Modern smartphones, including popular models Xiaomi and Redmi, are often equipped with high-resolution displays. This ensures clear images, but standard interface elements may appear too small for users with low vision or who simply prefer large graphics. The problem becomes especially acute when the manufacturer defaults to a compact icon size in order to fit more applications on one screen.
Fortunately, the operating system Android in the shell MIUI and new HyperOS provides flexible tools for personalization. You can change the scale of the interface, use built-in themes or install third-party launchers. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from simple settings to advanced methods, that will help make your desktop as convenient and readable as possible.
We will consider not only standard capabilities, but also nuances that are often overlooked. For example, the impact of pixel density on the operation of some applications or the peculiarities of activating hidden developer menus. Follow the instructions to adapt your smartphone to your personal needs without losing functionality.
Basic icon size settings in MIUI and HyperOS
The easiest and safest way to change the appearance of your desktop is to use the built-in interface settings. Engineers Xiaomi have provided the ability to change the scale of icons directly in the system parameters. This does not require the installation of additional software and works stably on all current firmware versions.
First you need to go to the settings menu. Find the section responsible for appearance, which may have different names depending on the shell version. Typically the path looks like this: go to Settings → Desktop. Here you will find a slider or a set of presets that allow you to adjust the size.
In some versions MIUI this option is hidden deeper. Try pressing and holding your finger on an empty space on the desktop to bring up the edit menu. Select Settings (gear) in the lower corner of the screen. This is where the “Icon Size” switch is often located. As you move the slider, you will see changes in real time.
If the size slider is not available, try changing the current theme to the standard one. Third-party themes sometimes block the ability to resize interface elements.
Please note that enlarging icons automatically reduces the number of cells on the screen. If you previously had 5 columns by 6 rows, then after adjustment the grid can be reduced to 4x5. This is a compromise between visibility and workspace capacity, which should be taken into account when planning the location of applications.
Changing font size and screen scale
Often the perception problem lies not only in the size of the application images themselves, but also in the captions under them. In the system Android font parameters and display scale are closely related to the size of interface elements. Changing these settings can make icons appear larger, even if the direct slider for them is missing or locked.
To access these options, open Settings → Screen. In this section you will find the item Text Size. Increasing the font often leads to a proportional increase in indentation and the icons themselves in the application menu. This is the most ergonomic method, as it preserves the readability of the entire system.
A more powerful tool is the “Screen Size” or “Display Scale” setting. This function changes the dots per inch density (DPI) programmatically. When you zoom out (move the slider toward “small”), the elements become smaller, and when you zoom in, they become larger. This affects all applications at once, making the interface more bulky, but also more noticeable.
It's worth noting that zooming in too much may cause some apps to display incorrectly. Buttons may extend beyond the boundaries of the screen, and text may overlap each other. It is recommended to change the values smoothly, checking the operation of frequently used apps after each step.
Using themes and third-party launchers
If standard tools are not enough, the theme store comes to the rescue MIUI. This is a rich source of customization, where you can find interfaces with initially large icons. Themes change not only the pictures, but also the grid structure, fonts and animations, creating a completely new user experience.
To install the theme, go to the application Themes, which is pre-installed on all smartphones Xiaomi. In the search, enter queries like “Large icons”, “Big icons” or “Large icons”. Download the option you like and apply it. After application, check whether the size of the icons on the desktop and in the menu has changed.
An alternative and often more effective method is to install a third-party launcher. Apps like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher give unprecedented control over the grid. In their settings, you can set the exact number of rows and columns, as well as manually increase the size of each icon by percentage.
- 📱 Nova Launcher: Allows you to set the size of icons with an accuracy of a percentage and change the grid regardless of the system.
- 🎨 Microsoft Launcher: Offers large widgets and convenient organization of space, suitable for older people.
- ⚡ Smart Launcher 6: Automatic sorts applications and has an “Easy Mode” with very large elements.
When using third-party launchers, it is important to give them all the necessary permissions, including the right to change system settings and access storage. Without this, they will not be able to replace a standard desktop. After installation, press the “Home” button, and the system will prompt you to select the default application.
☑️ Installing a third-party launcher
Activating the mode for the elderly (Lite Mode)
In the shell MIUI there is a special mode designed specifically for older users or those who prefer maximum simplicity and large graphics. It's called Advanced Mode or Lite Mode. Activating it radically changes the interface, making it extremely clear.
To enable this function, go to Settings → Advanced settings. Find the item Senior mode and activate the switch. The system will warn you that the font and icon sizes will be changed, and the menu will be simplified. Confirm the action, and the phone will reboot the interface.
In this mode, the icons become as large as possible, occupying a significant part of the screen. The signatures under them are also increasing. Often in this mode, only the most necessary functions are displayed on the main screen: calls, messages, camera and gallery. The remaining applications are hidden in a separate, but also large menu.
⚠️ Attention: In the mode for seniors, some complex functions and settings may be hidden. If you are used to fine-tuning the system, this mode may seem too restrictive to you.
Exiting the mode is done in the same way: through the settings or through a special exit icon, which is usually located on one of the desktops. This is a reversible action that does not delete your data and applications, but only changes the way they are displayed.
Adjusting DPI density through the developer menu
For advanced users who find the standard sliders insufficiently flexible, there is a method for changing the Smallest Width in the developer menu. This parameter directly affects how many pixels are allocated to one logical interface element.
First you need to activate the hidden menu. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the item MIUI Version (or OS Version) about 7 times until the message “You have become a developer” appears. After this, a new section will appear in the “Advanced” menu For Developers.
Inside this section, find parameter Minimum width (Smallest Width). Remember or write down the original value (usually a number between 360 and 411 for modern smartphones). To enlarge the icons, you need to decrease this number. For example, changing from 390 to 320 will make all elements much larger.
Risks of changing DPI
Reducing the value too much (below 300) can make the interface unusable: the buttons will become huge, and you will not be able to press “Back” or get into the settings to return everything to the way it was. In the worst case, you will need to reset your settings.
This method is the most powerful, but also the riskiest. It resizes the entire system, including the keyboard and notification bars. Use it with caution, changing the value in small steps (for example, 10-20 units) and checking the result.
| DPI value | Impact on the interface | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 360 - 400 | Standard size, many places | For users with good vision |
| 320 - 350 | Elements are noticeably larger | Optimal balance for most |
| 280 - 310 | Very large icons and text | For users with low vision |
| Less than 280 | Extremely large, possible failures | Not recommended unless absolutely necessary |
Problem solving and frequently asked questions
Sometimes after changing settings, icons may look stretched or fuzzy. This is because raster images are not scaled perfectly. In such cases, clearing the launcher cache helps. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find “Desktop” or System Launcher and click Clear cache.
Users also often encounter a situation where the icons became larger, but the captions under them began to be cut off. This can be solved by changing the font separately from the icon size. Try reducing the font size in the screen settings, while leaving the interface scale or icon size large.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI and HyperOS interfaces are updated regularly. The location of menu items may vary slightly on different versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14). If you do not find the exact name of the item, look for synonyms or use the search in the settings.
Do not forget that widgets (clock, weather, calendar) also adjust to the grid size. By enlarging icons, standard widgets can become too bulky. In this case, delete them and add them again, choosing a 2x2 or 4x2 size instead of the large versions.
A comprehensive approach to increasing icon size (a combination of grid, font and DPI settings) gives better results than changing just one parameter.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
You can Is it possible to enlarge the icons for only one specific application?
This cannot be done using standard MIUI tools. The icon size is set globally for the entire system or launcher. The only way is to create a widget for a specific application of the desired size on the desktop, but this will not change the icon in the general menu.
Why were the size settings reset after a system update?
Major firmware updates (for example, moving from MIUI 13 to 14 or to HyperOS) often reset user interface settings to factory values. You will have to re-adjust the icon and font size after the update is complete.
Does enlarging icons affect battery consumption?
No, changing the graphical size of icons does not have any effect on processor or screen power consumption. The battery consumption is the same regardless of whether your icons are large or small.
How can I get all the settings back if I messed everything up?
If you changed the DPI, return the original value in the developer menu. If the problem is with the launcher, remove it or select “Default desktop” in application settings. As a last resort, resetting the screen settings in the “Display” menu will help.