How to update the notification curtain on Xiaomi: styles, plugins and settings

The interface of MIUI and the new HyperOS shell is constantly evolving, offering users more customization options. However, the standard appearance of the notification panel, or “curtains”, can seem boring or not functional enough for advanced owners. Many users wonder how to visually transform this element of the system, adding watches, weather widgets or changing the transparency of the background.

Updating the look of the curtain doesn’t always require super-user rights or complex flashing of the device. Recent versions of Android and Xiaomi’s proprietary shells have built-in tools as well as third-party apps that allow you to safely modify the interface. System UI is configured through special plugins that can be found in official app stores.

In this article, we will take a look at all the legal and safe ways to transform the Quick Settings Panel, learn how to use MIUI Themes, where to look for specialized plugins, and what are the alternatives for deep customization, and look at common errors that occur when installing third-party components, and how to fix them.

Standard Personalization In MIUI and HyperOS

Before you resort to installing third-party software, it’s worth exploring the capabilities that the operating system itself provides. Xiaomi engineers have put a flexible theme mechanism into the shell that allows you to change not only icons, but also controls. To access the basic settings, you need to go to the Settings menu → Lock screen or use the Topic application.

There are thousands of options available inside the theme store, many of which completely change the design of the notification curtain. Some themes only affect the style of volume sliders or switch icons, while others radically change the structure of the menu by adding large time and date widgets. It is important to understand that using the theme is the safest way to modify, since it does not violate the integrity of system files.

⚠️ Note: When installing themes from third-party sources or unofficial stores, there is a risk of getting a virus or disrupting the stability of SystemUI.

If standard themes don’t meet your requirements, you can try changing the font size or scale in Settings → Screen → Text Size and Display. This action will indirectly affect how elements are placed in the notification panel, making them larger or smaller. However, truly profound changes will require the use of specialized tools.

Use of plugins to expand functionality

The most effective way to update the curtain without root rights is to install official plugins from shell developers. For Xiaomi and Poco devices, there is a Control Center app (often referred to as a Control Center plugin) that replaces the standard panel with a more modern version, similar to that used in iOS or newer versions of Android.

Installing such a plugin allows you to access additional features such as adjusting the background brightness, changing the number of columns with switches and adding volume sliders for media and call separately. You can find this application in the GetApps store or through a search on Google Play by typing in the query “Control Center for MIUI”.

Once the plugin is installed, you need to give it the necessary permissions. The system can request confirmation of actions several times, since the application will work on top of other windows. This is normal behavior for tools that modify the system interface. Once the plugin is set up, the old curtain will be replaced with a new, more functional version.

It is worth noting that some plugins may conflict with certain versions of Android.If after installation you see a constant reboot of the interface or the appearance of a black screen when unlocked, the plugin should be removed. compatibility often depends on the specific version of the firmware installed on your smartphone.

Deep Customization through Launcher Apps

For those who want to have full control of the look and feel, there are powerful launcher apps and interface customization tools, such as Nova Launcher in conjunction with plugins, or specialized utits like Good Lock (analogues for Android). Although Good Lock is designed for Samsung, there are functional counterparts available on Xiaomi devices available in the Play Market.

One popular solution is to use applications that create a layer on top of the standard system, which allow you to add your own widgets directly to the notification area, change the transparency of the background to full transparency or, conversely, to matte glass, and even add animations of the appearance.

Using third-party launchers and overlays can increase RAM consumption. If your device has less than 4 GB of RAM, be careful with the number of interface modifiers running simultaneously. SystemUI overload can cause SystemUI to start to force shut down.

⚠️ Note: When granting permissions to “display over other windows” make sure that the downloaded app has a high rating and positive reviews to avoid data theft.

The table below compares popular curtain renewal methods by key parameters:

Modification of system files and Root rights

For users willing to take the risk and gain full access to the file system, widest opens the possibility of changing SystemUI.apk. This method requires unlocking the bootloader and setting the rights of the superuser (Root) through Magisk.

There are modules for Magisk that completely replace the notification bar with a custom one. For example, the XiaomiEU series modules often contain hidden features to change the style of the curtain that can be activated through the built-in theme manager or file manager with root access. However, editing the system APK-Manual file without proper knowledge can lead to "bricking" of the device.

If you decide to do this, make sure to make a full backup of the System partition. In case of a recovery error, it will take a long time, and in the worst case, you will need to flash the device with loss of all data. Changing system files always voids the warranty on the device.

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Before any manipulation of system files, be sure to back up the data and make sure that the battery is at least 60%.

A popular tool for advanced users is the application. MT Manager, it allows you to open. APK-You can edit resources (pictures, xml markup) and compile them back, and you can, for example, replace the icons in the curtain with your own or change the color gamut of the switches.

Solving Typical Problems After Updating the Interface

Often, after installing a new plugin or theme, users encounter artifacts: the curtain does not fully fall, the switches do not press or the flashlight cannot be used. The first cause of such problems is a version conflict. MIUI.

The second common problem is the system interface crash. If the screen blinks or the message "System UI is stopped" appears constantly, try clearing the Security and Themes app cache.

• 📱 Check for updates for the modifier app itself in the store.
• 🔄 Restart your device in Safe Mode to check if another application is causing conflict.
• 🗑️ Remove the cache through the Settings menu → Annexes → All applications → Control Center (or similar) → Clean up.

Sometimes the problem lies in the lack of RAM. Aggressive power saving Xiaomi can “kill” the process of the plugin, causing the curtain to return to the standard appearance or work incorrectly, you need to lock the application in memory and remove the restrictions of background activity.

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Most customization problems are solved by updating the plugin or cleaning its cache, less often by completely removing the conflicting component.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)