How to display the lock button on the screen Xiaomi

Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to quickly access the device's locking features.The standard power button located at the end of the case can become less responsive or simply uncomfortable for frequent use with one hand.

However, in the MIUI or HyperOS shell, this option is hidden by default from the user's eyes. The system is focused on minimalism, so a number of specific actions are required to activate the functionality. Unlike standard widgets, the lock button requires activation through the special features menu or the use of third-party tools.

In this guide, we’ll look at all the current ways to output the lock button to your desktop, learn how to customize widgets, use hidden menu features, and apply advanced techniques through ADB for maximum control over your device.

Use of standard tool widget

The easiest and safest way to access a screen lock is to use the built-in Tools widget. In MIUI shells, this element contains a set of useful utilities, including a calculator, a voice recorder and, importantly for us, a screen switch off button.

To add a widget, you need to pinch an empty area on the desktop or pinch two fingers to go into editing mode. Next, select "Widgets" in the bottom interface menu. In the list that opens, you need to find the category "Tools" or "System".

Once you find the right item, drag it to the free screen space. Note that the widget size may vary depending on the firmware version. If the standard widget does not contain a lock button, your version of HyperOS may have a modified menu structure.

⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions may have their Tools widget functionality stripped down. If the lock button is not listed, move to the next method.

The use of system widgets is preferable, since they do not consume battery power in the background. Optimization of memory in Xiaomi smartphones strictly monitors the running processes, so native solutions work more stable than third-party counterparts.

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If the widget disappears after the reboot, check the power saving settings for the Security or Tools app and select No Limits mode.

Activation through the menu of special features

The second method involves the use of the special feature, which was originally designed for people with disabilities, but it provides a convenient floating button that can be adapted to your needs, including locking the screen.

To activate the feature, go to the main settings of the smartphone. Find the section "Additional settings" or "Extended settings", then select "Special features". At the top of the screen or in the list of functions, you need to find "Special features Menu".

Once you turn on the slider, you'll see a floating button, and if you click on it, you'll see a menu with action available, you can find the lock function, or you can set up a shortcut for quick access, and it's universal and works on most models, from the Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13.

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
• 🔘 Activate the switch "Special Opportunities Menu».
• ⚙️ Set up shortcuts in the floating window that appears.
• 🔒 Add the “Screen Lock” action to the quick menu.

It is important to note that activating this menu can overlap part of the interface in games or applications. The floating button has display priority, so its position can be changed by dragging and dropping across the screen.

Setting the “Back” button to lock

The MIUI shell offers a unique feature that allows you to lock the screen with a double tap on the screen off area or the back button. This solution is ideal for users who do not want to clutter the desktop with unnecessary elements.

The implementation of this feature depends on the version of the android and the type of navigation. If you use three classic buttons, the setting may not be available. However, when using gestures or two buttons (Back and Home), the option is often present in hidden menus or configured through themes.

To activate through themes, you need to download a special configuration file or theme from the GetThemes store, which reassigns the actions of the buttons. This requires caution, since incompatible themes can cause a cyclical reboot of the device.

⚠️ Warning: Installation of themes from unverified sources can disrupt the stability of the system. Use only official themes with high ratings in the Themes store.

The alternative is to use a "Block in your pocket" feature or proximity sensor, but this is not a direct display of the button on the screen.Double tap remains the most ergonomic solution for single handed use.

Use of third-party blocking applications

If system methods don’t meet your requirements, Google Play apps come to the rescue. There are many utilities, such as Screen Off and Lock or One Touch Lock, that create lock widgets.

The way these applications work is to request device administrator permissions, which allows the program to command to turn off the screen, but it is worth considering that such applications may conflict with Xiaomi's aggressive energy saving system.

When you install, make sure you provide all the permissions you want. Without administrator permissions, the app can only turn off the screen, but not lock the device, leaving it vulnerable to accidental taps. Administrator rights are a key point in the work of utilities.

Comparison of popular solutions is presented in the table below:

It is recommended to choose apps with minimal advertising and low resource consumption. Android on Redmi smartphones strictly controls background activity, so heavy applications can be closed by the system.

Advanced method: blocking through ADB

For advanced users with ADB (Android Debug Bridge) skills, there is a way to create a system shortcut, which does not require root rights, but requires a connection to a computer.

The idea is to create a shortcut that triggers a hidden system-intent lock, and you need to enable USB debugging in the Developer menu, and then you have to make a shortcut after you connect to your PC.

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockSettingsHelper

However, it is more effective to create a shortcut through the Shortcut Maker app or similar, which can form shortcuts for hidden activities.

⚠️ Attention: Working with ADB The error commands can cause the interface to work in an unstable manner or reset security settings.

This way you can create a button that looks like part of the system and doesn't require additional background services, and the system shortcut is the cleanest solution in terms of performance.

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Using ADB allows you to create a native lock label that does not consume battery and does not require the installation of additional widget applications.

Solving energy conservation problems

A common problem with Xiaomi owners is the spontaneous closure of lock widgets. Aggressive MIUI optimization kills processes that are not system-based to keep the battery power.

To keep the lock button stable, you need to add the application you are using (or the widget system component) to the exceptions. Go to Settings → Battery → Energy Saving of applications.

Find an app that creates a widget (like Tools or a third-party blocker) on the list, and change the mode from Energy Saving to No Limits, which will prevent the system from shutting down the widget process.

• 🔋 Go to the battery settings.
• 📲 Find the widget app in the list.
• ✅ Select the "No Limits" mode».
• 🔄 Restart the device to apply changes.

It’s also worth checking your autostart settings, and if the app has its own process, it should be allowed in the Autostart menu, which ensures that the widget is ready to go right after the phone is turned on.