How to change the notification bar on Xiaomi: 5 ways from standard to advanced

Why do users want to change the notification bar on Xiaomi – and should they?

The notification panel (or notification curtain) on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most controversial elements of the MIUI interface. On the one hand, it offers quick access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and brightness switches, and on the other, many users complain about its overload with advertising, awkward location of elements or lack of flexibility in settings, especially for owners of devices with global firmware, where the manufacturer actively integrates Xiaomi services and partners.

But before we start to make changes, it’s worth understanding that on devices with a locked bootloader (most official Xiaomi smartphones), radical modifications to the notification panel will require unlocking the bootloader, which automatically deprives you of guarantees. At the same time, even without root rights, you can significantly transform the appearance and functionality of the curtain — from simple themes to installing alternative launchers.

It is important to consider the version of MIUI: for example, in MIUI 14 and later, some of the functions of the notification panel configuration are moved to Settings → Screen → Control Panel, whereas in older versions (before MIUI 12), these options could be in Settings → Notifications. Some functions also depend on regional firmware: Chinese versions of MIUI often offer more customization options than global ones.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings – what can be changed without risk?

Let's start with the most secure method, which doesn't require installing third-party apps or tampering with system files. Even standard MIUI firmware has some hidden and explicit options for setting up the notification bar. Here's what you can do right now:

• 🔄 Change the order of the tiles of the quick settings: pinch any icon in the curtain (for example, Wi-Fi or flashlight) and drag it to the right place. MIUI 13/14 It also has the ability to hide unnecessary switches – to do this, click on the pencil in the upper right corner of the panel.
• 🎨 Change the theme of the design: go to Settings → Themes and select one of the preset themes (like Dark Mode or Classic) that will change the color scheme of the curtain, but not the structure of the curtain.
• 📱 Set up the display of notifications: in Settings → Notifications → The notification panel can enable or disable the grouping of notifications, as well as change their priority (for example, always show notifications from messengers from above).
• 🔍 Remove Ads and Recommendations: In the same notification settings, disable the Recommended Content option (if any in your version) MIUI). This will remove banners with app suggestions from the curtain.

But there are limitations to standard settings, like, you can't:

• ❌ Completely remove the weather and date section at the top of the curtain.
• ❌ Change the size or transparency of the panel.
• ❌ Add your custom switches (for example, to VPN or the "Do Not Disturb" mode").

If you don't like these limitations, we'll move on to more advanced methods, but first, an important warning:

⚠️ Note: Modifying system files or installing modified files APK It can lead to unstable smartphone operation, errors in the operation of sensors or even a "brick" of the device. Before any manipulations, create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 2: Using themes and icons from third-party developers

If you don't have enough preset themes in MIUI, you can install custom themes from Xiaomi Themes or third-party sources, which doesn't require root rights, but makes a noticeable visual change. Here's how it works:

1. Installation through the official theme store: Open the Themes app on your Xiaomi, go to the Online section and find themes marked "Notification Panel" or "Control Center." Popular options: iOS Style, Pixel Theme or One UI. After applying the theme, the curtain will acquire a new design, but the functionality will remain the same.
2. Third-party MTZ-Topics: More advanced users can download.mtz themes from forums (e.g., forums, XDA Developers or 4PDA) And install them through the file manager: 1. Download the theme file (for example, "AOSP_Notification_Panel.mtz"). 2. Open it through the standard "Themes" app". 3. Apply the theme and restart the device. ⚠️ Caution: Not all third-party themes are optimized for your Xiaomi model. On some devices, this can cause text to disappear in the curtain or swipe errors.

If you want to go further and change not only the appearance but also the functionality of the curtain, the next step is to install an alternative launcher.

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Before installing third-party themes, check the reviews on the forums – some topics may conflict with firmware based on Android 13+.

Method 3: Alternative launchers - how to replace the notification curtain completely?

One of the most effective ways to change the root-free notification bar is to install an alternative launcher such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion Launcher.These applications do not replace the system curtain completely, but allow:

• 📲 Set up gestures to call notifications (such as swiping down on the desktop).
• 🎛️ Change the style of the icons of the quick settings through integration with icon packages (for example, Whicons or Delta).
• 🔄 Add notification widgets to the home screen (such as weather or calendar).

However, there is a caveat: most launchers cannot completely replace the notification system bar, they only offer alternative ways to access it.

1. Install a launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher from Google Play).
2. In the launcher settings, enable the option to Show the notification panel (if any).
3. Use add-ons like Notification Toggles to create custom switches.

For deeper integration, some users combine launchers with applications like Power Shade or Quick Settings that emulate the notification curtain over the standard one, with the downside of the extra battery consumption and possible swipe lags.

Method 4: Modification of system files (for advanced users only)

If you're willing to take risks and have experience with ADB or Magisk, you can make changes directly to MIUI system files. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and, usually, root rights.

• 🔧 Editing SystemUI.apk: With tools like APKTool or Ninja Morph, you can change the graphical elements of the curtain (colors, icons, fonts), for example, replace the standard switches with the Material You style.
• 📝 Change of configuration files: in the folder /system/media/theme/default stored XML-files that are responsible for the location of elements in the curtain, editing them allows you to remove unnecessary blocks (for example, ads) or change indentations.
• 🔄 Installation of modified SystemUI via Magisk: on the forums XDA They often lay out ready-made modules for popular Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or Poco). F3), who replace the curtain with the custom.

Example of commands for extracting SystemUI.apk via ADB:

adb pull /system/priv-app/SystemUI/SystemUI.apk C:\SystemUI_backup\

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to a cyclic bootloop.Always have a Fastboot firmware cable and original firmware on hand for your model.

Make a backup through TWRP|Download the original firmware|Check the version. MIUI|Install ADB and Fastboot|Connect the debugging mode (USB Debugging)-->

Method 5: Install custom firmware (AOSP, LineageOS, etc.)

The most radical, but also the most effective way to change the notification bar is to switch to custom firmware based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS offer:

• 🆕 A completely new notification curtain in the style of stock Android (without advertising and unnecessary elements).
• 🔧 Deep tuning: the ability to change the transparency, the number of lines, add your switches.
• 📱 Regular updates (as opposed to regular updates) MIUI, where updates are often delayed).

However, this method has serious disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• ⚠️ Possible camera or sensor issues (not all custom firmware is perfect for Xiaomi).
• ⚠️ No proprietary features (e.g. Second Space or Game Turbo).

Instructions for installing LineageOS on the example of Redmi Note 9 Pro:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and wait 7 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Download the LineageOS firmware for your model from the official website.
4. Sweat through recovery, then install GApps (if you need Google services).

Once installed, you’ll get a clean Android notification bar with the option to fine-tune through Settings → System → Gestures → Notification Panel.

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Custom firmware is the only way to completely remove ads and unnecessary items from the curtain of Xiaomi, but they are only suitable for advanced users.

Methods Comparison: What to Choose Based on Your Goals?

To help determine the method, we will summarize all methods in a comparative table:

For most users, the best solution is a combination of standard settings + third-party themes + alternative launcher, which will give noticeable changes without risking damage to the system. Advanced users who are willing to sacrifice the warranty can recommend custom firmware - they offer the greatest freedom.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you change the notification bar on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔄 Notification curtain does not open after the theme is installed: Reason: Theme incompatibility with your version MIUI Solution: Delete the theme through Settings → Topics → My themes and reboot the device. If the curtain still doesn't work, reset the launcher settings (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data).
• ⚡ Quick battery drain after installing an alternative launcher: Reason: Launchers like Nova Launcher and additional modules (like Power Shade) consume additional resources. Solution: Disable unnecessary animations in the launcher settings and limit background activity through Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 🔧 Quick Settings Icons Are Displayed Incorrectly After Editing SystemUI.apk: Cause: Error in decompilation or assembly APK-Solution: Restore the original SystemUI.apk from the backup or run it through TWRP. If the device does not boot, run the full firmware through Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: If after modifications the smartphone stopped turning on or stuck on the logo MI, Do not try to fix it with Hard Reset (Power clamping). + Volume Up. In most cases, this will only make the problem worse. Instead, connect the device to your PC and run the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions