If you own a Xiaomi smartphone and notice that the screen periodically “wakes up” without your participation — shows notifications, time or even animation — then you have encountered the function of an active screen. This technology, also known as Always-On Display (AOD) or Ambient Display, has become standard for many flagships of the brand, but not all users understand its purpose and capabilities.
In this article, we will go into detail about what an active screen on Xiaomi is, how it differs from similar features in other manufacturers, what models support this option, and how to set it up correctly. Also, you will learn about the hidden features, the impact on autonomy and the typical problems that users face. If you want to maximize the convenience of your Redmi, POCO or Mi, but do not sacrifice battery life, this guide is for you.
What is an Active Screen on Xiaomi and How Does It Work?
Active screen (Always-On Display, AOD) is a mode in which part of the display remains on even when the smartphone is locked. Unlike full-screen awakening, only individual pixels are involved, which saves energy significantly. On Xiaomi, this feature can display:
- ⏰ Time and date – classic version with minimal consumption;
- 🔔 Notifications — annex icons and summary texts of communications;
- 📊 Battery status – charge level in percentage;
- 🎨 Customized themes – animations, drawings or logos (on some models).
Technologically AOD run AMOLED- or OLED-It's a screen where each pixel is independently illuminated. IPS-In the low-end Redmi displays, a full-fledged Always-On is impossible – instead, Ambient Display is used, which briefly turns on the screen when receiving notifications or pressing.
It’s important to understand that active screen and notification highlighting are not the same thing: the first feature is constantly (or on schedule), and the second only works when new events occur. At Xiaomi, these options are often combined into one menu, which causes confusion.
📊 How often do you use an active screen on your smartphone?
Constantly.
Only at night.
Turned it off.
I don't know what it is.
Another option
What Xiaomi smartphones support an active screen
The Always-On Display feature is not available on all Xiaomi devices, and it depends on the screen type and the MIUI firmware version.
| Screen type | Support for AOD | Examples of models |
|---|
| AMOLED/OLED | Full (all functions) | Xiaomi 13/14 Pro, Redmi K60 Pro, POCO F5 Pro |
| Super AMOLED | Full + animations | Xiaomi 12T Pro, Black Shark 5 Pro |
| IPS LCD | Ambient Display (Short-Time Lighting) | Redmi Note 12, POCO M5 |
| E-Ink (electronic ink) | Experimental (only on Xiaomi Civi 3 in China) | Xiaomi Civi 3 (secondary screen) |
To check if your smartphone supports AOD, go to Settings → Screen → Active Screen (Always-On Display). If there is no option, then the function is not available. On some devices (for example, POCO X5 Pro), the option may be hidden in Settings → Battery and Performance → Active Screen.
Important: On smartphones with IPS-screens (e.g. Redmi) 10A) Full-fledged Always-On is impossible – instead of it, Ambient Display works, which turns on the screen for 5-10 seconds when notifying or moving.
💡
If your model is not AOD, but AMOLED-screen, try to update MIUI Up to the latest version – sometimes support is added to new firmware.
Activating Always-On Display on supported models is easy, but settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI.
- Open Settings and go to Screen (or Screen Lock on older versions).
- Select the Active Screen (Always-On Display or Ambient Display) option.
- Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
- Set up the information displayed: ⏳ Schedule – Select when the screen is active (for example, only at night); 🎨 Style – Change the design of the watch or animation; 🔔 Notifications – turn on or off the message display.
Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra) offer additional options:
- 🌙 Night mode – automatically reduces the brightness AOD dark;
- 🔋 Battery savings - shuts down AOD low-charge;
- 🖼️ Background image - allows you to use your picture.
Enable AOD in the screen settings |
Select the time display style |
Set up a work schedule |
Check battery savings at low charge |
Disable unnecessary notifications-->
If the screen doesn’t show time or notifications after the AOD is turned on, try:
- Reboot the smartphone;
- Update MIUI to the latest version;
- Reset the screen settings in Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset screen settings.
The Effect of Active Screen on Autonomy: Myths and Reality
One of the main questions users have: AOD The answer depends on the model of the smartphone, the type of screen and the intensity of use. According to tests Xiaomi, on flagships with the most advanced devices. AMOLED-With displays (such as the Xiaomi 14 Pro), the active screen consumes about 1-3% of the charge per hour in time-only mode. If notifications and animations are enabled, the consumption of grows up to 3-5% per hour.
For comparison: on IPS-In the case of screens (only Ambient Display) the impact is minimal – less than 1% per hour, since the screen is turned on only for a few seconds. AMOLED reduce battery consumption:
- ⏳ Set a schedule (for example, only from 20:00 to 8:00);
- 🔄 Turn off animations and unnecessary notifications;
- 🌑 Use dark themes (black background reduces consumption);
- 🔋 Activate the option “Battery Savings” in the settings AOD.
Tests show that on Xiaomi 13T Pro with AOD enabled (time only), the autonomy decreases by 8-12% compared to completely switched off screen. On budget models like Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the difference is 5-7%.
How to check the actual battery consumption from AOD?
To know exactly how much power the active screen on your smartphone consumes: Charge your phone to 100% and disconnect from the network; Turn on AOD and do not use the device for 2-3 hours; check the statistics in Settings → Battery → Battery usage; Compare consumption to off AOD (You can usually see the difference in a few hours.—> ⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT) the active screen may conflict with the adaptive brightness or dark mode functions. AOD screen starts to flicker or spontaneously change brightness, try to disable these options in the display settings. Many users use Always-On Display only to display time, but on Xiaomi this feature hides a few useful chips: Double touch to wake up On some models (for example, Xiaomi). 12S Ultra) can be set to double tap on the active screen to quickly switch to unlock. → Screen. → Double tap to wake up. Music widget If you turn on music playback, a mini-player with control (pause, next track) will appear on the lock screen. Works with Mi Music, Spotify and other apps. QR-Payment code on Chinese firmware MIUI into AOD displayable QR-code for Alipay or WeChat Pay, which is usually disabled in global versions. Here are the most common problems and ways to fix them: Problem Possible cause Solution AOD Not enabled No support on the model or disabled in settings Check the Settings menu → Screen or upgrade MIUI Screen flickering or spontaneously switched off Conflict with adaptive brightness or energy-saving mode Disconnect adaptive brightness and Super battery saving Notices Not shown Restrictions for applications in battery settings Allow background activity for messengers in Settings → Annexes → Resolutions Too fast battery discharge Included animations or brightness AOD Too high Set a static image and reduce brightness in settings AOD If the active screen has stopped working after the update MIUI, Try: Clear the system cache: Settings → Memory. → Clear cache; Reset screen settings (no data loss); Reverse to On Xiaomi 13 Pro and later, animated faces that respond to gestures (for example, changing color when approaching the hand) are available. AOD through themes. MIUI Themes (available in Settings) → You can download alternative styles for the active screen, including: 🎮 Digital watches in the style of cyberpunk; 🌌 Animated Star Skys; 🐉 Thematic designs (for example, for Dragon Ball or Marvel fans) To set custom style: Open Themes (desktop icon); Go to Lock Screen; Choose your favorite theme and apply it. Typical Active Screen Problems and How to Solve Them Despite the convenience, Always-On Display sometimes crashes. previous firmware version (if the problem appeared after the update). ⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K50 Gaming) active screen may conflict with performance mode. AOD Smartphone starts to warm or brake, turn off Game Mode in battery settings. Active screen alternatives on Xiaomi If your smartphone doesn't support Always-On Display, or you want to save battery power, consider alternative ways to get notifications and information: 🔔 Notifications highlighting – a short-term screen turn on when new messages are sent (available on all models). → Notifications → Screenlighting. 💡 LED indicator - flashing LED for notifications (available on the Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ old models). 📱 Support screen - on Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 and Civi 3 have an additional display for notifications. 🔊 Voice Alerts – voice notifications via speaker (configured in Settings) → Special facilities → Voice assistant for owners POCO and Redmi with IPS-There is a workaround for screens – using third-party apps like Always On AMOLED Or AcDisplay. They're imitating. AOD, But they consume more battery, and note that these programs require permissions to overlay other applications and may conflict with other applications. MIUI. If you want to be comfortable but want to be comfortable, try it: 🕒 Set up a schedule for AOD (For example, only on the desktop); 🔕 Disable the display of notification content (leave only icons); 🌓 Use dark themes to reduce energy consumption. FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s active screen Can I turn on AOD Xiaomi IPS-No, the full-fledged Always-On Display only works on the screen. AMOLED/OLED-display. Nana IPS Only Ambient Display is available, which is short-term illumination when notified, but some users install third-party apps (e.g. Always On). AMOLED), But they put the battery down very hard. Why does the active screen turn off itself after a few seconds? This could be due to: Activated Battery Saving Mode; Adaptive Brightness Conflict; Settings Restrictions → Battery → Performance mode. Try disabling these options or updating them. MIUI. How to make sure that you AOD On most Xiaomi models, you can set your own image for the active screen: Go to Settings → Screen. → Active screen; Select Style → User-generated; Upload image from gallery (recommended permission — 1080×2400 most models). Keep in mind that too bright or colorful pictures will increase battery consumption. AOD It works, but it doesn't show notifications. What to do? The problem is usually with application permissions: Open Settings. → Annexes → Application management; Select messenger (such as WhatsApp or Telegram); Activate options to Show notifications and Background activity; C Settings → Battery → Select applications, disable restrictions for instant messengers. AOD Yes, on most Xiaomi models, the active screen works with the charger connected, and some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) automatically increase the brightness. AOD When charging for better visibility. If the screen goes out, check the settings. → Screen. → Active screen → Additionally.