How to change buttons on the lock screen Xiaomi: a complete guide with pictures and tips

Xiaomi’s lock screen is not just a protection against random clicks, but also a convenient tool for quick access to key functions. By default, flashlight and camera buttons are displayed here, but not everyone knows that they can be completely reconfigured to suit their needs. For example, instead of a camera, you can place Google Assistant, record a screen or even launch a favorite application.

In this article, we will analyze all the ways to change the buttons on the lock screen for Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones. POCO steerable MIUI 12, 13 and 14. You'll learn what features are available for add-on, how to get around system limitations, and what to do if the option you want isn't displayed in the settings. MIUI, which are not even written in official documents.

What buttons can be added to the lock screen Xiaomi

Depending on the MIUI version and smartphone model, the available set of buttons may vary, but in most cases, users can choose from the following list:

  • 🔦 Flashlight - turning on the backlight at one click (works even on a locked screen).
  • 📷 Camera – Quick start of the camera app (useful for snapshots).
  • 🎤 Google Assistant or Mi AI — Voice assistant to execute commands without unlocking.
  • 📹 Screen recording – the beginning of recording the display without logging in (not available on all models).
  • 🔒 Device locking – instantaneous screen shutdown (alternative to power button).
  • 📱 Applications - some versions MIUI allow you to add shortcuts for quick launch (for example, WhatsApp or YouTube).

On flagship models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5), the list can be expanded to include features such as game mode or contactless payments, while on budget devices (such as Redmi 10A), some options may be missing due to hardware limitations.

📊 What button do you use most on the lock screen?
Lantern
Camera.
Google Assistant
Screen recording
Other
Not using.

It is important to note that some features (e.g. screen recording) may require additional permissions or inclusion in Settings → Special Features. Also, on enterprise firmware devices (e.g., China), the list of available buttons may be stripped.

Step-by-step: how to change the buttons on the lock screen

The button setting process takes less than a minute, but requires precise follow-up, and below we will present a universal algorithm for MIUI 12-14, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make sure the device is at least 20% charged.

Close all background applications for stable operation

Connect to Wi-Fi (optional, but recommended for synchronization)-->

  1. Open Settings on your smartphone (the gear icon in the app menu).
  2. Go to the Lock Screen section (in some versions of MIUI it may be called Lock and Password).
  3. Select the buttons on the lock screen (or the shortcuts on the lock screen).
  4. Click on the left or right button (depending on which one you want to change).
  5. In the list that appears, select the desired feature (for example, Google Assistant instead of the camera).
  6. Confirm the changes and return to the home screen to check the result.

If the buttons don't show or work after changing, try restarting the device. In rare cases, resetting the lock screen settings helps (see the problem solving section for more on this).

💡

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T), the buttons on the lock screen can be swapped by simply holding and dragging – try this method if the standard one doesn’t work.

Hidden Features: How to Add Non-Standard Buttons

The official button list in MIUI is limited, but there are ways to extend it with third-party apps or hidden system features.

  • 🔄 Reboot/Switch Off – for quick access to the power menu.
  • 📡 Mobile data – turn on/off the Internet without unlocking.
  • 🔊 Soundless mode – switching sound profiles.
  • 📌 Notes – Quick Launch of an Application to Record Ideas.

This will require:

  1. Install QuickShortcutMaker from Google Play (or an alternative like Activity Launcher).
  2. Find the action for the desired function (e.g. com.android.settings.Settings$DataUsageSummaryActivity for mobile data).
  3. Create a shortcut on the home screen and then move it to the folder with lock buttons (if MIUI supports shortcut customization).
How to Add a Shutdown button to the Lock screen
1. Download Tasker or MacroDroid from Google Play. 2. Create a task with Power Menu action. 3. Set the trigger to press the virtual button (e.g. double tap on the lock screen). 4. Save the macro and check the work. Attention: some models will require root rights!

Another way is to use it. ADB-commands to unlock hidden features, such as adding a Google Assistant button to a model where it is not listed, you can perform:

adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_show_assistant 1

However, this method requires debugging over USB and can lead to unstable system operation, and we recommend it only to advanced users.

Compatibility table: which buttons work on different models

Not all features are available on all Xiaomi devices. Below we have collected data on the compatibility of buttons for popular smartphone lines. If your model is not on the list, focus on the MIUI version (relevant to firmware 12-14).

Smartphone modelLanternCamera.Google AssistantScreen recordingAnnexes
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro✅✅✅✅✅ (narrowly)
Redmi Note 12 Pro+✅✅✅❌❌
POCO F5✅✅✅✅❌
Redmi 10A✅✅❌❌❌
Xiaomi 12T✅✅✅✅✅ (full-access)

If your model doesn’t support the feature you want, try updating your MIUI to the latest version or using alternative methods from the previous section.

💡

The flagship models (Xiaomi 13, 12T) have more options than the budget models (Redmi 10A, POCO M5), due to hardware limitations and Xiaomi’s policies.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the buttons on the lock screen, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

⚠️ Warning: If the lock screen stopped responding to touch after changing the buttons, try unlocking the device with a fingerprint or PIN-And then reboot your phone, 90 percent of the time, it solves the problem.

Problem 1: The new button does not appear after saving the settings.

  • Check if the power saving mode is installed – it can block the update of the interface.
  • Restart the device (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
  • Update MIUI to the latest version in Settings → System Update.

Problem 2: The button works, but opens the wrong app.

  • Delete the Settings app cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  • Check if duplicate applications (e.g., two cameras) are installed.
  • Reset the lock screen settings to factory settings (see next section).

Problem 3: The option to change the buttons is not in the settings.

  • Make sure you don’t have corporate firmware (for example, for China).
  • Try changing the region to Settings → Additional → Region to India or Russia.
  • Use it. ADB-commands to force the function to be enabled (see the section on hidden features).

How to reset the lock screen settings to factory

If you've had some button experiments that have crashed or you want to get back to your standard settings, reset, which doesn't affect your personal data, but it will return all the lock screen settings to their original state.

  1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
  2. Scroll down and select Reset (or Restore by default).
  3. Confirm the action by entering the password / pattern lock.
  4. Restart the device to apply the changes.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X4) Resetting the lock screen settings can also bring back standard wallpaper and font style. save your wallpaper in advance in the gallery if you care about it.

If there is no reset option, use an alternative method:

  1. Install the MIUI Hidden Settings app (available on Google Play).
  2. Go to Lockscreen and select Reset to default.
  3. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

Alternative ways to customize the lock screen

If standard MIUI settings don’t suit you, consider third-party deep customization solutions:

  • 🎨 Always On Display (AOD): Configure a permanent display of time, notifications and buttons (available on the AMOLED-screen).
  • 🔧 Launchers: Apps like Nova Launcher or Hyperion allow you to change icons and shortcuts, including those displayed on the lock.
  • 🛠️ Xposed Framework: For advanced users, modules like GravityBox give full control of the interface (requires root).
  • 🖼️ Topics MIUI: B Settings → Themes can be downloaded alternative lock screen styles with unique buttons.

One of the most popular tools is the Lock Screen Customizer app (requires Android 10+).

  • Add an unlimited number of buttons.
  • Change their size, color and position.
  • Assign your own actions (for example, running a script or URL).

However, beware: many such applications require special permissions (such as Overlaying on top of other applications) that can affect security.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I add a button to run a specific application (e.g. Telegram)?
This is not possible in standard MIUI settings. However, you can: Use QuickShortcutMaker to create an app shortcut and place it on the home screen. Set an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that supports lock screen customization; use Tasker to create a gesture-based task to launch an app (like swiping up on a locked screen); some firmware (like Xiaomi.EU) have advanced settings to add apps.
Why did the buttons on the lock screen reset after the MIUI update?
This is standard system behavior in major updates (e.g., MIUI 13 to MIUI 14). To avoid losing settings: Before updating, take screenshots of current settings. Use backup via Settings → Additional → Backup. If the buttons are reset, just reconfigure them according to the instructions in this article.
How to remove buttons from the lock screen completely?
V MIUI There is no option to completely remove the buttons, but you can: Replace them with empty actions (for example, assign a function to the button that does nothing). ADB-Deactivation command: adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_show_shortcuts 0 Note: This command may not work on new versions MIUI or claim superuser rights: Set a third-party theme where the buttons are visually hidden (but remain clickable).
Does this setup work on POCO and Redmi?
All the instructions in this article are applicable to POCO And Redmi, because they work on the same firmware. MIUI. Exceptions: POCO shelled POCO The launcher path to settings may be slightly different (e.g. Settings) → Screen locking → On the budget Redmi segment (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Some of the features may be disabled due to hardware limitations. on Android One devices (e.g. Mi). A3) Lock screen settings are managed through standard Android settings, not MIUI.
Can I assign a button to run a voice assistant from Yandex or Alice?
There is no direct way to add Yandex Alice or SberSalut to the standard settings. However, there are workarounds: Through Tasker: Create a task with the Launch App action and select the Assistant app. Set the trigger to press the lock button (you will need ADB or root). Through the widget: Add the assistant widget to the home screen. Use an application like Widget Lockscreen to display it on the lock screen. On some firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU), you can replace Google Assistant with another assistant through editing system files, but this requires deep knowledge.