How to Remove Notification Curtain Update on Xiaomi

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where, after a planned upgrade, the appearance of the interface changes dramatically, especially with regard to the control center and notification curtains, which in new versions of MIUI and HyperOS undergo significant visual changes. Many users are more familiar with the old style, and the desire to return everything as it was quite natural. However, with standard systems tools, only one element of the interface cannot be rolled back, since the design of the curtain is sewn into the system files.

Removing the previous version requires understanding the architecture of Android and the manufacturer’s shell. Removing the update in this context involves either rolling back the firmware to an earlier version or using customization modules. It is important to realize that there is no simple way to “remove the update curtains” through the settings menu, since this is part of the SystemUI system application. Any manipulation of system partitions carries certain risks.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available solutions, from secure customization to complex flashing procedures, how the update mechanism works in the Xiaomi ecosystem and what alternatives exist for those who do not want to put up with new design changes. We will look at both software crutches and radical methods of intervention in the system.

Why you can’t just delete the curtain update file

Many users mistakenly believe that the interface update is a separate application that can be found in the list of installed programs and removed.In fact, controls, including the control center and notification panel, are an integral part of the system partition of SystemUI.apk. This file is critical to the operation of the Android operating system and the MIUI shell. Trying to remove or replace it without the appropriate access rights will make it impossible to boot the device.

When you receive a notification of a new version of the software, the system downloads the full update package, which includes security patches, bug fixes and visual style changes. There is no separate update file exclusively for the notification curtain that can be selectively uninstalled. All changes are applied comprehensively when the device is restarted after the update is installed.

From an Android architecture perspective, system applications are protected from modification by ordinary users, and even if you find an old version of SystemUI file on the Internet and try to install it on top of the new version, the system will give you a signature error or simply prevent a replacement, which is a mechanism to protect against malicious code and ensure the stability of the smartphone.

In addition, new firmware versions often contain changes in the framework libraries that are necessary for the updated interface to work correctly. If you try to artificially roll back only the visual part, resource conflicts can arise, leading to constant system crashes or the appearance of a black screen instead of a desktop.

Method of disabling automatic system updates

The surest way to avoid unwanted changes in the future is to prevent them from being installed. If you haven’t upgraded yet or want to reset your device and protect it from rebooting the new version, you need to block the system updater. In Xiaomi smartphones, a hidden system application that can be defused is responsible for this process.

First, you need to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings. → About phone and quickly press 7 times on the line Version MIUI (or OS). After the inscription “You became a developer” appears, go to the section Additional → For developers, I need to find a point here. USB-debugging and activating it, and that would allow you to use a computer to control the system services of your smartphone.

Next, you will need the Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools utility or the standard ADB command line. Connecting your phone to your PC, execute a command to hide the system update application:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater

This command doesn't physically delete the application, but it makes it invisible and inactive to the system. Automatic updates will stop coming, and the update check button in the settings will become inactive. It's an effective way to lock in the current firmware version with the old curtain.

⚠️ Warning: By disabling the system updater, you stop receiving critical security updates. Use this method only if you are fully aware of the risks and you are more interested in stable design than protection against new vulnerabilities.

Using Magisk Modules to Change the Interface

For advanced users who already have or are ready to get root rights, there is a more flexible way to change the look without completely flashing. Magisk allows you to implement modules that can replace system resources on the fly. There are specialized modules that bring back the classic style of notification curtain in new versions of MIUI.

One popular solution is to use modules like the MIUI Navbar Switcher or specialized patches for SystemUI, which modify the system resources to replace new graphics elements with old ones, and installing such modules requires an unlocked bootloader and an installed Magisk Manager.

• 📱 Search module: Download the current module for your version of Android and MIUI from trusted sources, such as the forum 4PDA or GitHub.
• 🔧 Installation: Open the Magisk app, go to the Modules tab and click “Install from storage” or select downloaded ZIP-file.
• 🔄 Reboot: After installation, be sure to restart the device to apply the changes.

The advantage of this method is that you can combine different interface elements, but there is a significant drawback: modules written for one firmware version may not work on another or cause instability.

Full rollback of firmware through Fastboot

If the software methods and modules don't work, the only guaranteed way to get back the old curtain is to roll back to the previous firmware version as a whole, a process called downgrade, which allows you to install an earlier version of MIUI in which the interface design has not yet been changed by the developers.

The procedure requires downloading a firmware image (.tgz format) for your particular model from miui.com or xiaomirom.com. It is important that the firmware version is lower than the one installed now. It is also mandatory to have an unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, you will not be able to install the older version due to the Anti-Rollback protection mechanism.

The firmware process is as follows:

1. Copy the unpacked firmware into a folder with the Mi Flash Tool utility.
2. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (press the power button and reduce the volume when the phone is turned off).
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Select Clean All mode – this is a must when changing versions.
5. Press the Flash button and wait for the process to end.

After successful firmware, the phone will return to the state it was when this version of the software was released, including the old notification curtain. Remember that Clean All mode completely deletes all user data, so pre-backup is critical.

Alternative solutions and customization

Instead of fighting the system, you can try to adapt the new interface to your needs or use third-party solutions. In the latest versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14, you can partially customize the control center through the theme of design. Some themes completely change the look of the curtain, ignoring the standard settings of the system.

There are also launcher apps and widgets that can duplicate the notification curtain functionality, offering a more flexible design. While they don't replace the system curtain entirely, they allow you to bring frequently used switches to your desktop in a format that's convenient for you.

Let’s compare the methods of solving the problem:

The choice of method depends on your technical training and willingness to take risks. For most users, the best option is to use themes or get used to a new interface, since rolling back firmware is a last resort.

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When installing third-party themes through the Themes app, always check compatibility with your version of Android.Themes created for Android 11 may not display correctly on Android 13/14, causing graphic artifacts.

Possible problems and solutions

When trying to change the system interface, users often encounter a variety of errors, one of the most common is a bootloop, where the phone is endlessly rebooted, which happens when incompatible Magisk modules are installed or system files are damaged by manual intervention.

If the phone stopped loading after installing the module, try Recovery mode (press the power and increase the volume). If you have a TWRP or similar custom recap, you can remove the problem module through the file manager or console. In the case of a stock recovery, you will have to refashion the device through Fastboot.

Another problem is that the sensor is broken after the modification of SystemUI, which indicates a deep conflict between the drivers and the system interface, in which case only complete flashing from the manufacturer's website helps.

⚠️ Attention: The Anti-Rollback mechanism in Xiaomi smartphones can lock the device permanently if you try to flash a firmware version with a lower protection index than the current one.Always check the protection index before downgrade.

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The safest way to change the interface is not to interfere with system files, but to use the themes and widgets provided by the MIUI shell itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)