Xiaomi’s modern smartphones offer users an unprecedented level of customization, and one of the most noticeable elements that has undergone changes is the system notification curtain. With the release of the MIUI 12 shell, the company has radically redesigned this element, dividing it into two independent blocks: the notification panel and the Control Center. If you are used to the classic look or, conversely, want to implement innovations of older versions of Android, you will need to perform several precise actions.
The process of changing the curtain on Xiaomi depends on the version of the operating system installed on your device. Owners of current models with MIUI 13, MIUI 14 or the new HyperOS have built-in tools to switch between styles, while users of older versions such as MIUI 11 or MIUI 10 may need third-party applications or themes. Understanding your system architecture is the first step to successful modification.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the available methods for changing the appearance and functionality of the top menu, we will look at the standard settings, thematic options and advanced customization methods so that you can make the interface as convenient as possible for you.
Evolution of the interface: MIUI vs HyperOS
Xiaomi's mobile interface has changed dramatically over the years. For a long time, users have become accustomed to a single curtain, where Wi-Fi switches, Bluetooth and mobile data are all in the same list as messaging. However, with the advent of MIUI 12, the design philosophy has changed, separating these flows of information. Now swipe down on the left opens notifications, and swipe on the right is the Control Center with brightness sliders and communication buttons.
In the newest HyperOS shell, which is gradually replacing MIUI in the global market, this principle is maintained, but more visual smoothness and animations are added. Many users are wondering how to change the curtain on Xiaomi, precisely because they are used to the logic of “pure” Android or, conversely, want to bring the good old list of toggles back to one level.
It's worth noting that interface separation was introduced to improve ergonomics on large screens, and it's easier to reach switches when they're grouped at the right side of the screen, but for those who often use blind input, this structure may seem less intuitive than a classic vertical list.
Customization of the style of the curtain in MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS
If you own a relatively fresh Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphone running the current version of the shell, you're in luck. Engineers have provided a regular switch between the new and old style of display controls, which is the safest and most stable way, without requiring additional software.
To access these settings, you need to follow the path: Settings → Notifications and Control Center → Control Center Style. Here the system will offer you two main options: the first is a modern split design, and the second is a classic look, reminiscent of Android 10 and earlier versions of MIUI. The choice of either of these options will apply instantly, without the need to reboot the device.
⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions (Global) ROM) The option to return to the classic style may be hidden or missing, in which case the change of region in the settings (Settings) → Additional settings → Regions on "India" or "China" sometimes help unlock hidden features, but this is not a guaranteed method.
In addition to global styling, you can customize the look of each element in detail, and the Notifications and Control Center menus have settings for the time format, the style of app icons, and even background transparency, and changing these settings allows you to make the curtain more contrasting or minimalist, which is especially true when using dark themes.
☑️ Checking style settings
Using themes to radically change the design
When standard settings aren't enough, and you want to change the layout of the buttons, and you want to change the visual style completely, the Themes app comes to the rescue. It's a built-in design store where millions of designers create skins for the system interface. Themes can change the color of the curtain background, the shape of sliders, switch icons and fonts.
To find the right design, open the Topic app and search. Enter queries like "iOS Control Center", "Minimalist Notification" or "Transparent Status Bar." When choosing a theme, pay attention to the preview: usually screenshots show what the lock screen and notification curtain will look like. Once the the theme is loaded, the system will suggest using all the components or selecting only the ones you need, such as only System UI or Notification Shade.
It's important to remember compatibility. Themes created for the Chinese firmware (CN ROM) may not show correctly on the Global ROM, and vice versa. Some design elements may go and text may become unreadable. So always check other users' comments and theme rating before installing.
How do you set up a topic if it is not available in your area?
After applying the theme, it is recommended to restart the smartphone. This will allow system services responsible for rendering the interface (SystemUI) to completely update the graphic cache and display all changes correctly. If after applying the theme the curtain began to work unstable or icons disappear, the theme should be deleted through the Profile → Themes menu.
Advanced configuration through the Mi Pilot app
For users who want to access hidden interface features, there is an official but little-known app from Xiaomi called MIUI Pilot (or simply Pilot) that is primarily for testers and developers, but it gives access to dozens of hidden system settings, including deep customization of the notification curtain.
Once you have installed and given the necessary permissions (often requiring you to enter a special code or a developer account, which can be found in the open sources for your version of MIUI), you will see the Feature Settings menu. Here you are interested in the section related to Control Center or Status Bar. In this menu you can include experimental functions, change the number of columns with switches, adjust the behavior of the volume slider and much more.
| Function in Mi Pilot | Description of action | Required level of access |
|---|---|---|
| Old Control Center | Forced inclusion of old curtain style | Basic |
| QS Rows | Change the number of lines with switches | Basic |
| Notification Style | Change of style of display of notification cards | Expanded |
| StatusBar Clock | Setting the format and position of the clock in the status bar | Basic |
Using these tools requires caution. Making changes to system files via MIUI Pilot can lead to unstable interface operation. For example, installing too many lines with switches on a low-resolution screen can lead to overlapping elements on top of each other.
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Before using Mi Pilot or any system tweakers, make sure to back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally to your computer, which will restore the system to work in the event of a critical failure.
Third-party applications for system curtain replacement
If the built-in capabilities of MIUI and HyperOS don’t satisfy you, there are applications on the market that completely replace the system notification curtain, and the leaders in this niche are applications like Notification Widget, Control Center iOS or Material Status Bar. They create a layer on top of the system interface that simulates a curtain with advanced functionality.
The main advantage of such solutions is the ability to add widgets directly into the curtain, change the transparency to any value, add your own quick commands and even emulate the interface of iOS on Android. However, this method has a significant disadvantage: such applications require constant permissions to display on top of other windows and access notifications, which can adversely affect the autonomy of the device.
To install a full replacement, you will likely need to provide the app with special permissions via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), this is done by connecting the smartphone to your computer and typing a command at the terminal, for example, some launchers require a command:
adb shell pm grant com.package.name android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGSOnce the third-party curtain is installed, the system curtain is no longer called by the standard swipe, as priority is given to the new application. This can lead to conflicts: for example, when calling the volume menu or using the camera, the new curtain may not properly cover important elements.
⚠️ Note: Apps that completely replace the system curtain often conflict with Game Turbo. During play, the curtain may not be called or cause the game to crash.
Problem Solving: The button is missing or the swipe is not working
Often, users are faced with a situation where, after updating the system or installing a theme, the curtain switch button simply disappears from the settings menu. This is a common problem associated with caching the theme configuration files. First of all, try resetting the theme settings to standard through the Themes → Profile → Themes → Presets.
Another common problem is that swipes are not working properly. In newer versions of MIUI, swipe down the center of the screen may not open anything unless a clear zone is set. The system expects a swipe to be strictly left for notifications and strictly right for control. If you have Planch or Split Screen mode on, zones may shift. Check the settings in the Additional → One-Hand Mode or similar ergonomics menu.
In rare cases, the problem lies in the damage to the system cache SystemUI. Cleaning the data of this process will not delete your personal files, but reset all the interface's appearance settings to the factory. → Annexes → All applications → Find a System Interface (or System) UI) → Clean up → Clean everything. Then the phone can restart.
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If the curtain is unstable after installing the theme, the first thing you do is return the standard theme to Classic or Free 1 and restart the device, which solves software conflicts in 90% of cases.
Conclusion and final recommendations
The process of changing the curtain on Xiaomi smartphones varies from a simple switch in the settings to complex modifications through the use of the device. ADB-For most users, the best solution is to use the built-in capabilities. MIUI 12-14 And HyperOS, which offers a balance between functionality and stability, and the Control and Notification Center is a modern standard that you should get used to for ergonomics.
If you're an enthusiast who's willing to experiment, a bunch of MIUI Pilots and custom themes will create a unique interface, but always be aware of the risks: installing untested modifications can lead to loss of warranty or unstable operation of the device. Be careful when providing root rights or access to system settings.
Hopefully, you now know exactly how to change the curtain to Xiaomi and customize it to suit your needs. Experiment with design, but keep a reasonable balance between the beauty and performance of your smartphone.