Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer users a huge range of options for personalizing the interface, and the notification panel, often called the “curtain”, is no exception. Many device owners are wondering how to change the appearance or functionality of this element to make the use of the gadget more convenient and aesthetic. The upgrade process can involve both installing official updates to the MIUI or HyperOS system, and the use of third-party solutions for deep customization.
It should be noted that standard system tools can not completely change the design of the curtain, if the manufacturer has not provided such an option in a particular version of the shell. However, there are proven methods to expand the functionality, add new widgets or even radically change the visual style of the interface. Deep customization requires careful attention, but the result is often worth it.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to upgrade the control panel, from simple settings to advanced tools for enthusiasts. You will learn how to safely install new themes, use specialized applications and what risks exist when you interfere with system files. Readiness for experimentation is what distinguishes the average user from the real owner of Xiaomi.
Official configuration options in MIUI and HyperOS
Before you start installing third-party software, you need to explore the built-in capabilities of the operating system. MIUI shells and the new HyperOS provide a basic but useful toolkit for managing the appearance. First of all, you should look at the Themes app, which is the central node for changing the visual style of the device.
You can find thousands of designs that change not only icons, but also the design of system elements, including the notification panel. Some authors create themes where the curtain is in the style of iOS or has a unique color gamut. To apply such changes, you just need to download the theme and activate it, but it is worth remembering that the style of the curtain depends on the specific author of the topic.
⚠️ Note: When installing themes from unverified sources or with a changed file structure, the interface may not work smoothly. Always check the topic and reviews ranking before installing them.
Also in the system settings, along the Settings → Screen → Control path, you can switch between the old and the new style of the panel. The new style introduced in the more recent versions of the shell divides notifications and switches into two separate tabs, which many users find more convenient. It's not a complete design update, but a significant change in the logic of the work.
Use the Mi Pilot app for early updates
One legal way to get new curtain features ahead of others is to participate in the Mi Pilot testing program, which allows users to get beta versions of firmware, where new interface elements and an improved control panel often debut, and is the official distribution channel for updates from developers.
To access the program, you need to register on the Mi Community forum and apply for tester status. Once approved, the application will be able to switch to the Beta branch in the system update settings, which often include experimental features that can later be implemented in a stable build or become part of HyperOS.
Participating in beta testing carries certain risks, such as bugs or unstable applications, but for those who want to see the latest features first, it's the best option. It's important to send bug reports regularly if they're detected to help developers improve the product.
How often do you get updates through Mi Pilot?
Customization through third-party applications
If standard tools aren't enough, Google Play apps that are designed specifically to change the interface come to the rescue. One of the most popular tools is the Control Center app, which completely replaces the standard control panel, allowing you to recreate the design of iOS or come up with your own unique style.
Once installed, you need to give it special permissions through the feature menu, which allows the program to intercept system calls and display its own curtain over the standard one, and the setup includes selecting transparency, size of brightness and volume sliders, and adding additional switches.
- 🎨 Flexible design: the ability to change colors, icon shapes and background images.
- 🔔 Advanced Notifications: More Detailed Notification Management from Different Applications.
- ⚡ Quick Access: Adding Shortcuts to Run Applications or Perform Actions.
- 🔋 Monitoring: displaying the exact percentage of charge and battery temperature in real time.
It should be noted that the use of such applications can slightly increase battery consumption, since the process is constantly active in the background. In addition, on some models with aggressive memory optimization, the system may force the application to close, requiring manual auto-start configuration.
☑️ Setting up the side curtain
Comparison of methods of updating the interface
The choice of how to upgrade the notification panel depends on your goals and level of training. Official themes are safe but limited in functionality, while third-party applications give complete freedom, but require system resources.
| Method | Security | Flexibility of setting | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official themes | Tall. | Low/Mediocre | Minimum |
| Applications (Control Center) | Medium | Tall. | Average. |
| Modified firmware | Low. | Maximum | Depends on the build. |
| Root modifications | Critical | Unlimited | High. |
As you can see from the comparison, for most users, the optimal balance is the use of specialized applications or quality themes. Modified firmware and obtaining superuser rights (Root) open the door to a world of limitless possibilities, but require deep technical knowledge.
⚠️ Warning: Getting Root rights and unlocking the bootloader automatically cancel the warranty on the device and can lead to the breakdown of banking applications.
Advanced customization for experienced users
For those who are not afraid of complex terms and are willing to experiment, there is a method of modifying system files. It requires an unlocked bootloader and SuperUser rights. MT Manager or Root Explorer, you can replace graphics and XML-configuration.
The process involves finding the files that render SystemUI.apk. By replacing the resources inside this file, you can change the switch icons, the fonts and the animations. This is the most time-consuming way, which requires you to have a backup of the system in case of an error. Any wrong action can lead to a bootloop (cyclical reboot).
adb pull /system/framework/framework-res.apk ./backup/
adb pull /system/priv-app/SystemUI/SystemUI.apk ./backup/That is why it is critical to make a full backup before any manipulation, and recovery after a failed modification of SystemUI is often only possible through flashing the device with loss of data, and only use this method if you fully understand the consequences.
💡
Before replacing system files, make sure to make a full backup via TWRP or Mi Flash Tool to be able to roll back in case of an error.
Possible problems and solutions
Users may experience various problems when updating or customizing the curtain, most often due to a conflict of application versions or the theme incompatibility with the current version of Android. If the curtain stops opening or displays incorrectly, the first step should be to remove the newly installed software or theme.
Sometimes the problem is a crowded cache of system services. Cleaning the data of the application Control Center or System UI through the settings menu can return everything to its place. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the desired process and choose Clean.
- 🔄 Reboot: A banal but often helpful method for solving small interface glitches.
- 🗑️ Remove Updates: If the problem occurs after the system update, try rolling back the app version.
- 🛡️ Safe Mode: Boot in Safe Mode to check if the third-party app is to blame.
If nothing works, you may have damaged system files, so the only solution is to reset the device to factory settings or flash it through your computer, and don't ignore the signs of unstable work, as they may indicate more serious memory or processor problems.
💡
Systematic errors after installing a theme or application are a sure sign of incompatibility, requiring the removal of modifications.