Smartphone personalization is not just a matter of aesthetics, it's also a way to make the device truly your own. Xiaomi and Redmi owners often wonder how to change the standard look of the system to stand out from other users. One of the most noticeable elements of the interface is the lock screen that we see every time we pick up the phone, and that's where you want to see something unique, whether it's a quote, a reminder, or just your own name.
Unfortunately, the standard MIUI shell or the new HyperOS doesnโt have a single simple Add Text button that works the same on all models. The system offers many customization tools, but they are scattered across different menus or require third-party solutions. Understanding the Android customization architecture in conjunction with the Chinese giantโs branded add-ons will allow you to easily manage the content of the screensaver.
In this article, weโll take a look at all the methods available, from built-in theme features to advanced widgets and third-party apps, and not only will you output static text, but youโll also learn to make it dynamic, changing depending on time of day or location, and this will turn your gadget into a smart tool that communicates with you before you unlock it.
Standard lock screen settings in MIUI and HyperOS
Before we get to the complex methods, we need to explore the possibilities that the operating system itself provides. In recent firmware versions, Xiaomi engineers have significantly expanded the functionality of the lock screen. Basic settings allow you to change the font, watch size and add some system widgets that are actually text blocks.
To access the basics, you need to go to the Settings menu, then select the Lock Screen section. Here are the key management options. Pay attention to the time format, which can visually highlight text information against the wallpaper background. Some versions of the software also have the option "Text under the clock" or "Signature", where you can enter an arbitrary phrase.
โ ๏ธ Note: The menu interface may vary depending on the version MIUI (12, 13, 14) or HyperOS. If you didn't find the items described, perhaps your regional firmware has limitations.
It is important to note that standard functionality is often limited to system fonts. If you want to use a unique letter type, you will first have to download and activate the new font through the Themes app. Once you install the font, the text elements on the lock screen will automatically update to acquire a new style.
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Use dark wallpaper with bright text for better readability and battery saving on the AMOLED-screen.
Using widgets to output text
One of the most flexible ways to add text is to use widgets. The lock screen in modern Xiaomi shells supports the placement of interactive elements. Widgets can display not only time and weather, but also arbitrary notes, quotes of the day or data from the calendar.
To add a widget, unlock your phone and go to desktop editing mode, then find the widget menu. Many users don't know, but some widgets can be dragged directly to the lock screen or configured to display them before unlocking. Notes or Reminders widgets, where you can type in any text, are especially useful.
Letโs look at the main types of text widgets available by default:
- ๐ Notes: Allows you to draw a short list of things to do or an important reminder that is immediately visible.
- ๐ Calendar: Displays the date and name of the nearest event, which functionally replaces static text.
- ๐ค Weather: Indicates temperature and conditions description, dynamically updated.
- ๐ Battery Charge: Text or graphical display of energy level.
For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to combine widgets, for example, to place a calendar widget above the clock, and a note widget below it, which will create a composition where text plays a major role. However, it is worth remembering about performance: too many active widgets can slightly increase the energy consumption in standby mode.
Application of topics and modules for customization
If standard tools aren't enough, the Themes store comes to the rescue, a powerful tool in the Xiaomi ecosystem that completely replaces the lock screen's graphical shell, and thousands of designers create themes where text on the screensaver is the centerpiece of design.
When searching for a topic in a directory, use the keywords "Text", "Quote", "Minimal" or "Typography". These themes often contain special scripts that display random quotes, the current date in a spelling or even the lyrics of a song that plays in the background. Setting such a theme is the easiest way to get complex and beautiful text without root rights.
The installation process is as follows:
- Open the Themes app on your smartphone.
- In the search bar, type a query, such as Text Lock Screen.
- Select your favorite theme and click the Download button.
- After downloading, click Apply and confirm the action.
Itโs worth mentioning that some themes may be paid or require regional settings for your Mi Account. If the theme doesnโt apply, try changing the region in your phoneโs settings to โIndiaโ or โSingapore,โ apply the theme, and then bring the region back.
What to do if the topic is dropped?
Third-party applications for the lock screen
When the system and them are not enough, users turn to third-party developers. There are many applications on the Google Play Store that completely replace the standard Xiaomi lock screen with their own, more functional counterpart, these applications allow you to display any text, change its color, font and animation.
One of the most popular solutions is Lock Screen - Hi Locker or similar software like Widgetsmith (with support), which runs on top of the shell, which asks permission to display over other windows and access notifications, and once set up, you can type random text into a special editor inside the application.
Advantages of using third-party lockdown launchers:
- ๐จ Complete design freedom: You can specify any color, gradient or font.
- โ๏ธ Flexible customization: Text can change on schedule or geolocation.
- ๐ Additional protection: Some applications offer their own PIN-pattern.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Installing third-party lock screens can lead to conflicts with system features such as a fingerprint scanner or Face ID. Test such applications carefully.
It is important to understand that third-party applications consume more battery life, as they must constantly run in the background, monitoring the state of the device.In addition, when updating the version of Android or MIUI, such an application may stop working correctly, requiring an update from the developer.
Instructions for setting up the widget "Notes" on a locked screen
The most stable and secure method that doesn't require any questionable software installation is to properly configure the standard Notes or Shortcut widget. Let's go through the step-by-step algorithm that is guaranteed to work on most Redmi and Poco devices.
You have to prepare the text first. Open the standard Notes app, create a new record, and put in whatever you want to see on the screen, which could be a phone number to contact in case of loss, or just an inspirational phrase. Save a note.
โ๏ธ Checklist of preparations
We follow the instructions:
- Go to Settings โ Lock screen.
- Find the Widgets section on the lock screen (or simply "Widgets").
- In the list of available widgets, select "Notes" or "Tags".
- Click on the widget that appears on the preview to customize its contents.
- Select a previously created note from the list.
After these actions, the text will appear on the lock screen. You can adjust its transparency or position if the firmware version allows dragging elements. In some cases, the text will only appear when you look at the screen (the proximity sensor is activated), which saves charge.
For more advanced users familiar with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there is an option to hide system labels (โSwipe to unlockโ), making room for your text. This requires a computer connection and input commands, but gives a clean result.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.aodThis command disables the standard Always On Display if it interferes, allowing third-party widgets to take its place, but only use such methods if you are confident in your actions.
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Using the standard widget "Notes" - the most energy-efficient way to add text without installing additional software.
Comparison of methods of adding text
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a summary table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method in the context of your needs and technical training.
| Method | Difficulty | Impact on the battery | Flexibility of setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | Low. | Minimum | Low. |
| System widgets | Medium | Low. | Medium |
| Topics from the catalog | Low. | Average. | Tall. |
| Third-party annexes | Tall. | High. | Maximum |
As you can see from the table, the middle ground is Themes and System Widgets, which offer a good balance between functionality and stability of the device, and third-party applications should only be used in extreme cases when you need specific functionality that is not available by other means.
Remember that your smartphone's visual style is a reflection of your taste. Experiment with different combinations, fonts and colors. Remember that text that is too bright or contrasting on the screen is always on (AOD) It can cause the matrix to burn out on the old ones. AMOLED-In the dark, use dark themes for AOD.