App “Carousel” on Xiaomi: purpose, functions and configuration

Xiaomi smartphone owners often encounter a pre-installed app called Carousel, which appears on the list of programs, but its purpose is not always obvious. Many users wonder: what kind of app is it?, can it be removed?, how does it affect the operation of the phone? and why is it even necessary?

Carousel is not just a random program, but part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem that is about personalizing and optimizing the user experience. MIUI It has several important functions, from displaying recommendations to controlling the widget on the home screen, but because of the lack of information in official sources, there are many myths surrounding the app. Let’s figure out what lies behind this name and how to interact with it correctly.

If you notice that Carousel consumes a lot of resources, or you just want to understand how to use it, this article will help you put everything on the shelves, and we will look not only at the basic features, but also at the hidden features that are not written about even in the instructions for smartphones.

«Carousel" (com.miui.carousel or com.miui.miservice depending on version) MIUI) — It's a system application that displays personalized content on the home screen of a smartphone, and it works in conjunction with the Milenta (or Mi-Feed) widget, which shows news, weather, app recommendations and other relevant information.

The main goal of the program is to aggregate data from different sources (including Xiaomi services, third-party apps and even the web) and present it in a convenient format, essentially analogous to Google Discover on Android, but with a focus on the Xiaomi ecosystem.

The appendix appeared in MIUI 12 and actively developing. in new versions of the shell (for example, MIUI 14 or HyperOS) its features have expanded: now Carousel can show not only news, but also quick settings, recommendations for optimizing the phone, as well as contextual clues (for example, reminders of unused apps).

It's important to understand that Carousel is not just an "extra" application, it's very much about work.

  • 📱 Widgets on the home screen (e.g. weather, calendar, steps)
  • 🔄 System updates (sometimes patches are distributed through it) MIUI)
  • 🛠️ Optimizing performance (memory usage analysis and CPU)
  • 📊 Personalization of the interface (recommendations of themes, wallpapers, fonts)
📊 You knew about the existence of the application "Carousel" on Xiaomi?
Yeah, I used it.
I heard, but I didn't understand the assignment.
I only found out now.
I'm not interested.

Many users mistakenly think Carousel is a useless program and try to remove it, but it has some practical features that can be useful:

1. Personalized news and recommendations feed

The app analyzes your interests (based on installed apps, search queries and activity) and shows relevant content: news, weather, Xiaomi store promotions, and even smartphone tips. For example, if you use your camera often, Carousel may offer to update the Mi Camera app or show a manual shooting guide.

2. Quick access to system functions

Through the widget "Carousel" can be quickly opened:

- Battery settings

- Traffic monitoring

- Clearing the cache.

- Notification management

It is convenient if you do not want to go to the deep menu every time. MIUI.

3. Optimization of the smartphone

The application monitors the system status and can:

Offer to close background processes that consume a lot of memory

- Report available firmware updates

Remind you to clean the storage

4.Integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem

If you have other Xiaomi devices (such as Mi Band, robot vacuum cleaner or smart lamp), Carousel can show a summary of their status right on the home screen, such as the charge level of the Mi Band or the status of vacuum cleaner.

5.Contextual tips for beginners

For users who have just switched to Xiaomi, the app offers short instructions on how to use the features. MIUI. For example, how to turn on Game Turbo or configure Second Space.

Of course, not everyone needs these features. If you prefer a minimalist interface or use alternative launchers (like Nova Launcher), Carousel may seem superfluous, but for most Xiaomi owners, it makes it easier to interact with the system.

💡

If Carousel is showing irrelevant news, press your finger on any card in the tape and select "Not Interesting." The algorithm will adjust over time to your preferences.

To get the most out of Carousel, you have to set it up correctly. Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Activation of the widget on the main screen

Press and hold your finger in the free place of the main screen.

- Select "Widgets» → «Milenta (or Carousel»)

Drag the widget on the screen and adjust its size.

2. Customization of the displayed content

Open the widget "Carousel" swipe to the left of the main screen

- Tap on three points (⋮) top-right

- Select "Settings» → «Interests»

Mark topics that interest you (sports, technology, finance, etc.)

3. Notification management

- Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → carousel

Turn off unnecessary notifications (such as advertising or news)

4. Clearing the cache and data

If the application is not stable:

- Go to Settings. → Annexes → carousel → Warehouse

Click on Clear Cache and Clear Data (Warning: This will reset your personal settings!)

5. The use of rapid action

In some versions MIUI «Carousel allows:

- Quickly turn on/off the Power Saving Mode

- Start the memory cleanup.

- Go to the settings of a specific application

If you don’t need the Carousel widget, you can simply remove it from the main screen (click and hold it). → «Delete. The application itself will remain in the system, but will not consume resources.

Add a widget to the main screen|Set up interests in the tape|Disable unnecessary notifications|Clear the cache when slowing down|Use quick action to optimize-->

This is one of the most popular questions. It's technically possible to remove the entire Carousel, but there are nuances:

✅ Safe ways:

  • 🔕 Disconnect: Go to Settings → Annexes → carousel → Disable. The app will stop working, but it will stay in the system.
  • 🗑️ Remove updates: In the same menu, click “Delete updates” – this will return the program to the factory version with minimal functionality.
  • 🚫 Hiding the widget: Just remove the widget from the home screen and Carousel won't get in your way.

⚠️ Risky methods (only for experienced users):

  • 🛠️ Removal through ADB: Requires PC and command connection: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.carousel Attention: This may disrupt some functions MIUI!
  • 📦 Root rights: Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher can be used to remove the app completely, but this can cause instability.

⚠️ Warning: Complete removal of Carousel may result in: Weather and calendar widget errors MIUI through OTA Disappearance of quick settings on the home screen If you are not sure - it is better to just disable the application or hide its widget.

After removing the "Carousel" through ADB Some users have reported a 10- to 15-second increase in smartphone loading times, which is because the system is trying to recover missing components when starting.

What happens if you remove Carousel on Xiaomi with HyperOS?
In HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi), the Carousel application is more deeply integrated into the system. its removal can lead to: - Failed animations when switching between screens - Errors in the Control Center - Loss of the Smart Assistant function (voices Mi). AI) It is recommended to only disable the widget, but not remove the application itself.

Like any system application, Carousel can work incorrectly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The widget is not updatedNo internet or cache is fullClear the cache in the app settings or reboot the phone
High battery consumptionBackground activity or synchronization errorTurn off background activity in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery
Spammy news is coming upIncorrect settings of interestsGo to the settings of "Carousel" and reset personal recommendations
The app is constantly dyingConflict with the MIUI updateRemove app updates or wait for a new patch
The swipe left does not work to open.Disabled gesture in the launcher settingsEnable the option in Settings → Main screen screen → Gesture for Milento

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the settings of "Carousel":

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → carousel → Warehouse

2.Click "Clear all data"

3.Reboot the smartphone

In 90% of cases, this solves problems with the application, and if errors are repeated, check whether Carousel conflicts with other programs (for example, alternative launchers or optimizers).

💡

After the update MIUI "Carousel stopped working — wait for the automatic patch. Usually Xiaomi fixes such bugs in 1-2 weeks.

If you don't like the standard Carousel, you can replace it with similar apps. Here are some options.

📌 For news and recommendations:

  • 🌐 Google Discover – Built-in News Feed from Google (requires installation of Google App)
  • 📰 Microsoft Start – personalized tape with support for widgets
  • 📱 Smart Launcher – launcher with smart recommendation tape

🛠️ To optimize the system:

  • 🔋 AccuBattery – Battery monitoring and tips for saving charge
  • 🧹 SD Maid – Clearing cache and unnecessary files
  • 📊 Device Care (from Samsung) – works on Xiaomi, offers memory optimization

🖼️ To personalize the main screen:

  • 🎨 Nova Launcher – flexible customization of widgets and animations
  • 🖥️ Action Launcher – Support for adaptive widgets
  • 🌈 KWGT — customization

If you choose to use an alternative, first disable Carousel to avoid conflict, and also note that third-party apps may consume more battery than the built-in Carousel.

Many users are unaware that Carousel has more than just news, and here are some hidden features:

1. Quickly adjust notifications

- In some versions MIUI You can swipe left on the notification in the Carousel feed to turn off notifications from this application forever.

2. Hidden energy saving mode

If you pinch your finger on the card with the battery level, a menu with advanced energy saving settings will open, which are not in the standard menu.

3. Access to beta functions MIUI

- Sometimes "Carousel" shows invitations to participate in testing new features MIUI. These options are not available through normal settings!

4.Integration with Mi AI

- In HyperOS, “Carousel” can interact with the voice assistant Mi AI. For example, if you say, “Show the weather for tomorrow,” the answer will appear directly in the tape.

5. Sync with Mi Account

If you are logged in to Xiaomi’s account, Carousel may show your Mi Store purchase history or order status.

Regime for children

In the settings of the application there is an option “Children’s Mode”, which filters the content and shows only safe news (it is useful if the child is using the phone).

To open these features, you sometimes need to hold your finger on cards longer or go to advanced settings (three dots in the corner of the widget).

💡

Carousel in HyperOS can analyze your habits and automatically suggest you turn on Sleep Mode or Don’t disturb at your usual time.

🔍 Why does Carousel consume so much battery?
This is due to background data synchronization (news, weather, notifications). To reduce consumption: Turn off background activity in the application settings Reduce feed refresh rate (in the Carousel settings) Turn off unnecessary news categories If this does not help - try clearing the cache or disabling the application altogether.
📵 Can you remove the carousel without root rights?
Completely remove without root can not, but you can: Disable the application in the settings Delete its updates Hide the widget from the main screen For complete removal will require ADB It is a risk, but it is risky (see section above).
🔄 How to return the carousel if it disappeared after the update?
Sometimes after the update MIUI Carousel widget disappears. To get it back: Reboot phone Check if the app is disabled in settings Add widget again (long tap on the home screen) → «Widgets) If it doesn't help, reset the launcher settings (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data)
🛡️ Is it safe to use Carousel? Does it transmit data?
«Carousel collects data about your activity (installed apps, search queries, geolocation) to personalize content. This data is transmitted to Xiaomi servers, but: You can disable personalization in the app settings Xiaomi claims data is anonymized GDPR, Restricting collection of information If you are concerned about privacy - disable "Carousel" or limit its rights in Settings → Confidentiality.
📱 Does Carousel work on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)?
No, Carousel is part of it. MIUI, It doesn't work on custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience), and it's safe to remove it from the system in such cases, because it's not integrated with alternative shells.