How to change the curtain on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide to customization

Xiaomi’s Redmi series smartphones are renowned for their flexibility in interface configuration, and the Redmi 9 model is no exception. The standard MIUI shell offers basic personalization capabilities, but many users want to go further by changing the appearance of system elements such as the notification curtain.This is the space from which interaction with the device begins, and its unique design can significantly increase the visual appeal of the gadget.

Changing the curtain on Redmi 9 is not just a change of picture, but a complex process that affects the themes of design, system widgets and third-party applications. Unlike some other manufacturers, Xiaomi allows you to implement deep changes to the interface without having to obtain root rights, although more sophisticated methods are available for advanced users. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to transform the notification panel from simple themes replacements to installing specialized modules.

Before you start taking action, it’s important to understand that the MIUI interface is constantly updated, and the location of some settings can vary depending on the firmware version. However, the basic principles of working with the thematics remain unchanged for most devices of the brand. It’s also important to note that changing system files without a backup can lead to unstable interface operation, so always have a restore point.

Basic settings of the control panel in MIUI

The standard functionality that the operating system provides is a start. Redmi 9 uses two areas: the top with brightness and sound sliders, and the bottom with quick tile settings. The user can edit a set of these tiles, changing their order or removing unnecessary elements.

The system allows you to adjust the behavior of the curtain in different use cases, for example, you can change the way the flashlight is activated or the Do Not Disturb mode by long-term clicking on the corresponding icon. These settings are located in the Settings menu β†’ Notifications and status bar. This also adjusts the display of Internet speed, battery charge in percentages and other system indicators that are visually integrated into the top of the screen.

It is worth remembering that the standard settings are limited to the design set by the developers of Xiaomi. You can not change the shape of the sliders or background color without using themes. However, competent setting of the visibility of elements allows you to make the interface cleaner and more convenient for everyday use. This is especially true for those who prefer minimalism and do not want to overload the screen with unnecessary information.

  • πŸ“± Access to editing tiles is done by swiping down and clicking on the pencil icon.
  • βš™οΈ Deep setting of indicators is available in the section "Notifications and status barΒ».
  • πŸ”’ The screen lock can display different elements depending on the chosen theme.
  • 🎨 The standard color palette is limited to the selected wallpaper and the system theme.
πŸ“Š What interface style is closer to you?
Standard MIUI
Minimalism
Bright and rich.
Black theme (Dark Mode)
Other

Using the Themes app to change design

The most effective and safest way to change the look of the curtain on Redmi 9 is to use the built-in Themes app. Xiaomi theme store contains thousands of design options, many of which completely replace the system icons, fonts and, most importantly, the design of the notification panel. When choosing a theme, pay attention to the preview, which often shows the kind of curtain and control center.

The process of installing a new theme is simple: open the app, type in keywords like β€œNotification style,” β€œControl center,” or β€œiOS style,” and choose your favorite one. Once you download and apply the theme, the system will automatically replace the graphical interface elements. Some themes can only change colors, while others completely redraw volume sliders, Wi-Fi tiles and Bluetooth, making them more voluminous or flat.

It is important to consider the compatibility of the theme with your version of MIUI. If the theme is not displayed correctly after applying the curtain or elements come over each other, try resetting the theme to the standard. To do this, go to the user profile inside the Themes app, select My Themes and activate the classic Default design. This will return all visual elements to their original state without losing personal data.

⚠️ Note: Some third-party themes may contain advertising modules or require additional permissions. Before installing, check author ratings and reviews from other users to avoid installing malicious software.

πŸ’‘

Before installing a new theme, take a screenshot of the current widget configuration so that after changing the design, you can quickly restore the usual order of the elements.

Customization of widgets and tiles of quick access

The visual part of the curtain is only half the battle; functionality is determined by the set of available widgets. On Redmi 9, you can not only change their location, but also replace standard switches with more advanced counterparts through third-party applications. The standard set includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight and flight mode, but users often need quick access to other features, such as turning on mobile Internet or clearing cache.

To expand the functionality, you can use launcher applications or specialized widget utilities to create widgets, which allow you to display weather, currency rate or battery status information on the lock screen or in the notification curtain in more detail than a standard system does.

Newer versions of MIUI have introduced a Control Center that visually separates brightness and sound sliders from switch tiles. This interface can be switched to a classic view through Settings β†’ Notifications and Status bar β†’ Control Center. Style choices affect how the themes are displayed, so experiment with both to find the one that is most convenient for you.

β˜‘οΈ Checking the widget settings

Done: 0 / 1

Advanced customization through third-party apps

If standard tools aren't enough, third-party apps from Google Play come to the rescue, with programs like Material Notification Shade or Notsy allowing you to completely redraw the notification bar by adding a new style of watch, calendar, music player, and even multitasking capabilities, and these apps run on top of the system interface, intercepting the display of notifications and replacing them with their own widgets.

Installing these apps requires special permissions, including access to notifications and the right to overlay on top of other windows. Once set up, you’ll get a curtain that can look like a pure Android or mimic the iOS interface. Some apps allow you to customize transparency, blue effect and animation appearance, making interaction with your smartphone more smooth and enjoyable.

However, using third-party shells has drawbacks. They can conflict with MIUI system updates or cause increased battery consumption due to constant graphics calculations. Also, when locking the screen or in heavy games, the third-party curtain may not display or work with delays. So before installing, consider the need for such changes.

AnnexSubstantive functionImpact on the batteryDifficulty setting up
Material Notification ShadeComplete replacement of curtain designAverage.Medium
NotsyWidgets and notification customizationLow.Low.
Themes (MIUI)Change of system graphic elementsMinimumLow.
Quick Settings TileAdding hidden switchesMinimumTall.

Styling of sound and brightness control elements

Brightness and sound sliders are some of the most commonly used interface elements. In standard Redmi 9 firmware, they have a fixed design, but using themes from the store allows you to change their shape, color and even motion animations. There are themes that turn sliders into neon lines, circular regulators or minimalistic features.

For those who like technical details, it is important to know that changing these elements affects the framework-res.apk system file, which is replaced when you install the theme. That is why it is not recommended to delete the Themes app or clean its data manually through the file manager if you want to keep the changed interface working. Resetting theme settings through the standard menu is the only safe way to return to the original look.

Some users are trying to change the brightness step or the sensitivity of sliders. Unfortunately, without root rights and the use of modified system files, this is impossible. The standard range and adjustment step are rigidly defined by the display drivers and calibration performed by Xiaomi engineers for the specific matrix installed in the Redmi 9.

Secret codes for screen checks
Enter the code ##6484## in the Phone app to get to the engineering menu, where you can check the uniformity of the backlight and sensor operation, which is useful in assessing the quality of the display of the curtain elements.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

In the process of customization, users may face a number of problems: the curtain may stop opening, elements may not display correctly, or the phone may start to work slower. Most often, the reason lies in a conflict of theme versions and firmware. If after installing a new theme, the interface is β€œgot”, first of all, reboot the device in safe mode or simply reset the theme to a standard one.

Another common problem is the appearance of ads in the notification curtain. This often happens when installing free themes from unknown authors or using aggressive applications to clean up memory.The solution is to remove a suspicious application or disable recommendations in system settings. Go to Settings β†’ Password and security β†’ Access to personal data and restrict the rights for applications that should not have access to the system.

If the curtain freezes or does not respond to touch, try clearing the cache of the Security or Services system application. MIUIΒ». In extreme cases, resetting all settings to factory will help, but before that, be sure to back up important data. Remember that deep modification of the system always carries risks, and the stability of the device should be a priority.

⚠️ Warning: When installing themes from third-party sources (not through the official Themes store), always check files with antivirus. Modified system packages may contain vulnerabilities that allow attackers to access your notifications and passwords.

πŸ’‘

The safest and most stable way to change the curtain on Redmi 9 is to use official themes from the built-in app store, as they are tested for compatibility with MIUI.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make a curtain like an iPhone without root rights?
Yes, it's possible. Themes store needs to search for themes labeled "iOS style" or "iPhone," which change icons, fonts and control center design to make them look like iOS visually without requiring any interference with system files.
Why did the curtain transparency disappear after installing the theme?
Transparency depends on the specific theme and version of MIUI. Some themes do not support the blur effect on certain models or versions of Android. Try to choose a different theme or turn on/off Dark Theme in the screen settings, which sometimes forcefully changes the rendering of elements.
Is it safe to use curtain replacement apps?
Google Play's high-ranking apps are generally safe. However, they require broad permissions. If an app requests access to contacts or a microphone to work with a curtain, it's suspicious. Use only proven utilities with good reviews.
How to return all the curtain settings to the factory?
Go to the Themes app, go to the profile (human icon), select My Themes and click on the classic theme "Default" or "Classic" to restore the original design of all system elements.
Does the customization of the curtain affect the speed of the Redmi 9?
Using heavy animated themes or constantly running third-party curtain apps can slightly increase battery consumption and processor load. On Redmi 9 with its Helio G80 processor, it's better to use optimized static themes for maximum performance.