Why notifications on a locked Xiaomi screen can be dangerous
Xiaomi’s lock screen is not just a security against random clicks, but also a potential loophole for personal information leakage. When notifications from instant messengers, banking apps or email are displayed on a locked screen, anyone nearby can see the contents of messages, sender names or even fragments of a confirmation code, especially critical for owners of Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 13, where the default mode is “show full text” of notifications.
According to a 2023 Kaspersky study, 38 percent of sensitive data leaks on mobile devices occur through the lock screen, while Xiaomi’s MIUI offers flexible privacy settings, but they’re hidden deep in the menu. Many users don’t even realize that you can not only hide the text of notifications, but also completely disable their display on a locked screen – or leave only icons without content.
In this article, you will find current ways to configure notifications for MIUI 14/15 (including HyperOS), as well as solutions for cases where standard methods do not work, for example, due to firmware errors or conflicts with applications. We will analyze step-by-step instructions for different scenarios, from completely disabling notifications to selectively hiding content for individual messengers.
Method 1: Completely disabling notifications on the lock screen
If you need to completely remove all notifications from the locked screen, including app icons, use this method. It is suitable for all devices on MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS, including the Redmi K50, Xiaomi 13T and other models.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- 🔒 Go to Lock Screen (or Lock and Protect in older versions) MIUI).
- 🛡️ Select Notifications on the lock screen.
- 🚫 Tap on the option Do not show notifications (in some firmware it is called Hide notifications).
Once the changes are applied, the lock screen will become “clean” – without any icons or notification text – and this method does not affect the performance of notifications in the status bar or in the curtain after unlocking.
☑️ Verification of deactivation of notifications
Method 2: Hide the contents of notifications (leave only icons)
If you need notification icons (to see which app the message came from) but don't need to show their content, use this option.It's useful for users who want to save visual cues but protect privacy.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings → Lock screen → Notifications on the lock screen.
- Select the option to Show Notification icons (or Hide content in some versions).
- Activate the Hide Confidential Content Switch (if available).
Now, only app icons (such as WhatsApp, Telegram or SberBank Online) will be displayed on the locked screen, but the text of messages will remain hidden, which is especially convenient for the POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Lite, where the AMOLED screen clearly displays icons even with minimal backlighting.
What if the “Hide Content” option is not available?
Method 3: Set up notifications for individual applications
If you want to selectively hide notifications — like leaving messages from Telegram but hiding notifications from banking apps — this is the method for you. It works at the application level and allows for flexible privacy management.
Step-by-step:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find the desired application in the list (for example, SberBank Online or VKontakte) and tap it.
- 🔔 Select Notifications (or Display Notifications).
- 🔕 Turn off the switch Show on the lock screen or select Hide contents option.
For convenience, you can use the filter by category of applications (for example, “Finance” or “Social Networks”). On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Black Shark 5, this method also allows you to adjust the priority of notifications – for example, leave only important messages from messengers on the screen, hiding the rest.
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If the application does not appear in the “Application Management” list, check if it is locked in the battery settings (Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode).
Method 4: Use of the Privacy Mode (for MIUI 14+)
Starting with MIUI 14 (and HyperOS), Xiaomi has added a special privacy mode that automatically hides notifications on a locked screen based on your location or connected devices, such as setting up a notification hide when you’re at work or connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
How to activate:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Privacy Mode.
- Enable the option Adaptive Privacy.
- Set up the rules: 📍 By location (e.g., hiding notifications in the office). 📶 Wi-Fi (Hide on Public Access Points). 🔄 Time (for example, hiding at night).
This method is especially useful for the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi K60, where built-in sensors allow you to accurately determine the location. However, keep in mind that privacy mode can increase battery consumption by 5-10% due to constant monitoring of conditions.
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Privacy mode only works on devices with MIUI 14 and later, and older versions (MIUI 12/13) will not have this option.
Solving problems: Notices are not hidden
If you have completed all the settings, but notifications are still displayed on the locked screen, the problem may be one of the following:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Settings are not saved | System cache error | Clear the cache to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Settings → Clear the cache |
| Notifications are shown in part | Conflict with the subject of design | Reset the theme to standard in Settings → Screen → Theme |
| Options are not on the menu | An outdated version of MIUI | Update the firmware in Settings → About the phone → System update |
| Notifications of banking applications are not hidden | Features of the application (for example, SberBank or Tinkoff) | Set up a hidden in the application itself (Notifications section) |
For POCO M4 Pro and Redmi Note 11 devices with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), you may need to manually edit the settings.db file via ADB. However, this is a risky method – incorrect changes can lead to system failure.
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If you have root access, try editing your notification settings through the AppOps app (available on Google Play).
Additional security measures
In addition to hiding notifications, we recommend taking additional steps to protect privacy on Xiaomi:
- 🔐 Use a pattern lock or fingerprint instead of a fingerprint. PIN-code (easier to see).
- 📱 Turn on the settings. → Lock screen → Show the owner (displays your number on the lock screen to return the phone when lost).
- 🔄 Regularly check the permissions of applications in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits.
- 🛡️ Install a remote management app (e.g. Google’s Find Device).
On Black Shark 4/5 and Xiaomi gaming devices, it is also helpful to disable notifications during games via Settings → Special Features → Game Mode.This will prevent accidental disclosure of personal information during streams or broadcasts.