Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users incredibly flexible options for customizing the interface. One of the most popular features is a quick access panel that allows you to control key parameters of the device in just one touch. Many gadget owners face a situation where the usual switches disappear, change place or stop responding to commands, which causes confusion and discomfort during daily use.
Turning this interface on and configuring correctly is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a way to dramatically improve your smartphone performance: You can instantly activate a flashlight, start a screen recording, turn on Do Not Disturb mode or move files without wandering through the deep settings menu. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of working with the notification curtain and control panel on Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi devices.
It is worth noting that the algorithms of the system may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the specific modification of the firmware installed on your device. However, the basic principles remain unchanged over the years of the development of the ecosystem of the Chinese manufacturer. Below we will provide comprehensive information that will help you regain control of the interface and customize it to your personal preferences.
What is a control panel and how it differs from a notification curtain
To begin with, we need to clearly distinguish between two concepts that even experienced users often confuse: notification curtain and control panel. In the classic Android interface, these elements were combined into a single vertical ribbon, where the top were messages from applications, and the bottom – feature switches. However, with the release of the shell MIUI 12 and subsequent versions, Xiaomi introduced a separate structure that resembles the logic of iOS from Apple.
Now, a swipe down from the left end of the screen opens a list of notifications that display messages from messengers, letters and system aerials. A swipe on the right end activates the control center where the brightness and volume sliders are located, as well as a grid with quick access icons. This separation avoids random taps and makes the interface cleaner and more structured. If you're familiar with the old format, the system allows you to return it through settings.
It is important to understand that splitting into two zones only works when the Control Panel mode is turned on in the notification center settings. Otherwise, the device will work in the Classic version mode, where all elements are stretched in one long column. The choice between these modes is a matter of personal taste, but the new format offers a more convenient grouping of elements for devices with large screen diagonals.
- 📱 Control Center: Contains Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile network, flashlight and other system functions.
- 🔔 Notification curtain: designed solely to display incoming messages and calendar events.
- ⚙️ Flexibility: The user can choose which display style to use at a particular time.
⚠️ Note: When switching between Classic and Control Panel styles, the location of the music player widget may change. In the new style, it is often placed in a separate block above the switches, which requires getting used to.
How to turn on and configure the Quick Access Panel
Activation and switching between the display modes of the controls occurs through the system settings menu. This process takes no more than a minute, but requires care, since the menu items may have similar names. First, unlock your Xiaomi smartphone and find the Settings icon on your desktop, which usually looks like a gear. If you use a search system, just type in the word “notifications”.
In the menu that opens, you need to find the Notifications and Status section, and that's where you're going to find all the options that are relevant to the top of the screen, and inside that section, you'll select Notification Center, and you'll see a window that's going to open with the two main options: Classic Version and Control Panel, and the Control Panel selection will activate the separate swipe on the left and right that I mentioned above.
Once you have selected the desired style, the system can offer a short tutorial tour showing how to swipe around the screen now. It is recommended not to miss this demonstration, especially if you are moving from an old device. Also, this menu provides a customization of the icon display style - you can choose whether they will look like Android 10 or have a more modern look, typical of Android 12 and newer.
☑️ Interface configuration
Remember, after you change the style of the elements, it may take you a while for your muscle memory to adapt to the new movements of your finger, which is a normal reaction of your body to change the usual algorithm of interaction with the gadget, and after a couple of days of use, you will no longer notice the difference and use the new functions automatically.
Editing and sorting of quick access buttons
One of the most useful features of the MIUI shell is the ability to deeply customize the set of buttons in the quick access panel. By default, the system offers a standard set of 12-15 switches, but not all of them are needed by every user daily. Someone is constantly using mobile Internet, and someone more important than NFC mode or energy saving. Fortunately, you can easily change this list.
To start editing, lower the notification curtain or control center (depending on your style). At the bottom of the panel, next to the settings button or pencil icon, find the edit button. On some versions of the firmware, it looks like three horizontal bars or a separate pencil icon. Pressing on this element puts the interface into editing mode, where all active buttons start to shake or highlight.
In this mode, you can drag and drop icons with your finger, changing their order. The most important features, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, are better placed in the top row for quick access. Those switches that you rarely use (such as flight mode or exact location) can be removed to the bottom of the hidden part of the list or removed from the quick access, so as not to clutter the interface.
- 🖐️ Drag: Press the icon with your finger and move it to the right place in the grid.
- ➕ Addition: At the bottom of the edit screen is a list of available but not added buttons.
- ➖ Remove: To hide the button, drag it to the bottom zone or click on the minus if it appears on the icon.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove systemically important switches such as Flight Mode or Flashlight unless you are sure they are available through other menus. You can restore the standard set, but this will require resetting the interface settings.
Once you have all the elements in your order, be sure to click Ready or Save, which is usually located in the upper or lower right corner of the screen. If you just exit swipe or back editing mode, the changes may not apply and you will have to repeat the procedure again.
One-handed management and special regimes
Modern Xiaomi smartphones often feature screens larger than 6.5 inches, making it physically difficult to reach the top edge of the display, especially in one-handed mode. To address this problem, the company’s engineers have introduced a one-handed control mode that is activated by swipeing down a special strip or virtual button.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Additional Settings → One-handed Control. Here you can choose the activation method: shift the screen content down when you swipe your finger down the bottom bar of navigation or triple-click on the menu button. This mode reduces the screen workspace by moving it down, making it easy to reach the quick access panel even on large Redmi Note series devices.
In addition, the Quick Access Panel settings often feature the option “Open when the screen is off.” If you turn on this feature, a light tap on the screen or swipe (depending on the model) will allow you to quickly activate the flashlight or camera without fully unlocking the smartphone, which saves battery power and user time in emergency situations.
MIUI's hidden gestures
Using one-handed mode is especially important for people with small palms or when using a smartphone in transport when the second hand is occupied. Activation of this mode significantly increases the comfort of using the device in everyday life and reduces the risk of accidental fall of the gadget due to an uncomfortable grip.
Configure widgets and additional elements
The Xiaomi Quick Access Panel is not just a set of buttons, it’s also a place to put useful widgets that display real-time information, such as a weather widget that shows the current temperature and forecast, or a pedometer widget that tracks your activity throughout the day.
To add widgets, you need to go to the panel editing mode (as described in the section above). At the top of the list of available items, you will find the "Widgets" section. Here you can choose the size and type of information displayed. It is important not to overdo the number of widgets, as they consume additional battery power and can slow down the system response when you open the curtain.
Also worth noting is the music control widget, which has been significantly redesigned in the new HyperOS versions and can now display the album cover, track title and control buttons right in the center of the screen without requiring you to unlock your phone, which is especially convenient for fans of listening to music on the road or while playing sports.
| Interface element | Functional | Impact on the battery | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather widget | Shows temperature and prognosis | Low. | Recommended |
| Dictaphone | Quick launch of the recording | Absent (at rest) | Good for students. |
| Calculator | Basic computing | Absent. | Rarely used |
| QR scanner | Code reading | Using a camera. | Easy to pay. |
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If the weather widget shows incorrect data, check the geolocation settings. Allow the Weather app to access the location only when in use to save charge.
Solving problems and malfunctions
Despite the stability of the MIUI shell, users sometimes face situations where the quick access panel stops opening, freezes or displays incorrectly, most often the problem lies in the crowded cache of the system application Security or Settings, in which case cleaning the cache through the memory management menu helps.
If the panel doesn't respond to touch, try restarting the device. 90% of the time, it solves the problem of temporary software failures. It's also worth checking whether Do Not Disturb or Game mode is on, which can block the notification curtain to prevent interruption. Check the settings in Settings → Special Features.
In rare cases, after a firmware update, there may be design themes conflicts. If you use a third-party theme from the Themes store, try switching to a standard Classic or Default theme and checking the panel. Third-party themes often contain errors in the layout of system elements, which leads to incorrect interface operation.
- 🔄 Reboot: First action for any interface failure.
- 🧹 Cache Clearing: Delete Temporary Files via the Security App».
- 🎨 Change theme: Return the standard design if you use modified themes.
⚠️ Note: If the Quick Access Panel stops working after installing a particular application, remove it. Some programs have permissions to block other windows, which may block system controls.
In conclusion, the smart setup of the quick access panel turns your smartphone from a simple communication device into a powerful tool adapted to your personal needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with settings, change the order of buttons and try new features that the Xiaomi ecosystem offers.
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A properly configured quick access bar saves up to 30 minutes a day, which is usually spent finding the right features in the menu.