Why you need an inscription on the lock screen and what you can write
Xiaomiβs lock screen is not just a protection against random clicks, but also a convenient place to post important information. Many users do not even realize that it can display arbitrary text, from contacts to contact in case of loss of a phone to motivational quotes or reminders. For example, owners of Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 often add a spouseβs phone number, email address or even medical data (blood type, allergies).
In this article, weβll look at all the ways you can add text to your lock screen, from standard MIUI features to hidden settings and third-party apps. Itβs important to understand that features depend on the firmware version: in MIUI 14 and later, some options have moved to other menus, and older versions (such as MIUI 12) may require workarounds. Also note that on devices with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (such as the Pixel Experience), the settings may differ.
Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version. If you have MIUI Global, MIUI China or MIUI Europe, the instructions below will do. For HyperOS devices (the new shell from Xiaomi), some of the ways may not work β weβll mention that too.
Method 1: Standard settings through the βlock screenβ in MIUI
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It works on most models, including the Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 11 and POCO F4, but may not be available on budget devices like the Redmi A1 or POCO C50.
Instructions:
- Open Settings and go to Lock Screen (or Lock and Protect on some versions).
- Select Text on the lock screen (may be called Lock Screen Signature or Additional Information).
- Turn on the switch and type the text you want (up to 50 characters in most versions of MIUI).
- Click Save and check the result by locking the screen.
Limitations of the method:
- π Text only appears on the standard lock screen (does not work with Super Wallpapers wallpapers or animations).
- π€ The length of the text is limited (usually 30-50 characters, depending on the model).
- π¨ No way to change the font, color or position of the text.
MIUI version at least 11
The device is not in energy saving mode
The lock screen is not hidden through "Hidden settings"-->
β οΈ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced for Xiaomi Mi 11) The option may be hidden. If it is not on the menu, try updating the system or using alternative methods from this article.
Method 2: Using the Notes widget on the lock screen
If your version of MIUI doesnβt have a direct option to add text, you can go a workaround through the Notes widget, which works on most devices, including the Redmi 10 and POCO M4 Pro, but requires pre-configuration.
How do I add:
- Create a note in the standard Notes (or Notes) app with the desired text.
- Return to Settings β Lock screen β Widgets.
- Select Notes and add the created note to the screen.
- Set the widget position (usually at the bottom of the screen).
Advantages of the method:
- π You can use long text (up to 2000 characters).
- π¨ There are basic formatting options (bold text, lists).
- π Text is updated automatically when editing a note.
Disadvantages:
- π The widget is only displayed after unlocking the screen (on some models).
- π± On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) The widget can illuminate pixels, which leads to burnout.
Standard MIUI setting
Notes widget
Third-party annexes
Manual editing of system files-->
Method 3: Third-party applications for customization
If you don't like the built-in MIUI tools, you can use third-party apps, which offer more options: changing the font, color, animations, and even adding images next to the text. However, note that some applications will require super-user rights or enabled developer mode.
Top.-3 apps:
| Annex | Opportunities | Requirements | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock Screen Widget | Text, weather, battery, custom icons | MIUI 12+ | β Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi |
| Hi Locker | Animations, themes, text with effects | Android 9+, root for some features | β All models. |
| Always On Display | Text on the screen off (for AMOLED) | AMOLED-screen, MIUI 13+ | β Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi K50 |
Instructions for Lock Screen Widget:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open it and select Add a widget β Text.
- Customize text, font and color.
- Return to Settings β Lock Screen β Widgets and add the app widget.
β οΈ Note: Apps like Hi Locker may conflict with system services MIUI, This will result in increased battery consumption or occasional reboots. Check the reviews for your model before installing it (e.g, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 10 Pro).
How to remove the widget if it is not deleted through settings?
Method 4: Manual editing of system files (for advanced ones)
This method is only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights, and allows you to add text directly to system files, which gives maximum flexibility, but requires caution: wrong actions can lead to data loss or device blink.
What you need:
- π± Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader and Magisk.
- π» Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
- π Backup of the file /system/media/theme/default/lockscreen_desc.xml.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the ADB terminal.
- Copy the original file to your computer: adb pull /system/media/theme/default/lockscreen_desc.xml
- Open the file in a text editor (for example, Notepad)++) and find a line: <string name="lockscreen_owner_info">Your text.</string> Replace your text with the desired one (for example, return by number). +79991234567).
- Save the file and return it back: adb push lockscreen_desc.xml /system/media/theme/default/ adb shell chmod 644 /system/media/theme/default/lockscreen_desc.xml
- Reboot the phone.
On HyperOS devices, the path to the file may be different: instead of /system/media/theme/default/ use /product/media/theme/default/. Before editing, be sure to check the current path through a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer).
π‘
If the text does not appear after editing, clear the cache of the Themes system application (com.android.themes) through Settings β Applications β Application Management.
Method 5: Always on Display (for the AMOLED-screen)
Owners of Xiaomi smartphones with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60 or POCO F5 Pro can use the Always On Display function (AOD) It's a good way to display text even on a display that's off, and it's convenient for displaying time, notifications, or contact information.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings β Screen β Always On Display
- Enable the function and select a style (such as Text or Custom).
- In the signature field, enter the desired text (up to 20-30 characters).
- Set up a schedule (constantly or by time).
Features of AOD on Xiaomi:
- π Battery consumption is minimal (about 1-2% per hour per day). AMOLED).
- π The text is displayed only on dark wallpaper (otherwise it will be poorly visible).
- β‘ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) Animated styles available.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with LCD-screens (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The Always On Display feature doesnβt work, itβs only available on the screen. AMOLED-Trying to turn it on through the engineering menu can cause the screen to overheat.
Problem Solving: Text is not displayed or disappears
If you have added text but it does not appear on the lock screen, check the following points:
Frequent causes and solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Text not retained | Length limit (more than 50 characters) | Cut the text or use the Notes widget |
| Text disappears after rebooting | Resetting the lock screen settings | Check the Settings application rights in Settings β Apps β Permissions |
| Text not visible on wallpaper | The color of the text merges with the background | Change wallpaper or use contrasting font through third-party apps |
| The option "Text on the screen" is not available | Obsolete version of MIUI or regional restrictions | Update the firmware or use it ADB-commands (see Method 4) |
If nothing helps, try resetting the lock screen settings:
- Go to Settings β System and device β Resetting.
- Select Reset the lock screen settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
- After rebooting, repeat the text setting.
π‘
On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the standard text addition option may be called βSignature Lock Screenβ and be in Settings β Personalization β Lock Screen.