The MIUI interface, which is installed on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, is famous for its flexibility and deep customization. One of the most commonly used controls is the notification curtain, which combines an alert center and a quick setup bar. Many users do not even suspect that the standard appearance of this area can be changed beyond recognition by adding useful widgets or changing the style of display of icons.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the ways you can personalize this area, learn how to change the layout of elements, hide unnecessary switches and adjust the behavior of the system when you lock the screen, which will make interaction with the Xiaomi smartphone more convenient and aesthetic, adapting the interface to your personal habits.
Before we start to make changes, it’s worth noting that the names of some menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS. However, the overall customization logic remains the same for most modern devices of the brand.
Access to interface and control center settings
To start any manipulation, you need to go to the appropriate settings menu. In modern versions of the shells from Xiaomi, the path to managing the appearance of notifications has become more structured, you need to open the main settings menu and find the section responsible for the visual part of the system.
Usually, the path is as follows: go to Settings, then select Notifications and Control Center (in some versions it may be simply called Control Center or located inside the Lock Screen section), and this is where the main controls are concentrated.
⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions may have hidden the style settings. If you don't find them on the standard path, try searching for the settings by typing "style" or "control center».
Inside this menu, you'll find a few key options that affect how the top panel looks and behaves, and you can change not only the graphics, but also the logic of how swipes work, and you can set up the curtain by choosing the basic style that will determine the future layout of the elements.
Style Choice: Classic vs Modern
One of the most notable features introduced in MIUI 12 and developed in later versions was the ability to choose between two display styles. The switch is usually at the top of the notification settings menu. The classic style combines notifications and quick settings buttons into one scrolling tape, as was the case with older versions of Android.
In contrast, Modern Style (sometimes called "New") separates these zones. A swipe down from the top right corner opens a control panel with large buttons, brightness and volume sliders, and a swipe from the left corner or center shows a list of notifications. This solution, copied from iOS, seems to many more convenient to control with one hand.
- 📱 Classic: All elements in one tape, familiar to old Android users.
- ✨ Modern: division into zones, larger controls, animations.
- ⚙️ Functional: In both styles, a full set of switches is available, only the visual location changes.
Style is a matter of taste, but it's worth noting that in modern style, there are more options for editing the grid buttons. If you prefer minimalism and speed access to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the second option will be preferable. Switching is instantaneous and does not require rebooting the device.
💡
Changing the style of the control center is the first action that sets the tone for all further configuration of the interface of your smartphone.
Editing the Quick Settings Grid
Once you choose a style, you can fine-tune the contents of the panel, so in editing mode you can add new switches, delete unnecessary ones, and change their order, which is especially true because by default Xiaomi activates many features that users rarely use.
To enter editing mode, click on the pencil icon or the Edit button in the corner of the Control Center screen, and you will see a grid divided into two parts: active buttons (top) and addable ones (bottom), adding widgets by simply drag-and-drop or clicking on the plus-plus.
Procedure:
1. Open the notification curtain.
2. Press the edit button (pencil).
3. Press the icon of the desired switch.
4. Drag him to the active area or change his position.It is recommended to leave in the upper zone only those features that you use daily: flashlight, flight mode, mobile Internet, screenshot. The rest, like NFC, read mode or access point, can be removed down to avoid cluttering the space, which will make the interface Xiaomi cleaner and clearer.
☑️ Optimizing Quick Settings
Configure the display of application notifications
An equally important part of the setup is managing which apps have the right to disturb you through the curtain. MIUI implements a rigid permission system that can block important messages from messengers or emails by default.
To manage this functionality, go to the Notification Settings section (often in the same Notifications and Control Center menu) and see a list of all installed applications.
| Parameter | Description of function | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Allow notices | Global switch for the application | Enable messengers |
| Sound alert | Reproduction of sound upon arrival | Set up individually |
| Important notifications | Reference to a separate category “Important” | Turn on for work chats |
| Floating notifications | A pop-up window on top of other apps | Turn it off for games |
Special attention should be paid to the category “Important notifications”: If you turn this option on for a particular application, its messages will be displayed in a separate block at the top of the curtain and will not be hidden by the system even when the “Do not disturb” mode is turned on, which is critical for working correspondence.
⚠️ Note: Some Chinese versions of apps may not display names in the notification list correctly. If you can't find the app you want, look for it by icon or (in English, package name).
Work with widgets and additional elements
Modern versions of the shell allow not only standard switches to be displayed in the curtain, but also interactive widgets, which can be weather data, pedometer, battery status of Bluetooth headphones or fast commands for automation scenarios.
Adding these elements often requires activating additional plugins or using Xiaomi’s Security app. In the Control Center widgets section, you can adjust the size of the tiles. Some widgets support direct interaction, such as switching a track or running a timer without opening the main application.
- 🌤 Weather: Displays the current temperature and forecast for the day.
- 🎵 Music: Mini-player for playback control.
- 🔋 Battery: the exact percentage of charge of connected devices.
Using widgets makes the notification curtain a full-fledged information hub. However, it is worth remembering that active widgets can consume additional battery power, as they constantly update data in the background. If autonomy is a priority for you, limit yourself to static switches.
The Secret Function of Widgets
Advanced settings and hidden functions
For power users who want to make the most of the system, there are additional settings, often hidden in the depth of the menu or accessible through special codes, such as changing the transparency of the background of the curtain or animation of its appearance, although this sometimes requires third-party themes.
In the “Additional” section (if available in your version of the software), you can find your blocking behavior settings, which decides whether the content of messages will be displayed on the off screen (Always On Display) or only the application icons, which is an important aspect of privacy.
Also worth mentioning is the ability to adjust the response to double tapping or other gestures that can unroll the curtain. Although this is rarely customized with standard tools, using automation applications (such as MacroDroid) in conjunction with ADB access rights allows you to implement a scenario: Shake the phone -> Open the curtain.
Example of ADB command to reset notification settings (requires PC):
adb shell pm clear com.android.notificationuiUsing the ADB command line (Android Debug Bridge) opens up access to hidden system flags, but requires caution. Inexperienced interference with system processes can lead to unstable interface operation.
⚠️ Attention: Before using commands ADB or installing modified themes, make sure to back up your data. Errors in the system interface files can cause the device to cyclically restart.