How to Add Apps to Xiaomi’s Lock screen: A Complete Guide to MIUI

Xiaomi’s lock screen is not just a random tap protection, but also a handy tool for quick access to frequently used features. Many users of Redmi, POCO or Mi flagship models don’t even suspect that they can place app shortcuts here to run them without unlocking the phone. This feature is especially useful for instant messengers, cameras, flashlights or music services when every second counts.

However, in different versions of the MIUI shell (12 to 14), the configuration process may be different — somewhere the option is hidden in the depths of the menu, and somewhere it must first be activated through hidden settings. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, including bypassing restrictions for models with Android 13+, where the manufacturer has tightened security rules, you will learn which applications can be added and which ones can not, and how to avoid common configuration errors.

Why is there no default app shortcuts on Xiaomi’s lock screen?

Unlike some competitors (such as Samsung or Google Pixel), Xiaomi initially limits the functionality of the lock screen.

• 🔒 Security policy: MIUI Blocks access to most applications without unlocking to protect the user’s personal data.
• 📱 UI optimization: The manufacturer believes that the lock screen should remain minimal for quick access to basic functions (camera, flashlight, SOS).
• 🔄 Differences in versions MIUI: into MIUI 12 and MIUI 13 The setting of the labels is available through the standard menu, and in MIUI 14 Android 13/14 It's often hidden.

However, there are legal ways to get around these restrictions, both through built-in settings and with third-party tools (like WidgetLocker or Nova Launcher), and the key is to understand the risks: adding shortcuts to banking applications or social networks could violate their security policies.

Method 1: Add shortcuts through standard MIUI settings (for MIUI 12–13)

If your smartphone is running MIUI 12 or MIUI 13, the easiest way is to use the built-in lock screen setting menu, which works on most models, including the Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12, and others.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select Lock Screen Shortcuts (in some firmware it may be called Quick Access).
3. Slip one of the free slots (usually two of them are left and right of the clock).
4. In the list of available applications, select the desired one (for example, Camera, Lantern, Google Assistant or Screen Recording).
5. Confirm the selection and check if the shortcut appears on the lock screen.

Note: not all apps will be available on this list. Xiaomi limits the selection to system utilities and some pre-approved programs (such as WhatsApp or Spotify on some models).

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make sure the lock screen is not protected by a pattern lock (if yes, temporarily disable)

Update the firmware to the latest version (if available)

Make a backup copy of the data (in case of failure)-->

Method 2: Use the Quick Tools widget (for MIUI 14)

In MIUI 14 on Android 13/14, Xiaomi removed the direct ability to add app shortcuts, but left a workaround through the Quick Tools widget.This method works on the Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13/13T and other new models.

How to set up:

1. Unlock the phone and make a long press in the free place of the main screen.
2. Select Widgets → Find the Quick Tools widget (usually in the Systems section).
3. Drag the widget to the home screen and choose a size of 2×1 or 4×1.
4. In the widget settings, add the desired applications (Camera, Flashlight, Google Pay, Screen Recording and others are available).
5. Return to the lock screen – now when swiping left or right, added shortcuts will be displayed.

⚠️ Note: On some models, the Quick Tools widget may not appear on the lock screen if Power Saving Mode or Ultra Mode is enabled. Before setting up, turn off these features in Settings → Battery.

Method 3: Third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher)

If the built-in methods don’t work or you want to add any application (including those blocked in MIUI), you can use third-party launchers. The most reliable option is Nova Launcher, which supports lock screen settings on Xiaomi.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Launch the launcher and select it as the main one (a sentence will pop up when you first open it).
3. Go to Settings Nova → Lock screen.
4. Activate the option to Show widgets on the lock screen.
5. Add the app shortcut widget (up to 5 apps can be selected).
6. Customize the appearance and save the changes.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ The ability to add any application, including prohibited MIUI.
• ✅ Flexible configuration of appearance (icon size, transparency, animations).
• ✅ It even works on MIUI 14 with Android 14.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires third-party software installation.
• ❌ It may conflict with certain functions MIUI (For example, Super Wallpapers).
• ❌ In some models (POCO F4 GT, Black Shark: Launchers are not operating smoothly.

💡

If no shortcuts appear on the lock screen after installing Nova Launcher, try disabling MIUI Optimization in the launcher settings.This often solves the display problem.

Method 4: Use the WidgetLocker app (for advanced users)

For those who are willing to take more drastic measures, WidgetLocker is a good option, allowing you to customize the lock screen completely, including adding shortcuts, widgets, and even changing animations, but this method requires unlocking the bootloader and root rights on some models.

How to set up:

1. Install WidgetLocker from Google Play.
2. Launch the app and provide all the necessary permissions (including Special Access in Android settings).
3. From the WidgetLocker menu, select Add widget → Application shortcuts.
4. Drag the desired applications to the layout of the lock screen.
5. Save the changes and activate the new lock screen.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13+ WidgetLocker may not work well due to new security restrictions. Check compatibility on forums before using it (e.g., for example, for the first time, 4PDA Xiaomi EU).

WidgetLocker is not compatible with MIUI features like Second Space or Hidden Apps. If you use them, the shortcuts on the lock screen won't work.

Compatibility table with MIUI versions and Xiaomi models

If your model does not support any of the above methods, the last option is to use the system. ADB-commands for forced labeling, which we'll look at in the next section.

Method 5: Adding shortcuts through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which is suitable for MIUI 14 and allows you to add shortcuts even to those applications that are blocked in the interface.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version number → Come back to the extra. → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Execute the command to add a shortcut (e.g. for Camera): adb shell settings put secure sysui_lockscreen_shortcut_left "com.android.camera For the right label, replace left with right.
5. Reset the phone. The label should appear on the lock screen.

List of popular application packages for ADB:

• 📸 Camera: com.android.camera
• 🔦 Lantern: com.android.torch
• 🎵 Google Play Music: com.google.android.music
• 💬 WhatsApp: com.whatsapp
• 📞 Phone: com.android.contacts

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause system failures, and don't change your settings unless you're sure they're there. MIUI Labels may be dropped – they will have to be added again.

💡

ADB is the most versatile method, but it requires caution. Always back up your data before you change your system settings.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you add shortcuts to your lock screen, you often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🚫 The shortcuts don't appear after you set up: Check if Power Saving Mode or Ultra Mode is on -- they can block widgets. Also try restarting your phone.
• 🔄 Labels are reset after update MIUI: This is normal system behavior, and after the update, you have to reconfigure them (especially if you used them). ADB-team).
• 🔒 You can’t add the right app: If the app is not listed, try using Nova Launcher or WidgetLocker. Banking apps and social networks can’t be added – this is a security limitation.
• ⚡ Phone brakes after adding shortcuts: Too many widgets on the lock screen can load the system. Leave only the most necessary (1-2 shortcuts).

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 Compatibility of your model with the chosen method (see table above).
• 🔧 Availability of the latest firmware updates (Settings) → Updating the system).
• 🛠️ No conflicts with other modifications (castom firmware, Magisk-modules).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions