How to increase the time of Always-On Display (AOD) on Xiaomi smartphones: from settings to firmware

The Always-On Display (AOD) screen on Xiaomi smartphones has become an integral part of the user experience — it shows time, notifications and even animation without having to unlock the device. However, many owners face the problem: AOD shuts down after 10 seconds, a minute or even stops working after an update. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to increase the AOD life, from standard settings to hidden MIUI functions and even firmware modifications.

It is important to understand that working time AOD It depends not only on the screen settings, but also on the optimization of the system, version. MIUI, Smartphone models and even battery status. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with AMOLED-display and MIUI 14 AOD It can work for days, whereas on the budget Redmi Note 11 it will shut down in 30 seconds due to aggressive energy savings. We tested all methods on current devices (2023-2026) and selected only those that actually work.

Before you start settings, check two key things: 1) Your smartphone supports AOD (model list below). 2 The function is enabled in the settings: Screen → Always-On Display and lock. If there is no option, then your model is not compatible or you need to update MIUI.

1. Standard AOD settings in MIUI: what can be changed without risk

To start with, the simplest of them is the built-in MIUI options, and even if you've never gone into the AOD settings, there are a few options that directly affect how long the function lasts.

Settings → Screen → Always-On Display and Lock

The following options are available here (depending on the model and version of MIUI):

• 🕒 Display time: Always choose 10 seconds instead of 1 minute. On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), this option may not be available, then move on to the following methods.
• 🔄 Schedule: Set the interval AOD (e.g., only during the day or on weekdays) to save charge if the function is not needed around the clock.
• 📱 Show as you rise: Turn off this option if you want AOD to work continuously, not just when you're moving your smartphone.
• 🎨 Display style: Simple themes (e.g., Digital Clocks) consume less power than animated ones.

Xiaomi has introduced the option of Adaptive AOD with MIUI 13 and later, which regulates the operating time depending on the level of charge. If you need maximum time, turn off this feature, as it often shortens the period of screen activity.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with LCD- displays (e.g., Redmi 9A) AOD, the way things work is different -- instead of constantly highlighting the pixels, it uses a periodic turn on of the screen, which significantly reduces the time of operation, and the standard settings here are powerless.

2 Hidden Settings MIUI: How to Enable Extended AOD Mode

MIUI hides some of the AOD options that can be activated through developer mode or special commands. These settings are not officially dokumented, but work on most AMOLED- screen devices (Xiaomi 11/12/13 series, Redmi K50, POCO F4 series, etc.).

First, turn on the developer mode:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times)

Then go to:

Settings → Additional → For Developers

And look for Always-On Display (can be called AOD always on).

• 🔋 Low-charge shutdown: By default, AOD turns off at 15% of the battery. You can lower the threshold to 5% or turn off the restriction.
• 🛡️ Burn protection: If you turn on, the system will shift the AOD elements to prevent pixel burnout, which can slightly reduce the running time.
• ⚡ Consumption optimization: Turn off this item if you want maximum time AOD (but the battery will run out faster).

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU) have an optional AOD in your pocket that allows the screen to stay on even when the phone is in your bag or pocket. Be careful, this increases the risk of accidental tapping and discharge.

System Optimization: How MIUI Affects AOD Lifetime

MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes, and sometimes it interferes with the normal operation of AOD. If the screen goes out early or the function is turned on with a delay, the problem may be:

• 🔄 Autoclean Memory: MIUI kills processes associated with AOD to free up RAM.
• 📉 Energy saving: Even in Performance mode, the system may limit AOD.
• 🔄 Background Updates: Some apps (like Google Play Services) interfere with stable performance.

To fix this:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Power management applications.
2. Find System UI (or MIUI System) in the list and set it to No Limits mode.
3. Do the same for the Lock Screen and Always-On app (may be called differently depending on the version).

Also check if the ultra-power saving mode is on (in some firmware it shuts down AOD completely). If the problem persists, try resetting your power consumption settings:

Settings → Battery and performance → More → Reset the battery settings

⚠️ Warning: On devices running MIUI China (Chinese firmware), some power saving options may not be available, in which case only flashing to a global or European version will help.

Disable Auto-Memory Cleanup for System UI|

Set "No Limits" mode for AOD|

Reset the battery settings |

Update MIUI last-minute-->

4. Firmware and Modifications: Radical Ways to Increase AOD Time

If standard methods don't work, and AOD shuts down after a few seconds, the problem may be the firmware.

Updating MIUI to the latest version

Older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5) had bugs that caused AOD to run unstable.

Settings → About the phone → System update

If there are no updates, try manually installing through Air Update (OTA) or Mi Flash Tool (power users only!).

B. Installation of custom firmware

Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience or MIUI EU) offer advanced AOD settings. For example, MIUI EU allows you to:

• Set an unlimited operating time for AOD.
• Set the screen brightness in AOD mode (it is fixed by default).
• Add custom animations and widgets.

Important: After customized recavator firmware (TWRP) and unofficial firmware installation, AOD can last longer, but this cancels the warranty and is fraught with bugs.

Editing System Files (for Advanced)

On some devices, the time of AOD is regulated by the /system/etc/aod_config.xml file.

1. Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
2. Open the file in a text editor (such as MT Manager).
3. Find the string <aod_timeout>10</aod_timeout> and change the value to 0 (infinite time) or the desired number of seconds.
4. Save the file and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop. If you are not sure about your skills, don't take any chances!

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Custom firmware and root access give maximum control over AOD, but require technical knowledge and cancel the warranty.

5. Hardware Limitations: Why AOD May Not Work Long

Sometimes the problem isn't the software, it's the hardware. Here are the key hardware factors that affect AOD's running time:

For example, on a POCO F3 with a worn-out AOD battery, you can only work 5-10 minutes, even if the settings are Always. Check the battery status through the AccuBattery app or the built-in MIUI diagnostics:

Settings → Battery and performance → Battery condition

If the wear and tear exceeds 25%, consider replacing the battery – this will not only prolong the AOD time, but also improve the overall autonomy.

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To check if AOD is turning off due to overheating, run a temperature test through the engineering menu: dial ##4636## and select Battery Information. If the temperature is above 40°C, let the device cool down.

6. Alternative solutions: if AOD doesn't work at all

If none of these methods worked, or your Xiaomi model doesn’t support AOD (like the Redmi 10A or POCO M3), consider the alternatives:

• 🔄 Clock on locked screen: Turn on the time display when you press the power button (Settings → Screen → Lock).
• 📱 Simulator applications AOD: For example, Always On AMOLED or Glance Plus. They mimic AOD but consume more power.
• 🔋 Smartwatch with AOD: If the smartphone doesn’t support the feature, sync it with the Mi Band 8 Pro or Xiaomi Watch S3 – they have their AOD.
• 💡 Home screen widget: Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) allow you to create time-sensitive widgets that update even on a locked screen.

When using third-party AOD applications, consider:

• They require permission to auto-start and ignore battery optimization.
• They can drain the battery faster than the native AOD.
• On some devices, they work only with the notification turned on (permanent icon in the curtain).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when setting up AOD, which causes the function to work incorrectly.

• ❌ Live Wallpaper Use: Animated wallpaper on a locked screen conflicts with AOD and causes it to be disabled.
• ❌ Included Pocket Mode: If the Lock in your pocket option is activated, AOD may not work.
• ❌ Extreme energy saving: In Super Saving or Ultrabattery modes, AOD is forced to shut down.
• ❌ Outdated firmware: MIUI older than 12.0 AOD is unstable or non-existent.

Many people also forget that AOD does not work when:

• Connected Power Bank (some models turn off AOD when charging from an external battery).
• Active Do Not Disturb mode with Hide notifications setting.
• Use of a non-original charger (especially with fast charging).

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If AOD stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting the screen settings: Settings → System → Resetting → Reset the lock screen settings. This will return the standard settings without losing data.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about AOD on Xiaomi