In MIUI, on Xiaomi phones, there is no menu familiar to all Android users. Instead, there is work tables where all installed applications are located. At first, this seems pretty awkward. But, after a while, you no longer want to return to the previous menu.
To call the desktop settings, you need to pinch with two fingers on the desktop from the edges to the center. This movement is exactly the same as if you wanted to zoom out in the gallery.
1. Desktop menu
In the desktop settings of the latest MIUI versions, there are 4 main points. Let's start in order, from left to right:
- Effects
Here we can choose a theme for your device. This menu duplicates the one located along the path Settings -> Themes. We will not dwell on it in detail. I think everything is clear.
A widget is a part of an application or an independent application that can be placed on the desktop and contain any information. For example, weather, hours, exchange rates, news and more. They make it easy to access settings and switches.
To place a widget on the desktop, you need to go to "Widgets" and select the one we need.
For example, let's display a widget with which you can turn Wi-Fi on and off:
Now you can access it very quickly.
In this way, you can display any widget on the desktop. There are a lot of them even on the phone you just purchased. And after installing applications, there will be even more.
To delete a widget, just press and hold on it for a while, and then, without releasing it, drag it to the top of the screen, to the trash can icon. In the same way, you can remove any icon from the desktop.
Naturally, you can always return it by going to the "Widgets" section.
Wallpaper
Here you can choose your desktop and lock screen wallpaper. The list is standard. However, you can open the "Online" tab and download what you like.
Effects
These are the effects that will occur when scrolling through desktops. For example, "turn", "cascade", "rotation", "3d cube", etc. Try to select any of them and move from one table to another.
When the desktop of the application icon is full, a new table is automatically created. But, if we want to create it ourselves, then we need:
- Pinch with two fingers and scroll all the desktops to the end, left or right. And then, just click on the plus icon. This is how we created a new desktop.
There is another way to add a table. It will be discussed in the next paragraph. About, how to add a new MIUI9 desktop, you can read.
If you have several desktops, then when you press the touch button "Home", by default, the first one always opens. But what to do if you need to open, for example, the second or any other. To do this, you need to assign the main desktop:
By clicking on the desktop with "Plus", we will add a new table in the same way as we did in step 2.
Here, we can change the desktops of the place. To do this, click on any of them and move to the desired location.
4. Sorting icons on the desktop
There are 2 ways to sort icons:
- Within one table. To do this, simply press and hold your finger on the icon, and then move it to the desired location.
- Move to another desktop. For this:
To do this, there are also two ways:
To rename a folder, go into it and click on the name. We set any.
Folders are deleted in the same way as other icons.
That's all. I hope this article will be useful for beginners.
Xiaomi smartphones in the mobile device market have taken not a bad place, and more and more often I meet people with phones from this manufacturer. And this is completely true, since these devices are excellent, there is simply no ideal value for money. Today we will talk about some of the tricks that most Xiaomi smartphones have on Android 5.0 with MIUI 8 proprietary shell.
Well, let's take a closer look at today's Life Hacks for Xiaomi smartphones, which we have prepared for you.
1. Wallpaper carousel.
One has only to pick up a smartphone and start working with it, as a curious button in the upper right corner on the lock screen rushed into my eyes. It turns out that this button launches a very interesting function - a wallpaper carousel.
From the name it immediately became clear that after activating this function, the wallpaper on the lock screen will begin to change. In other words, if you enable the wallpaper carousel function on your xiaomi smartphone, then you get access to the lock screen wallpaper from popular graphic content editions.
I almost forgot that this function will work correctly only if you have an Internet connection.
2. Screenshot with three fingers on the screen.
Yes, everyone knows that in order to take a screenshot of the screen on xiaomi smartphones (however, on most other gadgets as well), you need to simultaneously hold down the power button and the volume down. Another well-known method is to pull the shutter down and click on the corresponding button on the switch panel.
I bet that the method of taking a screenshot by making a three-finger swipe down is not known to everyone. This feature is not enabled by default. To activate it, you need to go to Settings / Additional Settings / Screenshot and enable this function here.
3. Set your picture as wallpaper.
It's good that the programmers thought about the user in advance and have already put several different pictures into the firmware that can be set as wallpaper. But what if you want to set your own picture as your desktop wallpaper or lock screen?
Fortunately, we know two ways that will help us set our own picture as wallpaper on xiaomi smartphones. Quite right, the first method involves a long press of the menu button (this is by default provided by the firmware, and provided that you have not changed the parameters of the buttons). In this case, a certain menu will be launched that allows you to customize the settings for the desktop, widgets, wallpapers and effects. It is here that you need to tap on the Wallpaper button, after which we will see a lot of standard, factory pictures. But we need to scroll them to the left to the very end where the Others button will appear, and then the usual procedure: select the file manager and indicate the desired picture. After that, the system will ask you what kind of wallpaper to set it, this is up to you to choose.
The second method is slightly different, for this we go to Settings / Wallpaper and do what we need - change the wallpaper of the desktop or lock screen. There you will find a circle with a plus sign in the lower right corner, with which you can set your picture as wallpaper. By the way, there are also the wallpaper carousel settings, which we wrote about above.
4. Quick access
Another useful feature that few people know about. To enable this utility, you need to go to Settings / Additional Settings / Quick Access and enable it. In this case, a small transparent button will appear on the screen, when pressed, five more functional buttons will open: home, menu, lock screen, screenshot and back.
5. Cloning applications
Exactly, cloning applications, what does it mean? Imagine that you have two accounts on a social network and in order to log into one or the other account, you need to constantly log out and log in again. This issue has now been resolved. Xiaomi took care of this issue and gave us the ability to clone apps. That's right, now you can safely use one application for different accounts. In order to make a clone of the program, you need to go to Settings / Clone Applications and select which one you want to clone the application.
After cloning an application, another icon with this application will appear on the desktop, but with a special mark.
Read also:
6. Time-lapse and slow motion - camera functions
Imagine what colorful videos will turn out if you speed them up a little (you get a time-lapse) or slow them down?
And yet, how amazing it will be to learn that this does not require a computer and additional software at all. And all because xiaomi smartphones have such modes in the camera settings. There is one nuance here, in order to shoot slow-motion video, you need to set the video quality to HD instead of FHD in the camera settings.
Now you have a camera at your fingertips that can take time-lapse or slow-motion footage without any problems.
7. Backup and reset
With the help of this section of settings, you can not only reset your device to factory settings, but also something more interesting. It turns out on xiaomi smartphones using this section, you can back up system settings, account data (SMS, call log) and applications.
Imagine how pleasantly surprised I was when I completely flashed my smartphone from the official one to the custom firmware, went into the settings and restored all the system settings! Yes, of course, before flashing the phone, I made a backup copy, but still, how xiaomi managed to do it, I can't figure it out. Call log, SMS, notes, all settings: WiFi, radio, weather, cameras and more - everything is in place.
8. Keyboard
It would seem that it is not clear here. No guys here, and there are some tricks here. I have a question for you, more precisely two: how do you move the cursor and how do you delete unnecessary words? On xiaomi smartphones, all this can be done a little easier. For example, I learned to erase unnecessary words - with a gesture from the delete key, and move the cursor - with gestures on the space bar. Believe me, it's now much easier to type on your phone.
In order for the phone's keyboard to start recognizing these gestures, you need to go to Settings / Additional Settings / Language and Input / Google Keyboard Settings / Continuous Input and only here you can activate these magic gestures.
9. LED indicator
Perhaps this function is familiar to most users, but I decided to mention it. Xiaomi smartphones have a three-color LED, which, as you probably noticed, lights up in different colors. Did you know that you can set almost any color yourself for notifications, calendar, missed calls or messages from applications?
That's exactly what I did, now a missed call - I have a green indicator; notification - blue; messages from Vkontakte are yellow, messages from Viber are purple, etc. The main thing now is not to get confused.
Where can I customize the color of the LED indicator? Go to Settings / Additional Settings / LED Control - this is where I set up the color of the indication. For the sake of fairness, it should be noted that applications are configured individually in their own settings.
10. One-handed operation
Have you ever had to use one hand on a smartphone larger than 5 inches? And how, really, not very easy, especially if you have a small palm! Fortunately, Chinese friends have foreseen this. Of course, the phone does not transform or shrink, but the manufacturer has added an excellent feature - one-handed operation.
What does it mean? And this means that suddenly you need to use one hand (for example, you are driving or carrying a heavy bag), you can activate the one-hand control mode with a slight movement of your thumb. To do this, you just need to swipe your thumb away from the center button on the bottom of the touch buttons. If you did everything correctly, the system will ask: Enter the one-handed operation mode? And after confirmation, the working area of the screen will immediately decrease (by default to 4 ″). In the settings it is possible to either reduce this size or increase it.
Agree, now it is much easier to use your smartphone with one hand! To exit this mode, it is enough to block the device, or tap outside the zone (outside the reduced working zone).
Do not judge us harshly, perhaps most of you already knew everything about these tricks. And maybe it will be useful for someone, and if so, it means that we did not waste the time writing this post.
Describe to us in the comments below if this article has brought you at least some benefit.
Stay tuned, there is still a lot of interesting things to come.
The firmware was presented the other day, some users have already tested the new ROM, we also have something to say about the G8. We present to your attention 8 convenient desktop features in MIUI 8. Some functions you may already know, and some may become new and useful for you. Go!
1 Two-finger pinch gesture
To get into the Android desktop settings on most smartphones, you need to hold down the central Home key, but in MIUI 8 this function is implemented more interestingly. To get into the settings, just make a "pinch" gesture on the plane of the desktop and a menu will open for you.
To leave this menu, you need to make the opposite gesture - "pinch to zoom" and you will immediately return to the original desktop.
2 Triple pinch to control desktops
In addition to the double gesture, MIUI 8 also supports the same triple pinch gesture. After performing the gesture, you are taken to a menu with options for dragging the work slots and arranging them. Here you can add, remove or change the priority of additional pages with applications.
3 Arranging shortcuts
If you are a perfectionist and you like the orderly work slot in MIUI, then Galagram has a life hack for you on how to do it quickly. To do this, we need to go into the settings (double pinch) and shake the smartphone in our hand, after shaking the labels will align themselves on the display.
4 Moving multiple applications at once
If you need to move more than one application from one desktop to another, but several at once - this MIUI 8 feature is for you. We go into the settings menu with a pinch, select the applications we are interested in, they go to the clipboard under the display and scroll through the desktops to the desired one. Then we simply transfer the applications to the desired screen, as you can see, everything is very simple.
5 Desktop flipping effect
To customize the effects of swiping the desktop in MIUI 8, go to the desktop settings, then to the effects tab and select the one that you like the most. Now, when you flip through the desktops, the effect you have chosen will be applied, among the available there are: 3D cube, hitting, rolling with fading and others.
6 Quick settings icons
Another handy feature in MIUI 8 is the ability to add quick access icons to certain settings. For example, an icon with Wi-Fi activation by tap, or "air mode". To do this, go to the desktop settings and the widgets section, then select the desired "shortcode" and put it on the desktop. They usually have a gray background depending on the MIUI theme.
7 Desktop calendar
You can also place a full-fledged calendar widget on the desktop. In the settings, you can select the properties of transparency and opacity.
8 Full screen view of applications in the manager
In MIUI 8, by default, when you go to the application manager, they are displayed as shortcuts (icons). There is an interesting feature that turns this view into full-screen previews of applications. To do this, you need to make a "pinch" gesture right in the task manager and the applications will take on a full-screen view. The reverse pinch gesture will return the layout back to the small application shortcuts.
The Xiaomi desktop has tons of possibilities. With a variety of finger control combinations, removing unnecessary shortcuts or merging them into a common storage location is quick and easy. The smartphone has the function of enabling / excluding the blank screen, changing the design and a number of other features.
How to add a desktop
There are two options for how to handle the task.
Method one
With a three-finger pinch on any panel with the folders closed, turn on the control menu. Press "+" and a new site appears.
Method two
With a pinch with two fingers, go to the settings. Scroll to the left of the displays occupied by folders to an empty one with a "+" image. We create an additional panel by clicking.
How to remove the desktop on Xiaomi
Many gadget owners do not need a lot of screens and the question arises of removing them. The pad can be erased by long pressing on the center until a cross appears. Then just click on it and the field will disappear.
How to create a folder on Xiaomi desktop
To combine certain shortcuts in one place, you need to go down to the hidden menu (bring two fingers to the center) and find "Sort".
Open it by pressing and scroll to the right. Find the "Folder" icon. With a touch, move it to the shortcuts. Now group the icons by swiping left over them. At the end, drag the “collection” into the created shared repository.
How to change wallpaper on Xiaomi
The task can be completed in a few seconds. Xiaomi wallpapers are in a hidden menu. We go into it and scroll to the desired picture. By clicking it, open it and select the theme you like.
You will be able to customize the Xiaomi panels in the most convenient way after a couple of workouts. When you change preferences, some groups of files can be replaced with others, and chaotically located icons can be "cleaned up" by simply shaking the smartphone.
Immediately after purchasing a new device, the owner begins to make his own changes. Such settings in most cases relate to the display of a smartphone. All components should be conveniently located so that they can be used quickly.
Basic setup steps
Initially select the items you want to adjust on the main display:
- Number and placement of screen pages;
- Location of programs and widgets;
- Wallpapers and themes;
- Changing the parameters of modules: sizes, tasks to be performed.
Let's talk about these functions provided by the developer in more detail.
Creating and placing desktops
First of all, it is necessary to clarify how desktops can be deleted and created, for this there are two methods available:
- Swipe two fingers towards each other and flick right and left. The presence of the “+” sign in the circle means that you can add a new page, and if “x”, then remove it;
- Swiping with three fingers brings you to advanced settings. In this case, the cross at the top right on a certain block is a command to delete, and, on the contrary, add a symbol with a plus. If you select the icon with a house on a specific page, then it will be used as the main one by default.
You can also adjust the flipping of desktops. Move two fingers across the display, select the Effects section, and then check any of the available versions of the page transition animation.
Placement of apps and widgets
It is not necessary to remember the unpleasant placement of certain icons, since at any time you can drag them to a more convenient position for gripping without the help of a second hand.
To do this, hold your finger on the application shortcut or widget and drag it to another position. To transfer components:
- Stretch the application close to the edge of the desktop and hold it until switching to another;
- Hold the icon while flipping the pages with your other finger.
Sorting and working with folders
You can also transfer multiple programs at once. Navigate to the desired menu by double-pinching the screen. Click on the "Sort" command and mark the applications needed to move, then to change positions, swipe from left to right and hold the entire group to move to the desired area of the desktop or shortcut.
Carry out similar manipulations to create a folder. After adding several icons to the group, the "Folder" will be displayed next to it, by clicking on which you can bring it to the main screen. Further, this component can be used to transfer grouped elements. Use the same menu to change the name. Pulling your fingers together twice, go to the folder and click on its name to display the ability to change the name.
Widgets and their customization
By going from the menu to the "Widgets" section, you can pin independent functional elements on the main screen, thanks to which you learn some important data or provide the ability to quickly work with programs loaded on your smartphone. For example, in the case of the Redmi Note 3 Pro model, you can choose the following widget options:
- Icons of certain functions, localized in the notification shade - flight mode, access point parameters;
- The key to delete the last pages from RAM;
- Days of the week, time, weather;
- Notes;
- Calculator;
- Modules of all kinds of programs, for example, payment services, players and more.
The number and options of available widgets are determined only by the programs that are present on your smartphone. Moreover, applications can also offer their own parameters, which can be changed already on a fixed module. Using WebMoney, the service initially provides a choice of a wallet, the amount of money which will be constantly visible on the screen, as well as a color. However, in the case of the AIMP audio player, you can make adjustments after creating the widget by going to the settings using the gear in the corner of the block.
When clamping most of the modules, it becomes possible to change their size. At the same time, a special rectangle is displayed near the borders, moving which you can adjust the dimensions.
Change wallpaper and theme
- Bring two fingers together on the screen and click on the "Wallpaper" section, where the user can see a list of basic images. If you choose "Online", then you will be taken to the standard item for MIUI covers. If you go to the "More" section, you can set "Live Wallpaper" or use the appropriate program to select a more entertaining picture;
- Find the image you like through the explorer, open it, then click "More" and click on the option "Set as wallpaper";
- You can use an application for setting the desktop background, for example WallpapersCraft, which immediately sets any cover to the display resolution of the smartphone using it. To apply a certain picture as wallpaper, select it and click "Install". You can also download an image without application through the corresponding function.
In addition to themes, original shortcuts for programs and various widgets are loaded. In this case, go to the preinstalled Themes application and choose the option that is the most attractive in your opinion. Some of them cannot be used due to incompatibility. Therefore, you should check in the description whether the wallpaper is suitable for the shell of the MIUI 8 version, since some are designed for earlier software modifications.
