launcher: Windows integration and Continue on PCยป.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Tasker + AutoNotification: Automatically fixing applications on schedule (requires settings).

โš ๏ธ Note: When using third-party launchers, disable the standard MIUI Launcher, otherwise there's conflict:

  1. Install an alternative launcher from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
  3. In Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ By default, reset the launcher settings.

๐Ÿ’ก

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%.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)

Can I fix the app on the lock screen?
No, MIUI does not support attaching apps to the lock screen for security reasons. However, you can add shortcuts for quick start: Settings โ†’ Lock screen โ†’ Application shortcuts (available only for Camera, Phone and Flashlight).
Why did the โ€œSecureโ€ option disappear after the MIUI update?
In some versions of MIUI 13/14, the function has been moved. Try: Hold the app icon. Swipe left/right instead of the menu - sometimes the option is hidden behind a gesture. If it doesn't work, reset the launcher settings: Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management โ†’ Launcher โ†’ Storage โ†’ Clear data.
How to anchor a game (like PUBG Mobile) in multitasking?
Games with high resource requirements (such as PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) cannot be fixed in the standard way. Alternative: Use Game Turbo mode (Settings โ†’ Special Features โ†’ Game Turbo). Set up a floating window through Settings โ†’ Special Features โ†’ Floating window (does not work with all games).
How many applications can be fixed at the same time?
Restrictions depend on method: Home screen: unlimited (but no more than 20 is recommended, otherwise the launcher slows down). Notification panel: maximum 5. Multitasking mode: only 1. ADB-Method: Apply-dependent (usually without restrictions).
Can I fix the app on an always-on display (AOD)?
No, the Always-On Display feature in Redmi 9 only supports displaying time, date and notifications. It is impossible to fix the application to AOD using either standard or alternative methods. However, you can use a widget on the home screen with minimal power consumption (for example, Another Widget from Google Play).