How to install the lock button on the screen Xiaomi

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are powered by MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, offer users incredible flexibility in managing the interface. One of the most sought-after features for many owners is the ability to quickly access the lock without using physical buttons. This is especially true when mechanical volume or power keys start to jam, or when the user simply more conveniently manages the gadget through a virtual interface.

In this article, we will discuss how to install the lock button on your smartphone screen so that it is always at hand. We will discuss native tools that do not require additional software installation, as well as the topic of creating shortcuts for instant locking. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to optimize interaction with the device and extend the life of physical buttons. In addition, we will discuss the nuances of such buttons in the background and their impact on battery charge.

Before you start setting up, it’s worth noting that the menu layout may vary slightly depending on the operating system version and regional firmware. However, the general operating principle of system components has remained the same for many years, so you can set the virtual button to perform exactly the actions you need in your daily use, whether it’s locking the screen, screenshot or launching a voice assistant.

Use Assistive Touch to quickly lock

The most reliable and legal way to add a floating button to the screen is to use the built-in Assistive Touch (often referred to as the "Floating Button" or "Quick Ball" in different versions of firmware), a tool originally designed for people with disabilities, but has become popular because of its versatility. It creates a semi-transparent sphere that hovers over all open applications and allows you to execute system commands with a single touch.

To activate this feature, you need to go to the settings section responsible for additional system parameters. The path can look like Settings → Additional functions → Floating button or Settings → Advanced settings → Floating window. After switching on the toaster, a floating ball will appear on the screen that can be dragged to any convenient area of the display. Inside the menu of this button, there is already a lock option for the screen by default, but it can be brought to the main menu level to speed up access.

It's important to understand that Assistive Touch consumes minimal resources, but it's always hanging in RAM. If you use a smartphone for games, it's best to temporarily turn off this feature so that it doesn't override the controls in the game interfaces. Customize the sensitivity and transparency of the button to make it almost invisible in normal use mode until you touch it.

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For maximum convenience, set up the Single Touch action to lock the screen, and leave a long press for screenshots or other functions.

The advantage of this method is deep integration with the Android system. the button will not fly out or work incorrectly after the system update, unlike third-party applications. You get a stable tool that is guaranteed to work on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, regardless of the year of release of the device.

Creating a locking label on the desktop

If you don't want a constantly floating sphere on your screen, but you want to be able to lock your phone with a single touch, a great solution is to create a special shortcut on your desktop. Unlike standard watch widgets or calendars, this shortcut will serve a specific function - to instantly turn off the screen and go into standby mode.

The process of creating such a shortcut is hidden in the standard menu of MIUI widgets. You need to pinch an empty space on your desktop or pinch a two-finger to go into edit mode. Next, select "Widgets" and scroll through the list to the "Tools" or "Systems" section. There you will find an item called "Screen Lock" with a characteristic lock icon. Drag it to the desktop, you will get instant access to the display shutdown function.

It's worth noting that some versions of the HyperOS shell may not have a direct lock widget in the standard set, and in this case, you can use the Shortcuts app, which is also built into the system, and you can create automation: "When you run a shortcut → Do an action → Lock the screen." This will take a little longer to set up initially, but the result will be identical.

Using a desktop shortcut is an ergonomic solution for those who prefer minimalism, it doesn't take up too much space in the interface, doesn't overlaid content in apps, and only activates when you want it, and it's also a great way to unload physical buttons if one of them is already starting to flop.

Setting up the lock button in the Security application

Xiaomi has a powerful system application called Security that is often overlooked when looking for interface settings. Although its main function is virus protection and memory cleaning, some firmware versions contain tools for access control and blocking. However, most users are looking for Ad Blocker or Payment Protection, which also influence system behavior.

In the context of lock button installation, the Security app can act as a permissions management hub. If you decide to use a third-party application to create a floating button (as discussed below), this is where you will have to grant it permission to “Map on top of other applications.” Without this permission, the floating widget simply won’t start or will be closed immediately by the system.

⚠️ Warning: Do not give suspicious applications from unknown sources device administrator rights or access to special features if you are not sure of their security.

Also in the Security section, you can configure the pin, pattern lock or fingerprint that will be requested when you unlock. This is an important aspect, since installing the software lock button implies frequent use of this feature. Make sure that your unlock method is convenient and reliable, so that the balance between access speed and data protection is maintained.

For advanced users, the Security app provides access to hidden settings through the developer menu, which can be activated by clicking on the MIUI version several times in the About Phone section, where you can find animation and window behavior options, which indirectly affects the responsiveness of the buttons and widgets you create.

Third-party applications for creating floating buttons

If you don't have the standard Xiaomi functionality, or if you want a more complex interface with many actions, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, with the leaders in this niche being programs like Assistive Touch, Virtual Button or Floating Touch, offering themes, customization of vibration when clicked, and advanced action menus.

When you install an application, the system will immediately request a number of critical permissions, you will need to allow "Mapping on top of other applications" and access to "Accessibility", the second point is necessary for the application to intercept clicks and emulate the actions of the system buttons, without these settings, the virtual button will be useless.

However, third-party solutions have their drawbacks: They can conflict with MIUI system navigation, especially control gestures, and they often show ads or require a premium version to unlock all features, and unlike a native solution, they can stop working properly after a major Android update.

But for users who need customization, that's the only way to go: You can create a button that not only locks the screen, but also takes a screenshot, adjusts the volume, or triggers a flashlight, and that kind of versatility makes a smartphone a more convenient one-handed tool.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party floating-window apps can significantly speed up battery discharge, as they are constantly active and track the position of the finger.

Comparison of screen locking methods on Xiaomi

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you weigh the pros and cons of each method, taking into account your individual needs for convenience and functionality.

The table shows that system solutions benefit in terms of stability and energy efficiency. If your goal is simply to have an alternative to a physical button, don’t overload the system with extra software. Xiaomi’s native tools provide the optimal balance between convenience and performance.

The choice also depends on the model of your device. On older models with MIUI 11-12, some features may be called differently or not. While on new flagships with HyperOS, animations and widget logic have become smoother, but also more demanding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The best solution for most users is to use the built-in Assistive Touch function, since it does not require the installation of excessive software and is guaranteed to work stably on all versions of MIUI.