The lock screen on Android 11 is not just a barrier to your smartphone, but a full-fledged personalization and security tool. Many users don't even realize that it can be customized: from changing the wallpaper to adding quick actions, weather widgets or notifications. In this article, we will look at all the methods of customization - from basic to hidden functions that manufacturers seem to hide in the depths of the menu. Samsung or Xiaomi hidden in the depths of the menu.

The peculiarity is that there are new options for the lock screen: for example, dynamic wallpaper based on the time of day or integration s Android 11 is that there are new options for the lock screen: for example, dynamic wallpaper based on the time of day or integration with Google Assistant for voice unlocking. But not all functions are available out of the box - some require activation through Developer settings or third-party applications. We will show you how to do this safely without risking your data.

Important: the interface may differ slightly depending on the shell (One UI y Samsung, MIUI y Xiaomi, clean Android on Google Pixel). But the general setup logic remains the same. If your device runs on Android 12+, some menu items can be moved - we will also mention this.

1. Basic change of wallpaper on the lock screen

The easiest way to freshen up the look is to change the background image. In Android 11 this is done literally in two taps, but there are nuances with the resolution of pictures and adaptation to the dark theme.

To install new wallpaper:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Display → Style and wallpaper (on Samsung the path can be Wallpapers and themes).
  • 🖼️ Select a section "Lock Wallpaper" (sometimes it is combined with the home screen wallpaper).
  • 🔍 Scroll down to "My Photos" or "Gallery"if you want to upload your image.
  • ✅ Tap "Set wallpaper" and select the cropping area (on some devices you can scale the picture with your fingers).

Important point: Android 11 automatically darkens the lock wallpaper if dark theme is enabled. To disable this effect, go to Settings → Display → Dark theme → Advanced and deactivate the "Apply to wallpaper" option.

If you are using live wallpaper (for example Google Wallpapers or Zedge), please note that they can drain the battery faster by 5–15% per day. This is especially noticeable on devices with AMOLED screens, where animation consumes more energy.

📊 Which wallpaper do you prefer on the lock screen?
Static images
Live wallpaper (animation)
Photos from the gallery
Minimalistic (plain)
Other

2. Setting the style and display elements

In addition to wallpaper, on the lock screen you can configure:

  • 🕒 Display time and date (font, size, color).
  • 📱 Notification icons (hide content or show completely).
  • 🔋 Charging indicator (percentage or battery icon).
  • 📌 Widgets (weather, music player, quick actions).

On clean Android 11 (for example, on Google Pixel 4/5) the path to these settings:

Settings → Security → Screen lock → Lock settings

On Samsung Galaxy s One UI 3.x:

Settings → Lock screen → Lock style

Here you will find options like:

  • 🌓 "Always show clock" (useful for Always-On Display).
  • 🔒 "Hide notification content" (for privacy).
  • 🎨 "Color Scheme" (automatic adjustment to wallpaper).
💡

If your smartphone does not have the "Color Scheme" option, try installing wallpaper through the app Google Wallpapers —it will automatically select a palette for the text on the lock screen.

3. Adding widgets and quick actions

Widgets on the lock screen are a convenient way to quickly access frequently used functions. You can add them in two ways: Android 11 they can be added in two ways:

  1. Through system settings:
    • 🔧 Go to Settings → Screen locks → Lock widgets.
    • 📱 Select available widgets from the list (usually Weather, Music, Google Search, Camera).
    • 🔄 Drag the necessary elements to the active area (on some devices you need to click "Add").
  • Through a swipe down/up:

    On some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 9), widgets appear when you swipe down on the lock screen. To configure them, hold your finger on an empty space and select "Change widgets".

    • The list of available widgets depends on the manufacturer. For example, Samsung by default there is:

    • 🌡️ Weather (with a forecast for 5 days).
    • 🎵 Music player (control without unlocking).
    • 📸 Camera (quick launch by swipe).
    • 🔦 Flashlight (on some models).

    Limitation: Widgets on the lock screen may show limited information for security reasons. For example, in Google Calendar you will only see the name of the event, but not its details.

    Make sure the widget is supported by your shell|Check your privacy settings (some widgets require location access)|Disable battery optimization for widget apps|Reboot your device if widgets do not appear-->

    4. Changing the unlock method (PIN, pattern, etc.) fingerprint)

    If you are not satisfied with the current unlocking method, you can choose from 5 main options: Android 11 You can choose from 5 main options:

    Method Security level Speed unlock Supported devices
    PIN code ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Medium All
    Pattern key ⭐⭐⭐ Fast All
    Password ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Slow All
    Fingerprint ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Instant With sensor (for example, Samsung Galaxy S20, Xiaomi Mi 11)
    Face recognition ⭐⭐ Instant With front camera (for example, Google Pixel 4)

    To change the unlock method:

    1. Open Settings → Security → Screen Lock.
    2. Enter your current PIN/password to confirm.
    3. Select a new method (for example, "Fingerprint").
    4. Follow the instructions on the screen (for fingerprint, you need to touch the sensor 3-5 times).

    ⚠️ Attention: if you remove all unlocking methods (for example, disable PIN and fingerprint), the system may require you to enter your account password Google after rebooting. This is a security measure so that attackers cannot bypass the lock by resetting the settings.

    What to do if the smartphone does not recognize the fingerprint?

    If the fingerprint sensor does not work:

    1. Make sure your finger is dry and clean (moisture interferes with scanning).

    2. in Settings → Security → Fingerprint.

    3. On devices Samsung try increasing the sensitivity of the sensor in Additional settings → Increase recognition.

    4. If the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a fall), contact the service center - replacing it costs 1,500–3,000 rubles.

    5. Hidden lock screen features (for advanced users)

    Android 11 hides several useful options that are not enabled by default. They can be activated through Developer settings or third-party applications.

    1. Double tap to unlock

    On some devices (for example, Google Pixel or OnePlus) you can enable unlocking by double tapping on the screen:

    1. Activate Developer Settings (tap 7 times by Build number to Settings → About phone).
    2. Return to Settings → System → For developers.
    3. Find the option "Double tap to wake up" and enable it.

    2. Show network information

    If you need to see network type (4G/5G) or signal level directly on the lock screen:

    • 📶 Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile network → Additional settings.
    • 🔄 Enable "Show type network".
    • 🔒 Return to the blocking settings and activate "Show network status".

    3. Changing the time font

    On Samsung and some other devices you can change the font hours:

    1. Download the font from Galaxy Store or Google Play (for example, iFont).
    2. Install it via Settings → Lock screen → Clock → Style hours.
    3. Select the downloaded font from the list.

    ⚠️ Attention: Changing system fonts through third-party applications may cause interface malfunctions. Before installation, create a backup copy of your data or a restore point in TWRP (if you have an unlocked bootloader).

    6. Fixing problems with the lock screen

    Sometimes after upgrading to Android 11 users encounter lock screen bugs: widgets do not work, wallpapers disappear, or the system asks for a PIN after a reboot. Here's how to fix it. data-i="226">Problem 1: Widgets are not displayed

    Problem 1: Widgets are not showing

    • 🔄 Restart the device.
    • 🔧 Check if widgets are disabled in Settings → Applications → [Widget name] → Permissions.
    • 📱 Update the application responsible for the widget (for example, Google App for the search widget).
    • 🗑️ Clear the application cache Settings → Applications → [Name] → Memory → Clear cache.

    Problem 2: Wallpaper resets after reboot

    This is a common bug on Xiaomi i Realme. data-i="238">🖼️ Install wallpaper through the standard application

    • 🖼️ Install wallpaper through the standard application Gallery, and not third-party launchers.
    • 🔧 Disable optimization for the application Wallpaper in Settings → Applications → Wallpaper → Battery → Unlimited.
    • 📲 Check if a theme is installed that overwrites the wallpaper (on MIUI this happens often).

    Problem 3: The system requires a PIN after resetting the settings

    If you reset the settings via Recovery and now the phone asks for the old PIN that you do not remember:

    • 🔑 Enter any PIN 30 times - the system will offer to reset the lock through the account Google.
    • 📧 Use a backup email associated with the device.
    • 🔧 If all else fails, you will have to flash the device via Fastboot (this will delete all data!).

    ⚠️ Attention: on devices with Samsung Knox (for example Galaxy S21) resetting the lock through unofficial methods can lead to a trigger Knox (loss of warranty and blocking Samsung Pay).

    7. Third-party applications for customization

    If standard features Android 11 are few, you can use third-party applications. Here are the top 5 proven tools:

    Application Functions Compatibility Price
    Always On Display Setting up AOD (time, notifications, animations) Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi Free (Premium - 200 ₽)
    KLWP Live Wallpaper Creating custom widgets and animations Any Android 7+ 400 ₽
    AcDisplay Active lock screen with gestures Android 5–11 Free
    Lock Screen Widgets Adding widgets to the lock screen Android 8–11 (does not work on Android 12+) Free
    Tap, Tap Double tap to unlock Any Android with proximity sensor Free

    🔹 Important: before installing third-party locking apps check:

    • 🛡️ Availability of permissions (some ask for access to Accessibility Service, which is dangerous).
    • 📥 Ratings and reviews in Google Play (avoid applications with a lower rating 4.0).
    • 🔄 Compatibility with your version Android (some work only on older versions).

    Critical information: applications like KLWP or Tasker may conflict with system ones processes, causing overheating or rapid battery drain. After installation, monitor the processor temperature (you can via AIDA64) and energy consumption.

    8. Security: how to protect data on the lock screen

    The lock screen is the first line of protecting your data. Android 11 there are several functions that. will help strengthen security:

    1. Hiding notifications

    So that no one sees the contents of SMS or instant messengers:

    1. Go to Settings → Notifications → On the lock screen.
    2. Select "Do not show notifications" or "Hide sensitive content".

    2. Lock after unsuccessful attempts

    Configure automatic blocking of the device after several attempts incorrect PIN entries:

    Settings → Security → Screen lock → Auto-lock after unsuccessful attempts

    Recommended value: 5 attempts (after this the device will be locked for 30 seconds).

    3. Data encryption

    If important data is stored on the phone, enable encryption:

    1. Go to Settings → Security → Encryption and credentials.
    2. Select "Encrypt phone" (the process will take 30-60 minutes).
    3. Make sure the battery is at least 80% charged (encryption will be interrupted when discharged).

    ⚠️ Attention: if you If you forget your PIN after encryption, it will be impossible to restore the data - even through TWRP or a service center. Samsung and Google do not provide tools to bypass encryption.

    💡

    Data encryption protects information even if an attacker removes the memory chip from the phone. But it can reduce performance on weak devices (for example Redmi 8A) by 10-15%.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the lock screen on Android 11

    Is it possible to put different wallpapers on the home screen and the lock screen?

    Yes, in Android 11 this is supported by most manufacturers. On Samsung and Xiaomi there are separate tabs for the main screen and lock screen. use the application Android (For example, Pixel) you need to use the application Google Wallpapers.

    Why did widgets disappear from the lock screen after updating to Android 11?

    This is a known bug associated with a change in the security policy in Android 11. Widgets that required access to notifications or location may be disabled. Solution:

    1. Reinstall. widget via Settings → Applications.
    2. Check the permissions for the widget application.
    3. If the widget is from Google (for example, At a Glance), update the services Google Play.
    How to remove the inscription "Swipe up to unlock" on the lock screen?

    This inscription can only be removed on some devices with root access or through ADB. To do this:

    1. Connect your phone to the PC and activate USB Debugging.
    2. Enter the command: 
      adb shell settings put global lock_screen_show_help_message 0
    3. Reboot the device.

    ⚠️ On Samsung and some Xiaomi This method does not work due to the modified firmware.

    Is it possible to put animated wallpaper on the lock screen?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • On Samsung i OnePlus supported live wallpaper from Google (for example, Earth or Weather).
    • On pure Android 11 possible use KLWP or Wallpaper Engine (consumes a lot of battery).
    • On Xiaomi animated wallpapers only work on AMOLED screens (series Mi 10/11, Redmi K40).

    Average battery consumption from animated wallpapers: 3–7% per hour (depending on the model).

    How to return the old lock screen style after updating?

    If you don't like the new design in Android 11, you can try:

    • 🔄 Install launcher with support for old styles (for example, Nova Launcher + Sesame Shortcuts).
    • 📱 On Samsung switch to theme "Android 10" to Galaxy Themes.
    • 🔧 Roll back the firmware to Android 10 (risky, may lead to bootloader locking on some devices).

    Please note that a complete rollback of the design is impossible - Android 11 changed the logic of notifications and widgets at the system level.