The notification curtain on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most used interface elements, but not all users like its standard look or functionality. Some want to remove ads in MIUI, some lack fast switches, and some are just tired of the monotony and want something new. Fortunately, you can replace the curtain on Xiaomi in several ways, from simple settings to install alternative launchers or even custom firmware.
In this article, we’ll take a look at all the current methods for changing the notification curtain, including official MIUI features, third-party apps and radical solutions for advanced users. We’ll focus on the nuances for different models – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14 – and tell you how to avoid customization errors. If you want to not just change the appearance, but also add useful features (for example, managing a smart home from a curtain), then here you go.
Why users want to change the curtain on Xiaomi
The standard notification curtain in MIUI has several features that not everyone likes, and here are the main reasons why users are looking for alternatives:
- 📢 Advertising and unnecessary notifications: even in the latest versions MIUI In the curtain may appear promo banners from Xiaomi, which can not be turned off by standard means.
- 🔄 Inconvenient arrangement of elements: for example, in some versions MIUI switch Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Hidden behind an extra swipe.
- 🎨 Restricted Customization: You can’t change the transparency, color or size of icons without root rights.
- 🚀 Lack of useful widgets: unlike some custom firmware, in MIUI There is no built-in support for widgets in the curtain (such as weather or music player).
- 🔒 Restrictions for European firmware: in global versions MIUI Often reduced functionality compared to Chinese.
In addition, after MIUI updates, the curtain may start to work unstable - for example, notifications are duplicated or disappear, and quick settings are slowed down, in which case replacing the curtain becomes not desirable, but a necessary measure.
Method 1: Configure the standard MIUI curtain (without root)
Before you resort to radical methods, try optimizing the standard curtain. The latest versions of MIUI (14 and later) have several hidden settings that allow you to customize the interface a little.
To open the extended curtain settings:
- Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar.
- Select the Status Line item.
- Activate the option to Show notification icons (if disabled).
- In the Quick Settings section, click Edit and drag the desired switches to the active zone.
For Xiaomi 13/14 and Redmi Note 12 models, the option is available to split notifications - it allows you to divide the curtain into two parts: the upper (fast settings) and the lower (notifications) to enable it:
Settings → Special features → System settings → Separation of the notification curtainNote that some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global) may not have this option, so switching to India or China will help, often unlocking hidden features.
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If your MIUI version doesn’t have a curtain split option, try upgrading to the latest beta via System Update (enable Get Updates Early in Update Settings).
Method 2: Use of alternative launchers
If the standard MIUI settings don't suit you, the next step is to install a third-party launcher, some of which allow you to completely replace the notification curtain with new features and visuals.
- 🌈 Nova Launcher + TeslaUnread: the combination allows you to customize notification icons and add counters of unread messages.
- ⚡ Hyperion Launcher: Has built-in support for curtain themes, including transparency and animations.
- 📱 Lawnchair 2: Lightweight open source launcher, supports widgets in curtain (such as weather or player).
- 🔧 Niagara Launcher: a minimalist interface with easy notifications by category.
To replace the curtain with a launcher:
- Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
- Run it and select Notification Shade or Notification Shade in the settings.
- Activate the option to Replace the system curtain (you may need permission to overlay windows).
- Customize the appearance: transparency, color, location of elements.
Importantly, not all launchers completely replace the system curtain; some, such as Nova Launcher, only modify the look of the system, but do not add new features. ADB-team.
Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources)
Backup of current MIUI settings
Enable permission "Opening windows" for the launcher
Disable battery optimization for launcher-->
Method 3: Install custom firmware (for advanced)
If you're willing to take drastic measures, replacing the firmware will give you maximum freedom in setting up the curtain.
| Firmware | Features of the curtain | Requires unlocking of the loader | Support for models |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | Minimalist design, no advertising, support for themes | Yes. | Most of the models (except new ones) |
| Pixel Experience | The curtain is like on Google Pixel, with a weather widget | Yes. | Redmi Note 10/11, Poco X3, and others. |
| crDroid | Advanced customization of color, transparency, animations | Yes. | Xiaomi 11/12, Redmi K40 |
| MIUI EU | MIUI without advertising, with additional curtain settings | No (region change is enough) | All models with official MIUI |
The process of installing custom firmware includes:
- Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (for most firmware).
- Installation of custom recavery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
- Formatting data and system sections.
- Firmware ZIP-file-over.
What happens if the device is not properly installed?
Important: Custom firmware voids Xiaomi’s warranty and may result in data loss.Be sure to back up via TWRP or Mi Cloud before you start.
How to return a standard curtain if something goes wrong
If after experiments with launchers or firmware curtain began to work incorrectly (for example, does not open swipe or no notifications), you can return everything back in several ways:
- 🔄 Resetting launcher settings: go to launcher settings and select Reset to factory.
- 📱 Remove the launcher: uninstall a third-party launcher – the system will automatically return to the standard MIUI.
- 🔧 Cleaning the system cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Show system-based → System interface MIUI and clean the cache.
- 🔨 Recovery through TWRP: If the problem occurs after firmware, load into the recovery and restore the backup system and boot.
If the curtain has completely stopped opening, check:
- Does the sensor work (try swiping elsewhere on the screen)
- Notifications are disabled in Settings → Notifications → Notification icons.
- Is there any conflicting application (try to boot into Safe Mode by pressing the power button).
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If the curtain doesn't work after resetting, it could be a system file corruption, and only flashing through Fastboot will help.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When replacing curtains, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The curtain opens with a delay | Launcher conflict with MIUI or lack of RAM | Turn off animations in the developer settings or change the launcher |
| The icons in the curtain are displayed incorrectly | Failure of the system interface cache | Clear the cache of com.android.systemui via ADB |
| Notifications do not come in an alternative curtain | The launcher has no rights to access notifications | Enable permission to access notifications for launcher |
| The curtain became transparent and unreadable | Incorrect theme settings in custom firmware | Change the theme to standard in the design settings |
Another common mistake is to try to replace the curtain without unlocking the bootloader on firmware with Miui Optimization (e.g., on Chinese versions), in which case the system will automatically reset the changes. To avoid this, disable MIUI optimization via ADB:
adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1After this command is executed, restart the device.
Alternative solutions: widgets and automation
If you don’t need a complete curtain replacement, but you want to add useful elements to it (for example, weather, player or quick notes), you can use widgets and automation:
- 🌦️ Weather widget: install Overdrop or Today Weather and add a widget to the lock screen or to the curtain (if the launcher supports it).
- 🎵 Music management: Musicolet app lets you add player to notification curtain.
- 📝 Quick Notes: Google Keep or ColorNote Supports Widgets for Quick Note-Making.
- 🏠 Smart Home: If you have Xiaomi Smart Home devices, install Mi Home and enable widget display in the curtain.
To automate the actions when you open the curtain, Tasker or MacroDroid is suitable.
- Automatic flashlight switching when swiping down in the dark.
- Opening of selected contacts when holding the notification icon.
- Quick switching of sound profiles (calling/vibration/no sound)
Example of Tasker's task:
Profile: Opening the curtain
Event: UI → Notifications → The curtain is open
Task:
1. If the time is between 22:00 and 7:00 → Set the brightness to 30%
2.Run the weather widget