How to change the lock style on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the urge to personalize their device by making it unique. One of the first steps in the process is to change the look of the lock screen that a user sees every time they pick up the phone. The standard MIUI or HyperOS settings offer basic options, but the hidden potential of the system allows you to create real design wonders.

The process of changing style can range from simple wallpaper replacement to deep customization through the installation of third-party themes. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, including working with the Themes app, customizing widgets and managing the Always On Screen function, you will learn not only to change pictures, but also completely transform the login interface.

It’s worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system. However, the logic of actions remains similar for most models, whether it’s the old Redmi Note 9 or the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. We’ll look at universal ways that will help you achieve the desired result without the need for root rights.

Standard lock screen settings

The first and most obvious way to change the look and feel is to take advantage of the built-in features. Manufacturers are embedding flexible tools for basic setup that don’t require additional software installation. To get to the desired menu, you need to go to Settings → Lock Screen (or Settings → Always On Screen and Lock Screen).

Here, the user can choose between a static image, a slideshow or a "Wallpaper Carousel" feature that automatically changes the background image every time the screen is turned on, downloading content from the Xiaomi cloud.It's an easy way to keep the interface fresh, but it doesn't change the structure of elements like watches or notification widgets.

It's important to understand that standard settings are limited to the design of the current system theme, so if you want to change the font of the watch or its location, a simple switch may not be enough, and a more powerful tool comes to the rescue, the theme store.

Key options available in the standard menu include:

• 🖼️ Selection of static image from the gallery
• 🔄 Setting up the interval of change of wallpaper in the Carousel
• 🔒 Background blurring switching on/off
• ⏱️ Setting the screen-off timer

⚠️ Warning: Wallpaper Carousel requires an active internet connection to upload new images. Make sure you have mobile traffic or Wi-Fi enabled if you want images to update automatically.

Using the Themes app to change style

The most effective way to change the style of blocking is to use the official Themes app, which is a built-in catalog where developers from around the world create unique designs, and you can find styles that mimic iOS, anime, minimalism, or futuristic cyberpunk.

To find the desired design, open the Themes app and search the search bar. Enter a query such as “Lock screen” or “Block Style.” Note the preview: it usually shows what the lock screen will look like. After selecting the theme, click “Download” and then “Apply”.

When applying the theme, the system can suggest which components will be changed. Make sure the tick is opposite the Lock Screen. If you want to leave the desktop icons the same, uncheck the corresponding checkboxes, leaving only the lock.

In some cases, the watch may not display correctly or be misaligned after the theme is applied, depending on the quality of the theme and the resolution of your screen. Always check how the theme looks on the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 13 before leaving it constant.

Set up widgets and clocks on the lock screen

Modern versions of Xiaomi’s shells allow you to flexibly customize widgets directly on the lock screen. It’s not just a decoration, but a functional element that allows you to see the weather, currency rates or steps without unlocking the phone. These settings are often hidden in the theme editing menu.

To add or change widgets, try clamping your finger on the free space of the lock screen (if the theme supports editing) or go to the settings of a specific theme in the Themes app. Some themes offer custom widget sets that replace the standard system ones.

The new versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14 offer a choice of different time display options, such as a large digital watch, an analog dial, or minimalist text in the corner of the screen.

If standard options are not enough, you can use third-party widget apps, although their functionality on the lock screen is often limited by Android security. However, the combination of the right theme and built-in widgets gives a great result.

Always on Display and its customization

For devices with AMOLED-screens such as Xiaomi 13T Redmi Note 12 Pro is available for Always On Display (AOD). It allows you to display information on the screen that's off, creating a stylish effect. AOD It is closely related to the locking style, as it is often a continuation of the locking style.

Go to Settings → Always on screen and Lock screen → Always on screen. Here you can choose the display format: hours, date, picture or even short animation when lifting the phone. Many themes from the store automatically adjust the AOD style to the overall design.

You can create your own style of AOD using gallery photos, and the system will automatically crop the image and darken the background to save energy, and it's a great way to personalize the device, making it recognizable even in your pocket or on your desk.

⚠️ Warning: Always On Display in Always mode can significantly reduce battery life of the smartphone, it is recommended to use the “10 seconds after touch” mode or adjust the schedule (for example, only during the day).

Resolving Style Change Problems

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the applied theme does not work correctly, or the application button is inactive, this may be due to a conflict of versions of system components or errors in the theme file itself. The first step should always be to restart the device.

If the problem persists, try clearing the theme app cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Topics → Memory → Clear the cache. This action is safe and won’t delete your downloaded themes, but can fix display errors.

In rare cases, after installing a heavy theme with complex animations, the phone may start to slow down on the lock screen, especially for budget models such as the Redmi 12C or POCO M5. In this situation, it is better to return to the standard style or choose a lighter theme without video inserts.

Another common problem is time desynchronization in lock widgets, which is solved by checking the date and time settings: make sure you check the "Use network time" box. Automatic synchronization is critical for the widgets to work correctly.

Security and third-party launchers

Many users are looking for ways to install a third-party lock screen from Google Play to get functionality not available in MIUI. However, security experts strongly discourage doing so on major devices. Third-party blockers often require extensive permissions and can become a vulnerability to data theft.

Additionally, third-party screen locking apps often conflict with Xiaomi system features like a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition.This can result in you not being able to unlock the phone at a critical moment.Native locking system is optimized better than any peers.

If you do decide to experiment, only use proven applications with high ratings and a lot of reviews, but remember: the best way to change style is a competent combination of official themes and system settings, not installing dubious software.

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Before installing a new theme, take a screenshot of the current widget configuration, which will help you quickly get things back to the way they were if you don’t like the new style or are uncomfortable with daily use.

Using official tools ensures the stability of HyperOS and the safety of your personal data. Xiaomi theme system is regularly updated, adding new features without risking the security of the device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The official theme store is the safest and most stable way to change the lock style, ensuring compatibility with scanners and system notifications.