How to update the notification curtain on Xiaomi: all ways of 2026

The notification curtain on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a quick access panel, but a key element of the interface. MIUI, It's responsible for managing notifications, brightness, networking, and other important functions, and over time, its design and capabilities change, with the manufacturer adding new switches, optimizing animations, or introducing support for a dark theme. However, not all users know that the curtain can not only be configured, but also updated separately from the system – especially if your device has not received global updates for a long time.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to update the curtain on Xiaomi, including official methods through the use of the new device. MIUI, Alternative launchers like HyperOS or POCO Launcher, as well as manual modifications for advanced users, you will learn how to check the current version of the curtain, where to download the latest updates and what to do if there are errors after the update. We will also focus on the nuances for older models (for example, Redmi Note 5 or Mi 8), which are no longer supported officially, but can still get a fresh interface.

Before you start upgrading, make sure your smartphone is at least 50% charged, which will prevent crashes in the process. We also recommend backing up important data: although updating the curtain rarely leads to file loss, it is better to be safe. If you use custom firmware or root rights, some methods may not work, which we will also mention in the relevant sections.

1. How to check the current version of the curtain on Xiaomi

Before you update the curtain, it is useful to know the current version, which will help determine whether the update is necessary at all, and which firmware to download. Unfortunately, Xiaomi does not display the curtain version in the settings directly, but there are several ways to find out:

• 📱 Through settings MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. The shell version is displayed here (for example, MIUI 14.0.5), but not the curtains themselves, but if your firmware is outdated, it's likely that the curtain is not the latest version.
• 🔍 Through the Developer Menu: Activate Developer Mode (click 7 times on Version) MIUI in the phone settings, then go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Notification panel version. Some models may not have this item.
• 💻 Through ADB: Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and type: adb shell dumpsys notification In the output, find the mNotificationPanelVersion line - this is the version of the curtain.

If none of the methods worked, you can focus on the version. MIUI: As a rule, the curtain is updated along with global shell updates. MIUI 14 uses the curtain version 3.1.5, and in HyperOS 1.0 - already 4.0.2.

⚠️ Note: On custom firmware devices (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the curtain version may not match the original version. MIUI. In this case, updating through official methods is impossible - you will need to manually install modified APK-file.

2. Official update of the curtain through MIUI

The easiest and safest way to update the curtain is to wait for the official update. MIUI The manufacturer regularly releases patches that include interface improvements, including for the notification panel. Here's how to check and install such an update:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available MIUI, The system will offer to download it.
3. Confirm the download and wait until it is completed. Make sure the phone is connected to Wi-Fi — update files can weigh 1-3 GB.
4. After downloading, press Set and restart the device, and it takes 5-10 minutes.

If the update is not available, the following reasons are possible:

• 🌍 Regional restrictions: some updates are released first for Chinese devices, and then for global versions).
• 📵 Outdated model: smartphones older than 3-4 years (for example, Redmi 5 or Mi) A1) No longer receive official updates.
• 🔒 Operator lock: If the phone is purchased from a mobile operator (for example, MTS or Beeline), updates may be delayed.

In such cases, you can try manual updates through the firmware file.

1. Download the latest version MIUI For your model from the official Xiaomi website (choose the Recovery section) ROM).
2. Transfer the.zip file to the phone’s root folder (not to folders!).
3. Open the Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three dots (menu) → Select a firmware file.
4. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation. The phone will reboot to recovery mode and update automatically.

3. Updating the curtain through alternative launchers

If your device is no longer supported by Xiaomi, but you want a fresh curtain interface, you can use third-party launchers. They don't replace the notification system bar completely, but offer alternative widgets and styles. Consider two popular options:

3.1. POCO Launcher

POCO Launcher is a lightweight shell from Xiaomi, originally developed for the lineup POCO. It is compatible with most of the brand’s smartphones and offers:

• 🎨 Dark theme for curtains with adaptive colors.
• ⚡ Quick switches with customization (up to 12 buttons can be added).
• 🔄 Animations similar to MIUI 14.

To establish:

1. Download. POCO Launcher from Google Play.
2. Set the launcher as the main one in Settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.
3. The notification curtain will be updated automatically after the reboot.

HyperOS Launcher (for new models)

If your smartphone supports HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), you can install the appropriate launcher even on older versions. MIUI. For that:

1. Download. APK-HyperOS Launcher file from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror).
2. Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
3. Activate the launcher in the default settings.

Note: HyperOS Launcher may not work smoothly on devices older than 2021.

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If the curtain hasn’t changed after installing the launcher, try clearing the System app cache. UI in settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Show system-based → System UI → Clear the cache).

4 Manually update the curtain through APK (advanced)

For users ready for experimentation, there is a way to update the curtain manually - by replacing the system APK-file SystemUI.apk. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights, and is only suitable for power users.Incorrect actions can lead to a device "brick" (complete inoperability)!

If you are willing to take a risk, follow the instructions:

Make a backup copy of the data

Install TWRP Recovery

Download the current version SystemUI.apk for your model

Check the compatibility of the Android version

Charge your phone at least 70 times%-->

1. Download the modified file SystemUI.apk for your model: 🔗 Forum XDA Developers (Search for themes by phone model). 🔗 Telegram channels, like, @MIUIUpdates or @HyperOSNews.

Copy the file to your phone and reboot it to TWRP Recovery (hold on to food) + Volume up when switched on).

V TWRP Choose Mount → System, then go back to the main menu and press Advanced. → File Manager.

Cross the path. /system/priv-app/SystemUI/ and replace the existing SystemUI.apk downloadable.

Set the right permissions for the file: click on it, select Permissions, and install rw-r--r-- (0644).

Restart the phone. It can take up to 10 minutes to boot up.

If the curtain doesn’t work after restarting or the phone is stuck on the logo, try:

• 🔄 Bring back the original SystemUI.apk through TWRP.
• 📥 Install a different version of the file (it may not be compatible with your firmware).
• 🛠️ Perform a reset settings (Wipe) → Factory Reset in TWRP).

5. Solving problems after updating the curtain

Even if the update is successful, there are some bugs, and let's look at the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the curtains to the factory:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find System. UI (This may be called a system interface).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Data Cleanup System UI It will reset all the curtain settings, including the order of the switches and color schemes, and it may also disappear the stored patterns of quick responses in the notifications.

6. Update the curtain on older Xiaomi models (2018–2020)

Owners of devices like Redmi Note 7, Mi 9 or POCO F1 They often find that the official curtain updates are no longer coming out, but there are several ways to bring the actual interface back to life:

• 🔄 Custom firmware installation: LineageOS or Pixel Experience, for example, offer modern notification panels but require unlocking the bootloader.
• 🎭 Use of topics: C Settings → Themes can be downloaded that change the design of the curtain (for example, MIUI 14 Theme or HyperOS Dark).
• 📱 Add-on apps: QuickStar or Power Shade lets you customize the curtain without root rights, but with limited features.

For custom firmware installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model (see instructions at twrp.me).
3. Download the appropriate firmware (e.g. LineageOS 20 for Redmi Note 7) from the forum XDA.
4. Squeeze the firmware through TWRP (Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe, mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data, then Install → Choose. ZIP-file).

After installing custom firmware, the curtain will be updated automatically, but note:

• ⚠️ Possible problems with Google Pay and banking apps (due to lack of SafetyNet).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (castomy firmware is often less optimized).
• 📶 Some functions of the camera may not work or NFC.

💡

Custom firmware gives a modern curtain, but it is not warranty-free and can cause compatibility issues, and we recommend using it only on devices older than 3 years that are no longer officially supported.

7. Alternative ways of customizing curtains

If you can't update the curtain, you can always visually improve it with additional tools.

7.1 Power Shade application

Power Shade is an add-on above the standard curtain that allows:

• 🎨 Change colours and transparency.
• 🔧 Add your own switches (for example, to VPN play-mode).
• 📱 Customize the number of lines and size of icons.

Installation:

1. Download Power Shade from Google Play.
2. Give permission to access notifications (Settings) → Annexes → Power Shade → Notifications → Permission).
3. Customize the appearance in the application itself.

Magisk curtain modules

If you have root rights and you have Magisk installed, you can use deep customization modules.

• 🔹 MIUI Blissify – adds animations and new switches.
• 🔹 QuickSettings Customizer – allows you to edit the order of icons in the curtain.
• 🔹 EdgeLight – highlighting the edges of the screen at notifications (analogue of Ambient Display).

Installation:

1. Download the module (.zip file) with XDA.
2. Open Magisk Manager, go to Modules → Install from storage.
3. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
4. Reboot the phone.

Example of a command to install through ADB (If the module does not want to be installed through Magisk):

adb push the microisk module.zip /sdcard/


adb shell su -c "magisk --install-module /sdcard/migisk-module.zip"

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating the curtain on Xiaomi