Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often encounter a situation where interface elements seem too small for comfortable use. This is especially true for owners of models with high screen resolutions, where the pixel density is high, and standard settings systems do not always provide convenient tools for resizing. The problem may be related both to visual impairments and to the desire to make the desktop more visual and easier to navigate.
Fortunately, the shell MIUI (and now HyperOS) offers several built-in mechanisms to solve this problem. However, they are not always obvious to the average user. Depending on the firmware version and the specific device model, the methods may differ. We will look at all possible options - from standard settings to using hidden engineering menus and third-party applications, so that you can choose the optimal solution.
Before making changes, it is important to understand that increasing some interface elements may affect the display of others. For example, changing the screen density affects not only icons, but also the font size in menus, buttons and system notifications. Therefore, the approach must be comprehensive in order to maintain a balance between readability and functionality of your Androidsmartphone.
Standard interface settings in MIUI and HyperOS
The easiest and safest way to change the size of icons is to use the built-in theme settings. In the latest versions of the shell, the developers have added this option to the “Themes” menu, which makes the process intuitive. You don't need root access or complex manipulations with ADB.
Go to the application Themes on your device. At the bottom of the screen, select the profile icon, and then find Settings. In the menu that opens, look for the section related to icon size. This usually presents a slider or grid with options ranging from “Small” to “Huge”. By moving the slider, you immediately see changes in the preview.
It is worth noting that this function is not available on all devices by default. Sometimes it is hidden in the section Additional inside the desktop settings. If you do not find this item, try updating the Themes application through the built-in store GetApps. Developers often add new features through updates to system applications, rather than the firmware itself.
⚠️ Attention: Changing the size of icons through the theme settings may be reset when changing the theme to a third-party one. If you like to change wallpapers and styles frequently, this method may require re-adjustment.
Once you select the desired size, the system will apply the changes instantly. However, if the standard range of sizes does not suit you (for example, even the maximum size seems small), you will have to move on to more advanced methods of adjusting screen density.
Before changing system settings, take a screenshot of the current arrangement of icons, so that later it will be easier to restore the usual order of applications on the desktop.
Changing screen density through settings for developers
If the standard sliders do not give the desired result, the only option is to manually change the minimum screen width (dp). This setting directly affects how much content fits on the display and what size it will be. Reducing the DPI value causes the system to consider the screen “smaller”, which is why all elements, including icons, become larger.
First, you need to activate developer mode. Go to Settings, select About phone and quickly click on the item MIUI Version (or OS Version) about 7-10 times until the activation notification appears. Then return to the main settings menu, scroll down to the section Additional and open For developers.
In the list of numerous options, find the item Minimum width (or Smallest width). Remember or write down the original value - you will need it to return the settings in case of failure. Standard values for Xiaomi smartphones usually range from 360 to 411 dp. Try reducing this number by 20-30 units (for example, from 392 to 360) and click OK.
- 📉 Reducing the DPI value increases the size of all interface elements.
- 📈 Increasing the DPI value makes elements smaller, freeing up space on screen.
- 🔄 Changes are applied instantly, a reboot is usually not required.
- ⚠️ Critically decreasing the value can make the interface unreadable.
Experiment carefully. Reducing the density too much can cause the buttons to become so huge that you can't click them or get into the settings to undo an action. In this case, only rebooting the device while simultaneously pressing the volume buttons to enter Recovery will help if the system freezes completely, but more often it is enough to just wait or use a voice assistant.
☑️ Safe DPI change
Using third-party launchers for customization
When the capabilities of the standard shell MIUI are exhausted, third-party desktops (launchers) come to the rescue. This is the most flexible option, allowing you to change not only the size of the icons, but also their shape, layout grid and animation. Popular solutions like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher offer detailed settings that are not available in stock firmware.
After installing the selected launcher from Google Play you need to designate it as the default application. The Xiaomi system will ask for confirmation and may warn about potential security risks - this is a standard procedure, you can safely agree. In the settings of the new launcher, find the section Desktop or Grid.
Here you can set the number of rows and columns. Reducing the number of cells in the grid will automatically increase the size of each icon. For example, changing from a 5x6 grid to a 4x5 grid will make the icons noticeably larger. In addition, many launchers allow you to adjust the size of icons with a separate slider, independent of the grid, which gives maximum control over the visual style.
| Launcher name | Customization flexibility | Memory consumption | Support gestures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | High | Medium | Full |
| Lawnchair | High | Low | Full |
| Microsoft Launcher | Average | High | Limited |
| Smart Launcher | Automatic | Low | Specific |
Using third-party software has its own nuances. Some functions, such as swipes to open the curtain or Xiaomi branded widgets, may not work correctly or require additional configuration. However, for the task of increasing icons, this is often the most effective solution.
Adjusting accessibility and increasing the entire interface
If your goal is not just a cosmetic change, but a real improvement in readability due to vision problems, it is worth considering the possibilities of the section Accessibility. Android contains powerful tools for people with low vision that affect the entire interface globally.
In the menu Settings find the section Additional settings and go to Accessibility. Here you are interested in the item Text and display size (or similar, depending on the Android version). The combination of the “Text Size” and “Screen Size” sliders allows you to significantly increase all elements, including icons on the desktop.
This method differs from changing DPI in that it is softer and more predictable. The system scales elements, trying to maintain proportions and not break the application layout. However, you should be prepared for the fact that in some apps the interface may look stretched or cropped, since not all developers adapt their products to extreme scaling values.
⚠️ Attention: The “Zoom in” function (magnifying glass), available in special features, does not permanently change the size of the icons, but only temporarily zooms in on an area of the screen when triple-clicked. Do not confuse this with the constant zoom settings.
For older users or those who want maximum simplicity, there may also be a mode in the accessibility settings Simple mode. It automatically enlarges fonts and icons, removes unnecessary elements and simplifies navigation, turning the smartphone into a device with large buttons.
Hidden features and engineering codes
Advanced users can try to access hidden testing menus, but this path is fraught with risks. Xiaomi smartphones have engineering codes that provide access to deep display settings, but their functionality is greatly reduced in global firmware versions compared to Chinese ones.
An attempt to enter the code ##6484## or ##4636## can open the CIT (Customer Information Test) menu, but options for changing the density are usually there are missing. Moreover, in the latest security updates from Google and Xiaomi, many such codes have been blocked or redirected to standard settings menus.
There is a myth that changing the region in the phone settings can open hidden interface functions. Indeed, switching to a region India or China sometimes activates additional options in themes or screen settings, but this also leads to the appearance of unnecessary advertising in system applications and changes in sets of pre-installed software.
Why don't codes work on new models?
In modern versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14), access to engineering menus via dialing is strictly controlled by security policy. Manufacturers deliberately block these features to prevent inexperienced users from accidentally breaking the device. The only reliable way to do deep customization is to use ADB through your computer.
If you decide to experiment with regions, remember to back up your data. Changing the region may initiate a reset of some system settings or require a reboot with lengthy initialization of services.
Solving problems after changing the scale
After manipulating the size of icons, you may encounter interface artifacts. For example, text under icons may overlap each other, and widgets may no longer display correctly. This is a normal system reaction to non-standard display settings.
To fix text overlay, try changing the desktop grid. Long tap on an empty space on the screen to bring up the editing menu, select Settings and change the number of columns. Sometimes it is enough to add or remove one column so that the text fits into the allotted space again.
If the interface begins to behave unstable (flickering, desktop crashes), the best solution is to reset the launcher settings. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find Desktop (or the name of your launcher), select Memory and click Clear data. This will return the icon layout to the factory appearance, but will save your applications.
- 🧹 Clearing the launcher cache often solves display problems.
- 📐 Adjusting the grid helps remove text overlay.
- 🔄 Returning the original DPI is a guarantee of system stability.
- 🛡️ Updating the system can fix scaling bugs.
Do not forget that any changes to the system are a search for a compromise. By enlarging some elements, you inevitably sacrifice workspace for others. It is important to find a balance in which using a smartphone will be comfortable for you.
The safest and most effective method for most users is a combination of standard theme settings and a moderate reduction in DPI by 10-15 units. This gives a noticeable result without the risk of breaking the interface.
⚠️ Attention: The MIUI and HyperOS interface is constantly updated. The location of menu items and available functions may vary depending on the firmware version (Global, China, EEA) and the specific device model. If you do not find the described item, check the relevance of the information in the official documentation for your software version.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did the icons become blurry after changing the DPI?
This can happen if you use third-party low-resolution icons or if the system scaling is too high for the current screen resolution. Try returning the DPI value closer to the factory one or install a high-quality icon pack from the theme store.
Is it possible to increase only the icons without changing the font?
Yes, this is possible when using third-party launchers (for example, Nova Launcher), where the icon size and font size settings are separate. In standard MIUI, these parameters are often linked, but you can try to configure them separately through the “Themes” and “Text Size” menus, respectively.
Are icon settings reset when updating the system?
Settings applied through the “Themes” menu are usually saved. However, changes made through developer mode (DPI) may be reset by a major Android update or factory reset. Launchers retain their profiles regardless of system updates.
How to get everything back if the screen has become unreadable?
If you can’t get into the settings due to the huge interface, try connecting the mouse to your smartphone (via OTG) or using Google Assistant voice commands (“Open Settings”). As a last resort, booting into safe mode (holding the power button on the lock screen) will help, which temporarily disables third-party launchers.
Does enlarging icons affect battery life?
No, changing the size of graphical interface elements does not have a noticeable effect on power consumption. The processor does not require significantly more resources to render icons of a different size. Battery consumption depends on the brightness of the screen and active applications, and not on the scale of the interface.