How to add icons to the curtain Xiaomi: advanced settings

The modern interface of MIUI and HyperOS provides a huge opportunity for customization, but the standard set of controls often seems limited. Many smartphone owners face a situation where the desired function is simply not in quick access, and searching in the depths of the menu takes precious time.

Expanding the functionality of the notification panel allows you to turn a regular smartphone into a powerful management tool, where everything you need is at hand in one click. Graphic elements of the interface are not just beautiful pictures, but shortcuts to complex system functions that may be hidden or absent in standard firmware. Understanding the architecture of Quick Settings (quick settings) will give you an advantage in managing the device.

In this article, we will explore in detail the mechanisms for adding new elements, using third-party utilities to expand the list and fine-tuning existing switches. You will learn what hidden opportunities open up after the correct configuration of the system, and how to avoid common errors when modifying the interface. Deep tuning is available to anyone who is willing to spend a few minutes studying the material.

Standard capabilities of the MIUI and HyperOS control panel

Before you get to the most complex modifications, you need to fully master the often-underestimated standard functionality. In Xiaomi’s operating systems, the Quick Settings Panel is divided into two logical zones: the top one, where the active switches are located, and the bottom one, hidden in the editing menu. The standard set includes basic functions like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight and flight mode, but the list of available options is much broader.

To access the full list of items available to add, you need to swipe down the center of the screen and then press the edit button, usually located at the top right or bottom of the list. Here, the system suggests adding icons that have been previously deleted or simply not displayed on the main screen of the panel. It is important to understand that system restrictions do not allow you to add absolutely all the functions of the phone, but the basic set covers 90% of the needs.

Some users don't know that the order and number of buttons on the visible part of the screen is also adjustable. You can create multiple pages with switches or leave one dense grid. The interface logic is structured so that the most commonly used functions should be available without unnecessary finger movements.

  • πŸ“± The standard set includes more than 20 pre-installed switches, such as Do Not Disturb, Screen Recording and Turn Blocking".
  • πŸ“± Grouping capability allows you to place related functions nearby for quick access in stressful situations.
  • πŸ“± Long-term clicking on some icons (such as Bluetooth) opens the extended settings menu, bypassing the main menu.

However, if you don't have a standard set and want to see, for example, the charge level of each connected device or quick access to a particular application, you will have to resort to more advanced methods.

Using third-party applications to expand functionality

When built-in tools are scarce, Google Play applications specifically designed for creating custom tiles come to the rescue. Quick Settings Tile or its counterparts, such as Tile Shortcuts, are considered the most popular and reliable solution.

The way these utilities work is simple: you create a tile in an application, assign an action to it (launch an application, open a specific setting, run a macro), and then add the created element to the Quick Settings panel through the standard editing menu, which allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI and add almost any feature available through Android intentions.

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For stable operation of third-party tiles, it is necessary to prohibit the system from closing the creator application in the background, otherwise the icon may stop responding to clicks.

An important aspect is that the application needs to be given special permissions. In modern versions of Android and HyperOS shells, security controls access to system settings. You have to manually allow access to Special App Access so that the tile can function correctly. Without this step, the icon can be displayed but not performed.

β˜‘οΈ Setting up third-party tile

Done: 0 / 4

It is worth noting that using third-party code to implement into system processes can have its nuances, and some design themes can hide the elements added in this way or change their appearance, making them indistinguishable from system ones or, conversely, out of style.

Configure hidden functions through the engineering menu and ADB

For advanced users who are not afraid of the command line, it is possible to activate hidden switches that are present in the system code but hidden from the average user. Using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) debugging bridge allows you to change the values of system variables, opening access to experimental functions. This is the most powerful, but also the most risky method.

Before you start any manipulation, you need to activate the developer mode, and you need to click on the build number several times in the About section. Once the corresponding notification appears, the settings menu will appear "Advanced Settings" or "Advanced", where the Developer Mode is located, and you need to enable debugging over USB.

Risks of using ADB
Misrepresenting system flags through ADB can lead to unstable interfaces, cyclical reboots, or complete sensor control failure. Always check commands before entering.

The connection process requires a computer and a set of platform tools. Once you connect your smartphone over USB and authorize debugging, you can send commands to change the configuration of Quick Settings. For example, some hidden switches are activated by settings put global commands with a specific key.

adb shell settings put global quick_settings_tiles"wifi,bluetooth,flashlight,custom_tile"

However, in modern versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the list of tokens available for editing through ADB is severely limited. The system checks the integrity of the configuration and can ignore commands adding unauthorized elements.

Action labeling and automation

An alternative to creating new switches is to use an automation system built into the shell or available through applications like MacroDroid or Tasker. You can create a script that will run when you click on a widget on your desktop or when you meet a certain condition by emulating the function of an additional icon in the curtain.

Built-in Auto Tasks (or Macros depending on the region) allows you to customize your response to system events. While this won't add a physical button to the curtain, you can put the task start widget on the lock screen or desktop, which solves the problem of fast access to complex functions. Automation allows you to implement the if-then logic that standard switches don't have.

For example, you can configure a script that changes the display settings with one touch, turns on the power saving mode, and triggers the navigator. This will work faster than switching three different system switches in series, an approach that is often more effective than simply cluttering the interface with new buttons.

MethodDifficultySecurityFlexibility
Staff menuLow.Tall.Low.
Annexes (Tile)MediumMediumTall.
ADB teamTall.Low.Maximum
AutomationMediumTall.Tall.

The choice of method depends on your technical skills and goals. If you just need to turn on the flashlight in the third way, there are enough regular funds. If you want to run complex scripts, you need automation or third-party tiles.

πŸ“Š What kind of functionality extension do you prefer?
Only standard settings
Third-party apps from the Play Market
ADB and root rights
Automation through macros

Compatibility issues and interface bugs

When adding a lot of icons or using third-party solutions, users often encounter visual artifacts. icons can overlap, shift off the screen or disappear after rebooting the device. This is due to the way SystemUI renders the Quick Settings Panel, and often depends on the screen resolution and the theme chosen.

One common problem with MIUI is resetting the order of the tiles after a system update or region change.The system can force a standard set back by removing all custom add-ons. In such cases, it is recommended to take screenshots of your configuration or record a sequence of tokens if you use ADB to set up.

⚠️ Warning: Installing applications from unverified sources promising a β€œmodified curtain” can lead to malware infection. Use only proven open source or high-rated tools in official stores.

Each active widget or tile, especially those that survey the system in real time (for example, monitoring traffic or temperature), consumes the resources of the processor. Excessive number of active elements can lead to a noticeable reduction in battery life.

Recovery of Remote System Icons

If you've deleted an important system icon in your experiments and can't find a way to get it back, the way to do that is to reset the Quick Action Panel settings. In some versions of HyperOS, you have a Reset Default button in the tiles editing menu, which will return the factory configuration, but will remove all your custom settings.

In more complex cases, when the icon has disappeared from the list of available for addition, it may be necessary to clean the data of the system application "Settings" or "System UI". This should be done carefully, saving important data beforehand, as this can reset all the personalization of the interface, including wallpaper and the location of the icons on the desktop.

For root-right users (which is difficult to do in modern Xiaomi due to the policy of blocking downloaders), there are Magisk modules that allow you to completely redraw the notification panel. However, given the difficulties with obtaining superuser rights on new devices, this method is recommended only for experienced enthusiasts who are ready to flash the device in case of failure.

Why did all the added icons disappear after the firmware update?
Updating the operating system often resets user interface file configurations. When installing a new version of MIUI or HyperOS, system files are replaced with default ones, which leads to the disappearance of third-party tiles and changes the order of standard ones.
Can I add a call record icon to the curtain?
There is no direct system icon for instant recording of a current conversation in the curtain due to Google's policy limitations, but you can use automated applications that record calls automatically when they arrive without requiring manual activation.
Does the number of icons in the curtain affect the speed of the smartphone?
The static icon itself does not affect speed, only the code that is executed when pressed, or the background processes, if the tile constantly updates the data (for example, shows the exchange rate in real time).
Is it safe to use apps to create tiles?
Using popular open source apps is safe. They don't require root rights and run within the standard Android API. However, avoid apps that request redundant permissions, such as accessing contacts or SMS, if their function is only to create a shortcut.

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The optimal balance between functionality and stability is achieved by using proven tile design applications, rather than by deep modification of system files.

To sum up, adding icons to Xiaomi’s curtain is a process that can range from simple button rearrangement to complex engineering setup: Start by mastering standard tools, then try secure third-party apps, and only if you really need unique system hacks, move on to using ADB. Competent interface customization makes interaction with your smartphone much more comfortable and productive.