The HyperOS and earlier versions of Xiaomi’s MIUI offer users a variety of personalization tools, with the control panel central to the experience. Many smartphone owners don’t realize that the standard notification curtain is not a static element, but a flexible module. By changing display settings, you can turn a chaotic list of messages into an ordered feed of important events.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to set up the Xiaomi notification curtain to work exactly as you need it. You will learn how to hide confidential data from prying eyes, change the style of display of widgets and optimize access to frequently used functions.
It's worth noting that some menu items may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and the regional specifics of the device, but the overall working principle remains the same for the entire ecosystem of the Chinese manufacturer. Let's move on to specific steps that will help you take full control of the information flow.
Basic setting and curtain styles
The first thing to start with is visual style, and modern Xiaomi firmware has two main types of notification display: classic and new, and the classic is common for those who used early Android versions, where notifications and quick settings were on the same screen.
A new style introduced in MIUI 12 and developed in HyperOS separates these zones: a swipe from left down opens a control center with brightness sliders and Wi-Fi buttons, and a swipe on the right provides a list of application notifications. Separating zones allows you to find the right switches faster without scrolling through a long message tape.
To switch between modes, you need to go to the system settings section, where you can choose which interface interaction option is most convenient for you, changing this setting instantly changes the logic of the entire lock screen and desktop.
- 📱 Classic Style – combines notifications and switches in one area.
- 🎛️ New style – divides the screen into two independent zones for control and information.
- ⚙️ Flexibility – the choice depends on the version of the installed firmware.
- 👆 Swipes – different directions of finger movement activate different functions.
It's important to understand that style choices affect not only aesthetics, but also ergonomics. If you use a smartphone with one hand often, separating the zones may be more convenient, as the main switches will be in the upper reach of the thumb.
⚠️ Note: On some global firmware versions, the style-switching function may be hidden or removed by developers, in which case the style is fixed according to regional standards.
Hiding confidential notices
Privacy is especially important when it comes to private messaging from instant messengers or banking apps. Xiaomi’s notification curtain allows you to hide the content of messages by displaying only the name of the app, which is useful if you often leave your phone on your desk in the office or in the company of friends.
You don't need to install third-party software to implement this feature. The built-in security features of MIUI allow you to flexibly manage the visibility of content, and you can configure the system to keep the text of the message hidden always, or only when the device is locked.
In addition, it is possible to completely hide the icons of certain applications from the curtain, for example, notifications from games or news aggregators often create visual noise, distracting from really important events.
The privacy setting process requires care, as settings can be applied globally or individually to each application, and content hiding is the first layer of protection that must be activated by default for each user.
The Notification Content feature deserves special attention. If you activate this switch, even when the screen is unlocked, the text of the message will be replaced with asterisks or the phrase “Content is hidden” to view you will need to touch the notification or unlock the device.
- 🔒 Privacy – hides text messages on a locked screen.
- 🙈 Hiding icons – removes icons of selected apps from the list.
- 👁️ Content – replaces the text of the message with a template phrase.
- ⚡ Quick access – the ability to view hidden with one touch.
⚠️ Note: When you enable full content concealment, you may miss urgent messages, as reading them will require you to perform unlocking actions every time.
Control of fast switches
The Quick Settings Panel is the second layer of the curtain that is available after swiping down (in a new style) or when fully disclosed (in a classic one).It has buttons for instant activation of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight and other functions. Xiaomi allows you to edit this set by adding or removing unnecessary elements.
The panel is edited through a special mode, which is triggered by clicking on the icon of a pencil or three dots in the corner of the menu. In this mode, you can drag and drop icons, changing their order, or remove rarely used functions to the bottom area. Optimizing the space allows you to keep only what you need daily.
There's also the option of expanding the list of available switches. The standard set is limited, but there are dozens of additional features hidden in the depth of the menu, such as screen recording, Do Not Disturb mode, or NFC data transfer, that can be brought to the first level for quick access.
☑️ Configuring fast switches
Don't overload the top panel with a dozen buttons. The optimal number of active switches is 6 to 9. This provides easy access without the need to scrolle or tap randomly. The rest of the functions can be left in the secondary menu.
| Function | Description | Frequency of use |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Enabling a wireless network | Tall. |
| bluetooth | Connecting headsets | Medium |
| Flight mode | Shutting down all networks | Low. |
| Screen recording | Capturing what's happening on the display | Rare |
Configuring widgets and controls
Xiaomi’s modern shells integrate widgets right into the notification curtain, which can be music players, step meters, weather, or smart home controls, and configuring these elements correctly turns the curtain into a full-fledged information hub.
A music widget usually appears automatically when you play audio, but you can adjust the behavior of the widget to fold into a compact line or deploy it into a full-fledged panel with the album cover, which is a key interface element for music lovers.
Smart home controls allow you to turn on the lights or change the temperature of the air conditioner without opening the Mi Home app. This requires adding appropriate cards to the device management section, which is especially convenient when your hands are busy or you need to quickly turn off the lights before bedtime.
Weather widgets often display not only temperature, but also the likelihood of precipitation. Its size and detail can be changed in the settings of the theme or the system itself. Large widgets take up more space, but provide more information at a glance.
- 🎵 Media Control – Music and Video Playback Management.
- 🏠 Smart home – quick access to scripts and devices.
- ☁️ Weather - current temperature and forecast.
- 📊 Monitoring – tracking traffic or headphone charge.
Working with clustering and priorities
When multiple messages from the same app arrive on a phone (such as notifications from a group on Telegram or emails from a marketplace), they can take up half the screen, and the grouping function allows you to collect all notifications from one source into one neat folder.
In the Android and MIUI notification settings, you can set a rule: “Group notifications from each application.” This frees up space and makes the tape tidy. You only see the title of the application and the number of new events, and you can expand the list by click.
Priority setting is also important: Critical messages (calls, alarm clocks, SMS from the bank) should have high priority and sound, and promotional mailings and notifications from games should be translated into the status of “No Sound” or “Silent Notifications” so that they do not vibrate in your pocket.
⚠️ Attention: Over-grouping can cause you to miss an important message lost among a dozen others from the same app.Be careful with settings for work chats.
To set up the notification channels of a particular application, you need to go to its settings through the system menu, where you can detail exactly which events should come with sound and which silently, which is the fine-tuning level available to advanced users.
Additional features and hidden functions
In addition to standard settings, Xiaomi has hidden features available through an engineering menu or special commands, such as changing the transparency of the background curtain or adding additional watches in different styles.
One of the useful features is Floating Windows, which can be turned into little windows that hang on top of other apps, so you can chat in the messenger and watch a video or read an article at the same time, and this feature is activated by long clicking on the notification.
And it's also worth mentioning the ability to customize the response to notifications, which can flash the screen when a new message arrives, or make a specific sound for each contact, and these little things create a sense of personalization of the device.
Remember that any changes to system files or the use of third-party launchers to change the curtain can lead to unstable system operation. Making changes to system files requires an unlocked bootloader and superuser rights. Be careful when experimenting.