How to add an app to the curtain on Xiaomi: 5 working ways for MIUI

The Quick Access Panel (or “curtain”) on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a Wi-Fi switch and brightness; it is a powerful tool for instantly launching frequently used applications without having to search for them on the desktop or menu. However, many users face the problem: how to add the right application to it, when the default is only system utilities?

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to add apps to the curtain on MIUI 12, 13, 14 and 15 – from standard methods to hidden features for advanced users. We will focus on the differences between Redmi models, POCO and Xiaomi flagships, as the interface may differ, and you will learn how to remove unnecessary shortcuts and optimize the panel for your tasks.

Important: the way you add apps to the curtain on Xiaomi has changed dramatically since MIUI 12. If you have an older version of the firmware, some methods may not work, and we'll talk about that too.

Why isn’t my app in the curtain of Xiaomi?

Before you add an app to the Quick Access Panel, let's see why it might not be there in the first place.

• 📱 Limitations MIUI: By default, the system only shows system utilities (flashlight, calculator, screen recording, etc.) Third-party applications must be added manually.
• 🔄 Update: After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) the curtain settings may be dropped.
• 🚫 Manufacturer restrictions: Some models (e.g, POCO F-series) have a stripped down functionality of the quick access panel.
• 🔒 Application Rights: If the application does not have permissions to display in the curtain (relevant for banking applications or games), it cannot be added there.

It’s also worth considering that on Xiaomi with the HyperOS shell (the new 2026 models), the process of adding apps to the curtain is different from the classic MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models in the budget segment (e.g. Redmi) A1 or Redmi 9A) The function of adding third-party apps to the curtain can be completely disabled by the manufacturer.

Method 1: Standard addition via curtain editing (MIUI 12-15)

This is the simplest and most versatile method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI shell (except HyperOS).

1. Open the quick access panel by swiping your finger from top to bottom across the screen (some models need to swipe twice).
2. In the upper right corner of the curtain, find the icon "⚙️ Settings" (or"📝 Edit it”) and tap it.
3. You'll see a list of available shortcuts. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see the Add Shortcuts button -- click on it.
4. In the list that opens, find the app you want and tap it. If the app isn't on the list, search at the top of the screen.
5. After adding the shortcut will appear at the bottom of the screen, drag it to the curtain active area (usually the top of the screen).
6. Click on “Done” or the tick icon to save the changes.

If your list doesn’t have the right app, it could mean that:

• 📵 The app does not support curtain display (relevant for some games or banking applications).
• 🔄 Your version. MIUI outdated – update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔒 The application does not have the necessary permissions (check in Settings). → Annexes → Application management → [name] → Permits).

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check the application permissions

Reboot your smartphone

Try an alternative way to add-->

Method 2: Adding through system settings (for MIUI 14 and later)

Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has introduced an alternative way to control the Quick Access Panel through the phone’s basic settings, a method that is especially useful if standard curtain editing doesn’t work.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone settings.
2. Go to the Notification Panel and Curtain section (or Lock and Curtain on some models).
3. Select the option Curtain setting or Curtain shortcuts.
4. Slip on Add shortcuts and select the desired application from the list.
5. If the app is not listed, click Other apps at the bottom of the screen.

On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the option Order of Shortcuts is also available in this menu, which allows you to sort apps in the curtain at your discretion.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) Instead of the notification panel and the curtain, look for the Control Center section.

MIUI 12

MIUI 13

MIUI 14

MIUI 15 / HyperOS

I don't know.-->

Method 3: Use the "Tags" widget (for MIUI 13 and older)

If your app refuses to add to the curtain using standard methods, you can go a workaround through the shortcut widget. This method works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 13+.

How to do this:

1. Long press on the free desktop space → select Widgets.
2. Find the shortcut widget (or Tools in English firmware) and drag it to the screen.
3. In the widget settings, select Setting shortcuts.
4. Add the desired application to the list of shortcuts.
5. Now, when you open the curtain, you can quickly access the app through this widget.

The advantage of this method is that it bypasses the MIUI restrictions on adding third-party apps to the curtain, but there's a downside: you have to make an extra tap to run.

Method 4: Adding through ADB (for advanced users)

If none of the above methods work, you can use them. ADB-This is a way for advanced users to connect a smartphone to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) Enter: adb shell settings put secure sysui_qs_tiles"$(settings get secure sysui_qs_tiles),custom(com.pack.applications/class.activity)"Replace the com.pack.applications with the real package of your application (you can find out through the App Inspector or Package Name Viewer application).
5. Reboot your phone. The app will appear in the list of available shortcuts.

Example of commands to add Google Keep:

adb shell settings put secure sysui_qs_tiles"$(settings get secure sysui_qs_tiles),custom(com.google.android.keep/com.google.android.keep.activities.BrowseActivity)"

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally.

Method 5: Using third-party launchers (for HyperOS)

On Xiaomi’s new HyperOS smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70), standard methods of adding apps to the curtain may not work due to the changed interface, in which case installing a third-party launcher such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair will help.

How it works:

• 📲 Install an alternative launcher from Google Play.
• 🔧 In the launcher settings, find the section Curtain Shortcuts or Quick Settings.
• ➕ Add the required applications to the list.
• 🔄 Reset the device.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI HyperOS.
• ✅ Allows you to add any application without restrictions.
• ✅ Additional customization functions (change icons, colors, etc.).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires third-party software installation.
• ❌ Can be in conflict with system updates.

💡

If the curtain doesn’t update after installing the launcher, try clearing the Settings app cache through Settings → Apps → Application Management → Settings → Clear the cache.

How to Remove Unnecessary Apps from the Curtain

If your curtain is full of unnecessary labels, they can be easily removed.

1. Open the curtain and tap the icon "⚙️ Settings" (or"📝 Edit").
2. Find the shortcut you want to remove and drag it down the screen to the "Delete" area (usually highlighted in red).
3. On some models, you need to keep the shortcut for a long time, and then choose Remove from the menu that appears.
4. Save the changes by clicking "Done".

Please note:

• 🔒 Some system shortcuts (e.g., Airplane Mode or Mobile Data) cannot be removed.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Removed labels may return – they will have to be removed again.
• 📵 If the shortcut is not removed, try disabling it through Settings. → Notification panel and curtain → Customization of the curtain.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When adding apps to the curtain, Xiaomi users often encounter some common mistakes, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods suggested helped, try the following:

1. Clear the Settings app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Clear the cache).
2. Perform reset of curtain settings: Settings → Notification panel and curtain → Reset settings.
3. Check if adding apps blocks Security or Battery Optimization (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

💡

If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), standard MIUI methods won’t work, in which case the curtain is set up through Android system settings, not the MIUI interface.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions