Blind in Android: the correct name, hidden functions and customizing the notification panel

If your smartphone runs on “pure” Android (for example, Google Pixel or Motorola), then the curtain will be as close as possible to the standard version from Google. However, even here there are nuances: for example, in Android 14 there is an opportunity blocking notifications from specific applications directly from the curtain (long tap on the notification → “Block notifications”).

Hidden functions of the curtain that you did not know about

Many users have been using Androidfor years, but are not aware of the hidden capabilities of the notification panel. Here are some useful features that will simplify interaction with your smartphone:

• 🔍 Search by notifications: in Android 12+ swipe down the curtain and tap on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner - this way you will find the old notification by keywords.
• 📌 Pinning notifications: swipe the notification left/right (not all the way) and click on the pin icon - it will remain in the curtain, even if you clear the others.
• ⚡ Quick access to settings: hold your finger on the quick settings icon (for example, Wi-Fi) - the corresponding section will open Settings.
• 🔄 Drag and drop quick settings icons: in edit mode (the pencil in the upper corner of the curtain) you can change the order of switches or add new ones.
• 🎵 Media management: if the player is displayed in the curtain (for example, YouTube Music), swipe it to the left - a close button will appear (in Android 13+).

Some firmware also have unique functions. For example, on Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.0+ in the curtain you can:

• 📊 See battery usage graph directly in the quick settings panel (tap on the battery icon).
• 🔒 Block notifications from applications over time (long tap → “Disable for 1 hour”).

Android 14 introduced the experimental Smart Suggestions feature, which analyzes your notifications and suggests quick actions. For example, if you receive a message with an address, the curtain may suggest opening it in Google. Maps. For now, the function is not available on all devices and requires activation in the developer settings.

How to customize the curtain for yourself: step-by-step guide

Notification panel in Android is one of the most customizable interface elements. You can change the order of icons, add new switches, adjust transparency, and even hide unnecessary notifications. Let's look at the setup process using the example of clean. Android (for example, Google Pixel) and branded skins.

1. Setting up on pure Android (Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia)

To change the quick settings panel:

1. Open the curtain by swiping down from the top edge of the screen.
2. Tap on the pencil icon (✏️) in the lower right corner of the quick settings panel.
3. Drag the desired icons to the active area (top of the screen). For example, add Hotspot or Traffic saving.
4. To remove an unnecessary icon, drag it to the bottom of the screen (to the "Other settings" list).

To control notifications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications and notifications → Notifications.
2. Select an application (for example, Telegram) and turn off unnecessary types of notifications (for example, “Sound” or “Pop-up” notifications")
3. Enable the option Notification categoriesto fine-tune which notifications to show.

2. Setting up on Samsung One UI

On smartphones Samsung the process is slightly different:

Samsung has a unique function - “Important only” mode. It hides all notifications except those you've marked as priority. It is activated like this:

1. Open the curtain and swipe left on the “Notifications” sign.
2. Select “Important only”.
3. V Settings → Notifications → Important notifications add the required applications.

3. Setting up on Xiaomi MIUI

In MIUI the curtain is configured through the theme menu:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Notification panel.
2. Select display style (for example, “Android Style” or “MIUI Style”)
3. Enable or disable Notification panel transparency.
4. In the section Order switches change the arrangement of icons.

On Xiaomi you can also add weather, calendar or notes widgets to the curtain Tap on “+” and select the desired widget.:

1. Open the curtain and swipe left.
2. Tap on “+” and select the desired widget.

adb shell settings put secure sysui_qs_tiles "$(settings get secure sysui_qs_tiles | sed -e 's/unnecessary_tile_type//g')"

Typical problems with the curtain and how to fix them

Sometimes the notification panel behaves incorrectly: it does not open, freezes, or does not display notifications. Let's look at the most common problems and ways to solve them.

1. The curtain does not open or does not open all the way

If swiping down does not work:

• 🔄 Restart the device - this solves 80% of temporary glitches.
• 👆 Check gestures: you may have accidentally activated a gesture for another action (for example, swipe down for call Google Assistant). Disable conflicting gestures in Settings → System → Gestures.
• 🛠️ Reset the launcher settings: Long-press an empty space on the home screen → “Home screen settings” → “Reset settings.”
• 🐞 Clear the system interface cache:
  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Tap on the three dots (⋮) → “Show system processes."
  3. Find System UI (or System interface) and clear the cache.

2. Notifications do not arrive or are not displayed

If you do not see notifications from applications:

• 🔔 Check your notification settings for a specific application: Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Notifications.
• 🚫 Turn off Do Not Disturb mode: swipe down the curtain and check if the icon is active Do Not Disturb (or DND).
• 🔋 Check battery optimization: some applications may be limited in the background. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery optimization and disable restrictions for the desired applications.
• 📵 Reset notification settings (relevant for Samsung): Settings → Notifications → Advanced → Reset notification settings.

3. Quick settings icons do not work

If switches (for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) do not respond to presses:

• 🔄 Restart your smartphone —this often helps with temporary failures.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
• 🛠️ Clear data System UI (carefully! This will reset all curtain settings):
  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Show system processes.
  2. Find System UI and click “Storage” → “Clear data.”

If the problem persists, a third-party application (for example, a launcher or optimizer) may be to blame. Try running your smartphone in safe mode (press the power button → “Safe Mode”) and check if the curtain works. If yes, remove recently installed applications.

How to return the standard curtain on custom firmware

If you are using custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid), the curtain may look different than on stock Android. Not everyone likes such changes, so let's look at how to return the classic look or at least get closer to it.

1. Installing an alternative SystemUI

Some firmware (for example, Havoc-OS or Evolution X) allow you to select the system interface style:

1. Go to Settings → Havoc Settings → Interface → SystemUI Style.
2. Select Stock Android or Pixel.
3. Reboot the device.

2. Using Magisk modules

If your firmware supports Magisk, you can install modules to change the curtain:

• 🔧 QuickSwitch — allows you to customize the quick settings icons.
• 🎨 Fluid Notification Shade — changes the transparency and animation of the curtain.
• 📱 Pixelify — converts the curtain to the style Google Pixel.

To install the module:

1. Download the file with the extension .zip (for example, from the forum XDA Developers).
2. Open Magisk Manager and go to the section Modules.
3. Click “+” and select the downloaded file.
4. Reboot the device.

3. editing SystemUI files

For advanced users: if you are ready to work with ADB or edit system files, you can manually replace resources SystemUI.apkHowever, this is risky and can lead to bootloop (loop reboot).

An example command for disabling unnecessary icons via ADB:

adb shell settings delete secure sysui_qs_tiles
adb shell settings put secure sysui_qs_tiles "wifi,bt,cell,dnd,flashlight,rotation,location,cast,hotspot,battery"

Attention: before any manipulations with system files, make a backup via TWRP or another custom recovery.

Comparison of curtains on different brands: who did it better?

Manufacturers smartphones are actively modifying the notification panel, adding unique functions or changing the design. We tested curtains on top devices from 2023–2026 and compiled a comparative table.

According to testing results, the most balanced turned out to be a curtain on Google Pixel - it combines minimalism, speed and all the necessary functions. However, if customization is important to you, then Samsung One UI or MIUI will offer more customization options.

Interesting fact: on Huawei EMUI the curtain has a unique feature - when you swipe down from In the upper left corner, a panel opens Smart Assistant with quick access to contacts, a calculator and a flashlight. This is convenient, but not all users like this division.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the curtain in Android