How to remove simple mode on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways and nuances

Simple Mode (or Easy Mode) on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a simplified version of the MIUI interface designed for older users or those who prefer a minimalist design with large icons and limited functionality. However, many device owners encounter this feature accidentally - for example, after a system update or reset. Externally, the simple mode resembles the interface of button phones: no widgets, changed app menus, and basic functions are hidden behind additional layers.

There are a number of ways to get MIUI back to life, but availability depends on the firmware version and the Redmi model. In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods, from standard settings to hidden developer commands. We’ll focus on the nuances that are often overlooked in brief instructions: what to do if the mode button is inactive, how to get around the restrictions on new versions of MIUI 14/15, and why some applications may disappear after a mode reset.

What is a simple mode on Xiaomi Redmi and why you need it?

Easy Mode is an alternative MIUI interface that is activated through special feature settings.

  • πŸ“± Large icons and enlarged fonts for ease of perception.
  • πŸ“ž Simplified call menu with quick access to contacts.
  • πŸ” Absence of widgets, folders, and complex gestures (such as swipes to switch between applications).
  • πŸ”’ Limited access to system settings (e.g., you can’t change wallpaper or configure notifications).

By default, the mode is turned off, but it can be activated automatically in several cases:

  • πŸ”„ After resetting to factory settings (especially if Safe Mode was previously enabled).
  • πŸ“² When updating the firmware to MIUI 12/13/14, If previously non-standard topics were used.
  • πŸ‘΅ If the smartphone was configured by another person (for example, for an elderly relative) and forgot to return the usual mode.

It’s important to understand that simple mode is not a virus or a system failure. It’s a regular MIUI function and it doesn’t require superuser rights to turn it off. However, on some models (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G or Redmi K50), the path to settings may differ due to customized firmware versions for different regions.

πŸ“Š How you got into easy mode on Xiaomi Redmi?
Accidentally pressed in the settings
After the MIUI update
Someone set me up for me.
I don't know, I just turned on myself.
Another option

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The most obvious and safe method is to use the settings menu, which works on most Redmi models (including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11, etc.) if the simple mode was enabled via the interface rather than the system command.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Scroll down and select Special Features (on some firmware – Additional β†’ Special Features).
  3. Find the Simple Mode (or Easy Mode).
  4. Switch the slider to the off position. or press Disconnect.
  5. Confirm the action if a request appears (some models require you to enter a password to unlock the screen).

If Simple Mode is not in the Special Opportunities menu, try an alternative path:

Settings β†’ System β†’ Additional β†’ Simple mode

Battery charge of more than 30%

Wi-Fi connection (to check for updates)

The screen unlock password at hand

Backup of important data (in case of failure)-->

What to do if the switch button is inactive?

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 Global), the disable button may be blocked, due to Xiaomi's security policies for certain regions.

  • πŸ”§ Try resetting the interface settings through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting interface settings.
  • πŸ“± Restart the device in Safe Mode (press the power button) β†’ long tap on "Switch offΒ» β†’ Β«Safe mode") and try again.
  • 🌍 Check the firmware region: if you have MIUI China, some features may be hidden – you will need to change the region through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Region.
Why is Xiaomi hiding the simple mode shutdown on some models?
On devices for the Chinese market (MIUI China), the simple mode disablement function may be limited due to local regulatory requirements for interfaces for older users. There are no such restrictions in the global versions (MIUI Global), but sometimes they appear after updates due to bugs.

Method 2: Using a Developer Team (ADB)

If the standard method didn't work, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which is suitable for power users and requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, and the advantage of the method is that it works even if the off button is hidden in the settings.

What you need:

  • πŸ’» Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 times to tap according to the version β†’ return to β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  • πŸ”Œ USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

  1. Connect Redmi to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
  2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) in the ADB folder.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices Wait for the serial number of the device to appear.
  4. Execute the simple mode disable command: adb shell settings put secure easy_mode_enabled 0
  5. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require global instead of secure:

adb shell settings put global easy_mode_enabled 0

πŸ’‘

If the interface has not changed after executing the command, check the current parameter value with the command adb shell settings get secure. easy_mode_enabled. If the answer 1 β€” The mode is still active, try repeating the command with superuser rights (su).

Possible errors and solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
device unauthorizedNot confirmed debugging on USBDisconnect/connect the cable and confirm the request on the phone
no devices/emulators foundDrivers are not installed or the cable is faultyInstall Mi PC Suite or check the cable
setting not foundThe Wrong Path to SetupTry global instead of secure
The interface hasn't changed.The system's cache hasn't updated.Perform adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

Method 3: Reset the launcher settings (without data loss)

If the simple mode is activated due to a launcher failure (MIUI Launcher, you can reset it without completely resetting your phone, and this method doesn't affect user data (photos, messages, apps), but it will return the standard desktop look.

How to drop the launcher:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the Launcher app (or MIUI Launcher) and tap it.
  3. Select Warehouse β†’ Clear data and Clear cache.
  4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

After the reboot, the interface should return to the standard view. If that doesn't happen, try the extra step:

Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting launcher settings

πŸ’‘

Resetting the launcher does not delete apps or files, but will return standard wallpaper, widgets and icon layout.

What if the reset didn't help?

In rare cases, a launcher reset may not work because of:

  • πŸ”„ Updates to the firmware that overwrote the settings. Try to roll back to the previous version. MIUI through settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system β†’ Three points. β†’ Select a Service Package.
  • πŸ› οΈ Modified firmware (for example, customized firmware) MIUI In this case, only a complete reset or flashing will help.
  • πŸ”’ Device administrator policy (if the smartphone is linked to a corporate account). β†’ Passwords and security β†’ Device administrators.

Method 4: Complete resetting of settings (last resort)

If none of these methods worked, the last option is a hard reset, which is a radical solution that will bring the smartphone back to factory status by deleting all the data.

  • πŸ“± Simple mode activated after unsuccessful update.
  • πŸ”§ All other methods failed to produce results.
  • πŸ“¦ You have a backup of important data.

How to perform the reset:

  1. Create a backup through Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup or Mi Cloud.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Reset settings.
  3. Select to erase all data and enter a password (if required).
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

πŸ’‘

After the reset, the smartphone will offer to restore data from the backup. Select the option β€œRestore applications and data”, but refuse to restore β€œSystem settings” – this will help avoid re-activating the simple mode.

What to expect after a reset:

  • βœ… Simple mode will be offline.
  • ⚠️ All apps, photos and files (if there was no backup) will be deleted.
  • πŸ”„ You will have to reconfigure accounts (Google, Mi Account), Wi-Fi connection and other settings.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) K40 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) After the reset, you may need to re-activate the device through Mi Account. Make sure to remember the username and password from the Xiaomi account, otherwise you risk blocking the phone!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to disable simple mode, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

  1. The gray button is off, the reason is the firmware restriction or the active Safe Mode. Solution: restart the device or check for MIUI updates.
  2. After the simple mode was turned off, the applications disappeared, and the reason was that the launcher or firmware had been reset, and the desktop data was erased, so you could reinstall the apps from the Play Market or restore them from the backup.
  3. ADB can't see the device. The reason is: the drivers are not installed or the USB debugging is disabled. Solution: install the Mi PC Suite and reconnect.
  4. Simple mode comes back after the reboot. Cause: system failure or conflict of topics. Solution: reset the launcher settings or update the firmware.

How to prevent accidental switching on of simple mode in the future:

  • πŸ” Set a password for settings (Settings) β†’ Passwords and security β†’ Blocking settings).
  • πŸ“± Update regularly MIUI β€” In new versions of the bug with a simple mode, correct.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Do not install unofficial topics from third-party sources.

Features for different Redmi models

The MIUI interface may vary depending on the Redmi model and firmware version, and the following are key nuances for popular devices:

ModelMIUI versionFeatures of disabling a simple mode
Redmi Note 12 Pro/Pro+14.0.+The off button can be hidden in Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Screen Style.
Redmi 11 Prime13.0.+Fingerprint confirmation is required to disable.
Redmi K5013.1–14.0Simple mode can be activated with Game Turbo – disable both.
Redmi 10A12.5–13.0No. ADB-Access to simple mode settings - only through reset.
Redmi Note 10S12.0–13.0After disconnection, a reboot is required to apply the changes.

If your model isn’t in the table, check the MIUI version in Settings β†’ About Phone. Firmware older than MIUI 12 may require manual editing of system files (requires root), but this is risky and not recommended without experience.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I turn off simple mode without a computer?
Yes, in most cases, standard settings are sufficient (see Method 1). If the shutdown button is inactive, try resetting the launcher (Method 3). ADB It is only necessary for complex cases.
Why are there no icons after the simple mode is turned off?
This is because the simple mode uses a separate launcher. Once you return to the standard interface, the icons can "reset" and restore them manually or through a backup.
Will the ADB on Redmi work with a locked bootloader?
Yes, you don’t need to unlock the bootloader to use ADB, but some models (like the Redmi Note 11T Pro) may require debugging permission in the developer settings.
How do you get back to a simple regime if you suddenly need it?
Go to Settings. β†’ Special facilities β†’ Simple mode and turn it on. Alternatively, use the command. ADB: adb shell settings put secure easy_mode_enabled 1.
Can the simple mode turn on itself after the update?
Yes, this happens because of bugs in the firmware. To avoid this, back up your launcher settings before upgrading or disable automatic themes.