How to remove a monobrow on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways to hide the screen cutout

The term “monobrov” among owners of Xiaomi smartphones has become a household name – so users call a wide cutout at the top of the screen, where the front camera and sensors are located. The design with “bangs” appeared in 2018 with the Mi 8 model and has since been used in most of the brand’s devices: from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14. Despite the habituality, this element interferes with many – it occupies a useful display area, distracts in games and when watching videos.

Fortunately, you can hide your monobrow in Xiaomi in a number of ways, both with regular MIUI tools and with third-party tools. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from simple interface settings to deep customization via ADB. It is important to understand that complete removal of the cutout is physically impossible (this is a hardware feature), but visually it can be masked or minimized. Also consider: some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, which can affect the warranty.

Before you start settings, check the MIUI version on your device. Current firmware (starting with MIUI 12) supports most of the features described below, but older versions may need an upgrade. If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some instructions will be irrelevant — in this case, look for solutions for a specific build.

Also, pay attention to the type of cutout on your smartphone:

📱 Waterdrop – small round shape (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro).
📱 Monobra (notch) - wide rectangular cutout (Mi) 10T, POCO X3).
📱 Punch-hole: A round hole without a bang (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K50).

Hiding techniques are mostly for the first two types, and if you have a punch-hole, it's hard to call it a "monobra" -- but some of the methods, like dimming an area, are applicable to those displays.

1. Hiding monobrows through MIUI settings (no root)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in MIUI options. Hide the Notch is available on most devices starting with MIUI 10, but it depends on the model. For example, on the POCO F3 and Redmi Note 10 Pro, the option is called Full Screen Mode, and on the Mi 11, the option is called Cloaking the Notch.

To activate it:

Open the Settings → Display.
Select Full Screen Mode (or Display Style on new versions).
Activate the “Hide the Notch” or “Expand the Screen” switch.
In some firmware will appear warning about possible artifacts – confirm the action.

Once activated, the notch area will be blacked out and the content will be “splunged” along the sides, which does not remove the physical notch, but visually makes it less visible. Minus: some applications (such as games) may have graphical bugs, and part of the interface will be cropped.

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If the Hide Notice option is not in the settings, try updating MIUI to the latest version or use alternative methods from this article.

On some devices (such as the POCO X3 NFC), an optional Color of the Notch option is available, where you can select:

🖤 Black is classic blackout.
🟫 Gray is a less noticeable shade.
🎨 Color - adjustment under wallpaper (does not work on all models).

2.Use of the Full Screen Mode feature for games and videos

If the monobrow only interferes with specific applications (for example, in PUBG Mobile or YouTube), you can turn on full-screen mode selectively.

Run the application you want.
Swipe down from top to top to open the notification bar.
Find the icon “Full screen mode” (deployed screen icon) and tap it.

This method doesn’t work in all games — some titles (like Genshin Impact) block forced fullscreen because of the engine’s features. Also, consider that in full screen mode, some interface elements may be hidden behind the cutout.

📊 What method of hiding monobrows you tried?

Through MIUI settings

ADB-team

Third-party annexes

No, I haven't tried.

For YouTube or Netflix videos, you can use the double tap gesture:

🎬 Open the video to the full screen.
👆 Twice tap the screen – the content stretches, hiding the monobrow.
⚠️ In some players, this leads to cropping of subtitles or controls.

3. ADB-commando

If the standard settings do not work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires connecting your smartphone to a PC. Importantly, improper use of ADB can lead to interface failures, so follow the instructions carefully.

Steps to hide monobrows through ADB:

Turn on "Debugging by" USB» In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times on the build number, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) Enter: adb shell settings put global force_fullscreen 1
Reset the device.

To get it back, use the command:

adb shell settings put global force_fullscreen 0

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging on USB| Download ADB Tools (platform-tools)| Connect your phone with the original cable-->

This method causes the system to ignore the Android-level notch, but can cause problems:

❌ Some apps will show up incorrectly (like cropped buttons on Instagram).
❌ In games, elements may be missing. HUD (For example, a card in Call of Duty Mobile).
⚠️ Nana MIUI 13+ The team may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

⚠️ Attention: After application ADB-Check banking and secure services (e.g. Google Pay) and some of them may block access due to system changes.

4. Third-party applications for masking the cutout

If you don't like the built-in options, you can use third-party utilities.

📱 Nacho Notch — allows you to darken or completely hide the cutout, adjusting transparency and color. Works without root, but requires permission to overlay.
📱 Full Screen Immersive Mode – Forced to include full screen mode for all applications.
📱 Energy Bar – replaces the monobrow with a stylized stripe (for example, in the style of the iPhone X).

Example of Nacho Notch setup:

Download the app from Google Play.
Grant permission to “Overlaid on Other Apps” in Android settings.
Choose the type of cutout (Notch or Punch-hole).
Adjust the color, transparency and position of the mask.

Cons of third-party applications:

🔋 Increased battery consumption (due to constant overlay).
🚫 Not all games support work with such utilities (may be ban for cheating»).
🛠️ Nana MIUI 14 Some functions may not work due to system limitations.

How to remove the overlay from Nacho Notch if the application is removed and the band is left?

If you have deleted Nacho Notch but the black bar is still there, follow the following steps: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Search the Nacho Notch list (even if it's deleted, its data can stay), clear the cache and data. Restart the device. If that doesn't work, use it. ADB-Command: adb shell settings delete global policy_control immersive.full=*

5. Magisk Castom firmware and modules

For advanced users willing to sacrifice the warranty, there are radical ways to:

🔧 Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or Havoc) OS), where the cutoff can be turned off at the system level.
🔧 Magisk modules – for example, Notch Killer or FullScreen Magisk Module, which modify the Android framework.

The installation process of the Notch Killer module:

Unlock the bootloader and get root rights (the instructions for Xiaomi are on 4PDA).
Download the module from the Magisk repository.
Install it through Magisk Manager and restart.
In the module settings, select “Hide Notch” and apply the changes.

⚠️ Note: Using Magisk can lead to the blocking of banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger) and loss of OTA-Updates. On devices with MIUI 14 and newer is also high risk of "brick" if the modules are incorrectly installed.

Advantages of custom solutions:

✅ Complete removal of the cutout at the system level (without dimming).
✅ Ability to fine-tune (e.g., hide only in certain applications).
✅ Additional features (for example, changing the screen resolution).

Disadvantages:

❌ Difficulty of installation for beginners.
❌ Risk of loss of guarantee.
❌ Possible bugs (e.g., a broken light sensor).

6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we put all the methods in a table:

Method	Difficulty	Need root?	Suitable for games.	Risks.
MIUI settings	⭐	❌ No.	⚠️ Partially.	Graphic bugs in some applications
ADB-team	⭐⭐	❌ No.	❌ No.	Interface failures
Third-party annexes	⭐	❌ No.	⚠️ Depends on the game.	Increased battery consumption
Magisk modules	⭐⭐⭐	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	Loss of warranty, risk of bric
Custom firmware	⭐⭐⭐⭐	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	Complex installation, possible bugs

Selection recommendations:

📱 For beginners: Start with built-in settings MIUI or applications of Nacho Notch.
🎮 For gamers: if the game doesn't support full screen, try it. ADB custom-made.
🔧 For the Advanced: Magisk + Notch Killer module will give maximum control.

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On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 12 or Redmi) K60) The blackout of the cutout visually merges with the panel, making the monobrow almost invisible. IPS-displays (e.g, POCO X3) less pronounced.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you hide your monobrows, you can make mistakes.

Problem 1: After application ADB-commands lost top interface elements (time, battery, notifications).

Solution: Return standard settings with adb shell settings put global force_fullscreen 0 or turn off full screen mode in Settings → Display.

Problem 2: In PUBG Mobile, you can’t see the map and control buttons after hiding the monobrow.

Decision:

Open the game settings and enable the Adaptive layout (if any).
Use Xiaomi’s third-party Game Tools app for forced scaling.
If nothing helps, return the standard display mode.

Problem 3: After installing custom firmware, the proximity sensor stopped working.

Solution: This is a known problem on some assemblies.

Sweep the original vendor through Fastboot.
Install the Sensor Disabler module in Magisk and manually activate the sensor.

Problem 4: The Nacho Notch app doesn't work on MIUI 14.

Solution: Update the app to the latest version or use the alternative, Full Screen Immersive Mode. Also check if Overlay resolution is enabled in your Android settings.

❓ Why some Xiaomi smartphones don’t have the option to “Hide the cutout»?

This feature depends on the model and version of MIUI. On devices with punch-hole (for example, Xiaomi 13), it may not be, since the physical notch is minimal. Also on some regional firmware (for example, for India), the option is disabled by the manufacturer, in which case use ADB or third-party applications.

❓ Can you completely remove the monobrow without root?

No, you can't physically remove the cutout -- it's a hardware feature of the screen -- but visually it can be obscured by dimming (via MIUI or app settings) or stretching content throughout the display (via ADB). Complete removal requires modifications to system files, which is only possible with root rights.

❓ Will Monobrow Hiding Work on Xiaomi with Unlocked bootloader?

Yes, but with reservations: If you just unlocked the bootloader but didn't install custom firmware, all methods (including ADB) will work. If you stitched custom firmware, check if it supports the cutout hiding feature (for example, in LineageOS this is set up separately).

❓ Does hiding the monobrow affect the front camera?

No, all methods only visually mask the cutout without affecting the hardware. The camera, sensors and speaker continue to work normally, except for custom firmware with deep modifications, where bugs are possible (for example, malfunctioning of the light sensor).

❓ Why After Updating MIUI missing full screen?

This is a common problem with major updates (e.g., with MIUI 12 on MIUI Solutions: Reset the screen settings in Settings → Display. → Reset. Re-apply. ADB-command for forced full screen mode. If you use third-party applications, update them to the latest version.