Xiaomi’s MIUI-based desktop often blocks custom changes — you can’t change the theme, add widgets, or install wallpaper from third-party sources. The system issues a notification saying “Desktop protected,” “Administrator prohibited changes,” or simply ignores your actions. The reason lies in MIUI security policies that limit customization to protect against accidental crashes or malicious applications.
In this article, we will understand 5 working ways to remove desktop protection on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (relevant MIUI 14/15 The methods are distributed from the simplest (through system settings) to the most advanced (using the use of the system). ADB). Important: Some solutions require disconnection MIUI Optimization or unlocking the bootloader – we will warn you about the risks in advance.
If you encounter a problem after updating your firmware or installing a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher), first check the FAQ section, which contains answers to typical questions. For owners of devices with corporate policies (like service phones), some methods may not work due to administrator restrictions.
1. Disconnection of protection through "Special capabilities"
The most secure way, which works on most Xiaomi devices without root rights.The method is based on bypassing restrictions through the system menu "Special features", where you can temporarily disable the check for desktop changes.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Improving interaction.
- 🔍 Scroll down and find the item “Remove restrictions” MIUI» (On some firmware it may be called Remove. MIUI restrictions).
- 🔘 Turn on the switch and confirm the action by pressing “OK” in the system window.
- 🔄 Restart the device (required!).
After the reboot, try changing the wallpaper or adding a widget. If it doesn't work, move on to the next method. Note: some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12) may not have this item, then you will need to use ADB.
⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI Global Stable Item “Remove Restrictions” MIUI» In this case, try changing the region to India or Europe in the settings. → Region and repeat steps.
2.Reset launcher settings (without data loss)
If the desktop protection appeared after installing an update or a system failure, resetting the settings of the standard MIUI launcher will help. This method does not affect user data (photos, applications), but will return the standard wallpaper and icon location.
How to reset:
- ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 In search, type "Luncher" (or com.miui.home for MIUI 14+).
- 🗑️ Press "Storage» → «Clear the data" and confirm.
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
If the problem persists, check if there are administrative restrictions (see section 4). On devices with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14), com.miui.home can be used instead of com.miui.hyperlauncher.
Take screenshots of the current desktop|Remember the location of widgets|Check your backup in Mi Cloud|Shut down. PIN-code (in case of lockdown)
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3.Use of ADB to disable protection
For advanced users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), the method allows you to manually disable the check of desktop changes through system commands, suitable for MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS, but requires on debugging over USB.
Step-by-step:
- Put the debugging on. USB: 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. 🔘 Press 7 times on "Version" MIUI», To activate the "Developer Mode». 🔙 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers. 🔘 Turn on "Debugging by" USB» and confirm the authorization.
- Connect your phone to your PC: 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer. 🔌 Connect Xiaomi to the USB (Select the "File Transfer" mode»). 🐍 Open the command line (cmd) and enter:
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list, do:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter/com.miui.permcenter.autostart.AutoStartGuideActivity🔄 Reboot the phone.
After the restart, the desktop protection should disappear. If the command does not work, try an alternative:
adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They can affect the stability of the system. Don't use them unless you're sure of what you're doing (MIUI China) additional shutdown required MIUI Optimization by command: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1
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If your desktop is still locked after ADB commands, check for updates for MIUI Security Center in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Security.
4. Verification of administrative restrictions
Sometimes desktop protection is enabled due to administrative policies set by applications (e.g. Mi Security, Google Apps Device Policy, or corporate applications). MDM-These restrictions can block changes even after the launcher is reset.
How to check and remove restrictions:
- 🔒 Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Device administrators.
- 🔍 Check the list of applications with administrator rights. If there is one that says "Mi Security," turn it off (you may need to). PIN-Android Device Policy is corporate governance, it can only be removed through an administrator. Unknown applications — remove them as potentially dangerous.
- 🔄 Reset the device.
If there are no suspicious apps on the list but protection remains, check your startup control settings:
- ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
- 🔘 Enable auto-run for "Luncher" (com.miui.home).
| Annex | Possible reason for blocking | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Security | Blocks changes due to “System Protection” | Disable in the administrators of the device |
| Google Apps Device Policy | Corporate Restrictions (for example, through Google Workspace) | Administrator access is required |
| Unknown application (e.g. com.example.mdm) | Malware or MDM-PO | Remove through Settings → Applications |
| Nova Launcher or other launcher | Conflict with the MIUI system launcher | Reset the launcher settings or return the standard |
Installation of an alternative launcher (circumvention of restrictions)
If system methods do not help, you can completely replace the standard launcher MIUI on a third-party (e.g. Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher) This bypasses restrictions but requires disabling MIUI Optimization for the correct operation.
Instructions:
- 📥 Install an alternative launcher from Google Play (recommended Nova Launcher).
- 🛠️ Turn off optimization. MIUI through ADB (see section 3) or use the annex MIUI Hidden Settings.
- 🔘 In the launcher settings (Nova) enable: 📌 «Set as a default launcher». 🔒 «Allow changes to the desktop" (in additional settings).
🔄 Reset the device.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Full freedom of customization (themes, icons, gestures).
- ✅ No system constraints MIUI.
- ✅ Compatibility with most widgets.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Animation bugs are possible (due to disabling optimization) MIUI).
- ❌ Certain functions MIUI (For example, "Super Wallpaper" will be unavailable.
What if an alternative launcher is not installed?
6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)
If none of these things work, you'll have to completely reset your device, which will delete all the data, but it will return the desktop to its original state without any restrictions.
- 🔹 The device is not corporate (no binding to the MDM).
- 🔹 You have made a backup copy (Settings) → The phone. → Backup).
- 🔹 The problem is not related to hardware failure (for example, memory damage).
How to reset:
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
- 🔘 Select “Erase all data».
- 🔒 Enter. PIN-code (if required) and confirm.
- ⏳ Wait until it is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) After reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account. Make sure you remember your login and password! Also, resetting will not help if the desktop protection is installed at the firmware level (for example, in customized devices). ROM).
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Before resetting, check if the device is connected to a Mi Account. After reset, you may need to enter account data to unlock (Device Protection feature).