How to Enable Always On Display on Xiaomi Redmi 9: A Complete Guide with Nuances

The Always On Display (AOD) feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to display important information on the screen even when it is off – time, notifications, charge level. However, on the Redmi 9 model (and its versions of the Redmi 9A/9C/9T), this option does not work as clearly as on the flagships of the Mi or POCO series. Many users find that the AOD item simply does not exist in the settings, although technically the IPS LCD display of the smartphone supports constant pixel lighting.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to enable Always On Display on Redmi 9, from standard MIUI settings to third-party workarounds. We’ll focus on the hidden limitations of MIUI 12/13 that block function on budget models, and show you how to get around them without risking warranty. You’ll also learn how to set up AOD to minimize the impact on device autonomy — the 5020 mAh battery in Redmi 9 is not infinite.

Why is Redmi 9 not always on display?

The main reason Redmi 9 doesn’t have an AOD item is hardware and software constraints, and here are the key factors:

• 🔧 Screen Type: Redmi 9 is equipped with IPS LCD-display that does not support individual pixel illumination (unlike the AMOLED In the flagships. AOD It uses full-screen illumination at minimum brightness, which increases power consumption.
• 📱 Politics MIUI: In budget models, Xiaomi often disables “extra” functions to reduce the load on the Helio processor. G80 extending battery life. AOD It is considered a “premium” option.
• 🔄 Firmware version: B MIUI 12 and earlier versions of the function AOD It was completely hidden from Redmi 9 and MIUI 13 it was added, but with limitations (for example, only for models with a AMOLED).

However, this does not mean that you can not enable Always On Display, but we will consider all working methods from official (if available in your firmware) to alternative solutions.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A redmi 9C (Modifications with Helio processor G35) function AOD It doesn't work even through workarounds because of the hardware limitations of the display controller. → The phone. → Model.

Official way to enable AOD (if available)

If your Redmi 9 runs on MIUI 13 or later (especially on Global ROM), there’s a chance that the Always On Display feature is hidden in the menu depths.

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Scroll down and find the Lock screen (or Lock screen).
3. Switch to additional settings (if such a item is available).
4. Look for the Always On Display or Permanent Screen option.

If you don't have a clause, your firmware doesn't officially support AOD, so move on to the following methods.

Important: If you find an AOD item but it is inactive (gray), try updating your firmware to the latest stable version via Settings → About Phone → System Update. Sometimes the feature becomes available after an update.

Activate Always On Display through Hidden MIUI Settings

Xiaomi firmware has hidden menus that allow you to include features that are not available in the standard interface. For Redmi 9, this works like this:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##4636## This will open the testing menu.
2. Go to Battery Information (or Battery Information)
3. Slap the icon. ⋮ (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Additional settings.
4. Look for Always On Display – if you have one, activate it.

If this method does not work, try an alternative method:

• 📱 Install QuickShortcutMaker from Google Play.
• 🔍 In search, type Always On – the application will find hidden activities MIUI.
• 🛠️ Run the activity found (commonly called com.android.settings.DisplaySettings with mention) AOD).

⚠️ Warning: Hidden settings may reset after a restart or system update, and it is also not recommended to change other settings in the test menu (#4636##) to avoid disrupting the smartphone.

Using ADB to Force AOD Incorporation

If previous methods have failed, you can try to turn Always On Display on via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but gives you a better chance of success.

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC

Download ADB Tools

Platform Tools

Open the command line.

adb shell settings put global always_on_display_enabled 1

Then:

adb shell settings put global doze_always_on 1

Reboot the phone.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DisplaySettings

This will open up the advanced display settings where the AOD item may appear.

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If the ADB function does not appear after the commands, check if the settings have reset after the reboot. Sometimes you need to repeat the commands 2-3 times.

Third-party apps for Always On Display

If the official methods didn’t help, you can use apps from Google Play that emulate the AOD feature.The best options for Redmi 9 are:

• 🌙 Always On AMOLED — Despite the name, it works on IPS-Allows you to customize the displayed information (time, battery, notifications) and color schemes.
• ⏰ Glance Plus is a lightweight application with a minimalist design. Supports automatic shutdown AOD low-charge.
• 🔋 AOD Notify – shows notifications and time, optimized for energy savings.

How to set up a third-party AOD-attachment:

1. Install the selected application from Google Play.
2. Provide all the necessary permissions (access to notifications, ignore battery optimization).
3. In the application settings, select the display style (e.g. Minimalist or Digital Watch).
4. Activate the option to Show when the screen is off.
5. Set up a work schedule (for example, only at night or when charging).

The downside of third-party apps is that they consume more battery than built-in AOD because they use constant processor activity. However, on Redmi 9 with a 5020 mAh battery, this is not critical when set up correctly.

Optimize Always On Display to Save Battery

Even if you manage to turn on AOD, it can significantly reduce battery life. To avoid this, follow these tips:

• ⏳ Set the timer: In the settings AOD (If you have any, select the Schedule option and limit the function to night or at certain hours.
• 🔋 Turn off at low charge: Set up automatic shutdown AOD, When the battery charge drops below 15-20%.
• 🌑 Use dark themes: Black background reduces the load on the screen backlight (relevant for third-party applications).
• 📵 Disable unnecessary notifications: The less information is displayed on AOD, the less energy is used.

You can also manually reduce the brightness of AOD:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Brightness.
2. Turn off Auto Brightness.
3. Set the slider to a minimum value (about 10-20%).
4. Go back to the AOD settings and check if the changes have been applied.

⚠️ Note: If after activation AOD Your phone gets too hot or your battery goes down in a few hours -- immediately turn off the function. This could indicate a firmware conflict or a third-party app malfunctioning.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you configure Always On Display on Redmi 9, users encounter typical errors.

• 🔄 AOD turns on but goes off immediately: Problem: The screen is locked due to power saving settings Solution: Turn off battery optimization for the app AOD In Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• ⚡ Strong battery consumption: Problem: Too high brightness or frequent screen updates Solution: Reduce brightness to a minimum and turn off notification display.
• 🚫 No point. AOD even after updating MIUI: Problem: Your firmware doesn't support the kernel-level function Solution: Try switching to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but this voids the warranty.
• 🔒 AOD It only works when charging: Problem: Limitation MIUI Solution: Use this to save energy. ADB-Adb shell settings put global doze_always_on 1

If none of the methods worked, perhaps your Redmi 9 model has a hardware limitation at the level of the display controller, in which case you just have to wait for an official update from Xiaomi or consider buying a model with a new model. AMOLED-screen (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro).

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On Redmi 9, Always On Display is unstable due to hardware and software limitations, and the best option is to use third-party apps with schedule settings and minimum brightness.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions