Brand smartphones Redmirunning a shell MIUI or a new one HyperOSoffer ample opportunities for customizing the workspace. Users are often faced with the need to reorganize applications to improve the ergonomics of using the device or simply to restore visual order. The process of moving shortcuts is intuitive, but there are specific gestures and settings that can confuse a beginner, especially after a system update.
In this article we will look in detail at all the ways to change the location of application icons on your screen. You will learn not only to drag them between pages, but also to intelligently group them into folders, and also pin the most important apps to the bottom quick access bar. Understanding the logic of the launcher will allow you to create a unique menu structure, adapted to your personal habits and frequency of use of various services.
Sometimes standard methods do not work due to included restrictions or interface errors. We will also look at possible reasons why icons may be stuck in place, and offer effective solutions to restore full controllability of your device's desktop.
Basic principles of working with the MIUI desktop
The main tool for interacting with shortcuts is the touch screen, which supports multi-touch gestures. To start editing the layout of applications, you need to activate the layout change mode. In most firmware versions Xiaomi this is done by long pressing on an empty area of the screen or directly on the very icon of the application that you plan to move.
After activating the editing mode, the interface visually changes: the icons begin to tremble slightly or become smaller, and additional control buttons appear at the top of the screen. At this moment system restrictions movement restrictions are removed, allowing you to freely manipulate objects.
Navigation between pages is carried out by swiping left or right. If you drag an icon to the edge of the screen and hold it there for a few seconds, the launcher will automatically switch to the adjacent page. This allows you to quickly transport applications to the desired section without having to first release the object and then open another page.
⚠️ Warning: In some third-party themes, the drag-and-drop animation may not work correctly or be disabled altogether. If you can't move the icon, try temporarily reverting to the default theme in the personalization settings.
It is also possible to change the desktop grid, which affects the number of available cells for placing shortcuts. The smaller the grid size, for example 4x5, the larger the icons will look, but the fewer applications will fit on one screen. Setting up the grid is in the desktop editing menu and allows you to optimize the space to suit your needs.
Step-by-step guide for moving between pages
The process of moving applications from one page to another is a fundamental skill for a smartphone owner Redmi. The algorithm of actions is the same for all models, from budget series to flagships, although the system response speed may vary depending on the processor and amount of RAM.
To perform the move, follow the following sequence of actions. First, find the app you want to migrate. Hold it with your finger and don’t let go until you feel a slight vibration or see the visual effect of the icon “raising” above the table surface.
- 📱 Hold the application icon until the vibration effect appears.
- 👆 Without releasing your finger, drag the shortcut to the right or left edge of the screen.
- ⏳ Hold the icon at the edge of the screen for 1-2 seconds to automatically switch to the next page.
- 📍 Release your finger at the desired location on the new page to lock the position.
If automatic page switching does not work, you can use an alternative method. While holding the icon, swipe with your other hand or finger in the desired direction to manually scroll through the desktop. This method is often more reliable on devices with heavy themes, where animations may be slow.
When moving, it is important to consider the availability of free space. If all cells on the target page are occupied, the system will automatically create a new page at the end of the list or offer to place the application in an existing folder if you dropped it on top of another icon. Placement logic always prioritizes filling existing spaces before creating new areas.
☑️ Check before moving
Creating folders and grouping applications
Effective space management on a smartphone is impossible without using folders. This feature allows you to combine thematically related applications, such as social networks, games or work tools, into one compact container. This not only saves space, but also speeds up the search for the desired app.
To create a folder, drag one icon directly on top of another. As soon as they match, the system will automatically create a group and prompt you to enter a name for the new folder. By default, MIUI often suggests names based on the application category, such as "Social Networks" or "Tools", but you can rename it to any word you prefer.
Within a folder, you can also change the order of items. Open the created group and use the same drag-and-drop method to rearrange the icons within it. You can move applications from the folder back to the desktop by simply dragging them outside the container.
| Action | Gesture | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Creating a folder | Drag an icon to icon | Merge into a group |
| Rename | Click on the folder name | Open the keyboard |
| Extract | Drag and drop from open folders | Return to desktop |
| Deleting a folder | Moving all items outside it | Automatic disappearance |
The size of a folder can change dynamically depending on the number of applications it contains. When adding a large number of shortcuts, a folder can transform from a compact tile into a full-fledged scrolling page. The maximum number of applications in one folder on older versions of MIUI was limited to 20 items, but in modern builds this limit has been removed.
Use color coding when creating folders: group applications with icons of similar colors to create an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious desktop.
Customizing the bottom panel (Dock) and removing shortcuts
The bottom panel, or Dock bar, is a special area of the desktop that remains visible when switching between all pages. The most frequently used applications are usually placed here: phone, messages, browser and camera. The number of slots in the dock varies from 4 to 5 depending on the grid settings and firmware version.
To add an application to the dock, simply drag it down the screen to the panel area. If the dock is full, the system will offer to replace one of the existing applications or automatically move the remaining shortcuts if the configuration allows. Removing an application from the Dock is done in the same way: hold the icon and drag it up to the main area of the desktop.
Completely removing a shortcut from the desktop does not always mean uninstalling the application. In the ecosystem Android and MIUI there are two types of removal. The first is simply removing the shortcut from the screen, while the app remains installed on the system. The second is a complete uninstallation, which frees up the device memory.
- 🗑️ Drag the icon to the top of the screen to the trash icon or cross to delete the shortcut.
- ❌ Select "Delete" in the context menu to completely uninstall the application.
- 🔒 System applications can often be only hide from the desktop, but cannot be completely removed.
If you try to remove a system application, you will see a warning that this may affect the operation of other functions. Be careful when deleting utility utilities such as "Security", "Downloads" or the system launcher, as their absence can lead to interface instability.
⚠️ Attention: If you accidentally deleted a shortcut to an important system application, do not panic. You can return it through the general menu of all applications by finding the app in the list and dragging it to the desktop again.
Problems with moving icons and their solution
Sometimes users encounter a situation where icons do not move, freeze, or return to their original location. The most common cause of this behavior is that the desktop layout lock feature is enabled. This option is intended to protect against accidental changes to the interface, but may interfere with intentional reorganization.
To check the lock status, go to the desktop settings. Usually this item is located in the menu called up by long pressing on an empty space, in the “Settings” or “More” section. Find the switch named Layout Lock or Lock Home Screen Layout and make sure it is in the off position.
Another cause of problems could be a full launcher cache. Over time, temporary files accumulate and can cause interface rendering failures. Clearing the cache of the "Launcher" or "System Launcher" application through the smartphone settings often solves the problem of stuck icons without losing personal data.
Resetting the launcher settings
If clearing the cache did not help, you can try resetting the launcher settings to factory settings. This will return the grid and icon layout to its original state, but will eliminate software errors in the interface.
In rare cases, the problem lies in a specific firmware version or a conflict with a third-party theme. If all else fails, try restarting your device. A simple reboot often clears the RAM and restarts the system processes responsible for the user interface, returning it to full functionality.
90% of problems with icon movement are solved by disabling the "Lock Layout" function in the desktop settings.
Additional options for customizing the interface
In addition to simple movement, owners Redmi can take advantage of advanced configuration tools. The shell MIUI allows you to change not only the position, but also the appearance of elements. You can change the size of widgets, add new screens with weather or music information, and customize transition effects between pages.
Using widgets significantly expands the functionality of your desktop. Widgets can display information from applications without having to launch them. They can be moved in the same way as regular icons, but they take up more space, often requiring multiple grid cells to be combined into one block.
A hidden application mode is available for advanced users. You can put rarely used apps out of sight without uninstalling them. Hidden applications are accessible through a special gesture in the all applications menu or through search. This helps keep your desktop clean, leaving only what you really need visible.
Don't forget to regularly update your system software. Engineers Xiaomi are constantly improving the launcher's algorithms, fixing bugs and adding new workspace management functions. The current firmware version guarantees the best compatibility with new applications and stable interface operation.
Why do icons automatically return to their place after moving?
This happens if desktop layout locking is enabled. Go to the launcher settings and disable the blocking function. Also, the reason may be a malfunction of the theme - try resetting the theme to the standard one.
Is it possible to move system icons to a folder?
Yes, most system applications can be moved and grouped into folders in the same way as user ones. The exception is some critical services that can be assigned by the developer to certain areas of the screen.
How to restore the standard arrangement of icons?
In the desktop settings, find the item "Reset icon arrangement" or similar. This action will return all icons to their factory locations, corresponding to the configuration when you first turned on the phone.
Why is a folder not created when overlaying icons?
Make sure you hold the icon long enough and accurately place it in the center of the other icon. If there is not enough space in the folder or the grid is too small, the system may prevent you from creating a group. Try to free up space on the screen.