Smartphones have long ceased to be just communication devices, becoming full-fledged digital assistants that must provide information instantly. Always On Display has become the de facto standard for many flagship models, allowing you to see the time, notifications and date without touching the screen. For owners of the popular Redmi Note 8 Pro, the issue of implementing this option is especially acute, since the device is based on the use of the device. AMOLED-a matrix that is ideal for constantly displaying a static picture without the risk of burning out pixels.
However, users often face confusion: in standard MIUI settings, this feature can be hidden or called differently, for example, "lock screen" with additional options. It is important to understand that the Redmi Note 8 Pro did not initially receive native support for classic AED out of the box in global firmware, but there are several proven ways to circumvent this limitation.
Before we start setting up, it is worth noting the effect of this feature on the autonomy of the device. AMOLED-While the displays consume energy only to glow the active pixels, the constant burning of the display still increases battery consumption, in this guide we will detail how to set up a work schedule to balance the convenience and energy efficiency of your Xiaomi.
Compatibility check and native MIUI settings
The first step should always be to check the built-in capabilities of your version of the operating system. Xiaomi regularly updates the shell. MIUI, and in newer versions (beginning with the MIUI 12 and above) the lock screen functionality has been significantly expanded. → Lock screen and carefully examine the available options. Sometimes the function is hidden under the name "Style of watches" or "Time Format".
If you see "Always On Display" or "Permanent Screen" on the menu, you're lucky that your firmware region supports this option natively. Otherwise, the standard system means to activate the classic AED will not work. It's worth checking the version of MIUI in the About Phone section, since on older Android 9 or 10 builds this feature could be cut out software to save CPU resources.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to modify system files through Root rights to activate hidden menus unless you are an experienced user.This may result in bootloop (cyclic reboot) and loss of warranty.
For most Redmi Note 8 Pro users with global firmware EU or Global, the native option remains unavailable, necessitating a switch to alternative methods. However, even then, standard lock screen settings allow time display customization, which partially solves the problem of informativeness.
Use the app Always on AMOLED & Always on Display
The most popular and reliable third-party solution for implementing AOD on Xiaomi devices is the Always On AMOLED & Always On Display application from developer Kim Jong-sung. This software uses the system capabilities of Android to create a layer on top of the lock screen, simulating the work of the native Always On Display.
Once installed, the application will request a number of permissions that are critical to its operation: you will need to allow display on top of other applications, access to notifications and auto-start. Without granting these rights, the program will be closed by the MIUI energy saving system, and the permanent screen effect will disappear after a few minutes, the setup process takes no more than five minutes, even for inexperienced users.
☑️ Setting up rights for ADS
Inside the application, a huge selection of styles is available: from minimalistic digital watches to complex animated ones. GIF-You can adjust the color, font and position of the elements on the screen so that they do not overlap the front camera or speaker of the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Also available is the Pocket Mode function, which turns off the display when the phone is in your pocket, preventing accidental switching on.
Scheduling and energy saving
The key to comfortable use of the function of AOD is the proper setting of the schedule. Constant activation of the display 24 hours a day does not make practical sense, since at night the phone is most often on the nightstand. In the settings of the application or system (if the function is native), find the Schedule or "Operation Time".
It is recommended to set a work interval, for example, from 8:00 a.m. to 23:00 p.m. This will save battery power at night and prolong battery life. Some applications also offer a Smart Schedule mode, which analyzes your smartphone usage habits and activates the screen only during the hours when you normally pick it up.
| Setup parameter | Recommended value | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness of ED | 30-40% | Average. |
| Time to work. | 08:00 - 23:00 | Low (savings at night) |
| Animation. | Static/Simple | Low. |
| Difficulty of style | Minimum elements | Low. |
It's also worth experimenting with brightness. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro AMOLED-It has a sufficient margin of brightness, so even 30 percent of the time and notifications will be read well in daylight, and at night will not blind your eyes.
Alternative applications and widgets
If you don't have a standard app that works for you, there are many alternatives to the Google Play Store, and one of the great options is Always On Display - Always On AMOLED from different independent developers, and they work in a similar way, but the interfaces and sets of widgets may differ, and some of them offer weather, pedometer, or battery widgets right on the screen that's off.
When choosing an alternative, pay attention to the size of the installation file and the amount of advertising. Lightweight applications consume less CPU resources in the background, which is critical for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which is not the flagship of 2026. 3D-animation can cause micro-lag interface and rapid heating of the body.
⚠️ Avoid apps with names like “Super” AMOLED Burn Fixer" if they require suspicious permissions, often disguised as screen utilities as advertising software that collects data about your activities.
Also worth mentioning are desktop widgets that mimic AED when the phone is charging in bedside table mode. It's not a full-fledged Always On Display, but a convenient alternative for using a smartphone as a night watch, and these widgets are often built into launchers or themes.
Battery optimization and impact on screen life
The main fear of users when turning on the AOD is the burnout of the matrix and rapid discharge. AMOLED-The screens installed in Xiaomi are equipped with pixel offset technology, which means that the image periodically (every few minutes) is shifted to the pixels. 1-2 pixels in different directions, which prevents uneven wear of subpixels.
In terms of battery consumption, if you set it up properly (timetable + dark themes), the extra cost is about 3-5% per day, which is similar to the background work of messengers or geolocation. However, if you choose a bright, complex style with a high refresh rate, the consumption can increase to 10-15%, which will become noticeable to the owner.
Technical details of AMOLED work
For maximum optimization, use dark themes in the application itself. White background and black numbers are the worst scenario for AMOLED, as most of the screen will burn. Black background and white (or color) numbers are ideal, with only a few thousand pixels active out of the millions available.
Solving problems and eliminating mistakes
A common problem on Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell is aggressive energy saving, which “kills” background processes. If the application for AED stops working after a while after turning off the screen, you need to manually prevent the system from closing it. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find your application for AED and select “Activity Control” or “Battery”.
Set a "No Limits" value. This is a critical step that the function won't work without. Also check if it's auto-run for that application. Sometimes it helps to reinstall the application or clear its cache if you see glitches in the graphics display.
- 🔍 Check if the system is running "Energy Savings" mode, it blocks background activity.
- 🔍 Make sure that the developer settings do not have a restriction on background processes.
- 🔍 Try changing the style of the watch to a simpler one if there are delays.
If the problem persists after all the manipulations, the set theme may be the conflict. Try to temporarily switch to the standard MIUI theme and check the function. Sometimes custom themes override system paths to the lock screen, blocking third-party widgets.
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Tip: If you use a rounded-edge protective glass (2.5D or 3D), make sure the AOD does not display information too close to the edges, otherwise it may not be visible or distorted due to light refraction.
Conclusion and final recommendations
Turning Always On Display on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is a great way to make smartphone usage more convenient and modern. Despite the lack of native support in some versions of the firmware, third-party applications allow you to implement this functionality with almost no restrictions, the main thing is to properly configure access rights and schedules.
We've covered the basic activation techniques, from native settings to custom software installations. Remember, the balance between the beauty of the interface and the autonomy of the device is in your hands. Experiment with styles, but remember to use energy wisely.
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Optimal AED setting for Redmi Note 8 Pro: Always On AMOLED, dark theme, 30% brightness, daytime only mode and no closing in battery settings.
Use this knowledge to personalize your device. A smart setup turns a regular smartphone into a smart gadget that keeps you updated while remaining a reliable assistant throughout the day.