How to add Google Play to the lock screen Xiaomi: 4 working ways for MIUI

Xiaomi’s lock screen is not just a touch protection, but also a convenient space for quick access to key features. Many users want to add a Google Play shortcut to it so they can instantly open the app store without unlocking their phone — for example, to download new games or update programs. However, standard MIUI settings do not have this option. Why?

The point is security limitations: Xiaomi blocks the addition of arbitrary widgets to the lock screen, leaving only system (camera, flashlight, voice assistant). But there are workarounds! In this article, we will analyze 4 proven methods - from simple (without ROOT) to advanced (with changing system files). All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-15 and models Redmi, Poco, Black Shark (including Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Poco F5, Xiaomi 13T).

Important: Before you start, check the shell version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Some methods only work on certain firmware. Also note that after resetting or updating MIUI, the Google Play shortcut will disappear from the lock screen - you will have to add it again.

Why Google Play is not included in standard MIUI widgets

Xiaomi deliberately restricts the list of widgets on the lock screen for two reasons:

• 🔒 Security: Application shortcuts can be used to bypass lockdowns (for example, through vulnerabilities in third-party launchers).
• 📱 Performance optimization: background widget processes consume battery power and RAM, which is critical for budget models (Redmi) 10A, Poco M4 Pro).
• 🎨 Design constraints: MIUI strives for minimalism on the lock screen, avoiding congestion.

As a result, the user sees only basic options:

But there are loopholes! For example, MIUI 14 has a Quick Tools feature (Settings → Lock Screen → Quick Tools) that allows you to add some third-party apps. But Google Play is not on the default list. Why? Because the app store is classified as "system-critical" services, and its shortcut is blocked at the Android level.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI Global (official firmware for the international market), then methods with changing system files can lead to blocking the Mi Account when checking the device on Xiaomi servers. ROOT.

Method 1: Use of notifications (without ROOT)

The easiest and safest way is to pin a notification from Google Play on the lock screen.Cons: the shortcut will only appear if there is an active notification (for example, about updating the application).

Instructions:

1. Open Google Play and find an app that hasn’t been updated in a while (like Google Chrome or YouTube).
2. Click on his card and wait for the Update button to appear.
3. Don't update the app! Instead, pull the notification bar down and find a notification from Google Play with the text "Update available for [app name]."
4. Press and hold the notification, then select Secure (or Always Show depending on the MIUI version).

Now, the lock screen will display a notification with an Open button that leads directly to Google Play, so that the label does not disappear:

Turn off automatic app updates in the Play Market|Do not remove the fixed notification manually|Check the availability of the notification (once in a week) 2-3 day-day)|Use an app with rare updates (e.g. Google Keep)-->

This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and Poco X5 Pro, but has a limitation: the notification can disappear after a phone restart or clearing the cache of Google Play Services.

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If the notification is gone, try disabling and re-enable the option to Show notifications on the lock screen in the Google Play settings (Settings → Notifications → Lock screen).

Method 2: App Shortcuts widget via Nova Launcher

If you want Google Play to be on the lock screen at all times, you can use the Nova Launcher with widget function, which does not require ROOT, but requires additional software.

Steps:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play (free version will do).
2. Launch the launcher and install it as the default launcher (when the system is requested).
3. Add the Nova Actions widget to the home screen (long tap on the desktop) → Widgets → Nova Actions).
4. In the widget settings, select the Open App action and specify Google Play.
5. Return to MIUI settings: Settings → Lock screen → Widgets and add the Nova Actions widget to the lock screen.

Now, if you swipe right on the lock screen, you'll see a widget that opens Google Play with one tap.

• 🔄 It works on all versions. MIUI (including MIUI 15).
• 🛠️ No, he doesn't. ROOT or changes to system files.
• 📱 Compatible with Redmi. K60, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and other flagships.

⚠️ Warning: After the Nova Launcher update, the widget may reset.To avoid this, turn off the automatic launcher update in Google Play or back up your settings via Nova Settings → Backup/Restore.

Method 3: Editing system files (ROOT required)

For advanced users willing to risk system stability, there’s a way to add Google Play directly to the list of allowed widgets. MIUI. This method requires ROOT-It works and only works on the firmware. MIUI 12-14. MIUI 15 may not work due to changes in file structure).

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with ROOT support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/MiuiSystemUI.apk/res/xml/
3. Find the file. lockscreen_widgets.xml Open it in the text editor.
4. Add a line for Google Play (component) com.android.vending/.AssetBrowserActivity) to the list of permitted widgets: <item name="com.android.vending" icon="@drawable/ic_launcher_play_store" label="@string/play_store_label" />
5. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the phone.

After the reboot, Google Play will appear in the lock screen widget list (Settings → Lock screen → Widgets).

• 🚨 Possible disruptions MIUI (For example, the loss of other widgets).
• 🔄 After the firmware update, the changes will reset.
• 🛡️ Xiaomi may block Mi Account if modifications to system files are detected.

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This method is only suitable for power users. If you are not sure about your actions, use alternative methods (for example, Nova Launcher or notifications).

Method 4: Duplicate the application (for MIUI 14+)

Recent versions of MIUI have introduced the App Duplicate feature (Settings → Apps → Duplicate Apps) which can be used to create a second copy of Google Play, which can then be added to the lock screen via a workaround.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate the duplicate of Google Play: Settings → Apps → Duplicate applications → Google Play → Enable
2. Install an alternative launcher (such as Apex Launcher or Lawnchair).
3. In the alternative launcher, create a shortcut for a duplicate Google Play (it will be called Google Play (1) or similarly).
4. Use the Shortcut Maker app (from Google Play) to convert the shortcut into a widget.
5. Add the widget created to the lock screen via Settings → Lock screen → Widgets.

This method works on MIUI 14 and newer, including the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi K70.

• 🔧 No, he doesn't. ROOT.
• 🔄 The widget remains after the reboot.
• 📱 Compatible with most Xiaomi models 2022-2026.

Disadvantage: The duplicate Google Play will consume additional resources (about 50-100 MB of RAM).To reduce the load, turn off the background activity of the duplicate in the battery settings.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your Xiaomi model, MIUI version and risk preparedness.

For most users, the best solution is Nova Launcher (method 2), which combines reliability and simplicity. If you need temporary access, the notification method will do. For MIUI 14+ owners, you should try a duplicate of the application.

But editing system files (method 3) is recommended only as a last resort – for example, if you use custom firmware (xiaomi.eu, PixelExperience) and are ready for possible bugs.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you add Google Play to your lock screen, you may experience errors, and let's look at typical situations and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Nova Launcher widget doesn’t appear in the list for the lock screen.

Decision:

• Check if Nova Launcher is installed as the default launcher.
• Clear the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → Nova Launcher → Clear the cache.
• Reinstall the Nova Launcher.

Problem 2: After the reboot, the Google Play shortcut disappears.

Decision:

• For the notification method: fix the notification again.
• For the Nova Launcher method: check if the launcher settings have reset.
• For a duplicate method: make sure that the duplicate of the application has not been removed by the system (check in Settings → Applications).

Problem 3: When you click on the shortcut, it’s not Google Play that opens, but another app.

Decision:

• Remove the Google Play cache in Settings → Apps → Google Play → Clear the cache.
• Recreate the widget or shortcut.
• Check if the shortcut conflicts with other launchers (turn them off temporarily).

Problem 4: After editing system files (method 3), the phone stopped booting.

Decision:

• Boot in Recovery Mode (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
• Choose Mount → System and restore the original file lockscreen_widgets.xml backup.
• If there is no backup, do a Wipe Data reset, but it will delete all the data!

⚠️ Note: If after manipulating system files Xiaomi has blocked your Mi Account, contact support with proof of purchase of the device (check, box.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions