Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face the desire to personalize the device interface, making it more convenient or visually appealing.The MIUI standard shell or the new HyperOS offer many settings, but sometimes standard functionality is not enough for advanced users. The question of how to change the control panel may involve replacing the system curtain notifications, installing a new launcher or even deep flashing the device.
In this article, we will take a look at all the customization methods available, from secure settings on menus to using third-party software, learn how to change the appearance of the curtain, move quick access buttons and implement new controls that are not available out of the box. It is important to understand that some methods require Root rights, which can affect the guarantee and security of data.
Before you start making radical changes, you need to clearly define what interface element you want to change. The control panel can mean different things, from a banal change of wallpaper to a complete replacement of the system UI. We will look at every aspect so that you can choose the best way to upgrade your gadget without the risk of turning it into a “brick”.
⚠️ Warning: Installing unproven system modifications or obtaining superuser rights (Root) can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the smartphone. Always back up important data before starting experiments.
Control Panel Concept in the Android and MIUI Ecosystem
In the context of the Android operating system and its shells, such as MIUI, the control panel is a complex software component that displays notifications, Wi-Fi switches, Bluetooth, flashlight and brightness slider. In Xiaomi’s standard design, this interface element is rigidly integrated into the SystemUI.apk system process.
Users often confuse the control panel with a lock screen or desktop. The lock screen protects the device from unauthorized access, and the desktop (Launcher) contains application shortcuts. The control panel ("curtain") is called by a top-down swipe and is a critical part of navigation. Its replacement requires intervention in system processes, which distinguishes this task from simply changing the theme of design.
With the release of HyperOS, Xiaomi has begun to introduce deeper changes to the interface architecture, making controls more modular but also more secure from third-party interference, which means that older methods of replacing system files may not work on new devices, requiring more modern approaches to customization.
Safe Customization: Themes and Built-in Settings
The easiest and safest way to change the look of the control panel is to use the built-in Themes app, the MIUI Theme Store allows you to change not only the wallpaper and icons, but also the style of system elements, including the control center, without requiring administrator rights or complex manipulation of the code.
To find the right design, open the Themes app on the home screen. In the search box, type in queries like “Control Center,” “iOS style,” or “Custom UI.” Many authors create themes that visually mimic the control panel from iOS or other operating systems. Once the theme is installed, changes can affect switch colors, slider shapes, and animations.
But you have to keep in mind that the themes are visually related. The functionality, the button layout, and the logic of the work stay the same. You can't add new system switches or reorder elements deeper than the theme editor allows. It's a cosmetic repair, not a structural overhaul.
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Before installing a new theme, take a screenshot of the current control panel to compare the changes and, if necessary, quickly return to the original look through the theme settings.
There are also hidden features in the system settings. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Control Center. Here you can choose the display style (old or new) and adjust the visibility of some elements. On HyperOS devices, the functionality is expanded: you can change the size of the widgets and their location in editing mode.
Using third-party applications to replace curtains
If there's not enough built-in tools, Google Play's specialized apps come to the rescue, and they don't replace the system panel completely, they create a new interface layer on top of it, and they intercept the swipe from above and show their own control panel with advanced functionality.
One popular solution is iOS 15's Control Center app or its analogues. Once you install and grant the necessary permissions (access to notifications, on top of other windows), the swipe will open a custom interface, you get the ability to adjust the brightness, volume, run applications and see system information in a new style.
For more advanced users, there are tools like Good Lock (for Samsung, but there are analogues for Xiaomi) or Material Status Bar. They allow you to fine-tune the color of indicators, fonts and even add your own buttons to run macros. However, such applications can consume additional battery power due to constant background activity.
- 📱 Control Center iOS 16 – a complete imitation of the Apple interface with the ability to configure modules.
- 🎨 Material Status Bar – deep customization of colors and style of the state string without root rights.
- ⚡ Quick Settings Tile – Creating your own Quick Start Tiles for any action.
- 🔒 Notification Widget – widgets for the lock screen, complementing the functionality of the curtain.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party curtain replacement apps require permanent permissions to access data and screen.Install only proven high-rated software to avoid leaking personal information.
Deep Modification through Magisk and Root Rights
For those who want to completely replace the control panel, the only option is to obtain Root rights.This gives full access to the Android file system.The main tool for managing rights and installing modules is Magisk. The process requires unlocking the bootloader, which is officially allowed by Xiaomi, but takes time (usually 7 days of waiting).
Once the bootloader is unlocked and Magisk installed, the user can access thousands of modules. There are modules that replace SystemUI with a modified version. For example, the Xiaomi.eu series modules often contain improved versions of the control center with additional features such as a mobile network switch, task manager or real-time traffic monitoring.
The way you install modules is by downloading the module archive in.zip, opening Magisk, going to Modules, and selecting Install from Storage. Once you reboot, the changes take effect. It is important to follow the module author's instructions strictly, as incompatibility between Android and MIUI versions can lead to a cyclical reboot.
☑️ Preparation for Root-Modification
It's worth noting that with the release of HyperOS and the introduction of enhanced HyperProtect protection, obtaining Root rights has become more difficult. Some banking applications and anti-cheat games stop working on rooted devices, so before starting the procedure, weigh the pros and cons.
What to do if the phone went into a bootloom after installing the module?
Comparison of methods of customization of the interface
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we've compiled a comparison table that will help you assess the risks and opportunities of each way you change the control panel, from simple themes to complex rooting, each option has its pros and cons.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk of data loss | Depth of change | Impact on the guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in themes | Low. | No. | Just visual. | No. |
| Third-party annexes | Medium | No. | Atop the system. | No. |
| Unlocking the loader | Tall. | Yeah (on reset) | Systemic | Partially. |
| Root and Magisk | Very high. | High-pitched | Complete. | Yes (cancellates) |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best option is a combination of built-in themes and third-party applications, which allows you to refresh the interface without the risk of losing data or disrupting the critical functions of the smartphone.
Transition to Custom Firmware (Custom ROM)
A radical solution to the standard control panel problem is to install custom firmware, such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS. These operating systems offer "pure" Android or unique interfaces that are radically different from MIUI. The control panel here looks and works completely different.
Installing custom firmware requires an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP recavator installed. The process involves completely cleaning the device (Wipe), installing a new system and often security patches (GApps). This gives maximum freedom: you can change system fonts, animations, status bar behavior and more at the core level of the system.
However, this method has serious drawbacks. Custom firmware cameras often perform worse due to the lack of optimization of Xiaomi algorithms. ecosystem functions (smart home, call recording) may not be available.
- 🚀 LineageOS – code stability and purity, minimal visual effects.
- 🎨 Pixel Experience – one-to-one interface like on Google Pixel, including a new control panel.
- ⚙️ crDroid – huge possibilities of customizing every button and interface element.
- 🛡️ DivestOS – focus on security and privacy, cut all trackers.
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Custom firmware is a way for experienced users who are ready to devour the convenience of a regular camera and ecosystem for the sake of complete control over the system and unique design.