Xiaomi’s smartphone interface, whether it’s the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, offers users a high degree of customization, and one of the most commonly used areas is the top of the screen. It’s here, in what is often called the “curtain” or notification panel, that critical switches are located: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight and Do Not Disturb mode. However, the standard configuration is not always convenient, since many of the desired buttons are hidden on the second page, and the extra ones take up space.
In this article, we will discuss how to set up the top menu on your device to quickly access all functions with a single touch. You will learn about built-in editing tools, how to work with system limitations and how to expand functionality. Properly organizing the notification space significantly speeds up interaction with the smartphone in everyday use scenarios.
It’s worth noting that the interface algorithms may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the specific shell modification. However, the basic principles remain the same for most Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models, and understanding these principles will allow you to effectively manage your workspace without having to obtain super-user rights.
Basic editing of the Quick Settings Panel
The easiest and safest way to change the location of the buttons is to use the built-in functionality of the system. First, you need to unlock the screen and swipe down from the top edge to open the notification bar. If you pull the curtain again or click on a special edit icon (usually a pencil or three dots in the corner), the interface configuration mode will open.
In this mode, you'll see two main zones: active widgets that are already displayed in the curtain, and accessible ones that are hidden. The system allows you to drag and drop items between these zones, changing their order and priority. The top menu is set up by Drag-and-Drop: just pinch the icon with your finger and move it to the desired area.
Note that some system elements, such as brightness levels or volume sliders, can be locked and not moved, a limitation that Xiaomi developers have set up to ensure the stability of the basic functions. However, most user switches, including flight mode, access point and read mode, are fully manipulatable.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove system switches that you are not sure of, for example, disabling the system task manager through the curtain can cause multitasking to work incorrectly.
After making changes, be sure to click the "Done" or "Save" button, usually located in the top or bottom corner of the screen. If you just close the menu with a click on the "Home" button or a swipe, the changes may not apply. Check the result by opening the curtain again and making sure the new buttons work correctly.
Advanced Style and Management Settings
Modern versions of firmware from the Chinese manufacturer have the ability to change not only the composition, but also the visual style of the control panel. Unlike standard Android, where buttons often look like monochrome icons, MIUI and HyperOS have the so-called "Modern" style, where active buttons are highlighted in bright color, and inactive ones remain gray.
To access these settings, go to the Settings menu → Notifications and status bar → Control Center: You can choose between the "Left Version" (classic style, where notifications and switches are in the same curtain) and the "Right Version" (separation: left notification, right control buttons), the choice depends on personal preferences and habits for a certain type of navigation.
This section also includes font size settings and app icons in notifications. Optimization of display is especially relevant for users with large smartphones, where reaching the top corner is inconvenient. Separating the curtains into two parts allows you to get to the switches faster without scrolling through the message tape.
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Use Android 12+-style Control Center if you’re looking for visual aesthetics and large volume sliders, but remember that classic style often works faster on older models.
And remember, Smart Windows, which allows you to open apps in floating mode right from the notification curtain, and activating this option adds an extra layer of interactivity to allow multitasking to take on a new level, but it’s worth considering that the abundance of open floating windows can consume more RAM.
Use of third-party applications for customization
If standard functionality is not enough, specialized applications from the Google Play store come to the rescue. Programs like Quick Settings Tile Editor or Power Shade allow you to create your own switches that cannot be implemented by standard means, this can be complex macros, running specific applications or changing system parameters.
These applications often require special permissions through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or the use of special features services, for example, to add a button to reset a cache or reboot the interface, you will need to give the application access to system settings, which requires care, because you trust third-party code to control the interface.
The process of installing custom tiles usually looks like this:
- 📥 Download and install the editor app from a trusted source.
- 🔐 Provide the necessary permissions in the menu of special features.
- 🎨 Create a new tile by selecting an action from the list of available commands.
- 📍 Drag the created widget into the curtain active zone through the standard editing menu.
⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party curtain editors can lead to shell conflicts, causing periodic interface departures or increased battery consumption in the background.
One popular solution is to create tiles for quick switching between sound profiles or activating hidden power saving modes. However, it should be remembered that deep integration into the system can be disrupted when updating the firmware.
Table of comparison of methods of setting
To make it easier for you to choose the right way to modify the interface, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the risks and opportunities of each method.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard editing | Low. | Tall. | Medium |
| Third-party launchers | Medium | Medium | Tall. |
| ADB team | Tall. | Low. | Maximum |
| Root rights | Expert | Critical | Complete. |
As the table shows, standard editing or light third-party applications are the best option for most users, and methods using ADB or Root rights should only be used by experienced users who understand the risks of losing warranty or turning the device into a brick.
If you decide to use ADB, You'll need a computer, USB-cable and installed Android driver SDK Platform Tools: Instructions are entered in the terminal and allow you to hide system icons that are not normally available to the user, for example, you can completely remove the icon. NFC Or vibrating from the panel if you don’t need them.
☑️ Checking before installing modifications
Hiding the NFC icon and other system elements
Many users are wondering how to remove specific icons that callouse their eyes or take up space, particularly the NFC icon, which can be constantly looming in the status bar even if the module is off. Xiaomi’s standard settings often don’t have a direct switch to hide the icon, which requires workarounds.
One way to do this is to use a special code in the engineering menu, but it doesn't work on all models. Try typing in the Phone app code ##6484## or #4636##. If the menu opens, look for a section associated with NFC or Status Bar and try to disable the icon display. Be careful: changing unknown parameters in the engineering menu can cause the radios to work in an unstable way.
A more reliable way is to use switching apps that not only turn on the module, but also hide its status in the status bar, which creates a virtual layer on top of the system notifications, and you can also use the theme: some custom themes for MIUI Themes have modified system icons that simply do not render certain characters.
Why does the NFC icon not disappear?
Also worth mentioning is the ability to hide app-specific notification icons. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Displaying Items. Here you can turn off the icons for selected programs, which will help clear the top line of visual noise, leaving only the really important signals.
Solution: the icon is missing or the button is not working
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, after updating or resetting the settings, the usual controls disappear or cease to respond to clicks, often because the system process responsible for the interface (System UI) is not working correctly, in which case simple restarting of the device or cleaning the cache of the system application helps.
If persists is a problem, check whether carrier-level Do Not Disturb or Flight Mode is enabled, as some settings may block certain network management buttons from displaying. It’s also worth making sure the phone has the latest version of Google Play Services components that often affect basic Android features.
In rare cases, resetting the interface to factory settings helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Find System Interface → Memory → Clean. Don’t worry, your personal data (photos, contacts) won’t be affected, only the appearance and location of widgets will be reset.
⚠️ Note: If the problem persists after resetting the interface settings, system files may be damaged, in which case it is recommended to perform a system check or firmware update via Recovery.
Remember that constant interface glitches can be a sign of a lack of free memory or overheating of the device. Keep an eye on your gadget and do not overload it with dozens of widgets on the desktop, as this also affects the response rate of the top panel.
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Systematic curtain failures are often solved by updating the theme to a standard one or cleaning the theme app cache.