How to remove shortcuts from the lock screen on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why Xiaomi lock screen shortcuts are bothering users

Xiaomi’s lock screen is not just a protection against random clicks, but also a convenient tool for quick access to frequently used features. However, standard shortcuts (camera, flashlight, Google Assistant) are not always convenient: they take up space, accidentally activate in your pocket or simply do not need a particular user. This is especially true for owners of Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 13, where the manufacturer has added additional widgets in the latest versions of MIUI 14.

The problem is complicated by the fact that the basic settings MIUI There's no direct point to remove these shortcuts, just the ability to move them or replace them with others, which is annoying for users who want a minimalistic lock screen without unnecessary elements. Fortunately, there are a few ways to solve this problem: from standard settings to use ADB-Teams for experienced users.

In this article, we will discuss all current methods of removing shortcuts, including hidden MIUI features, third-party applications and technical solutions. It is important to note that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, which can affect the device warranty.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without root)

Since MIUI 12, the manufacturer has added limited shortcut management on the lock screen, which does not completely remove all elements, but allows you to replace them with less used or disable the most intrusive ones.

To get into the settings menu:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Lock screen.
• 🔧 Select Lock Screen Shortcuts (some firmware may call Quick Actions).
• 🔄 Here you will see a list of available shortcuts (usually 2-5 pieces). Click on any of them and select No or Disable.
• ⚠️ Note: instead of removing the system will offer to replace the shortcut to another (for example, Google Pay instead of the flashlight).

This is a good way to do it for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14, but it doesn’t solve the problem drastically – shortcuts are simply replaced, not removed.

Method 2: Using Developer Mode and ADB

For users willing to dive into technical details, there is a way to remove shortcuts through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) this requires connecting a smartphone to a computer, but does not violate the warranty and does not require root rights.

Instructions:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB-computer-driver (Windows/macOS/Linux).
2. 📱 On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and press 7 times on this item.
3. 🔌 Connect the device to USB, Select the File Transfer mode and confirm debugging on the smartphone screen.
4. 💻 Open the command line (or Terminal) and enter:

adb shell settings put secure sysui_lockscreen_shortcuts "none"

After you've completed the command, restart the device. The labels should disappear. If that hasn't happened, try an alternative command:

adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_show_shortcuts 0

Developer mode activated

Installed ADB-PC drivers

USB debugging enabled in settings

The smartphone is connected in the mode "File transfer"

-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese) ADB-The only way to get the root rights or install custom firmware is to get the teams to fail because of the manufacturer's limitations.

Method 3: Third-party launchers and applications

If standard methods fail, you can bypass the limitations of MIUI with third-party applications, which does not require technical skills, but can affect the stability of the lock screen.

The best apps to replace the lock screen:

• 🔒 LockScreen Customizer – allows you to completely redefine the look of the lock, including removing shortcuts.Works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires overlay permission.
• 🎨 Always On Edge – Creates a custom lock screen with support AOD (Always on Display, suitable for Redmi K50, Xiaomi 12T and other models with AMOLED-screen.
• ⚙️ Nova Launcher + TeslaUnread is a combination of launcher and module for setting notifications. allows you to hide standard shortcuts, but does not remove them completely.

Before installing, check the compatibility of the application with your model and the version of MIUI. Some programs may conflict with system services, which will lead to reboots or freezes of the lock screen.

💡

Before installing a third-party launcher, back up your current lock screen settings via Settings → Additional → Backup.

Method 4: Editing system files (requires root)

For power users willing to risk system stability, there is a radical method of editing system files, requiring an unlocked bootloader and root rights, which voids Xiaomi’s warranty.

Algorithm of action:

1. 🔓 Get root access via Magisk or SuperSU.
2. 📂 Install a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. 🔍 Cross the path. /system/usr/keylayout/ and find the Generic.kl file.
4. ✏️ Open the file in the text editor and find the lines responsible for the shortcuts (usually containing the text editor). KEY_SHORTCUT or LOCKSCREEN).
5. 🗑️ Comment or delete these lines, save the file and restart the device.

On Xiaomi 11T and POCO F4 models, lock screen shortcuts can be stored in /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/MiuiSystemUI.apk file – editing it requires decompilation and reassembly, which is extremely risky for beginners.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can result in a "bootloop" or complete inoperability of the lock screen. TWRP.

Method 5: Installation of custom firmware

If all previous methods have failed, the last option is to install custom firmware, such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS, which are free of MIUI limitations and allow you to fully customize the lock screen.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🆓 Completely remove unnecessary labels without a trace.
• 🔄 Option to choose alternative widgets (weather, music, notifications).
• 🚀 Optimized performance and no advertising MIUI.

Installation process:

1. 🔓 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account binding and wait 7-15 days).
2. 📥 Download the right firmware for your model from the forum XDA Developers or 4PDA.
3. 🔧 Install custom Recovery TWRP Or OrangeFox.
4. 💾 Flush the firmware through the Recovery, pre-wire the Dalvik, Cache, System and Data partitions.

Please note that after installing custom firmware, some functions may stop working, such as: IR-Blaster (DU remote) or Always On Display on unofficial builds.

💡

Custom firmware is the most radical way to get rid of labels, but it requires technical skills and lacks warranty.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When removing shortcuts from the lock screen, users often face unexpected difficulties, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: After use ADB-Teams are returning after the reboot.

• 🔄 Check if settings are reset via Automatic Date & Time. Turn off automatic timing in Settings → Additionally. → Date and time.
• 📱 Install the Shizuku app + ADB AppControl to fix changes.

Problem 2: Third-party launcher conflicts with system notifications.

• 🔕 Turn off the imposition of notifications for the launcher in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Overlay.
• 🔄 Restart the device after installing a new launcher.

Problem 3: After editing the system files, the lock screen stopped working.

• 🛠️ Restore the original Generic.kl file from the backup.
• 🔧 Refuse the system section through Fastboot:

fastboot flash system system.img

FAQ: Answers to popular questions