How to fix applications on the Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways for MIUI 14 and 15

Why fix applications on Xiaomi and what it gives

Assigning apps to Xiaomi is not just a way to organize your desktop, it's a productivity tool. When you always have the most commonly used programs at hand, you spend less time looking for icons on the menu, especially for users of Redmi, POCO or Black Shark smartphones, where the MIUI interface offers several unique ways to fix.

For example, if you put messengers, banking apps, or navigators on the home screen, you're guaranteed to keep them from being accidentally reset by the launcher. And MIUI 14/15 has new gestures and features that make it even more convenient. But what's not everyone knows is that there are hidden possibilities beyond dragging icons, from fixing them through Security Settings to using alternative launchers.

It’s important to understand that the methods differ depending on the firmware version and the smartphone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15, an advanced multitasking mode is available, where fixed applications can be attached to gestures. On the budget Redmi Note 12, some of the functions can be hidden behind additional settings.

Method 1: Standard fastening through the desktop

The most obvious and universal method is to transfer the icon to the home screen, which works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the MIUI version and does not require additional settings.

1. Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the desired application and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
3. Drag the icon to a free space on the desktop or in the docking panel (bottom band).
4. Release your finger – the application will be fixed.

If the icon is not moving, check if the launcher’s Protection Mode is activated. On some models (e.g. POCO F5), this mode blocks any desktop changes.

To remove the attached app, press the icon again and drag it to the top of the screen, where it will say Remove or Remove from the screen. On MIUI 15, you can also use the swipe gesture upwards for quick removal.

Method 2: Fixing in the dock panel (bottom panel)

The dock is the bottom bar on the desktop, where the 4-5 most important apps are usually placed, and it's accessible from any screen, even if you're using multiple desktops, to anchor the application into the dock panel:

• 📱 Press the app icon in the menu or on the desktop.
• 🔄 Drag it to the bottom of the screen where the dock panel is located.
• 🎯 Release your finger when the free slot lights up.

On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+, the dock supports up to 7 icons (depending on the model). If slots are not enough, you can increase their number through the launcher settings:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → select Settings.
2. Go to the dock panel. → Number of icons.
3. Select the desired value (maximum 7).

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If the dock panel disappeared after the MIUI update, try resetting the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear data.

On some devices (such as Black Shark 5), the dock panel can be hidden or replaced with gestures. To return it back, go to Settings → Display → Navigation buttons and select the button mode.

Method 3: Fixing through Multitasking Mode

MIUI 14/15 introduced the feature of attaching applications to the multitasking menu, which allows you to quickly switch between frequently used programs without searching for them on the desktop.

1. Open the multitasking menu (swipe up late or the Square button).
2. Find the card of the desired application and swipe it down (on some models - up).
3. There's a pin pin on it (📌) — press it.

The attached applications will be marked with a pin and will not close when the background is cleared. To unclog them, repeat the action and uncheck the box.

On Black Shark gaming smartphones, fixed apps can be linked to physical triggers (buttons on the case). To do this, go to Settings → Shark Buttons → Assign buttons.

Method 4: Use of alternative launchers

If standard MIUI features don’t suit you, you can install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Hyperion) that offers advanced fixing features, including:

• 🔒 Blocking icons from accidental removal.
• 📂 Grouping applications into folders with a password.
• 🎨 Customization of appearance (size of icons, animations).
• 🔄 Automatic backup of icon location.

To install an alternative launcher:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Open the app and follow the setup instructions.
3. In Settings → Applications → By default → Launcher, select a new launcher.

In Nova Launcher for fixing icons:

1. Press the icon → select Change.
2. Activate the option to pin on the screen.
3. Press Ready.

Note: on some models (such as Xiaomi 12T) after installing a third-party launcher, branded MIUI gestures, such as Double-touch to wake up, may disappear.

Method 5: Hidden MIUI features for advanced users

For those who want more control, MIUI has hidden settings that allow applications to be fixed at the system level, and these methods require either Developer Mode activation or ADB use.

The first option is through the Security settings:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Application Protection.
2. Include the function and add the desired applications to the list.
3. Activate the option to fasten on the desktop (not available on all models).

The second option is with ADB (requires PC):

adb shell cmd overlay enable-exclusive com.android.systemui/.miui.MiuiSystemUIOverlay


adb shell settings put global miui_optimized_icons 1

These commands unlock additional customization options, including fixing system applications (like Settings or Phone) that normally cannot be moved.

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Using ADB can cause MIUI to malfunction. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

On the POCO F4 GT and other gaming devices, there is another way – through the Game Space:

1. Open the Game Space (the icon on the menu).
2. Add the desired app to the list.
3. Enable the option to Secure in the toolbar.

Frequent problems and their solution

Sometimes, fixed applications disappear or don't get fixed, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔄 Launcher Reset: If after the update the icons are missing, restart the smartphone or reset the launcher settings (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🚫 Limitations MIUI: On some models (e.g. Redmi) 10A) You can't fix system applications. So the solution is to use them. ADB side-launcher.
• 📱 Gestures conflict: If full-screen gestures are enabled, the dock panel may be hiding. → Display. → Full screen mode.
• 🔒 Change Protection: Check if Desktop Protection is activated in the security settings.

If the application is not fixed in the docking panel, try:

1. Remove it from multitasking (Settings → Applications → Select App → Forced Stop).
2. Reboot the smartphone.
3. Update the firmware to the latest version.

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On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and other flagships, there is a Smart Docking Panel feature that automatically selects apps based on your habits. To turn it off, go to Launcher Settings → Docking Panel → Smart Docking Panel.

If none of the methods work, you may have custom firmware installed on your device (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) where some MIUI features are disabled, in which case only flashing to the official version will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions