How to change the app on the lock screen Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Xiaomi's lock screen is not just a barrier to a smartphone, but a full-fledged information hub. It displays notifications, time, weather and, most conveniently, fast app shortcuts. By default, the manufacturer sets a standard set (camera, phone, flashlight), but it is not suitable for all users. Someone wants to launch instant messengers in one click, someone needs banking applications or a music player, and gamers dream of placing Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile there.

In this article, we will analyze all available ways to change applications on the lock screen for Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and Black Shark smartphones based on the MIUI 12-14: You'll learn how to add any app you have installed (even if it's not on the standard list), what to do if it's not active, and how to get around system limitations (AOD), This allows you to make the lock screen as functional as possible.

Why you can’t change your apps on the lock screen of Xiaomi: common reasons

Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand why some users simply don’t have the option to change shortcuts or are blocked.

• 📱 An outdated version MIUI. On firmware older MIUI 11 functionality is limited – you can only change the camera and flashlight.
• 🔒 Active child mode or parental control, which blocks system settings from changing.
• 🛡️ Company/employer security policy on enterprise devices with Mobile Device Management (MDM) Lock screen settings may be limited.
• 🔄 Recently performed reset. After a hard reset, some functions are temporarily unavailable (you have to wait 24-48 hours).
• 📲 Use of alternative launcher: Some third-party shells (e.g. Nova Launcher) conflict with lock settings.

If your smartphone falls under one of these points, first eliminate the cause. For example, update MIUI to the latest version or turn off child mode in Settings → Accounts and Sync → Family Control.

⚠️ Note: On devices with bootloader unlocked and custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS), the lock screen settings may not work properly. In this case, it is recommended to use Magisk modules like Lockscreen Customizer.

Method 1: Standardly change shortcuts through MIUI settings

This is the easiest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14. Instructions are suitable for models Redmi Note 10/11/12, Xiaomi 12/13, Poco F4/F5 and others.

What needs to be done:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Lock Screen (or Lock and Password → Lock screen settings on some models).
3. Slip on the application shortcuts (may be called Quick Apps).
4. Choose one of two shortcut locations (left or right) and scroll down to find the app you want.
5. Confirm the choice - the label will immediately appear on the lock screen.

Note that the standard list only shows system and most popular apps. If you don't have the messenger or game you want, go to Method 2.

Check the MIUI version (should be 12 or later)

Make sure there are no active restrictions on the device (Child Mode, MDM)

Close all background applications (sometimes they block changes)

Reboot your smartphone if the option is inactive-->

Method 2: Add any application via "Other Settings"

If the standard list does not contain the application, it can be added through advanced settings, which works on MIUI 13/14 and some MIUI 12.5 builds.

Step-by-step:

1. Press the empty space on the home screen with your finger to open the wallpaper and widget settings menu.
2. Select Lock screen settings (or Other settings if the first item is missing).
3. Scroll down to the Application Shortcuts section and tap it.
4. At the bottom of the screen will appear button Add the application – click on it.
5. In the list of all installed applications, find the right one and select it.
6. Return to the lock screen – a new shortcut should appear in one of the corners.

If there is no Add App button, try another way:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points (menu) → Default Settings → Shortcuts on the Lock screen

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A POCO M3) This method may not work because of performance limitations, and only Method 3 using this method will help. ADB.

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If the application you want doesn't show up on the list, try running it at least once, and sometimes MIUI doesn't show you programs that you've never opened.

Method 3: Change shortcuts through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods fail, you can manually edit system settings via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer, but allows you to add any application, even if it is not displayed in the MIUI interface.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the assembly number → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the smartphone to the computer and allow debugging (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Enter a command to get a list of all installed applications: adb shell pm list packages Find the desired application package in the output (for example, com.whatsapp for WhatsApp).
4. Select a shortcut for left corner: adb shell settings put secure sysui_keyguard_left <packet> Adb shell settings put secure sysui_keyguard_right <packet>
5. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

After the reboot, new shortcuts will appear on the lock screen. If the command does not work, try replacing secure with global:

adb shell settings put global sysui_keyguard_left < name packet>

Method 4: Use of third-party launchers (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can go a workaround by installing an alternative launcher that supports lock screen customization.

• 🎨 Nova Launcher + Nova Lockscreen plugin (paid, but with trial period) allows you to add any shortcuts and even widgets.
• 🔧 Action Launcher. has built-in settings for the lock screen, including changing shortcuts.
• 🚀 Smart Launcher 6 Supports fast action on a locked screen.

How it works:

1. Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
2. Launch it and select as the default launcher.
3. In the launcher settings, look for the Lockscreen section or Quick Actions.
4. Add the desired applications to the list of shortcuts.
5. Restart the device (sometimes required to apply the changes).

The downside of this method is that not all launchers work correctly with Always-On Display (AOD). On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) after installing a third-party launcher, AOD may turn off.

MIUI Launcher (standard)

Nova Launcher

Action Launcher

Smart Launcher

Another (I will write in the comments)-->

Compatibility table: what methods work on your Xiaomi model

Not all methods work equally well on different devices, and below is the compatibility table for popular models:

If your model is not in the table, focus on the MIUI version:

MIUI 14: All methods work except for some Poco restrictions.

MIUI 13: There may be problems with adding via "Other Settings".

MIUI 12.5 and below: Most often only ADB or third-party launchers work.

How to Remove Unnecessary Labels or Return Standard Labels

If you’ve experimented with settings and want to get things back to normal, do the following:

For standard applications (Camera, Phone, Lantern):

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Application shortcuts.
2. Choose a left or right shortcut and scroll up the list – there will be standard options.
3. Select the desired application (such as the Camera) and save the changes.

If the labels were added through ADB:

adb shell settings delete secure sysui_keyguard_left


adb shell settings delete secure sysui_keyguard_right

After that, the shortcuts will disappear and you can assign new ones through standard settings.

For third-party launchers:

• Open the launcher settings.
• Find the Lockscreen section or Quick Actions.
• Remove unnecessary shortcuts or reset the settings to factory ones.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite) after removing shortcuts through ADB You may be able to get your Always-On Display setting down. AOD, Go to Settings. → Screen. → Always-On Display and turn it back on.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing shortcuts on Xiaomi lock screen

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On devices with Always-On Display (AOD), application shortcuts may not appear off. To make them appear, tap the screen or press the power button to go into lock mode.