How to Enable Always On Display (AOD) Xiaomi MIUI 12: A complete guide with nuances

The feature is Always on Display (AOD) On smartphones, Xiaomi allows you to display key information on the screen even when turned off - time, notifications, battery charge or custom wallpaper. MIUI 12, this option has an updated interface and additional settings, but not all users know how to activate it correctly or why it may suddenly disappear. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic steps of inclusion, but also the hidden parameters that affect the work AOD, Common errors that prevent the function from working consistently.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi models support the AOD — It depends on the type of screen (AMOLED or LCD) And the firmware versions, for example, budget machines for the LCD-Matrices are physically unable to display information when the display is off, whereas flagships like Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi are not physically able to display information when the display is off. K50 Pro offers advanced settings. If your smartphone is on the supported list, but the option is not on the menu, the problem may lie in regional firmware or disabled system services.

We tested the instructions on several devices with MIUI 12.0-12.6 (including global and Chinese versions), so the algorithm is universal:

• 🔋 Battery charge exceeds 20% at low level AOD may automatically shut down.
• 📱 The device is not in power saving mode (Settings) → Battery → Battery mode).
• 🔄 Updated to the latest stable version (check Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).

1. Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi Always On Display support?

Before looking for settings AOD, Make sure your Xiaomi model is technically capable of working with this feature. Always On Display is only available on devices with the same functionality. AMOLED-It's a screen, because it requires individual pixels to be illuminated without the entire matrix:

If your model is not listed, check the screen type through the app. CPU-Z (Display section) or on the official Xiaomi website. LCD-Attempt displays to enable AOD will lead to increased battery consumption without visual effect – the screen will simply be dimly illuminated completely.

Also pay attention to the version. MIUI: In firmware below 12.0.3.0, the option may not be available even on supported models, in which case an update or manual activation via the ADB (We will tell you about this in the section on solving problems).

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to enable Always On Display in MIUI 12

If your device is compatible, we'll move on to the setup. MIUI 12 path to option may differ depending on the regional firmware, but the general scheme is as follows:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Screen (or Display in English).
3. Scroll down to the Always On Display block and tap it.
4. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
5. Choose the display style (classic, digital, animation, etc.).
6. Press Ready or Apply.

If Always On Display is not in the Screen menu, try an alternative path:

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Special facilities → Always On Display.
• 🔧 In some firmware, the option is hidden: use the search by settings (lap in the upper right corner) and enter the request AOD.

Turn off the power saving mode

Charge your phone to at least 20%

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check the type of screen (AMOLED)

Reboot the device (if the option is not displayed)-->

After activation, the function will start working immediately, but there are nuances:

• ⏱️ By default. AOD switches off at night (from 23:00 to 7:00) – this can be changed in the schedule settings.
• 🔄 If the screen does not respond to touch in mode AOD, Twice tap the display or press the power button.
• 🎨 Display styles can be downloaded from the Mi Themes theme store (section) AOD).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g., Mi) 9T Pro after inclusion AOD You may notice an increased battery consumption — AMOLED-screens consume minimal energy in a static image, but background processes (such as synchronizing notifications) can increase consumption.

3. Hidden settings AOD: What can be customized additionally

The basic inclusion of Always On Display is just the beginning. MIUI 12, there are hidden parameters that allow you to fine-tune the behavior of the function:

1. Turn it on. AOD above-instruction.
2. Return to the Settings menu → Screen. → Always On Display.
3. Slap the icon. ⚙️ (gear) in upper right corner.

Options are available here:

• 🕒 Schedule: Set up an automatic shutdown AOD at certain times (for example, at night).
• 🔔 Notifications: Select which apps can show alerts on a locked screen.
• 🎨 Styles: Download additional themes from Mi Themes or create your own combination (color, font, element position).
• 🔄 Repeated notifications: Turn on or off flashing icons when new messages are posted.
• 🔋 Adaptive brightness: Allow the system to adjust the backlight automatically AOD depending on the lighting.

Especially useful is the option to Show when rising - if you activate it, the screen will turn on at full brightness when lifting the phone, and the rest of the time will remain in mode. AOD. It is convenient for quick viewing of notifications without unnecessary gestures.

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If it's on the style list AOD There are no suitable options, set the theme "AOD Custom from Mi Themes. It lets you manually adjust the color, font and location of time, dates and icons.

For advanced users, settings through ADB. For example, to forcefully include AOD On unofficially supported devices, execute the command:

adb shell settings put global always_on_display_enabled 1

But remember: this can lead to increased battery consumption or unstable screen performance.

4 Why Always On Display Doesn't Work: 5 Frequent Problems and Solutions

Even if your Xiaomi supports you AOD, The function may not be activated or malfunction. Let's look at the typical causes and ways to eliminate them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the screen settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset screen settings (does not delete data!).
3. Reboot the device and turn it on AOD freshly.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Poco) X3 Pro) after resetting, the Always On Display option may disappear, in which case only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.

5 How to reduce battery consumption by using Always On Display

One of the main fears of users — AOD It's a very heavy battery sink. AMOLED-It's a minimal 1 to 3 percent per hour, but you can optimize it even more. Here's a proven way:

• ⏳ Set a schedule: turn it off AOD at night or when the phone is in the bag (for example, from 22:00 to 8:00).
• 🔍 Turn off unnecessary notifications: the fewer apps show alerts on the screen, the less likely the display will update.
• 🖼️ Choose a dark style: black pixels on AMOLED They don’t consume energy, so dark themes save energy.
• 🔄 Reduce the refresh rate: in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times) set the Minimum animation in 0.5x.
• 🔋 Use adaptive brightness: Allow the system to adjust the backlight automatically AOD depending on the lighting.

For maximum savings, you can combine AOD It's called Lift to wake, and it's going to light up in dim light mode. AOD, But when lifting the phone to turn on at full brightness - this reduces the number of "extra" wakes of the display.

If even after optimizing, battery consumption seems high, check the background activity of the applications:

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Use.
2. See which apps consume the most energy.
3. Limit background activity for unnecessary programs (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Select an application → Battery → Limit background activity).

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Nana AMOLED-Always On Display consumes 5-10 times less battery than the constant on of the screen at minimum brightness. AOD, a background processes (synchronization, geolocation, notifications).

6.Castomic styles AOD: How to Set Up Non-standard Themes

Standard Styles Always On Display MIUI 12 may seem boring. Fortunately, Xiaomi lets you install custom themes through the official Mi Themes app or third-party resources. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on the home screen).
2. Go to section. AOD (It can be called Always on Display).
3. Choose your favorite theme and click Apply.
4. If the theme is paid, confirm the purchase (most cost 10-50 rubles).

To install topics from third-party sources (e.g. from the forum) XDA Developers):

1. Download the theme file with the.mtz extension.
2. Place it in the MIUI/theme folder on the internal drive.
3. Open Mi Themes, go to Offline and select the downloaded file.

Popular resources for downloading custom AOD:

• 🌐 Official Xiaomi Theme Store (Mi Account required).
• 🛠️ XDA Developers (part of Xiaomi Themes).
• 🎨 Telegram channels with collections of topics (for example, @miuithemes).

⚠️ Warning: Installing themes from unverified sources can lead to malfunctions MIUI Or you'll see ads on your lock screen, check other users' reviews before downloading and scan files for viruses.

If after installing a custom theme AOD Stop working, return the standard style:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Always On Display
2. Choose any built-in style (e.g. Digital).
3. Reset the device.

7 Always On Display vs Lock Screen: What's the Difference and Which Is Better?

Many users are confused by Always on Display (AOD) While both functions display information when the display is off, there are key differences between them:

What to choose?

• 🔋 AOD This is the best option if you need a minimalistic display of time and notifications without unnecessary battery consumption.
• 📱 Lock Screen is easy to access widgets (weather, music, camera) and interact with notifications.

V MIUI 12 can be combined with both functions: for example, use AOD to passively display time and enable a full lock screen when you lift the phone:

1. Activate. AOD (as described above).
2. Enable the option to raise to wake up in Settings → Screen.
3. Set up a double tap to wake (Double tap to wake).

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Always On Display on Xiaomi