Xiaomi smartphone owners often face an intrusive interface that is full of unnecessary elements, especially the Redmi 9C, which has a lot of features that distract from the main use by default. Many users wonder how to remove widgets from the lock screen to see only the time and notifications, not the news feed or recommendations.
The MIUI interface on which the device is based offers flexible settings, but they are often hidden in non-obvious menu locations. Standard behavior involves an active Glance or Lock Screen Magazine feed that changes with each swipe, which can annoy those who prefer minimalism and unlock speed without unnecessary animations.
In this article, we will go into detail all the possible ways to clean the lock screen, we will look at disabling embedded services, working with application permissions and fine-tuning system parameters, you will learn to regain control of your device and make it as comfortable as possible to use.
Why widgets and news are coming to Redmi 9C
The appearance of excess content on a locked phone is the result of pre-established agreements between the manufacturer and content providers. In the case of Xiaomi, the main source of such widgets is Glance (formerly known as Lock Screen Magazine), which automatically downloads wallpaper and news blocks, consuming Internet traffic and CPU resources.
In addition, the system can pull widgets from other sources, if the appropriate permissions were given on the first run. Often users do not notice the ticks in the user agreement, agreeing to display ads and recommendations. MIUI seeks to keep the user's attention, so it offers information even without unlocking the device.
⚠️ Note: Disabling system widgets may affect some features, such as Smart Wallpaper or a locked screen weather widget, if they are tied to the same service.
Understanding the nature of these elements helps to combat them more effectively. These are not viruses, but regular, albeit intrusive, shell functions. They do not require superuser rights or complex manipulation of code, just know the right paths in the settings menu.
Disabling the Glance service (screen lock)
The most effective way to remove widgets from the lock screen Xiaomi Redmi 9C, is to directly disable the service responsible for their generation. In different versions of the firmware, this item can be called differently: Glance, Screen Lock or Lock Screen Magazine.
First, you go to the main settings menu, and you find a section called "Lock Screen," and inside that menu, you'll see a switch that activates wallpaper change and card display, and that's the one that you need to deactivate.
☑️ Checking the lock settings
Once the switch is turned off, the system may suggest that you specify the reason or show an advertising offer to leave the service. You should be persistent and choose the option of failure. Sometimes you need to confirm the action in the pop-up window by clicking "Disable" or "OK".
It is important to note that after this procedure, swiping right on the locked screen will stop calling the news feed.The screen will only show the time, date and icons of notifications, which will significantly speed up access to the device.
Configure access rights and application permissions
If a simple menu switch failed, or widgets reappeared after the update, it's worth checking the app permissions.The Glance service or associated MIUI components may have hidden autorun settings.
Go to Apps, then select All Apps. You'll want to find the service that controls the lock screen. The name may vary, but it often contains the word "Lock" or "Screen." When you go to the app information, you'll find "Permissions."
- 🔒 Limit geolocation access if you don’t need a weather widget on a locked screen.
- 📵 Ban background work so that the service does not update content in the absence of activity.
- 🗑️ Clear app data to reset cache of accumulated news and images.
It’s also worth checking the AutoRun section, if the screen locking service has auto-run permission, it will activate immediately after the phone is turned on, and disabling this option will help reduce the load on the Redmi 9C RAM.
Removing widgets through editing mode
Some interface elements can be removed directly from the lock screen using editing mode, and this requires you to try to pinch your finger in the free space of the locked screen or on the widget itself, if the system allows you to do this without unlocking.
The edit menu that opens usually displays all the widgets available. Those that are active will be ticked or highlighted with color. To remove the widget, just click on the cross or switch the switch to the inactive state.
| Type of widget | Can be removed | Impact on the system | Location on the menu |
|---|---|---|---|
| News feed | Yes. | Reduced traffic | Settings → Lock screen |
| Stepper | Yes. | Battery savings | Screen editing |
| Weather. | Yes. | No GPS access. | Widget settings |
| Music player | Partially. | He hides if there's no music. | System parameter |
Note that standard MIUI tools cannot remove the system's time and date widgets, but they are part of the lock interface's core, and all other elements, such as camera or flashlight shortcuts, can also be moved or hidden in the same editing menu.
Reset personalization settings and restore
In cases where widgets are not behaving properly or cannot be removed by standard methods, you may need to reset personalization settings, which will return all system interface settings to factory values without affecting your personal files, photos and contacts.
To do this, go to Settings, then Advanced Settings, and find Recover and Reset. You will need to select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with a full factory reset that deletes data).
What is the difference between a reset from a complete reset?
Once rebooted, the device will look like it did right after purchase, and you’ll have to reconfigure your Wi-Fi, choose a language, and most importantly, keep a close eye on the ticks when you first set up so you don’t activate intrusive services again.
This method is especially useful if the system has a software failure and the lock interface is unstable, and often it is the configuration conflict after a firmware update that leads to the emergence of "immortal" widgets.
Use of third-party launchers and blockers
If the built-in MIUI capabilities don’t suit you, you can always use third-party software. App stores offer a variety of alternative lock screens that completely replace the standard Xiaomi interface.
When you install an application, the system will request permissions such as access to notifications, permission over other windows, and permission to use it as the main lock screen, allowing the new application to take control of the screen.
- 🎨 Hi Locker is a popular app that mimics the style of iOS or pure Android.
- 🛡️ CM Locker – provides additional security and notification hiding features.
- ⚡ AcDisplay – Minimalist screen that only shows notifications on a black background.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party screen blockers may consume more battery power than the standard Redmi mechanism 9C, Because they must be constantly in the background.
Third-party solutions give you the most flexibility in how you customize your appearance, you can choose fonts, watches, widget layouts, and even themes that change depending on the time of day, but keep in mind security: only trust the installation to trusted developers.
Frequent problems and their solution
Even after completing all the instructions, users sometimes find that widgets return, which may be due to automatic updates of system components through the Security app or GetApps.
Another common problem is that widgets appear after resetting network settings or changing region. When you change region (for example, from India to Russia or Global), the system can download new configuration files, reactivating Glance services.
If the widgets have been introduced after a firmware update, check the developer forum or Xiaomi’s official news. Sometimes newer versions of MIUI change the paths to settings or new hidden switches that require special attention.
In rare cases, the cause may be an installed optimizer or "cleaner" app that forcibly activates its widgets on the lock screen. Check the list of recently installed programs and remove suspicious utilities.
💡
Complete removal of widgets requires a comprehensive approach: disabling services in settings, checking permissions and possibly changing the launcher for a guaranteed result.