The Xiaomi Redmi 8 lock screen displays notifications, messages, and even text messages by default, which is convenient for quick browsing, but poses privacy risks. If you want to hide this information from prying eyes, there are several ways to set up privacy. Depending on the version of MIUI (10 to 14) and the updates installed, the interface may differ slightly, but the principles remain the same.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods: from basic privacy settings to hidden system functions that allow you to completely remove the review of notifications or replace it with neutral icons. We will pay special attention to the nuances for the Redmi 8, since on budget Xiaomi models, some options available in flagships are sometimes missing. MIUI, if the standard methods did not work.
Why does the notification review appear on the lock screen?
The Lockscreen Notifications Preview is enabled by default in the Xiaomi Redmi 8, part of the MIUI policy aimed at user convenience: the system assumes that it is important for the smartphone owner to see incoming messages without unlocking the device.
- π Data breach risk: Even if the screen is locked, anyone can read snippets of correspondence from WhatsApp, Telegram or other sources. SMS.
- π± Intrusive Advertising: Some apps (such as games or stores) send notifications with promo content that appears on the lock.
- π Additional battery consumption: Constantly updating notifications on the screen increases the power consumption of the display.
In MIUI 12 and later, Xiaomi has added the option βPrivate Modeβ, but on Redmi 8 (especially with MIUI 10-11), this option may not be available, in which case you will have to use alternative methods, which we will discuss later.
Method 1: Disabling Preview in MIUI Settings
The easiest and safest method is to use built-in privacy options, and the instructions are valid for all versions of MIUI on Redmi 8, but the menu appearance may vary slightly:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Notifications and Status bar section.
- Select Notifications on the lock screen.
- In the options list, find the Notification Preview and set the value to Do Not Show or Hide Content (depending on the MIUI version).
If you donβt have a βPreviewβ option on your menu, try an alternative path:
Settings β Applications β Application Management β [Select messenger] β Notifications β Show on the lock screen β DisableUpdate MIUI to the latest version
Check for the βPrivacyβ item in the settings
Make a backup copy of important messages
Reboot your smartphone before changing-->
Important: Redmi 8 with MIUI 10 may not have a separate option to hide the content of notifications, in which case move to Method 2.
Method 2: Use of the Privacy Mode (MIUI 12+)
Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has implemented advanced privacy settings, including the ability to completely hide notifications on the lock screen. For Redmi 8, this mode is only available after upgrading to MIUI 12.0.3 or later.
- Go to Settings. β Confidentiality.
- Select the Privacy Notices.
- Activate the button Hide the contents of notifications on the lock screen.
- In the Exclusions section, you can specify the applications whose notifications will be displayed (for example, Calls or Alarm).
| MIUI version | Presence of a βconfidentialityβ regime | An alternative path |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10-11 | β No. | Settings β Screen lock β Additional |
| MIUI 12.0.1-12.0.2 | β οΈ Partially (only for some applications) | Settings β Notifications β Notification settings |
| MIUI 12.0.3+ | β Yes (full regimen) | Settings β Privacy β Notifications |
| MIUI 13-14 | β Yes. + extension | Settings β Lock screen β Privacy |
A critical feature for Redmi 8: if the Privacy mode does not appear after upgrading to MIUI 12+, reset notification settings via Settings β Applications β Application Management β [Triple] β Reset notification settings.
Method 3: Disabling notifications for individual applications
If you only need to hide notifications from specific messengers (like Viber or Facebook Messenger), use customized settings for each application, which will leave important alerts (calls, SMS) visible, hiding the rest:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Select the app you want (such as WhatsApp).
- Go to Notifications.
- Turn off the option to Show on the lock screen or set Hide content.
- To completely disable notifications, deactivate the Allow Notifications switch.
- π For Telegram: in the app notification settings there is a separate preview item - set the value without text.
- π¬ For SMS: path of adjustment β Notifications and status bar β Notifications of communications β Show on the lock screen.
- π΅ For music apps: Turn off the option to Show Locks in player settings (e.g. Mi Music or Spotify).
π‘
If messages stop coming after disabling the notifications for the messenger, check the sync settings in your Google account. Sometimes MIUI resets permissions for the background work of applications.
Method 4: Using third-party apps to block notifications
If the built-in MIUI settings do not completely remove the notification review, you can use third-party utilities. The following applications will work for Redmi 8 (available on Google Play):
- π Notisave: Stores notifications in a secure partition and hides them from the lock screen. Requires permission to access notifications.
- π‘οΈ Notification History Log: keeps a log of notifications and lets you filter their display. MIUI 10-14.
- π Lockscreen Notifications Disabler: a specialized application to disable preview (works without root rights).
Instructions for setting up Notisave:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, grant permission to access notifications (go to settings and activate Notisave in the list of apps with access).
- In Notisave settings, select Hide notifications on the lock screen.
- Add exception apps (like Calls) if you want to leave their notifications visible.
β οΈ Note: Notification blocking apps may conflict with energy saving modes MIUI. After installation, add them to the AutoStart list and Without restrictions via Settings β Battery and productivity β Battery consumption management.
Method 5: Reset the lock screen settings (last resort)
If none of the above methods worked, the reason may be a failure in the settings of MIUI, in this case, will help to reset the lock screen settings without losing data:
- Go to Settings β About the phone β Reset settings.
- Select Reset Lock Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
- Confirm the action with a password or pattern lock.
- After the reboot, reset your fingerprint/face and check the notifications display.
This method will return all lock screen settings to factory settings, including:
- π Unlocking settings (PIN, graphical).
- π± Widgets on the lock screen.
- π Notification display parameters.
β οΈ Warning: If you use a Smart Lock, you'll have to reset it after the reset. Write down all trusted Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi networks in advance.
What if the notifications are still shown after the reset?
Additional Security Tips for Lock Screen
In addition to hiding notifications, we recommend you take additional steps to protect your privacy on Redmi 8:
- π Turn off the hints on the lock screen: in Settings β Screen locking β Additionally, deactivate the options to Show hints and show notifications about missed calls.
- π€ Set up a personal data hiding: in Settings β Confidentiality β Special permits β Access notifications check which apps have access to your alerts.
- π Use alternative launchers: Some shells (like Nova Launcher) allow you to control the display of notifications on the lock screen regardless of the size of the screen. MIUI.
- π± Activate "Guest Mode": in Settings β System and device β Additionally. β Users can create a guest profile with limited access to notifications.
For maximum protection, combine several methods. For example, disable the preview in the MIUI settings and additionally use Notisave to filter notifications. Remember to check system updates regularly - newer versions of MIUI often feature additional privacy options.
π‘
On Redmi 8 with MIUI 10-11, the most reliable way to hide notifications is to manually disable them for each application. In MIUI 12+, use Privacy mode, as it blocks system-level previews.