Smartphone owners Xiaomi i Redmi often face the need to optimize their workspace. Over time, the number of installed applications grows, and the standard grid of icons ceases to be easy to navigate. The chaotic arrangement of icons slows down the search for the necessary apps and reduces the overall ergonomics of using the gadget.
The shell MIUI (as well as the new HyperOS) provides the user with a wide range of tools for customizing the interface. You can not only move shortcuts, but also completely change the logic of their display, creating a unique menu structure for your tasks.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for arranging icons on the screen of your smartphone. From basic drag and drop to advanced settings that are hidden from the eyes of the average user, but accessible through the engineering menu or special applications.
Basic methods of navigation and movement
The most obvious way to restore order is to manually move icons. To do this, you need to hold your finger on any application icon and hold it until it “unsticks” from the grid. After that, you can drag it to any free space on the current screen.
If you drag an icon onto another icon, the system will automatically create folder. This is a fundamental element of organizing space in Android. Inside the folder you can store dozens of applications, grouped by topic, for example, “Social networks”, “Games” or “Work”.
To move the shortcut to another desktop, swipe in the desired direction without releasing your finger from the icon. The system will show you thumbnails of all available screens, allowing you to pinpoint your destination. You can also drag an app to the bottom panel to add it to the Dock.
Try using the pinch gesture on the desktop to quickly switch to editing mode for all screens at once.
Removing a shortcut from the desktop does not always mean deleting the application itself. If you drag the icon to the top of the screen, where "Delete" appears, you will only remove the link from the main screen, but the app will remain in the menu.
Customizing the grid and size of icons
The standard grid in MIUI usually is 4x6 or 5x6 icons. However, the number of items that fit on one screen can be changed. This allows you to make the interface more spacious or, conversely, as dense as possible to accommodate a larger number of apps.
To change the grid parameters, you need to go to the launcher settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Desktop. Here you will find a Grid option where you can select a format, such as 5x5 or 6x6. The more cells, the smaller the size of each icon.
Changing the size affects not only visual perception, but also ease of use. On smartphones with large diagonals, such as Redmi Note series, increasing the number of columns to 6 or 7 allows you to see more content without scrolling.
It is worth considering that if you select a grid that is too fine (6x7 and higher), it becomes more difficult to hit the desired icon with your finger. This is especially true for users with large fingers or those who operate a smartphone with one hand.
Sorting applications in the menu
In addition to the desktop, in smartphones Xiaomi there is a separate application menu where all installed apps appear. The display order here is also customizable. By default, the system sorts them alphabetically or by installation time.
To change the sorting logic, go to Settings → Desktop → Sorting applications. Here you can choose between sorting by name, by frequency of use, or manually. Manual mode gives full control over the order of icons in the general list.
The “Frequency of Use” function automatically moves to the top those applications that you use most often. This is a convenient option for those who do not want to waste time on organization, relying on system algorithms.
☑️ Planning the menu structure
If you chose manual sorting, then in the application menu you will be able to drag icons up and down, forming your own priority list. This is especially useful for separating work and personal tools.
Using the “No Application Menu” mode
Many users prefer an interface style where all applications are located immediately on the desktop, without a separate “Menu” button. In MIUI this mode is called “Classic” or “No Application Menu”.
Activation of this mode turns your smartphone into something like an iPhone, where new installed apps are automatically added to free spaces on the desktop. This simplifies access, but requires more careful control over the number of screens.
Switching between modes is carried out in the menu Settings → Desktop → Desktop Mode. Selecting the “Without Application Menu” option will hide the button for calling up the list of all apps and redistribute all icons across available pages.
⚠️ Attention: When switching to the “Without Application Menu” mode, the system may automatically create several new desktops to accommodate all your existing ones applications. Be prepared to spend time cleaning them out.
In this mode, it is especially important to use folders, otherwise navigating through dozens of screens will become tedious. Grouping allows you to reduce the number of pages to a minimum, while maintaining direct access to all functions.
Hiding applications and protecting privacy
Sometimes organizing involves not only grouping, but also completely hiding certain icons from prying eyes. The shell MIUI has a built-in “Hidden Applications” feature that allows you to remove shortcuts from sharing.
To use this feature, go to the “Security” application (green icon with a lightning bolt), scroll down to the “Hidden Applications” section and activate the switch. After that, you can select the apps that you want to hide.
Hidden applications are accessed through a special gesture in the Phone or Contacts application. Typically this is typing a specific code or swiping in an area of the screen that you configure when you first launch the function.
| Organization method | Complexity | Impact on performance | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual sorting | Low | Absent | For all users |
| Folders and groups | Low | Minimum | With a large number of applications |
| Hide applications | Medium | Absent | For confidential data |
| Third-party launchers | High | Depends on the launcher | For deep customization |
How to find hidden applications?
To enter the space of hidden applications, open “Phone” and enter the password you set. Or swipe up with two fingers on the desktop if this feature is enabled in Settings.
Remember that hiding an app does not clear its notifications. If you want to completely isolate the app, it is better to use the “Second Space” function, which creates a separate user profile on the device.
Advanced customization through third-party launchers
If standard features MIUI are not enough for you, you can install a third-party launcher from Google Play. apps like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher offer an unprecedented level of control over icons.
Third-party skins allow you to change not only the order, but also the size of each icon individually, overlay layers, change click animations, and even hide captions under icons to create a minimalist look.
To install an alternative launcher, download it from the store, launch it and press the “Home” button. The system will prompt you to select a default application to handle this action. Select a new launcher and click "Always".
⚠️ Warning: Some MIUI features, such as control gestures or battery optimization, may not work correctly with third-party launchers. An increased load on RAM is also possible.
Returning to the standard interface occurs through the menu Settings → Applications → Manage applications. Find the "Default" tab, select "Launcher" and reset the settings or select the system launcher MIUI.
Third-party launchers give the most freedom, but may consume more battery resources than Xiaomi's optimized system interface.
Frequently asked questions and problem solving
During the setup process, users often encounter questions that are not obvious from the settings menu. Below are answers to the most popular queries related to organizing your desktop on Redmi.
Why do application icons move on their own after an update?
This may occur due to the launcher settings being reset after a major system update Android or MIUI. Also check if the automatic sorting option is enabled in your desktop settings. Sometimes the culprit is widgets that take up space and displace icons.
How to remove the “MIUI” inscription or the name of the folder under the icon?
In the standard shell, it is impossible to completely remove signatures without obtaining root access or using third-party launchers. However, in some themes from the Themes store, this function can be implemented visually.
Is it possible to change the size of a specific folder?
The folder size in MIUI is standardized. You can change the grid size of the entire screen, which will proportionally change the size of the folders, but it is impossible to individually scale one folder using the system.
What to do if the icon has become black or transparent?
This is a sign that the application has been deleted or moved to the SD card (if supported), but the shortcut remains. Try deleting this shortcut and creating a new one from the application menu. Clearing the launcher cache in application settings will also help.
How to restore the standard order of icons?
You can reset the launcher settings through the menu Settings → Applications → All applications → Launcher (or MIUI Desktop) → Storage → Clear everything. This will return the grid and icon order to the factory state, but will remove your folders and widgets.