How to turn on and configure the notification curtain on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The notification curtain on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular elements of the MIUI interface, which allows you to quickly access alerts, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth switches and screen brightness. However, after updating the firmware or resetting the settings, many users face the problem: the curtain suddenly disappears, does not go down or malfunctions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to return and configure the notification panel on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices (including models from 2023 to 2026).

It’s important to understand that the algorithm of actions can vary depending on the version of MIUI (12-15) and the model of the smartphone. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15, the path to the curtain settings will be different from on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 13. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will suit 90% of the brand’s devices. If your phone runs on Android One (for example, Mi A3), some menu items may be called differently – this will also be discussed below.

Why might the notification curtain not work?

Before you start setting up, you need to understand the possible causes of the problem, and most often, the curtain stops opening because of:

  • πŸ”„ Failure after the update – especially relevant for beta versions MIUI, where interface bugs are more common.
  • πŸ‘† Disabled gestures – if you use navigation without buttons, swipe down may conflict with other actions.
  • πŸ“± Sensor problems – physical damage to the screen or contamination of the display interfere with gesture recognition.
  • πŸ› οΈ Third-party launchers – some shells (like Nova Launcher) redefine system gestures.
  • πŸ”’ Parental Control Restrictions – If the device is set up for a child, access to the curtain may be blocked.

If the curtain doesn't respond to swipe only in certain applications (such as games or full-screen video), it's normal for the system to behave - MIUI hides the notification panel in immersive mode. To return it, just swipe from the top edge of the screen twice or click on the time indicator.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) some of the curtain functions may be limited due to local requirements, in which case switching the region in the developer settings will help.

Method 1: Including the curtain through system settings

The most reliable method is to activate the notification bar through the standard menu, which works on all versions of MIUI, including the latest MIUI 15:

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to Notifications and Status bar (on some models – Lock screen and password).
  3. Select Status Line or Notification Panel.
  4. Activate the Switch Show the notification panel (if it is disabled).
  5. Check if the Allow Swipe Down option is enabled to open.

If you don’t have a status line on your menu, try an alternative path:

Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Special features β†’ System settings β†’ Notification panel

Nana POCO-devices (e.g., devices, POCO X5 Pro, the path might look like this:

Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Additional settings β†’ Notification panel

Is the notification panel display enabled?

Is the swipe down to be activated to open?

Are there any restrictions on "Special Opportunities"

Is the firmware updated to the latest version?-->

Method 2: Set up gestures to open the curtain

On Xiaomi smartphones with full-screen navigation (no physical buttons), the notification curtain can conflict with return gestures or multitasking.

  1. Open the Settings β†’ Display.
  2. Select Full-screen Display (or Navigate on newer versions).
  3. Make sure you select Gesture Navigation (not buttons!)
  4. Scroll down and find the Swipe Sensitivity down – set the High value.

If you use a left-handed swipe to return (like on an iPhone), the curtain can only open from the right edge of the screen.

Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Gestures β†’ Swipe from the edge for return β†’ Disable

Gesture (swipes)

Three buttons (on screen)

Physical buttons

Another option-->

On devices with MIUI 14+, the function of splitting the curtain has appeared - now the swipe from the upper left corner opens notifications, and from the right one opens switches (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) If you are uncomfortable with this separation, you can turn it off:

Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Notifications Panel β†’ Separation of the curtain β†’ Turn off

Method 3: Resetting the launcher settings

If the notification curtain is gone after installing a third-party launcher (like a Nova Launcher or Hyperion), the problem lies in a shell conflict.

  1. Keep your finger free on the desktop.
  2. Select Home Screen Settings (or Launcher Settings).
  3. Find the Reset option and confirm the action.
  4. Reset the device.

If you want to leave a third-party launcher but return the curtain, check its settings:

  • πŸ”§ In Nova Launcher: Settings β†’ Gestures and entrances β†’ Allow system gestures.
  • πŸ”§ V POCO Launcher: Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Insert the system curtain.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) The launcher may be dropping the widgets.

Method 4: Using the Developer Mode

If standard methods don't work, you can try activating the curtain through the developer mode, which is suitable for advanced users:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
  3. Find options: USB debugging - turn on (optional, but sometimes helps). Allow window resize - turn off. Turn off MIUI restrictions - turn on (if any).

Reset the device.

For Android 13+ devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), you may need an additional command via ADB:

adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*

This command resets the immersive mode, which sometimes blocks the curtain, and once it is executed, all applications will display a notification panel on top of the interface, which can interfere with games.

What to do if there is no β€œDevelopers” item?
If after 7 clicks on the "Version" MIUI" section does not appear, try: 1. Go to "Settings" β†’ Additionally. β†’ Special facilities β†’ For developers. 2 Update the firmware to the latest version (older versions) MIUI section hidden). 3. Reset your phone settings (extreme case).

Method 5: Installation of third-party applications

If the system methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities.

AnnexFunctionsCompatibilityReference
Notification ShadeRestores the curtain on any firmware, customization of appearanceMIUI 12–15, Android 10–14Google Play
Quick SettingsAdds fast switches, works on top of the system curtainAll versions of MIUIGoogle Play
Edge GesturesCustomizes gestures to open the curtain from any edge of the screenRequires root or ADBGoogle Play

Check reviews before installing - some apps may conflict with MIUI Optimization. For example, Edge Gestures on the Redmi Note 12 sometimes causes swipe hangings.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Notification Shade require permission to Overlay other applications. Without it, the curtain will not work. β†’ Annexes β†’ Special access β†’ Overlay.

πŸ’‘

If after installing a third-party curtain, the system notification panel began to open slowly, clear the cache of the System Interface application (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Three points β†’ Show System β†’ System Interface β†’ Clear the cache).

Additional Tips for Setup of the Curtain

When the notification curtain is up, you can customize it to your needs. Here are some useful settings:

  • 🎨 Transparency of the panel: Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Notification panel β†’ Transparency (available on the MIUI 14+).
  • πŸ”„ Switch order: Press the icon of any switch (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and drag it to the right place.
  • πŸ”• Hiding Unnecessary Notifications: Swipe the Notification to the Left and Press Settings β†’ Shut down.
  • πŸŒ™ Dark theme for curtains: Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Dark subject. β†’ Insert for the notification panel.

On devices with AMOLED-In the case of the Xiamo 14, it is recommended to enable Always show time and notifications in the lock settings.This will allow you to see important alerts even on the display turned off:

Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Additional β†’ Always display

πŸ’‘

MIUI 15 has a Smart Curtain feature that automatically hides low-value notifications and only leaves priority notifications (calls, messages from favorite contacts). To enable it, go to Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Smart Notifications.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If neither method returned the notification curtain, the problem could be deeper:

  1. Check the touch screen: Use the touch test in the engineering menu (##6484## or ##4636##).If the top of the screen doesn't respond, repair is required.
  2. Update the firmware: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update and check the relevance of the software.
  3. Perform a reset: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup and Reset β†’ Reset. Attention: All data will be deleted!
  4. Re-flash the device: If the reset didn’t help, install the firmware via Fastboot or Recovery (see the instructions for your model on the 4PDA forum).

On Xiaomi with a locked bootloader (most official devices), flashing will require unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, a process that takes up to 720 hours of waiting (by Xiaomi’s rules) and erases all data.

How to check if the loader is blocked?
Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the device to your PC and type in the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Notification Curtain on Xiaomi

The curtain opens, but it closes. What's the problem?
This is a typical gesture conflict error. Try: Turn off all third-party launchers. In gesture settings (Settings β†’ Display β†’ Full-screen display) reduce swipe sensitivity. Clear the Systems Interface app cache. If the problem persists, check the sensor for dead zones at the top of the screen.
Can I bring back the old curtain from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15?
No, the appearance of the notification panel is strictly tied to the firmware version, but you can: Install the MIUI 12 theme from the official theme store, use third-party apps like Notification Shade for customization, roll back to the old version of MIUI (not recommended due to security issues).
Why is there no mobile data switch in the curtain?
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI for Russia), the mobile Internet switch is hidden according to operator requirements. To return it: Install Quick Settings from Google Play. Or activate developer mode and turn on Show mobile data in the notification panel. On MIUI 15, you can add a switch manually: swipe the curtain down, tap the pencil in the upper right corner and find the Mobile data icon.
The curtain is working, but the notifications are not shown.
The problem lies in the settings of individual applications: Go to Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Notifications Management. Select a problem application (such as WhatsApp or VK). Make sure to turn on the Tools Show Notifications and Sound. Check if the app is added to Sleep Mode (Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Mode). If notifications don’t come only in the background, turn off battery optimization for this application.
Can I move the curtain switches to the bottom of the screen?
There is no such feature in standard MIUI, but there are workarounds: Use the Edge Gestures app to create a custom gesture. Install an alternative firmware (like Pixel Experience) where the curtain opens upwards. On some devices (like POCO F5), you can activate One-Handed Mode, which compresses the interface, including the curtain.