How to bring the lock button to the screen Xiaomi: all working methods

Xiaomi’s virtual lock button is a convenient solution for those who want to quickly lock a smartphone without using a physical power button. This is especially true when the mechanical key breaks, awkward location (for example, on large models of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), or simply to speed up access. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to add a virtual lock button to the screen of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices – from standard MIUI functions to third-party applications.

Importantly, not all methods are universal. For example, the built-in MIUI 14 tools may not be available on older firmware versions (before MIUI 12), and some applications require permissions for special features. We will specify the limitations for each method so that you can choose the best option for your model - whether it is Xiaomi 13 Ultra or the budget Redmi A2.

1. Built-in “Floating Button” function in MIUI

The easiest way is to use the built-in Floating Button tool available in MIUI 12-14, which is originally designed to be easy to control with one hand, but can be adapted to lock the screen. It works on most modern devices, including the Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 and POCO X5 Pro.

To activate:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Floating Button.
2. Turn on the "Show the floating button" switch.
3. Click on “Button Settings” and select Lock in the action list.
4. Set the button position on the screen (left/right) and its transparency.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔴 Does not work on devices with MIUI 11 and below.
• 🔴 In some models (for example, POCO F4 GT) The button can disappear in full-screen applications.
• 🟢 Does not require root rights or third-party applications.

💡

If the floating button interferes with games, reduce its size in the settings or move it to the corner of the screen where it least touches the interface.

2.Use of the Quick Ball (Quick Ball)

Quick Ball is another built-in MIUI feature that allows you to create a virtual dashboard with quick access to actions including locking the screen. Unlike a floating button, you can add up to 5 shortcuts (e.g. lock + homecoming + recent apps).

Instructions for setting:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Quick Ball.
2. Activate the function and select “Configure shortcuts”.
3. Add the block action to the list.
4. Set up the sensitivity of the operation and the transparency of the panel.

Advantages of the method:

• 🟢 Works on MIUI 10–14, including older models like the Redmi Note 8 Pro).
• 🟢 You can combine with other actions (for example, a screenshot or launching Google Assistant).
• 🔴 On some firmware, the panel may conflict with navigation gestures.

3. Third-party applications without root

If the built-in MIUI tools don't fit, you can use third-party apps. We tested 3 of the most reliable options that do not require root rights and work on Xiaomi with Android 11-14.

Selection recommendations:

• 🔹 If you want maximum reliability, use Power Button to Volume Button (regardless of overlays).
• 🔹 For flexible configuration of the appearance of the button is suitable Lock Screen Button.
• 🔹 If multitasking is required (blocking) + Other activities, choose Assistive Touch.

Power Button to Volume Button|Lock Screen Button|Assistive Touch|Embedded facilities MIUI|Other-->

4.Configure via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on custom firmware or POCO with cropped functionality), you can activate hidden MIUI settings via ADB. This method does not require root, but involves working with the command line.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB-PC drivers.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock Developer Mode, then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar "Space, Recent, Home, Back, Space This will add empty space to the navigation bar where you can put a virtual button.
4. Install the Button Mapper app and assign the Lock action to the created area.

⚠️ Attention: Wrong ADB-commands may disrupt the system. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → System system → Backup.

Install Platform Tools on PC| Enable USB debugging on your phone | Download Button Mapper from Google Play | Create a backup of the data-->

5. Lock widget on the main screen

Little-known life hack: on MIUI, you can add a lock widget directly to the home screen. This is not as convenient as a floating button, but it works without additional applications and is suitable for devices with MIUI 9-14.

How do I add:

1. Click and hold the empty space on the home screen → select “Widgets”.
2. Find the Control widget (or Controls in English firmware).
3. Drag it to the screen and select the Lock action.
4. Set the size of the widget (the options are 1×1 or 2×1).

Advantages:

• 🟢 It works on all Xiaomi models, including the old ones (Redmi 5 Plus, Mi). A2).
• 🟢 Does not require permission or root.
• 🔴 The widget takes up space on the screen and is not floating.

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The lock widget is the only method that is guaranteed to work on all versions of MIUI, including global and Chinese firmware.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To facilitate the selection, we have compiled a comparative table on the key criteria:

For most users, the best choice is a floating button or Quick Ball, since they do not require third-party software installation and work stably on modern firmware. MIUI (9) it is better to use the widget or ADB-method.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up a virtual lock button, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🚫 The button does not appear after setting up: Check if the resolution of the display on top of other windows for the application is enabled (in Settings). → Annexes → Permits. MIUI 14 may also require a restart of the device.
• 🚫 Button works, but lock doesn't work: Make sure to set up security settings (Settings) → Lock and protect) is disabled when you press the power button – it can conflict with the virtual button.
• 🚫 Floating button disappears in games/applications: In button settings (Settings) → Special facilities → Floating button → Additionally) enable the option to Show in full-screen applications.

⚠️ Attention: On Android devices 13+ and MIUI 14 Some third-party apps (such as Assistive Touch) may require additional permission. POST_NOTIFICATIONS. Without it, the lock button will not work.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions