Why do you need contacts on the lock screen and what risks it carries
Xiaomi’s lock screen is not just a security against unauthorized access, but also a potential way to get back a lost phone. Adding a phone number to a locked screen allows an honest finder to contact the owner without unlocking the device. However, this method has limitations: on new versions of MIUI (13+), the function is hidden in the depth of settings, and on some models (for example, POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) requires bypassing standard restrictions.
It’s important to understand that putting personal data on a lock screen is a trade-off between convenience and security. On the one hand, you increase the chances of a phone being returned if lost. On the other hand, attackers can use this number for social engineering (for example, a call asking to unlock the device under the pretext of "help"). SIM-card or number of a trusted person.
In this article, we will discuss three working methods for adding contacts to the lock screen, including hidden MIUI settings, using third-party applications and circumventing restrictions through ADB. Each method is tested on current firmware (as of 2026) and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models.
Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (works on versions up to 12.5)
On older firmware versions (MIUI 11-12.5), the option to add text to the lock screen was available directly, and if your smartphone hasn’t yet upgraded to MIUI 13/14, follow this instruction:
- Open the Settings → Lock screen.
- Select Text on the lock screen (or Lock screen signature on some models).
- Enter the phone number in +7 (XXX) XXX-XX-XX format or any other text (up to 50 characters).
- Save the changes and check the display on the locked screen.
On newer versions (MIUI 13+), this item may not be available, so move on to the next one.
Make a backup copy of the data|Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.|Make sure your phone is over 30 times charged%|Shut down. VPN (It can block access to system settings)-->
Method 2: Use the Lock Screen and Wallpaper app (for MIUI 13/14)
In modern versions of MIUI, the text addition function has been moved to a separate application.
- Open the Lock screen and wallpaper (lock and mountain icon) application.
- Go to the Lock screen tab.
- Select Text on the lock screen (may be called Signature or Owner Information).
- Enter the phone number and click Save.
If the app is not on the menu, you can search the system (swipe down the home screen and type in the name). On some models (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi K60), this method may not work, in which case you will need to bypass through ADB (mode 3).
MIUI 12 or older|MIUI 13|MIUI 14|I don't know my version.-->
⚠️ Note: On devices with corporate firmware (for example, Xiaomi for business) or customized ROM (LineageOS, this method may not work. In such cases, use third-party launchers or widgets.
Method 3: Add text via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to your computer and enabling the developer mode.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.
USB debugging
Settings → Additional → For Developers
Command Prompt
adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_owner_info "Your phone number"Replace your phone number with a real contact (e.g. +79123456789). Once you execute the command, the text will appear at the bottom of the lock screen.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
| Method | Difficulty | Works on MIUI 14? | You need a PC? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Lock screen annex | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes, not on all models) | ❌ No. |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Third-party widgets | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
Alternative methods: widgets and third-party applications
If system methods are not suitable, you can use widgets or specialized applications, for example:
- 📱 Widgetsmith (for Widgetsmith) MIUI 14): allows you to create a custom widget with text and place it on the lock screen.
- 🔒 Lock Screen Widget (from Google Play): Adds editable text at the bottom of the screen.
- 🖼️ KWGT Kustom Widget Maker: for advanced users, allows you to fully customize the lock screen.
The advantage of this method is flexibility (you can add not only a number, but also an email, address or even an email). QR-However, widgets may conflict with system updates, so after upgrades MIUI They'll have to re-configure.
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Before installing third-party apps, check reviews about them on Google Play. Some lock screen widgets request suspicious permissions (such as SMS or geolocation access).
How to remove the phone number from the lock screen
If you decide to delete your contact details, do so through the same settings:
- For MIUI 12.5 and below: Return to Settings → Lock Screen → Text on the Lock screen and clear the field.
- For MIUI 13/14: Open the Lock Screen and Wallpaper app and delete the text.
- If you have used ADB, follow the command:
adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_owner_info ""After deleting the text, restart the phone to make the changes effective. On some devices (POCO M5s, Redmi 10C), the lock screen cache can save old data - in this case, resetting the screen settings (without losing data) will help.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you add a number to the lock screen, users encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:
- 🔄 Text does not show up after saving: Check if the power saving mode is on (it can block the lock screen update). Also try changing the wallpaper - sometimes this resets the cache.
- 📵 ADB Does not see the device: Make sure that the settings → For developers included the option of debugging by USB (security parameters) and have granted permission to connect to the PC.
- 🔒 The lock screen displays old text: Clear the lock screen app cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
⚠️ Note: On Dynamic Island devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the text on the lock screen may be blocked by system notifications. In this case, reduce the font size in the display settings.
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If none of the methods worked, check to see if the phone has a custom theme from the Mi Theme Store installed.Some themes override the standard lock screen and block the display of additional text.