Modern Xiaomi smartphones provide users with a huge arsenal of tools for quickly configuring the device, and one of the main controls is the notification panel, or “curtain”. However, it often happens that after updating the system or the first turn on the device, the user finds that the usual icons are missing somewhere or, conversely, the necessary functions are missing. This can be puzzling, especially when you need to quickly turn on the recorder, calculator or change the screen mode, and the button is not at hand.
In this article, we will detail how to add icons to the curtain of Xiaomi, return lost controls and adjust the notification panel to your personal needs. You will learn about the hidden capabilities of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS system, which allow you to customize the interface beyond recognition. We will look at both standard configuration tools and more advanced methods, including working with system files.
Before you start taking action, it’s important to understand the interface architecture of your gadget. The control panel is not just a set of buttons, but a complex software module that can behave differently depending on the firmware version and region. Wrong actions sometimes lead to the system becoming unstable, so follow the instructions carefully.
Interface Anatomy: Distinguishing Notification Curtains from Control Center
Many users confuse the two different interface elements, which leads to problems finding the right buttons. In modern versions of the shells from Xiaomi, there is a clear separation between the list of incoming messages and the quick action block.
Notification Shade is designed to display messages from apps, missed calls and system alerts. A swipe from top to bottom on the left side of the screen usually opens this section. You won't find Wi-Fi or flashlight buttons here, because they're in another module.
Control Center is the area where users want to add icons. In the classic Android style, it's at the top of the screen and is called by a top-down swipe. But in the MIUI style, which is the default on many models, the control center is placed on the right side and called by a swipe from right to left, and that's where the brightness sliders, the volume and the grid of fast switches are located.
⚠️ Warning: If you can't find the edit button, check what style of control center is activated. In classic Android style, the edit button is at the bottom of the list after swiping down, and in style MIUI — top-right corner with swipe to right.
To switch between styles, go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Control Center, where you can choose how your interface will look, and style choices directly affect the availability of some editing features and the location of elements.
Basic setup: How to edit a quick action list
The easiest and safest way to change the icon set is to use a built-in editor, which requires no root rights and is fully supported by the manufacturer. To get started, unlock your smartphone screen and swipe to open the control center.
Find a pencil-like icon or a three-dot/slider button, usually located in the upper right or lower corner of the panel, and tapping this element puts the system in editing mode, and you will see a screen divided into two main zones: the top, where the active icons are located, and the bottom, where the items available for addition are hidden.
Adding new buttons is done by drag-and-drop, and you have to tap the icon in the bottom list and drag it to the top, and the system automatically moves the rest of the items, making room for the new icon, and you can also remove the unnecessary buttons by dragging them back down.
☑️ Pre-editing checks
It's important to note that the number of icons you display is limited. There's usually room in the top block for 6, 9, or 12 buttons depending on the screen size and the grid settings. If you try to add more elements than the grid allows, the system will simply keep them from being placed in the active zone, so you can swipe left or right inside the button block itself to access additional quick action pages.
Advanced features: hidden switches and functions
Not all the features available on the system are displayed in the standard editing list. Xiaomi engineers often hide certain modules to avoid overloading the user interface. However, enthusiasts can access a deeper level of settings.
One way to expand functionality is to use tweaks like Quick Settings Tiles or LSPosed modules (formerly Xposed), which allow you to introduce new switches that are not available in stock firmware, such as adding a button to instantly switch between mobile internet and Wi-Fi or activate developer mode.
Also worth noting are regional features of firmware. Chinese versions of MIUI (CN) often have more hidden switches than global (Global) or European (EEA) versions. Some users specifically refashion devices or change region in settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region) to unlock functionality, although this can affect the availability of advertising and the operation of some services.
Risks of using third-party modules
Another interesting aspect is smart scripting: In the Mi Tasks app (or Google Assistant), you can create automation that will add a temporary icon to the curtain when certain conditions are met, such as the Read Mode button can only appear in the evening when you connect your smartphone to charge.
Display problems: why the badges were missing
It's quite common for icons to suddenly disappear, and it can be caused by software failures or by the user's own actions, and before you panic, you need to analyze the latest changes in the system.
A common reason is an operating system update. When you switch from one version of Android to another or when you upgrade MIUI, the control panel settings can be reset to factory settings, in which case all user settings fly off, and the panel returns to the "out of the box" state.
Another possible reason is to install "heavy" themes: Third-party themes downloaded from the theme store can replace system icons with their own. If the theme is not written correctly or adapted to your version of the shell, some icons may simply stop showing or become transparent.
Below is a table that helps diagnose the cause of the elements’ disappearance:
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| All the icons are gone. | Failure of the UI system process | Rebooting the device |
| There is no specific button | Restriction of region or version of software | Checking the list available in the editor |
| Icons are there, but they don't work. | Conflict of access rights | Resetting the settings of the “Security” application |
| The panel is not called by swipe | Sensor error or system lag | Clearing the system's cache |
⚠️ Warning: If critical features are missing after the firmware update, don't rush to reset your phone to factory settings.Try first to clear the Settings and Security app cache through the app menu.
Sometimes the problem lies in the overcrowded cache of system services, and cleaning the cache through the recovery mode menu or through the storage settings can return the functionality of the control panel without losing personal data.
Styling and customization: themes and fonts
For those who find the standard look of icons boring, MIUI Themes offers thousands of design options, but setting themes is not just about beauty, but also about the risk of losing the readability of the interface. Some design decisions sacrifice clarity for aesthetics.
When choosing a theme, pay attention to screenshots of the lock screen and control center. Make sure the theme author pays attention to drawing all system icons. Often, the main buttons (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) are redrawn, and the secondary ones (flight mode, screen rotation) remain standard or are displayed incorrectly.
Also worth mentioning is the effect of font size and screen scale on icon display. If the display settings (Settings → Screen → Text and Font Size) are too large, the button grid can “go” and some elements simply do not fit into the designated area, hiding outside the screen.
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Before you install a new theme, take a screenshot of the current icon configuration, which will help you quickly restore the familiar look if the new theme is uncomfortable or buggy.
The use of third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Lawnchair) can also affect the system curtain. Although launchers replace the desktop, some try to integrate their notification widgets, which may conflict with the standard Xiaomi panel, in such cases, it is recommended to disable the integration of notifications in the launcher settings themselves.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a Screen Record button to the curtain if it is not on the list?
Why did all the icons I added disappear after resetting?
Does Google Camera Installation Affect Notification Curtains?
How to return the standard look of icons if the topic is spoiled?
Is the curtain setting available on older Redmi models?
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Competent setting of the quick action panel saves up to 30% of time with daily use of the smartphone, allowing you to manage key functions in one touch.
To sum up, managing icons in the curtain of Xiaomi is a flexible process that requires only minimal user intervention. Understanding the differences between interface styles, knowing how to use the built-in editor, and knowing the sources of possible failures will allow you to keep your smartphone in perfect order. Don't be afraid to experiment with settings, but always remember to create backups before making global changes to the system.