“Icon position is blocked” on Xiaomi: reasons and 7 ways to unlock

You try to move the app to Xiaomi’s desktop, but instead see the words “Icon position locked”**? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones on MIUI — from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 13. Most often, the lock occurs after a system update, reset settings or activate the Safe Space mode. 80% of the time it can be fixed without resetting the phone to factory settings.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 on Android 13/14), a method compatibility table with Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models, and a unique way to unlock through ADB that is not found in standard guides.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the position of icons: 5 main reasons

The icon locking function in MIUI is not a bug, it's part of the security system, but sometimes it doesn't work properly, restricting the user for no apparent reason.

• 🔄 Update MIUI: After installing a new firmware version (especially when switching from the MIUI 12 → MIUI 13) the system may automatically lock the desktop to prevent data loss.
• 🔒 Secure Space Mode: If you have activated this space (for example, to hide applications), the main desktop may restrict editing.
• 📱 Resetting launcher settings: If you fail to work com.miui.home (standard launcher Xiaomi), the system returns settings to factory ones, including blocking icons.
• 🛡️ Security policy MIUI: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A3 or POCO F3) blocking is activated when suspected malware that changes system files.
• 👶 Parental Controls: If the device has a child profile or guest mode set up, desktop editing may be limited.

I wonder what on POCO-The problem is less common due to the use of a launcher POCO Launcher, which has separate lock settings, and here are the owners of Redmi Note. 10/11 It is more common due to the optimization of MIUI budget-based chipsets.

Method 1: Unlock through launcher settings (works 90% of the time)

The fastest method is to use the built-in settings of the MIUI launcher. It is suitable for all models except for devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

1. Press and hold the empty space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
2. In the menu that appears, select Desktop Settings (or Home settings in English firmware).
3. Scroll down and find the option to Lock the position of the icons (in some versions – Lock desktop layout).
4. Turn off the slider and confirm the action if a request appears.

If this item is missing or inactive, then the blocking is caused by other reasons (see methods below). On MIUI 14, the path to settings may differ: Settings → Desktop → Additional → Layout Lock.

Make sure you are not in guest mode |

Check if parental control is disabled|

Update the launcher via Google Play (if used) POCO Launcher)|

Restart your phone before changing-->

Method 2: Reset the launcher settings without data loss

If the standard method didn't work, try resetting the launcher settings, which won't delete your apps or data, but will return the desktop to its default state.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type com.miui.home (this is Xiaomi’s system launcher).
3. Select Warehouse → Clear data and Clear cache.
4. Reboot the device. Once you turn on, the icons will be unlocked, but their location will reset.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra), the Topic folder on the desktop may disappear after this reset. → Topics → My subjects.

For devices with POCO Launcher, the path is different: Settings → Applications → POCO Launcher → Storage → Clear data.

Method 3: Unlocking through Safe Mode (if third-party software is to blame)

If the problem occurs after installing a new application (especially launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher), the culprit may be a software conflict, in which case Safe Mode will help.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button and hold it until the MI logo appears.
3. Once the logo appears, press and hold the volume button until the phone boots.
4. In the lower right corner of the screen will appear the inscription Safe mode.
5. Try moving the icons. If you can, remove the recently installed launchers or widgets.

To exit Safe Mode, simply restart the device.

Method 4: Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users)

If previous methods did not help, and blocking icons interferes with the work, you can use the ADB debugging bridge. This method requires connecting the phone to the computer, but it is guaranteed to work on any Xiaomi device.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1


adb shell am start -n com.miui.home/.launcher.LauncherSettings

After these commands are executed, the hidden launcher settings will open, where you can turn off the locking of icons. If the command does not work, try an alternative option:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

⚠️ Note: pm clear will reset all launcher settings, including folders and widgets, only use it if other methods have not worked.

1. Reinstall Xiaomi drivers via Mi PC Suite.

2. Connect the phone in File Transfer (MTP) mode, not Charging.

3.Use the port USB 2.0 (on some PCs) USB 3.0 causes conflicts with ADB).-->

Method 5: Checking the “Secure Space” mode

The Protected Space (or Second Space) feature in MIUI allows you to create an isolated environment with separate applications and settings, sometimes when it is activated, the main desktop is blocked for editing.

To check and disable this:

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Protected Space.
2. If the space is active, press Out of the protected space.
3. Restart your phone and check if the icons are unlocked.

On MIUI 14, the path may be different: Settings → Privacy → Secure Space. If you haven't created a second space, but the option is active, it may be due to a failure. In this case, resetting through Settings → Memory → Clearing the data of the protected space will help.

Method 6: Update or reinstall the launcher

If the problem is caused by a system launcher error, it can be solved by updating or replacing the program.

• 🔄 Update MIUI Home: Open Google Play. Find MIUI Home (or) POCO Launcher for devices POCO). Click Update if a new version is available.
• 🆕 Install alternative launcher: Popular options: Nova Launcher, Hyperion Launcher, Lawnchair. After installation, select the new launcher as the main one in the application settings.
• 🔧 Restore System Launcher: If you have previously deleted com.miui.home (for example, through ADB or Magisk, it can be restored through Settings → Annexes → Show all applications → Three points. → Show system-based → MIUI Home → Restore.