Why Xiaomiβs lock screen widget tape irritates users
The lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones has long been a subject of controversy among users. On the one hand, the manufacturer tries to make the interface as informative as possible by adding a tape of widgets with weather, calendar, quick actions and recommendations. On the other hand, these elements take up precious space, slow down unlocking and often show unnecessary information, especially for owners of devices on MIUI 12/13/14 and the new HyperOS, where widgets have become even more intrusive.
Compounding the problem, even after manually removing widgets through settings, they can reappear after a system update or reset. Many Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11 Ultra users find that the widget tape eats up to 30% of the lock screen space, preventing quick access to basic functions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable it, from standard settings to hidden ADB commands.
It's important to understand that the methods vary depending on the firmware version, for example, in HyperOS (which replaced MIUI in 2026), the way widgets were set up has changed, and some of the old tricks have stopped working, and we've taken these nuances into account and prepared instructions for all the current versions of the software.
Method 1: Disable widgets using standard MIUI/HyperOS settings
The most obvious and secure method is to use built-in system options, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS. The main advantage is that it does not require superuser rights or a PC connection.
Instructions:
- Unlock your smartphone and go to Settings β Lock screen.
- Click on Lock screen style (HyperOS may call it a Lock screen layout).
- Choose the current style (usually MIUI or HyperOS).
- Scroll down to the Widgets section and turn off the slider Show widgets.
- Save the changes and check the lock screen.
If the Widgets item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:
- π± Long press on the empty spot of the lock screen β Widget settings.
- π§ Settings β Additionally. β Special facilities β Blocking widgets (on some firmware).
- π Reboot the phone after changes (sometimes the settings are only applied after the reboot).
β οΈ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) once the widgets are turned off, you may lose the ability to quickly access the flashlight or camera. To return these functions, you will have to manually add them through Settings. β Lock screen β Labels.
Method 2: Remove widgets via MIUI Launcher (for older versions)
Before MIUI 13, there was an alternative way to manage widgets through the launcher, which still works on some devices, but requires caution β wrong actions can reset the desktop settings.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- In the search box, type Launcher (or MIUI Launcher).
- Click on the app, then select Warehouse and Cache.
- Clear the cache and data (this will reset your desktop settings, but wonβt delete apps!).
- After the launcher reboots, a long tap on the lock screen can open a hidden widget menu.
If this method does not work, try the combination:
Be sure to make a backup copy of wallpaper and layout of icons
Remember the current gesture settings
Turn it off. PIN-code/pattern lock (during the procedure)
Connect your phone to charge (reset can take up to 5 minutes)-->
| Model of the device | Does the method work? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11/11T | β Yes. | Requires cleaning of the launcher data 2 times in a row |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | β οΈ Partially. | Widgets disappear, but return after update |
| POCO F3/F4 | β No. | Nana POCO-The Firmware is blocked by this method |
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | β Yes. | It only works on MIUI 14, HyperOS is disabled. |
Method 3: Using ADB to Deeply Disable Widgets
For advanced users who are ready to connect their smartphone to a PC, there is a method through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to disable widgets at the system level, which ensures that they disappear even after updates. It works on all versions of MIUI and HyperOS.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
- π± USB-cable (preferably original)
- π§ Installed drivers ADB (You can download from the official website)
- π Included debugging by USB phone-on
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Return to Settings β Additional β For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect the phone to the PC and enter in the terminal:
adb devices(Your device should appear)
adb shell pm hide com.miui.miwallpaper(This will turn off standard widget wallpaper)
adb shell pm hide com.miui.home(Switches off the launcher, but can remove icons from the desktop!)
To return widgets, use:
adb shell pm unhide com.miui.miwallpaperπ‘
Before execution ADB-Commands to make a backup through adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab. This will save all applications and settings.
β οΈ Note: pm hide commands only work on firmware with support ADB AppControl (mainly global versions) MIUI). Chinese firmware or HyperOS may require an alternative method via settings put:
adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_show_notifications 0Method 4: Installation of a third-party launcher (bypass)
If standard methods donβt work, you can take drastic measures to install an alternative launcher that completely replaces the lock screen, which is suitable for users willing to sacrifice the branded interface Xiaomi for the sake of screen cleanliness.
Best options:
- π Nova Launcher β supports customization of the lock screen through plugins.
- π Action Launcher β has built-in settings to disable widgets.
- π± Smart Launcher 6 β Automatically hides unnecessary items.
- π Niagara Launcher β a minimalist interface without unnecessary widgets.
How to set up:
- Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
- In the launcher settings, find the Lock Screen or Lock Screen section.
- Turn off the option to Show MIUI widgets (the name may be different).
- Install third-party wallpapers via WallpapersCraft or Backdrops to avoid conflict.
What happens if you delete MIUI Launcher?
Cons of this method:
- β οΈ Loss of Xiaomi branded features (like Game Turbo or Second Space).
- π Increased battery consumption (third-party launchers are often less optimized).
- π Not all launchers work correctly with HyperOS.
Method 5: Manual editing of system files (for advanced ones)
This method requires root rights and is only suitable for users willing to risk system stability, and allows widgets to be permanently deleted by editing MIUI configuration files.
Step-by-step:
- Get root access through Magisk (instructions are available on XDA Developers).
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Follow the path:
/system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/MiuiSystemUI.apk/res/values/- Find the bools.xml file and open it in the text editor.
- Find the line:
<bool name="config_showLockscreenWidgets">true</bool>- Replace true with false.
- Save the file and restart the device.
Alternative path (for HyperOS):
/vendor/overlay/framework-miui-res/apk/assets/You need to edit the file here. lockscreen_overlay.xml.
π‘
Editing system files can lead to bootloop if you miss the syntax or delete critical lines. Always back up the original files before making changes!
What to do if the widgets return after the update
One of the most common problems is that widgets reappear after installing MIUI or HyperOS updates, which is because the system resets some settings to factory settings. To avoid this, follow these tips:
- π΅ Turn off automatic updates: go to Settings β The phone. β Update the system and deactivate the Auto Download option.
- π§ Use it. ADB After each update: Repeat the commands from Method 3 to block the widgets again.
- π‘οΈ Install Magisk module: in the Magisk repository there are modules like MIUI Widget Removers that permanently block widgets.
- π₯ Reverse to the old firmware: If the update brought too many unnecessary changes, you can return the previous version through the Mi Flash Tool.
For devices on HyperOS, there is another trick:
- Go to Settings β Accounts β Mi Account.
- Turn off the synchronization of the Theme and System Settings.
- This will prevent the widgets from being restored the next time you log in to your account.