How to make an inscription on the lock screen Xiaomi with MIUI 12: all the ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 lock screen is not just a security feature, but a full-fledged display, and many users don’t even realize that it’s not just time and notifications, but also arbitrary text, from motivational quotes to reminders of a big deal. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can add labels, both through standard settings and through hidden shell features.

It's important to understand that customization options vary depending on the firmware version and device model. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 12.5 Enhanced has advanced text formatting options, whereas on the budget POCO M3, some of the features can be trimmed. We tested all the methods on current versions of the software (2023-2026) and collected only working solutions.

Method 1: Standard settings through the “lock screen”

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI 12 options, which can be used to add a date, owner name or short message (up to 30 characters).

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select the text of the lock screen (on some models - the signature of the lock screen).
3. Activate the switch to show text.
4. In the input field, specify the desired text (for example, Urgent: pay rent!).
5. Press Ready and check the result by locking the screen.

Limitations of the method:

• 📏 Maximum length of text – 30 characters (including spaces).
• 🎨 No way to change the font, color or size of the inscription.
• 🔄 Text is displayed only in the lower left corner of the screen.

Updated to the latest version of MIUI 12/12.5

Is there a "lock screen text" in the settings

Are there any third-party launchers installed (they can block the function)

Have the lock screen settings been reset to factory settings (if the text is not displayed)

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If the item is not on the menu, your Xiaomi model does not support this feature at the firmware level, in which case, move to alternative methods (see the following sections).

Motivational citation

Reminder of the case

Name and contact for phone return

Weather information

Another option-->

Method 2: Use of the Notes widget

For owners of devices with MIUI 12.5 and later, a more flexible way is available - place text through the Notes widget.

• 📝 Add text up to 500 characters in length.
• 🎨 Choose background and font color.
• 📌 Fix the note on the lock screen.

Instructions for setting:

1. Create a new note in the Notes app (or use an existing one).
2. Add the desired text and format it (greater, italics, lists).
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Secure on the lock screen.
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

Important: The widget will only appear after unlocking the screen (at the level) PIN-Completely hidden text without unlocking it can not be added in this way - this is a security limitation. MIUI.

Method 3: Customization through MIUI Themes

The MIUI 12 shell allows custom themes to be set, which may include pre-configured labels on the lock screen, a method that is suitable for those who do not want to be limited to standard options.

How to find and apply the right topic:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Lock Screen section.
3. In the search bar, enter type requests: 🔍 lock-screen 🔍 lockscreen 🔍 custom-writing

Apply

Advantages of the method:

• 🎨 Unique design with animations and non-standard fonts.
• 📱 Compatibility with all models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO on MIUI 12+.
• 🔄 Ability to quickly change the title by changing the subject.

💡

Before installing the theme, check the reviews of other users – some custom solutions can conflict with system fonts and lead to display failures.

Method 4: Manual editing of system files (for advanced ones)

This method requires super-user rights (root) and can lead to unstable operation of the system. Use it only if other methods do not work.

If you need to add arbitrary text to any location on the lock screen (for example, in the upper right corner or in the center), you can edit the system files framework-res.apk or miui-systemui.apk.

1. Install Magisk and get root access.
2. Using MT Manager or Root Explorer, find the file: /system/framework/framework-res.apk
3. Take it out, find the folder. res/values/ and edit the file. strings.xml, line: <string name="lockscreen_custom_text">Your text is here.</string>
4. Compile the file back and restart the device.

💡

Editing system files without a backup can lead to a device blink. Always back up through TWRP before making changes.

Alternative for users without root:

• 📱 Use it. ADB Changes to the settings: adb shell settings put system lockscreen_custom_text "Your text"
• 🔄 Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI All changes to the system files will be reset. You'll have to repeat the procedure after each firmware.

Method 5: Third-party applications for customization

If you don't like standard solutions, you can use Google Play apps that extend the lock screen.

• 📱 Always On Display (AOD) Mi - allows you to add text in the mode of always on screen (works on the screen) AMOLED-display).
• 🎨 Lock Screen Widgets with custom text, weather and notifications.
• 🔒 Hi Locker – a complete replacement for the standard lockscreen with support HTML-widget.

How to customize text through Always On Display:

1. Install the application and provide all necessary permissions.
2. Go to the AOD settings → Text.
3. Add up to 3 lines of text (each 20 characters).
4. Choose the font, color and position.
5. Activate Always On mode in the screen settings.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party screen locking apps may conflict with system services MIUI, Especially with Find Device. Before installing, disable the antivirus and check for compatibility reviews with your model.

Problem Solving: Why is the text not displayed?

If you have all the instructions, but the inscription on the lock screen never appeared, check the following points:

• 🔄 Reboot device: sometimes changes are only applied after rebooting.
• 📱 Update MIUI: older versions MIUI 12.0.3 may not have any options.
• 🔒 Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher, Hyperion, and others can block system widgets.
• 🛠️ Settings reset: If text is missing after the update, try resetting the lock screen settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the lock screen settings.

To diagnose the problem:

1. Check if the text is hidden under the interface elements (for example, under the clock).
2. Turn off the Dark Theme – sometimes the text merges with the background.
3. Make sure that in Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode is not activated Ultra Mode (it turns off widgets).

Security: What can and cannot be placed on the lock screen

The lock screen is the first thing that the person who picks up your phone sees, so you should approach the text you place responsibly:

• ✅ We can: 📅 Reminders of important dates (birthday, meetings). 📞 Alternative contact in case of loss of phone. 💡 Motivational citations or affirmations.
• ❌ No: 🔑 Passwords, PIN-card-code. 📍 Exact home address or place of work. 💳 Document numbers (passport, rights).

If you make a contact to return your phone, use a second phone number or email instead of the primary one.

In case of loss, call:


+7 (XXX) XXX-XX-XX (WhatsApp/Telegram)

⚠️ Attention: On the lock screen MIUI 12, the default notifications are from messengers. If you add confidential text, turn off preview notifications in Settings → Notifications → On the lock screen → Hide the contents.

FAQ: Frequent questions about text customization on the lock screen