The lock screen on Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 smartphones is not just a random tap protection, but a full-fledged personalization tool. From minimalist Classic to dynamic Fresco, style choices can dramatically change the look of a device. But many users are faced with the problem of where exactly these settings are hidden and how to activate them without risking resetting all data.
In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to change the lock style, from standard settings to hidden chips through ADB and third-party launchers. We will focus on the nuances for different models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11) and firmware versions. And you will learn how to return the classic style if it disappeared after the update, and why some options can be blocked on global versions of MIUI.
1. Standard method: via MIUI 12 settings
The most obvious and safe method is to use built-in shell tools, but the path to them is not always on the surface. In MIUI 12, the developers have moved some of the options, so the instructions for MIUI 11 will not work here.
To change the style of the lock:
- Open the Settings → Lock screen.
- Slip on the lock screen style (some models call it the lock type).
- Choose one of the available options: 🖼️ Classic – Minimalist style with clocks in the center. 🌅 Fresco – dynamic background with animation when unlocked. 📱 Magazine – a style of “magazine cover” with large watches. 🔒 Signature – Emphasis on user signature (not available on all devices).
Confirm the choice and wait for the changes to be applied (it can take up to 10 seconds).
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If you don’t have Lock screen style, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. On some builds (e.g. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced for China region), the option is hidden.
Important: on devices with AMOLED-screens (Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi) K40 Pro) Fresco style can automatically adjust the color gamut to the wallpaper, creating a "live" display effect, called Super Wallpapers, and requires separate activation in the theme settings.
2 Hidden Styles: How to Unblock Additional Options
MIUI 12 hides some of the lock styles for “regular” users, which can be activated through developer mode or special ADB commands. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires a connection to a PC.
Instructions for unlocking hidden styles:
- Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB Tools and execute command: adb shell settings put global lockscreen_style_hidden 1
- Reboot the device. Then you'll have more options in the lock screen style menu, like, for example: 🌌 Cosmic - Animation of the Starry Sky. 🎨 Doodle – style with handwritten elements. 📊 Digital – digital watches in the style of retro technology.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 for POCO F3), the ADB command can only work after disabling MIUI Optimization in the developer settings, due to Xiaomi’s security policy, which blocks changes in system settings on global builds.
3. Use of third-party launchers for customization
If you don't like the built-in styles, you can go further and install an alternative launcher, and some of them (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) allow you to change not only the lock style, but also animations, fonts, and add widgets to a closed screen.
The best launchers for customizing locks on Xiaomi:
- 🚀 Nova Launcher – supports plugins for blocking (e.g. Sesame Lock Screen).
- 🎭 Action Launcher – allows you to customize gestures and fast actions on a locked screen.
- 🖥️ Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and customization of lock wallpaper.
- 🔧 Smart Launcher 6 – Minimalist design with support for themes.
Warning: Third-party launchers may conflict with MIUI system services, especially if you are using Second Space or App Lock features. Before installing, back up your data via Settings → Memory → Backup.
4 Problems and Mistakes: Why Style Doesn't Change
Sometimes users find that the lock style does not change at all, considering the typical reasons and solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Style is not saved after rebooting | Conflict with MIUI optimization | Turn off MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings |
| No "Blocking Style" option | Regional firmware restrictions | Install EU-ROM or global version via Fastboot |
| Animations lag or slow down | Lack of RAM | Clean the cache in Settings → Memory → Cleanup |
| Style resets after update | Resetting MIUI settings | Restore settings from backup |
Especially often problems occur on devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), in which case the locking styles of MIUI may be completely absent, and the only way out is to use third-party solutions like AcDisplay or Always On AMOLED.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone |
Make sure the power saving mode is turned off |
Restart the device in Safe Mode (hold the power button → Safe Mode)|
Update your firmware to the latest stable version via Settings → Update your system-->
5 How to Reclaim Classic Style After Updating
Many users complain that after upgrading to MIUI 12.5 or MIUI 13, their favorite Classic style is lost, due to Xiaomi’s policy of gradually removing outdated design elements.
Ways to return the classic style:
- Download the MIUI Classic Lockscreen theme from the official theme store (Settings → Themes). Apply it – the lock style will change automatically.
Through ADB
adb shell cmd overlay enable com.miui.classiclockscreenAfter completing the command, restart the device.
Through third-party Magisk modules
- Install MIUI Classic Lockscreen Enabler via Magisk Manager.
- Reboot and select the style in the settings.
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If you use Magisk modules, remember that they may disrupt Google Pay and other services that require SafetyNet. Before installing, check the certification status through the SafetyNet Checker app.
On some devices (such as the Redmi Note 9 Pro), the classic style may look different due to hardware limitations, in which case we recommend using community themes that mimic the old design but are adapted to new screens.
6. Bonus: Hidden Lock Screen Chips
MIUI 12 hides some useful features that few people know about.
- 🔍 Quick Search: Swipe down the lock screen to open the Google search bar (not working on all firmware).
- 📞 Call shortcuts: add up to 5 contacts for quick dial right from the locked screen (Settings) → Lock screen → Labels).
- 🎵 Music control: If a track is playing, swipe left on the lock screen to open the player control panel.
- 📝 Notes on lock: On some devices, you can add Notes widget or Calendar directly to the lock screen (activation is required in Settings). → Widgets).
Another little-known feature is dynamic wallpaper, and if you put a Super Wallpaper on it, like Mars or Earth, the lock screen will change smoothly as the time of day goes by, creating a paralax effect, which takes up more memory, but looks amazing on the wallpaper. AMOLED-display.