How to fix the application on the home screen Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14

Securing applications on the Xiaomi Redmi home screen is a seemingly simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties: the system automatically sorts the icons alphabetically after updating, a random swipe removes the desired application in the Other folder, MIUI gestures knock out the usual order. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of fixing applications, from standard functions to hidden shell settings, and also tell you how to circumvent the typical limitations of the system.

The thing about MIUI is that the logic of fixing icons changed with the release of new versions: MIUI 12 still had a long press with the choice "Secure", and in MIUI 14 this item could be removed or hidden deeper into the settings. We tested all methods on the models Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and the flagship Redmi K50 — the instructions are universal, but taking into account the nuances of different firmware. If your application still "runs" from the screen, at the end of the article there is a section with solutions to typical problems.

1. Standard method: fastening through long pressing

The most obvious method that works on most versions of MIUI is to hold your finger on the app icon, but there are pitfalls: some firmware may not have the "Addd" option or replace it with "Addd to Home Screen." Here's how to do it correctly:

1. Find the app in the menu (slip to the right of the main screen or tap the All Apps icon).
2. Press the icon for 1-2 seconds until a context menu or vibration appears.
3. Drag the icon to the main screen (if the menu does not appear) or select Secure/Add to the main screen.
4. Place the icon in the desired cell and remove your finger.

⚠️ Note: If the icon disappears or returns to the menu after dragging it, AutoSort Applications is enabled. It needs to be disabled (see Section 3). MIUI 13+ A long press may not open the menu, but the screen editing mode - in this case, try the method from section 2.

Turn off auto sorting in screen settings

Make sure there is free space on the main screen.

Check if the app is hidden in the Others folder

Update. MIUI Up to the latest version, if available)-->

2. Alternative method: screen editing mode

If you don't get a long press, you can use the edit mode, which is more reliable because you can control the placement of the icons more precisely.

1. Touch the empty space on the home screen and hold your finger for 2-3 seconds until the menu appears.
2. Select Screen Settings (or Widgets if you use MIUI 14).
3. Slip through the Applications in the bottom panel and find the right one in the list.
4. Drag the icon to the screen and fix it in the right position.

💡 Useful tip: In editing mode, you can create folders, resize widgets, and even hide unnecessary icons. For example, if you want to pin Telegram in the top row, but all the cells are already occupied, just drag the less important application into the Others folder or on the second screen.

In MIUI 14, some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+) swipe the editing mode down the main screen with your finger clamped. If this gesture doesn't work, check your gesture settings in Settings → Screen → Additional.

3. Disabling application autosort

One of the most annoying features of MIUI is that it automatically sorts icons by alphabet or frequency of use, which allows fixed apps to jump across the screen after rebooting or updating, to avoid this:

1. Go to Settings → Home screen (or Settings → Screen → Home screen in MIUI 14).
2. Find the Sort of Applications option and select Manual.
3. Turn off the slider Automatically sort new apps (if any).
4. Save the changes and restart the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi firmware with pre-installed services (e.g., models for the Chinese market) may have the auto sort option blocked, in which case only resetting the launcher settings (see Section 6) or installing a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher will help.

MIUI 12

MIUI 13

MIUI 14

I don't know my version.

Other (write in the comments)-->

4. Fixing through application settings

Few people know, but some system and third-party apps can be pinned to the screen through their internal settings, a technique that is particularly useful for the Google Play Store, YouTube or Mi Home, which often “disappear” after updates.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the right application in the list and tap it.
• 🔧 Scroll down to the section Additional or Rights.
• 📍 Enable the option to pin on the main screen (if any).

🔹 Note: This option is not available for all applications. MIUI 14 Camera, Phone and Messages have it, but Chrome or WhatsApp don't have it. If you don't have it, use the methods in Sections 1-2.

5. Use of gestures and quick actions

MIUI 13/14 has the ability to pin apps through gestures or quick actions, which is handy if you use the same app frequently (e.g. Google Pay for payment or Maps for navigation).

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Additional Functions → Quick Actions.
2. Choose Double-Tap Screen or Gesture Up (depending on the model).
3. Assign the desired application to the selected gesture.
4. Now, for example, double tapping on the off screen will immediately open the Lantern or the Camera.

✅ Pros of the method: the application opens in one step, you do not need to search for it on the screen. Minus - works only for 1-2 applications (depending on the Redmi model).

📌 Key takeaway: Gestures save time, but don't replace full-fledged anchoring. Use this method for high-priority applications, and fix the rest with standard methods.

6.Resetting launcher settings and extreme measures

If none of these things work, and the icons are still going away, you'll have to reset the launcher, which is a radical method, but it often solves the problem of stubborn firmware:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Launcher app (or MIUI Launcher) and tap it.
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, all your widgets, folders and icon locations will be deleted. Take screenshots of the home screen in advance or write down the order of the apps to quickly restore it).

If the reset did not help, there are two options:

• 🔄 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (sometimes icon bugs are patched).
• 📱 Install a third-party launcher (such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) where the anchorage is more stable.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after they're fixed, applications can disappear or move around, and here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

💡 Useful tip: If the problem only repeats with a specific application (e.g. TikTok or TikTok) VK), Try reinstalling it. Sometimes, the app cache crashes and it gets in the way of fixing it properly.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions