Unlocking Home Screen Layout on Mi 4: How to Easily Adjust Your Mi 4 Home Screen Layout

Unlocking the home screen layout on your Mi 4 is essential if you want to freely rearrange, add, or remove apps and widgets to customize your phone to your liking. Xiaomi’s MIUI interface often comes with a locked home screen layout feature, preventing accidental modifications. Here’s a straightforward guide to unlock it:

1. Navigate to your Mi 4 home screen.

2. Pinch in (or long-press) on a blank area of the home screen. This will bring up the editing mode with options at the bottom of the screen.

3. Look for ‘Settings’ (a gear icon) or tap the ‘...’ (more) option.

In some MIUI versions, there’s a “Lock Home screen layout” toggle found directly in the customization options, while in others, it’s under ‘Settings’.

4. Disable the Lock Home Screen Layout option.

When you find it, tap the switch to turn off the lock. A message will confirm the change. Now your home screen is unlocked for editing—drag icons, create folders, or add widgets as you wish.

The Mi 4’s design, like many modern smartphones, focuses on a clutter-free and user-friendly interface. As a designer, I appreciate how intentional organization leads to visual clarity and ease of access—principles I apply in both digital and interior space planning. Unlocking your layout gives you the freedom to curate your screen much like arranging furniture and décor in a room, ensuring both beauty and practicality.

Tips 1:

If you’re unable to find the setting, make sure your MIUI version is up-to-date. On some older MIUI versions, the home screen lock may be located under ‘Settings’ > ‘Home Screen’ > ‘Lock Home Screen Layout’ rather than via the long-press method.

FAQ

Q: What does locking the home screen layout do on Mi 4?

A: It prevents any accidental changes to app placements, widgets, and overall home screen customization.

Q: How do I relock the layout after rearranging my apps?

A: Repeat the unlocking process, but toggle ‘Lock Home Screen Layout’ back on to prevent future edits.

Q: Will unlocking the home screen layout delete my apps or widgets?

A: No, unlocking simply gives you editing freedom; your apps and widgets remain untouched unless you manually move or remove them.

Q: I can't find the option to unlock; what should I do?

A: Check your MIUI version for updates or navigate to 'Settings' > 'Home Screen' > 'Lock Home Screen Layout' for the relevant option.

Q: Is unlocking the home screen layout safe for my Mi 4?

A: Yes, it’s a built-in MIUI feature designed for customization. It doesn’t harm your device or affect performance.