How to set up notifications on a locked screen Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

The lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a protection against accidental clicks, but also a convenient way to get important information without unlocking the device. However, by default, many notifications are hidden or displayed incorrectly, which forces users to constantly open the phone to check messages, a problem that is especially relevant after MIUI updates when settings are reset or the logic of the system changes.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can configure notifications on a locked screen for different firmware versions (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), including hidden developer settings and model-specific solutions (such as Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5). You’ll learn how to display message content, disable unnecessary alerts, and fix typical bugs when notifications are missing or duplicated.

Why are not notifications displayed on a locked screen?

Before you start settings, it is important to understand the reasons why notifications may not be displayed.

• 🔄 Update MIUI — After installing the new version of the firmware, the notification settings are reset to the factory.
• 🔒 Privacy Policy – in some regions (e.g. EU) the content of notifications is hidden by default.
• 📱 Battery Optimization – the system can block the background activity of applications to save charge.
• 🛠️ Manual Shutdown – Users could accidentally change settings in the Security or Notifications menu.

Also, consider that some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60) have additional security mechanisms that can affect the display of notifications, for example, if Incognito mode or Personal Data Protection is enabled, the content of messages will be hidden even when the screen is unlocked.

Method 1: Standard Notification settings in MIUI

The easiest way to enable notifications on a locked screen is to use the built-in system settings. The instructions are relevant for all modern versions of MIUI (12-14) and most models, including POCO, Redmi and Xiaomi’s flagship series.

Open the Settings menu and follow the following steps:

1. Go to the Notifications and Status bar section.
2. Select Notifications on the lock screen.
3. Activate the Display Notifications switch.
4. Below, select one of the display options: 📌 Display content – full text of messages (recommended). 🔐 Do not show content – only app icons. 🚫 Not to show notifications – complete shutdown.

If you have MIUI 14, check the Privacy section in the same menu, as there may be an option to hide sensitive notifications that blocks messages from banking applications or instant messengers.

Is notified on the lock screen?|Selected mode "Show content"?|Disabled option "Hide sensitive notifications"? (MIUI 14)|Have the settings for individual applications been checked?-->

Method 2: Set up notifications for individual applications

Sometimes general settings are enabled, but notifications from specific applications (such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Gmail) do not appear on the locked screen.

1. Open Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification management.
2. Select the application from the list (for example, Viber).
3. Make sure the Allow Notifications switch is active.
4. Scroll down and turn on the option to Show on the lock screen.
5. If necessary, set notification priority (e.g. High for important messages).

For instant messengers (for example, Telegram), additionally check the settings inside the application:

1. Open Telegram and go to Settings → Notifications and sounds.
2. Select Show text messages.
3. Make sure the option on the lock screen is enabled.

Method 3: Developer settings for advanced users

If standard settings don’t work, you can use the hidden options in the Developer Menu, which is suitable for experienced users and requires caution, as incorrect changes can affect the stability of the system.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!

Now, follow the following steps:

1. Return to Settings and open a new section → For developers.
2. Find the option to not turn off the screen when charging (optional, but useful for testing).
3. Scroll down to the Notifications block and turn on: 🔄 Allow notifications in the background. 📱 Show notifications on the lock screen (if any).

Restart the device to apply the changes.

💡

If after activating the developer mode notifications began to duplicate, disable the option debugging over USB in the same menu – sometimes it conflicts with the work of system services.

Solving problems: notifications disappear or not updated

If notifications on a locked screen appear but disappear after a few seconds or are not updated in real time, the problem may be related to:

• 🔋 Optimizing the battery — MIUI aggressively closes the background processes.
• 📶 Unstable Internet – without a connection, notifications do not come.
• 🔄 Cache systems – damaged data can disrupt the work of services.

To fix this:

1. Turn off battery optimization for instant messengers: Go to Settings → Apps → Application Management. Select the desired application (such as WhatsApp). Press Battery and select No Limits.
2. Clear the cache for the notification service: Open Settings → Apps → All apps. Find Google Play Services and click Clear Cache. Repeat for MIUI Notification Manager (if any).

Check the sync.

• Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
• Make sure you have sync enabled for Google and Mi Account.

You can also set up a double notification:

• 🔔 On the lock screen will only display the app icon.
• 📱 After unlocking, the full text of the message will appear.

⚠️ Warning: Cleaning up the data for the Notification Manager will reset all the individual notification settings for the applications.