Xiaomi lock screen personalization: how to add your text

Xiaomi’s lock screen is not just a security guard, but a business card for your smartphone. Many users want to stand out by adding personalized text to it: a name that motivates a phrase, contact information in case of loss or even a joke. However, in standard MIUI settings, this feature is hidden in an unobvious way, and on some models it is completely absent without additional manipulation.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can add text to your lock screen, from official tools to hidden features and workarounds for devices with different versions of firmware, how to configure the display of text on Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and other popular models, and what to do if the desired option is inactive.

Why is there no option to add text on Xiaomi’s lock screen?

Users often find that there is simply no option to add text in the settings menu, and the reasons may be different:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: In the firmware older MIUI 12 the function was limited or was not stable. MIUI 11 text can only be added through the hidden menu of the developer.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: Some global and Chinese versions of firmware have hidden the option due to Xiaomi policy (e.g. China) ROM it's often removed).
• 🔒 Lock screen type: If you use a Pattern or Password, some personalization settings may be blocked.
• 🛠️ Customized firmware: On devices with Custom ROM (LineageOS or Pixel Experience, standard features MIUI may be absent.

Before you try to add text, check your firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have MIUI 12.5 or newer, the chances of success are higher. On older versions, additional actions will be required.

Official method: add text through MIUI settings

If your device supports this function, the algorithm is as simple as possible.

1. Open Settings and go to Lock Screen (or Lock and Protect on some models).
2. Select Text on the lock screen (may be called Signature or Additional Information).
3. Enter the text you want (up to 50 characters on most devices) Emojis are supported, but they take 2 characters each.
4. Click Save and check the result by locking the screen.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) The text is displayed only in the absence of notifications. If the screen is filled with alerts, the inscription may be hidden. AMOLED-In the screens, light text on a dark background looks better than dark text on a light background.

Check out the MIUI version (should be 12.5+)

Make sure the lock screen is not overloaded with widgets

Turn off "Show notifications on the lock screen" (if text is not visible)

Make a backup of settings (in case of failure)-->

Important: On Always-on Display (AOD) devices, text on the lock screen may be duplicated or incorrectly displayed, in which case try to disable AOD in the screen settings.

Alternative methods for devices without official support

If your firmware doesn't have an option built in, you can use workarounds. Let's look at two proven ways:

Method 1: Use of the Notes widget

Some versions of MIUI allow you to add widgets to the lock screen.

1. Click the empty space on the home screen and select Widgets.
2. Find the Notes (or Notes) widget and drag it to the lock screen.
3. Open the note, enter the text, and save it. Now it's going to be displayed under the clock.

The disadvantage of the method: the widget takes up a lot of space and can conflict with other elements (for example, with the weather or calendar). MIUI 14 This function is not stable.

Method 2: Editing system files (for advanced users)

This method requires root rights and only works on unlocked devices, and if you're not sure about your skills, you'd better skip this section.

1. Install Root Explorer or any other file manager with root support.
2. Go to /system/media/theme/default/.
3. Find the file. lockscreen_text.xml (Or create it if you are not).
4. Add a line: <string name="lockscreen_custom_text">Your text is here.</string>
5. Save the file, restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before changes, back up through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

How to make the text more noticeable: tips for design

Even if you can add text, it can be barely noticeable. Here are some tips to improve visibility:

• 🎨 Colour of text: On AMOLED-It's better to use white or neon text on screens. IPS It's black on a light background.
• 📏 Font size: In some firmware, you can change the text size through Settings → Screen. → Size of text. Select Very Large for better readability.
• 🖼️ Background: If you use wallpaper with a uniform background (for example, black or white), the text will stand out better.
• 🔍 Positioning: On some devices, text can be moved up or down, holding it with your finger in editing mode.

On the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the text on the lock screen automatically adjusts to the wallpaper color thanks to the Dynamic Color feature. If it is enabled, manual text color adjustment may not work.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful text addition, users are faced with bugs.

Problem 1: The text is not displayed

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Reboot: Sometimes text only appears after the device restarts.
• 📱 Wallpaper conflict: Try changing the background to a standard one (for example, black).
• 🔐 Blocking widgets: In security settings (Settings) → Privacy → Special permissions) check if the widgets on the lock screen are disabled.

Problem 2: Text is cropped or translated incorrectly

This is a typical problem for long phrases.

• ✂️ Shorten the text to 30-40 symbolism.
• 📵 Remove emojis – they take up a lot of space.
• 🔤 Use acronyms (e.g., instead of "Phone lost, call number" write "Lost! Call: +7...").

Problem 3: Text disappears after MIUI update

When updating the firmware, user settings can be reset, to avoid text loss:

• 📋 Save text in Notes or Google Keep.
• 🔄 After the update, check the lock screen settings and add text again.
• 🛠️ If you use Custom ROM, Install the Magisk module to save settings.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and newer text on the lock screen may temporarily disappear after a hard reboot (pressure Power) + Volume down for 10 seconds. In this case, just unlock the phone and lock again.

Security: What can and can’t be written on the lock screen

The lock screen is the first barrier to protecting your smartphone, and the wrong text can compromise your privacy.

• ✅ We can:
• ❌ No:

If you want to provide a contact to return your phone, use a second number (such as a workman or a relative's number) or email. Avoid phrases like "If you find it, return it for a reward" - this can attract scammers.

💡

To check how your text looks to outsiders, ask a friend to lock your phone and tell them what they see.It is possible that some details (such as part of a phone number) will be cropped or unreadable.

Additional features: animation and dynamic text

On devices with MIUI 13 and later, you can add dynamic text that changes depending on the time of day or event.

• 🌅 Morning: “Good morning! 🌞"
• 🌃 Tonight: Good night! 🌙"
• 🎂 On my birthday: I have a DR today! 🎉"

For this:

1. Install the Mi Home or Xiaomi Tools app from Google Play.
2. In the lock screen settings, select Dynamic Text.
3. Set up the display rules (time, date, event).

The POCO F4 and Redmi K60 also have text animations available, which can flow in or flash.

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Effects of text.
2. Choose a Smooth Appearance or a Flicker.

Limitation: Animated text drains the battery faster, especially on the AMOLED-If you notice an increased flow rate, turn off the effects.

💡

Dynamic text works only with an active Internet connection, since the time change requires synchronization with Xiaomi servers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions