Transferring application icons between screens on smartphones Xiaomi Redmi seems like a simple task, but beginners often have problems questions: why the icon is not dragged, how to remove vibration when holding it, or what to do if the screen does not scroll during transfer. In this article, we will look at all the nuances of working with the desktop MIUI โfrom basic movement to solving typical problems.
The official shell Xiaomi offers several ways to organize applications: from classic holding and dragging to using gestures and special folders. We will consider each method, taking into account the features of different versions MIUI (from 12 to 14) and models Redmi (including Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 and others). We will pay special attention to hidden functions that are not written about in standard instructions.
Why you canโt move the icon: main reasons
If the application icon is โstuckโ to the screen and does not respond to Attempts to move it, the problem usually lies in one of three factors:
- ๐ Edit mode is not activated: MIUI You must first press and hold the icon for 1-2 seconds until a menu or vibration appears.
- ๐ฑ Navigation gestures conflict: when using swipes instead of buttons, the bottom panel may block dragging.
- ๐ The application is blocked by the system: some pre-installed services (for example,
Mi Security) cannot be moved without additional settings.
Another common mistake is trying to drag the icon off the desktop. T MIUI you can't move icons to the lock screen or the Recents folder - only between main pages or to the Dock bar. If you are trying to move an icon to a blank screen, first create a new page (scroll right to the bottom and add a widget or application).
Method 1: Classic drag and drop (for MIUI 12โ14)
This is the most obvious method, but even here there are nuances. Follow the step-by-step guide:
- Tap and hold the application icon 1-2 secondsuntil you feel vibration and a menu appears (or the icon โsticksโ from the screen).
- Without releasing your finger, drag the icon to to the edge of the screen (left or right) - the desktop will automatically scroll to the next page.
- When you reach the desired screen, release your finger. If you want to place an icon in dock bar (bottom panel), drag it to the very bottom of the screen and hold until the highlight appears.
If the screen does not scroll when dragging, check the gesture settings:
- Go to
Settings โ Display โ Full screen mode. - Make sure that the item is enabled
Gestures navigation(if you use swipes) orNavigation buttons(if there is a bottom panel).
Make sure the screen is unlocked
Turn off Do Not Disturb mode (can block vibration)
Check free space on the desired page
Close all open applications (they may interfere with gestures)-->
Method 2: Using the editing menu
If drag and drop does not work, use an alternative method via edit mode:
- Press and hold empty area on the desktop (not on the icon!).
- A panel with options will appear at the bottom of the screen:
Widgets,Wallpaper,Settings. Click onSettings(gear). - Select
Edit pagesโan overview of all screens will open. Here you can drag icons between pages without holdingby simply tapping and moving.
This method is convenient if you need to move several icons at once or if the touch screen does not respond well to long touches. Also in editing mode you can:
- ๐๏ธ Delete pages (if there are no applications on them).
- ๐ Change the order of screens (hold the page and drag left/right).
- ๐ Create folders (drag one icon to another).
If the icon gets stuck while dragging, do not release your finger - just move it back to its original place and try again. The system sometimes resets the action when held for a long time.
Method 3: Transfer through application settings
A little-known method for those who prefer to work through the menu:
- Open
Settings โ Applications โ Management applications. - Find the desired application in the list and tap on it.
- In the upper right corner, click on the three dots (
โฎ) and selectCreate a shortcut. - A new shortcut will appear on the desktop - you can move to any page in the standard way.
This method is useful if:
- ๐ The original icon is hidden in a folder or on the far screen.
- ๐ The application is blocked from moving (for example, system utilities).
- ๐ฑ You are using Redmi with custom firmware, where standard drag and drop does not work correctly.
Please note: the created shortcut will be a duplicate, not a moved original icon. To avoid confusion, the original can be hidden (hold โ Hide from screen).
Table: Comparison of icon transfer methods
| Method | Complexity | Suitable for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drag and drop | โญ | All models Redmi, MIUI 12โ14 | Does not work when vibration is disabled or gesture conflict |
| Edit mode | โญโญ | Bulk movement, fine-tuning screens | Requires additional taps |
| Creating a shortcut | โญโญโญ | System applications, hidden icons | Creates a duplicate, not moves original |
| ADB commands | โญโญโญโญ | Advanced users, reset settings | Requires a PC and USB debugging |
Problem solving: the icon does not move
If none of the methods worked, check the following points:
โ ๏ธ Attention: On some models Redmi (for example, Redmi 9A) vibration mode is disabled by default. Without it, it is impossible to activate dragging. Turn on vibration in Settings โ Sound and vibration โ Vibrate on touch.
- ๐ Low battery: at a level below 15%, the system can block interface changes.
- ๐ ๏ธ Updating MIUI: after major updates (for example, from version 12 to 13) desktop settings are reset. Try restarting the phone.
- ๐ด Conflict launcher: if you are using a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher), return to the standard one MIUI Launcher in
Settings โ Applications โ Default.
For models Redmi with MIUI 14 and new interface HyperOS (for example, Redmi Note 13) may require additional action: after holding the icon, you need to select Edit in the menu that appears, and not try to drag it right away.
What to do if the icon disappeared after transfer?
If the icon disappeared from the screen, check:
1. Recent folder (swipe up from the bottom โ search by application name).
2. Hidden applications (Settings โ Applications โ Hidden applications).
3. Dock bar โ sometimes icons โstickโ to the bottom panel and become translucent.
If the application has been deleted, restore it via Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled).
Additional tips for organizing your desktop
To avoid chaos on your screens Redmi, use these techniques:
- ๐ Folders by category: create folders for social networks, games, utilities. To rename a folder, open it and tap on the name.
- ๐ Alphabetical search: in edit mode, applications are sorted by name - this makes it easier to find what you need.
- ๐จ Color accents: in
Settings โ Wallpaper โ Icon styleyou can change the shape and color of the icons (not available on all models). - ๐ Auto-sorting: in
Desktop settings โ AdvancedEnableAutomatic sortingso that new applications are added to the end of the list.
On Redmi models with MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the โSmart Foldersโ function has appeared - the system automatically groups rarely used applications into the โOthersโ folder, freeing up space on the home screen. To disable this, go to Settings โ Desktop โ Smart Folders.
If you frequently move icons, turn on the "Double tap to sleep/wake" option in Display Settings. This will speed up exiting the editing mode without using the power button.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring icons to Redmi
Is it possible to transfer an icon to the lock screen?
No, in MIUI only widgets can be added to the lock screen (weather, steps, music) and notifications. It is impossible to move application icons there. However, you can add an application shortcut to the lock screen via Settings โ Lock screen โ Shortcuts (not available on all models).
Why doesn't the screen scroll when you drag an icon?
This is a typical problem when included Navigation gestures. Solutions:
- Temporarily switch to
Navigation buttonsNavigation buttonsSettings โ Display โ Full screen mode. - Flip pages with the second fingerholding the icon with the first finger.
- Use edit mode (described above), where turning pages is easier.
How to return the icon to its place if it disappeared after transfer?
If the icon has disappeared from the desktop, but the application has not been deleted:
- Open
All applications(swipe up from the bottom edges). - Find the application you want, hold its icon and drag it back to the screen.
- If the application does not appear in the list, check
Settings โ Applications โ Hidden applications.
On some models (for example Redmi Note 11), hidden applications can be returned through the search: swipe down on the desktop โ enter a name โ hold the icon in the search results.
Is it possible to move an icon to another screen using your voice?
Yes, if you have enabled Xiaomi Voice Assistant (available on MIUI 13โ14). Say:
Move [application name] to the second screen.Add [name] to the dock bar.
To do this:
- Activate assistant in
Settings โ Voice assistant. - Set up a voice command for a call (for example, โHey Miโ).
Please note: voice commands only work on Chinese and global versions of MIUI. On EU firmware, this function can be disabled.
How to transfer icons from one Redmi to another?
To transfer the location of icons between devices Xiaomi:
- Enable synchronization with
Mi Accounton both phones (Settings โ Xiaomi Account โ Synchronization โ Desktop). - On the old phone, back up your desktop via
Settings โ Advanced โ Backup and reset. - On the new device, restore the backup from
Mi Cloud.
If synchronization does not work, use third-party applications like Nova Launcher (with the function of exporting/importing settings).