The visual aspect of MIUI is a frequent topic of discussion among Xiaomi smartphone owners. Redmi 9 NFC users often look for ways to personalize the device beyond standard settings. One of the most visible elements of the system is the control panel, which is commonly referred to as the “curtain”.
Changing the look of this element allows not only to refresh the design, but also to add functional widgets or change the color scheme to a more pleasant eye. Standard tools of the system offer a limited choice, so more tools are required for deep customization.
In this article, we will discuss safe and effective methods for replacing the notification curtain. You will learn how to use the built-in directory of topics where to look for specialized modifications and what nuances to consider when installing third-party software on your gadget.
Features of the MIUI interface on Redmi 9 NFC
The Redmi 9 NFC is based on the MIUI shell, which has a system file structure. The standard notification panel here is tightly tied to the system application "Security" and "Settings." Simple file replacement through the file manager without root rights in modern versions of Android is impossible due to security limitations.
However, Xiaomi has provided a legal way to change the look through the Themes app, which does not require enhanced access rights or violate the device warranty, and is the place to start with customization.
It is worth noting that the visual style of the curtain often depends on the chosen theme of the design as a whole. Separately replace only the icons or the background of the control panel through standard settings can not be used, you need to use comprehensive solutions.
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The standard MIUI shell does not allow you to change system files directly without root rights, so the main method is to use the Themes application.
Use of the official Themes store
The safest and easiest way to change the design of the interface is to use the pre-installed Themes app. There are thousands of design options available in the catalog, many of which include unique styles for the control panel.
To get started, open the app and go to the Profile section, where you can find the My Topics menu, where you can download new options from the online catalog, and use English-language keywords like "iOS style", "Clean status bar" or "Custom notification" to search.
When choosing a theme, pay attention to the preview. Often developers show what the lock screen and notification curtain will look like. Once you use the theme, the system will automatically replace the system resources responsible for rendering interface elements.
- 📱 Open the Themes app and go to the Profile section".
- 🔍 Enter "Notification style" or "Status bar".
- 🎨 Select a High Ranked Theme and Click Download".
- ✅ Apply the theme and restart the device for correct display.
Not all themes change the curtain radically. Some just adjust colors or fonts. If you want a radically different design, you'll have to look for customized modifications.
Installation of modified panels via MTZ
For deeper changes, enthusiasts create modification files with the.mtz extension. These files contain modified system resources. Installing such files on Redmi 9 NFC requires prior preparation.
You’ll need a third-party theme manager, as a standard app can block installation of unverified files. A popular tool is MIUI Themes Editor or dedicated versions of the developer theme store.
Where to get secure MTZ files?
The installation process is as follows: the downloaded file.mtz is placed in the phone's memory. Then, through the "Import" menu, the theme application selects this file. The system will suggest using components, among which you need to select "System" or "Status Bar".
⚠️ Note: Before installing any modifications to system files, be sure to create a complete backup of the data. An error in the theme file can lead to a cyclic restart (bootloop) of the device.
Alternative Notification Panels from Google Play
If replacing system files seems too risky, there are replacement applications that run on top of the standard interface, and they don't change the system itself, but redraw the control panel when you swipe around the screen.
One of the most functional solutions is the Material Notification Shade app, which completely replaces the standard curtain with an Android-like one, adding a lot of transparency, bloor and slider location settings.
Once installed, the application will request special permissions, you will need to grant access to "Above Other Applications" and permission to use special features, which is necessary so that the program can intercept the swipe and show its interface.
| Annex | Type of installation | Root's right. | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Notification Shade | Google Play | Not necessary. | Average. |
| Custom Notification Bar | APK file | Desired. | Low. |
| MIUI Themes (officially) | Systemic | Not necessary. | Minimum |
| Super Status Bar | Google Play | Not necessary. | High. |
There are pros and cons to using these apps, and on the one hand, you get a lot of functionality, and on the other hand, it can consume more power and sometimes conflict with the MIUI navigation gestures.
Always on Display as an Alternative
Often, the desire to change the curtain is dictated by the need to see more information on a locked screen. Redmi 9 NFC has a feature Always On Display (AOD), which can partially replace the need to constantly open notifications.
You can activate the function through the Settings menu → Wallpaper and Design → Always on screen. There are various styles of displaying time, date and notifications of missed calls.
While this doesn't change the curtain itself, a smart AOD setup reduces the unlock rate. You can see the essence of the notification without opening the control panel completely. It also saves battery power compared to always turning on the display.
- ⏰ Set up a work schedule AOD, so that the screen does not burn at night.
- 🎨 Choose a style that harmonizes with your wallpaper.
- 🔔 Enable the display of app icons for quick notifications.
For models without AMOLED-Screens (and Redmi 9 is used in the same way) IPS) The "Always on" feature can be simulated software, but it consumes the battery much faster.
Cleaning the system and optimizing after changes
After installing heavy themes or curtain replacement applications, it is recommended to clean the system. The accumulated cache can cause micro-latency when opening the notification panel.
Go to the Security app → Cleanup. It’s also helpful to clear the cache of the Themes app itself. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Topics → Memory → Clear the cache.
☑️ Checklist after installing a new curtain
If you notice that the phone is slowing down or that there are artifacts of graphics, try removing the last set theme and returning to the standard "Classic" design, which will help to determine whether the new design is causing problems.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers and curtain substitutes, fingerprint scanning functions in certain positions may not work properly due to overlapping system windows.
Possible problems and solutions
In the process of experimenting with the interface Xiaomi Redmi 9 NFC users may encounter typical errors, most often associated with conflicting versions of Android and old theme files.
If you lose your network or battery icons after you use the theme, reset your theme settings. Go to the theme app, select the Classic theme and apply it. If that doesn't work, you may need to reset to factory settings.
Another common problem is time desynchronization in the curtain and widgets, which is solved by restarting the device or turning off automatic time synchronization in the date and time settings, followed by turning on.
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Save the original APK file of the Themes app before installing modified versions so that you can quickly roll back in case of a crash.
Remember that the MIUI firmware update can reset all your custom curtain settings. After each major system update, the theme will have to be reused.