How to add an inscription to the lock screen Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways

Introduction: Why you need an inscription on the lock screen

The Xiaomi Redmi 8 lock screen is not just a random click protection, but also a convenient place to post important information. Contact information in case of loss of a phone, a motivating phrase or a reminder of a case can all be displayed on a locked screen. Unlike wallpaper, text inscription remains readable regardless of the background and does not require additional applications.

Redmi 8 owners often face the question: where is this feature hidden in the MIUI settings? The fact is that depending on the firmware version (MIUI 10–14), the path to the option may differ, and in some builds it is not at all. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard settings to workaround solutions for custom firmware.

It's important to understand that the sign on the lock screen doesn't replace a password or a pattern lock, it's an extra element that works on top of the main security. If you plan to use it to return your phone when you lose it, combine the text with the owner's data in the security settings.

Method 1: Standard configuration via MIUI (for MIUI 12 and later)

In MIUI 12-14 firmware, the function of adding text to the lock screen is placed in a separate menu.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Always Display (or Lock Screen in some localizations).
3. Select Text on the lock screen or Signature of the lock screen.
4. Enter the text you want (up to 60 characters - MIUI limit).
5. Click Save and check the result by locking the screen.

If the text on the lock screen is not on the menu, then your version of MIUI does not directly support this function, in which case, go to the alternative methods below.

Update MIUI to the latest version | Make sure the phone is not in power saving mode | Check if system settings are hidden (in Settings → Special features → Simplified mode) | Disable VPN – it can block access to some options-->

In MIUI 12.5 and later, you can format text by adding line transfer (press Enter on the keyboard) or using emojis.

📱 You got it?


+7 (XXX) XXX-XX-XX




Or write it on Telegram.

⚠️ Warning: If text doesn't show up after saving, restart your phone. 10% of the time MIUI Requires restarting to apply changes.

Method 2: Use of Owner Data (for MIUI 10–11)

In older versions of firmware (MIUI 10–11), there is no separate option for text on the lock screen, but you can use the Owner's Data function, which is originally intended for contact information, but is suitable for any other inscriptions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Owner's data.
• 🔤 Enter text (e.g., "Please return! 5000 award)₽").
• 💾 Save the changes and block the screen.

The text will be displayed at the bottom of the screen in fine print, and the downside of this method is the character restriction (up to 40 characters) and no support for emoji, but it works on all versions of MIUI without exception.

Contacts for phone back | Motivating phrase | Reminder of the case | Other | I don't plan to add text-->

Method 3: Notes Widget on the Lock Screen

If you need to post a large text (for example, a manual or a to-do list), standard methods will not work due to the character limitation.

1. Hold your finger in the free space of the lock screen until the menu appears.
2. Click Widgets and find Notes (or Notes).
3. Drag the widget onto the screen and select a size (recommended 4×2).
4. Open the widget, enter the text and save.

Advantages of this method:

• 📝 No limit on symbols (up to 500 characters can be entered).
• 🎨 Support for formatting (bold text, italics, lists).
• 🔄 Easily edit a note without rebooting your phone.

Disadvantages: The widget takes up space on the screen and can conflict with wallpaper. If you want clear text without a background, use the standard methods (Method 1 or 2).

Method 4: Apps from Google Play for customization

If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party applications, which offer advanced features: animation, different fonts, color schemes.-3 tested:

• 🎨 Lock Screen Widget - allows you to add text, weather, battery and other widgets. MIUI 11–14.
• 🖌️ Hi Locker - a complete replacement of the lock screen with support for custom inscriptions and themes.
• ✏️ Lock Screen Message – a simple text-addition app with font and color settings.

Check reviews before installing, some apps may conflict with MIUI or show ads, and note that most utilities will require you to disable battery optimization for them in settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [App name] → Battery → Without restrictions

⚠️ Warning: Lock screen customization apps can reduce phone security. Do not use them if you store sensitive data (bank applications, passwords) on your device).

Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings (⚙) → Special access → Protection MIUI → Shut down.

After setting up the text, turn the protection back on.-->

Problem Solving: Text is not displayed or disappears

Sometimes the added label disappears after the reboot or doesn't appear at all, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the lock screen settings:

Settings → System and device → Additional → Resetting settings → Resetting the lock screen settings

It won't delete your data, but it will return all lock settings to factory settings.

💡

If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), standard MIUI methods won’t work, in which case install third-party launchers like Nova Launcher with widget support on the lock screen.

Security: What can and can’t be written on the lock screen

The lock screen is visible to anyone who picks up your phone, so it's important to keep track of what information you put on it.

• 📞 Alternative phone number (not the main number!).
• 💬 Nick in messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).
• 🏠 Email address (unless it is linked to important accounts).
• 💡 Motivating phrases or quotes.

What can't be placed:

• 🔐 Passwords, PIN-codes, graphic keys.
• 💳 Bank card numbers or CVV-code.
• 📍 Exact home address.
• 👤 Full name or passport details.

If you are making contacts to return your phone, use a second number or mail that is not linked to banking services, such as:

📱 Lost? Telegram:


@return_my_redmi8




or call +7 (XXX) XXX-XX-XX (WhatsApp)

⚠️ Attention: Attackers can use the lock screen information for social engineering, for example, by phone number they will find your profiles on social networks, and by nickname they will try to hack accounts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about text on the lock screen