How to add an app to the lock screen Xiaomi: a detailed guide

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones offer huge personalization opportunities, allowing you to turn a locked screen into an information center. Users often look for a way to display not just a time and date, but full-fledged widgets or app shortcuts for quick access. However, the standard MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have their limitations and implementation features that can confuse the beginner.

Unlike pure Android, where widgets are usually only available on the desktop, Xiaomi’s ecosystem allows you to embed interactive elements directly on the lock screen, whether it’s a calendar, weather, step counter, or even quick access to the camera and voice recorder. Understanding how this system works will help you customize the device to your needs as efficiently as possible.

In this article, we will discuss all available methods for adding applications and widgets. We will look at the standard system tools, working with application widgets and third-party solutions. It is important to understand that different versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14) and HyperOS, the location of settings may vary slightly. Below is a detailed guide that covers most current use cases.

Standard widgets on the lock screen MIUI and HyperOS

The first and most reliable way to change the contents of the lock screen is to use the system's built-in widgets. MIUI The company has significantly expanded the functionality of the Always On Screen and standard lock. To access these settings, you need to go to the Settings menu. → Lock screen.

Here you will find the widget display section, which offers a limited but useful set of elements: weather, battery status, pedometer, count of days from an important date. Activation of the widget is done by simply switching the slider against the desired item. Some widgets may require additional permissions, such as access to geolocation to display the weather.

• 🌤️ Weather widget shows current temperature and forecast for the day.
• 🔋 Battery indicator displays the charge of the smartphone and connected headphones.
• 👟 Step counter keeps activity statistics without running applications.
• 📅 Calendar allows you to see the date and upcoming events from the system agenda.

It is worth noting that standard widgets often have a fixed design, which depends on the chosen theme. If you use a third-party theme from the Themes store, the set of available widgets may change or become unavailable, in which case the system will suggest returning to the standard lock style.

Users often wonder why you can't just drag a widget from your desktop to your lock screen, because the Android security architecture separates those spaces, and the lock screen is a protected area, and direct access to desktop widgets is closed without the use of special launchers or deep modifications to the system.

Use of application widgets (App Widgets)

The second method, often confused with the first, is the use of widgets of the apps themselves, which can display information on a locked screen if the developer provides it. Some applications, such as Spotify, Telegram or Yandex.Music, have their own settings for displaying media controllers or notifications.

To set up the display of information from applications, you need to go to the settings of a particular application. Usually the path is: Settings → Notifications → Lock screen. Here you can allow or prohibit the display of the content of notifications. However, this will not add a full widget, but only decrypt the text of the notification.

There is also the "Apps Widgets" feature in the notification curtain, which is sometimes duplicated on the lock screen depending on the firmware version. To activate, you need to pull the curtain down and find the widget edit button. Added elements can be displayed at the top of the lock screen, if the current theme allows.

⚠️ Note: Not all apps support displaying advanced information on a locked screen.This is an Android security limitation that prevents apps from executing code in the background while the device is locked to save battery life.

If you're critical to seeing the data of a particular app, check its power saving settings. Make sure it's allowed to run in the background and auto-start. Without these permissions, the widget may not update or disappear after you restart your smartphone.

Setting up quick access shortcuts

Traditionally, Xiaomi lock screens have two shortcuts in the lower corners: the camera and the phone, and many users want to replace them with other apps, such as a voice recorder, flashlight or messenger. Unfortunately, standard MIUI shell tools cannot change these shortcuts, but there are workarounds.

The first option is to use special features. Some launcher applications or automation utilities can intercept long-term clicks on standard shortcuts. However, this method requires additional software installation and can be unstable. A more reliable way is to use third-party applications to customize the lock screen.

• 🔦 A standard flashlight label is often built into the control panel rather than the lock screen.
• 📷 Camera shortcut activates even without unlocking the phone for a quick snapshot.
• 📞 Phone tag opens dialing in emergency cases.
• 🎚️ Changing labels is possible only through third-party substitute applications.

HyperOS has the ability to adjust the lower edge of the screen more flexibly, but it's still limited to preset scenarios. You can choose what it will display, but the list of options depends on the regional version of the firmware. Global versions often have a lot of downsizing compared to Chinese counterparts.

Third-party applications for customization of blocking

If there is not enough regular funds, Google Play apps come to the rescue, replacing the standard lock screen entirely, with Hi Locker, KLCK Kustom Lock Screen and CM Locker leading the way, allowing you to add any widgets, change the design of your watches, and add your own app shortcuts.

Once you install this app, you'll be asked to grant a number of permissions, and it's critical to allow display over other windows and access to use as a lock screen, and without those permissions, the app will be closed by the system or not work properly.

Let’s look at the table of popular customization solutions:

The use of third-party blockers has its consequences: first of all, it is an increased battery consumption, since the screen must constantly monitor touches and update widgets. In addition, unlocking by fingerprint or face can be slower or require double action.

Problems with notifications and their resolution

A common problem with Xiaomi users is that there are no notifications from apps on the locked screen. Even if the widget is configured, the notifications themselves may not come, due to the aggressive MIUI energy saving system, which kills background processes.

To remedy this, you need to go to the settings of the specific application that should display notifications. Find AutoStart and activate it. Then go to Battery and select No Limits mode, which will prevent the system from stopping the application.

💡

For stable widgets on the lock screen, pin the desired application in the list of recent tasks. Press the Menu button (three stripes), find the application and pull it down until the lock icon appears.

Also check the general notification settings. In the Settings menu → Notifications and Status bar → Lock screen make sure the switch is active. If the problem persists, try clearing the Cache of the System App's "Block Screen" through the App Management menu, but do so with caution.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting screen lock settings may cause unlock passwords to be reset and stored Face data deleted ID. Before manipulating system settings, make sure you remember your PIN-code.

The Workplace Always On Display (AOD)

Nana OLED-Xiaomi's Always On Display feature is available on smartphone screens, and it allows you to display widgets, watches, and notifications even when the screen is off. It's not really a lock screen, but it functionally solves the same problem of fast access to information.

You can set up AOD from Settings → Lock screen → Always On Display. You can choose the style, schedule and set of widgets you display. Unlike a regular lock screen, AOD consumes minimal energy, since only individual pixels burn.

• 🕒 The watch can be analog or digital with a second hand.
• 🔔 Notifications are displayed as app icons.
• 🎨 You can upload your images or use animated themes.
• 📵 In your pocket mode turns off the display to avoid accidental pressing.

It is recommended to set a schedule so that the feature only works during business hours or at night when the phone is on charge.

💡

The best lock screen setting is the balance between informativeness and autonomy. Use widgets only for really important data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)