How to set up apps on the lock screen Xiaomi: 3 ways to MIUI 12-15

Xiaomi’s lock screen is not just a random click protection, but also a handy tool for quick access to important features. By default, it displays standard widgets: calendar, weather, music player or camera. However, not everyone knows that this set can be completely customized — add frequently used applications, remove unnecessary items or even customize the display of notifications.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to change the lock screen apps for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-15 (including updates to 2026), learn how to add any installed application to fast access, even if it does not appear in the standard list, and how to return factory settings if something went wrong.

Why is the lock screen Xiaomi does not display the right applications?

Before we get to the settings, it’s important to understand why some apps may not be on the screen lock list.

• 🔒 Limitations MIUI: The default system blocks the addition of applications that are not optimized for running in the background (for example, some banking programs or messengers with enhanced protection).
• 📱 Firmware version: On MIUI 12 and older, the application selection algorithm is different. MIUI 14 there is support for widgets from third-party developers.
• 🔄 System cache: If the list of applications is not updated, it may be cached old data. This is a common problem after updating the firmware.
• 🛠️ Rooting or custom firmware: On devices with an unlocked bootloader and unofficial builds installed (for example, LineageOS), the lock screen functionality may work differently.

If your app doesn’t appear on the list, check its settings first: some programs (like Telegram or WhatsApp) require separate permission to display notifications on a locked screen. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Program name] → Notifications and turn on the option to Show on the lock screen.

Method 1: Standard settings via “lock screen settings”

This is the simplest method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones without any additional manipulation. MIUI 13–15:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Lock Screen section (in some firmwares it may be called Lock and Password).
3. Select Lock Screen Widgets or Quick Access.
4. Click Add widgets or Change (depending on the MIUI version).
5. In the list of available applications, tick the ones you want to see on the lock screen. The maximum number is 5 items (on some models - 4).
6. Drag the icons in the right order to change their location.

After saving the changes, new apps will appear at the bottom of the lock screen.Please note: some widgets (such as Google Pay or Mi Fit) may require additional permissions to display content without unlocking.

Make sure your smartphone is at least 30 times charged%|Check for the latest updates MIUI|Close the background applications to speed up the process|Backup your current settings (optional)-->

Method 2: Using a hidden developer menu (for power users)

If the standard method does not allow you to add the desired application, you can use the developer mode, which is suitable for MIUI 14+ and requires caution, as improper actions can lead to system failures.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row (you will be notified “You became a developer”).
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.

Now, follow the following steps:

1. Enable the USB Debugging option (optional, but recommended for stability).
2. Find the Allow Change System Settings and activate it.
3. Use it. ADB (Android Debug Bridge for forced app addition. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_allowed_apps [package_name] where [package_name] — Application packet identifier (e.g., com.whatsapp for WhatsApp).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about your actions, skip this method or consult a specialist. Also, after such manipulations, you may need to reset the lock screen settings through Settings. → Lock screen → Reset.

Method 3: Third-party launchers and MIUI themes

If you lack standard MIUI capabilities, alternative solutions are available, and one of the most popular options is to install a custom launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) that supports lock screen settings.

How it works:

• 🎨 Topics MIUI: In the official theme store (Themes) → Lock screen) there are designs with extended widgets, for example, the theme "Smart Lockscreen" allows you to add up to 8 applications.
• 📱 Launchers: Some launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher) offer their own lock screen widgets but require installation as a primary launcher.
• 🔧 Magisk modules: For rooted devices, there are modules like Lockscreen Customizer that completely redefine the logic of a locked screen.

When using third-party solutions, consider:

• Some launchers may conflict with MIUI system services, leading to slow animations or display errors.
• Topics from unofficial sources may contain ads or malicious code, and install only proven designs with ratings above 4.5.

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Before installing a new theme, take a screenshot of the current lock screen (click Volume Down + Power) to help quickly return to the same look if the new theme is uncomfortable.

Compatibility table with MIUI versions

Not all methods work on all firmware versions, and the following is a compatibility table for popular Xiaomi models:

If your model is not listed in the table, focus on the MIUI version. To check, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When changing widgets on the lock screen, users often face some problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🔄 Widgets are not saved after rebooting: Reset the system cache in Settings → Memory. → Clean or turn off battery optimization for the application (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
• 🚫 App not listed: Check if it is hidden in settings (Settings) → Annexes → Also, some programs (e.g. Mi Home) require updating to the latest version.
• 🔒 Widget displays but does not open: This is typical for secure applications (banks, instant messengers). Go to the app settings and allow notifications to be displayed on the locked screen.
• 📱 Lock screen brakes after changes: Remove unnecessary widgets or reset lock screen settings to factory (Settings) → Lock screen → Reset).

⚠️ Warning: If after the changes the lock screen stopped responding to touches, perform a forced reboot (clip the power supply) + Volume up for 10 seconds. This will reset the time settings without losing data.

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On devices with MIUI 14+, you may need to re-activate Face ID or fingerprint after resetting the lock screen settings.

How to return standard widgets to the lock screen

If after experimenting with settings you want to return factory settings, do the following:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Click on the lock screen widgets.
3. In the upper right corner, tap the badge. ⋮ (three points) and select Reset.
4. Confirm action. The system will return the standard set: Camera, Phone, Messages and Google.

If the reset option is not available (e.g., on some versions of MIUI 12), follow an alternative method:

1. Remove all added widgets manually (swipe them left in the edit menu).
2. Reset the device.
3. Once turned on, standard widgets will be restored automatically.

On devices with MIUI 15 (2026), the option Restore by default right in the widget editing menu appeared - it resets not only applications, but also the location of elements (hours, date, notifications).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions