Always On Display has become the de facto standard for modern smartphones, allowing users to instantly read the time, date and notifications without having to unlock the device. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro owners often wonder how to activate this option, since in some versions of MIUI firmware it can be hidden or called differently. Understanding the intricacies of the interface allows not only to personalize the gadget, but also to increase the usability of its everyday use.
Activating this feature requires minimal effort, but it is important to consider that the constant glow of the AMOLED matrix, which is equipped with the Redmi Note 9 Pro, still consumes battery power. Modern MIUI algorithms have learned to minimize this consumption by turning off pixels when placing the phone in your pocket or at night, but a basic understanding of the principles of energy saving will not hurt. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps to include, adjust styles and solve possible display problems.
It’s worth noting that the appearance and layout of the menu can vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system installed. Whether you’re using a global firmware version or a Chinese build, the basic algorithm of actions remains the same throughout the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Preparation of the device and compatibility check
Before you go to activate the feature, you need to make sure that your device technically supports Always On Display.The Redmi Note 9 Pro screen is built on the basis of technology. AMOLED, This is a prerequisite for a screen that is always on without the risk of pixel burnout and excessive energy consumption. IPS implementation AOD It is impossible or extremely inefficient, so owners of budget models with a high level of efficiency are not LCD-The screens may not find the appropriate options in the menu.
It is also critical to check the version of the installed MIUI firmware. Developers often add new features or change the logic of existing tools in security updates and major OS releases. If you are using a very old version of the system released shortly after sales, the functionality may be limited, in which case it is recommended to check for updates in the appropriate settings section.
⚠️ Note: If the menu item is not available even after the update, it may be due to regional firmware restrictions.In some regions, the function is activated automatically when the first use simulation is performed or requires a change of region in the system settings.
Make sure the device has the latest stable version of the shell, which not only ensures all visuals, but also optimizes power consumption, which is especially important for a feature running in the background 24 hours a day. Compatibility check is the first step to successfully customize personalization.
☑️ Pre-insertion check
Step-by-step activation instruction through settings
The process of enabling the feature in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is intuitive and takes no more than a minute. First, you need to unlock the smartphone and go to the main application menu where the Settings icon is located. This is where all system parameters of the device are controlled, including personalization of the lock screen.
In the list of parameters that you open, you should find the section responsible for the screen and its design. MIUI, This item can be called Lock Screen, Wallpaper and Personalization, or simply Always On on on the Shared List. The most direct path is usually through the Settings menu. → Lock screen where all content management tools are concentrated before unlocking.
Inside the menu, you need to find a switch that says Always On Display or Always On screen. Activation of the toggle switch instantly triggers the function and the screen will light up with the selected style. However, immediately after activation, the system can offer to adjust additional parameters, such as schedule or select a specific dial, which allows you to flexibly control the behavior of the display.
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Use Settings Search: Type “Always” or “Screen” in the search bar at the top of the settings menu to instantly find the desired item without going through long lists.
Once activated, it is recommended to immediately check the function by locking the screen. The image should appear a second after the main interface is damped. If the screen remains black, the power saving mechanism may have worked or the function is configured to display only under certain conditions, which we will talk about in the next sections.
Customizing styles, time and personalization
One of the key features of implementing AOD in the MIUI shell is a rich selection of visual styles. The user is not limited to boring black numerals; the system offers many animated dials, stylized fonts and even the ability to use your own photos as a background. To access this variety, you need to click on Style or Format in the function settings menu.
In the style library, you can choose static images or dynamic animations, and some styles change color depending on the time of day or battery power, adding functionality to the visual component.
| Style type | Description | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Classical. | Simple numbers, minimalist design | Minimum |
| Animated | Moving elements, effects of particles | Average. |
| Photo style | Use of personal photos with blackout | Medium/High |
| Informative | Large print, additional widgets | Low. |
In addition to the look and feel, you can fine-tune the information you display, and you can choose whether you'll see app notifications, battery levels, or steps taken per day, all of which are set up in the submenu Additional or directly in the style preview window.
Operational modes and activation schedule
To optimize power consumption, MIUI offers multiple Always On Display modes. The default is often set to 10 seconds after touch, which means that the screen only lights up when you pick up or tap the phone, and goes out after 10 seconds, the most economical option, but it also deprives the feature of its main advantage, constant visual control.
If you want to keep the information visible all the time, you should choose the "On" mode, in which case the screen will burn continuously throughout the day. To avoid a situation where a bright screen interferes with sleep at night or discharges the phone in your bag, you should set up a schedule.
Scheduling is a balance between convenience and autonomy. You can create a customized schedule that will take into account your daily routine, such as turning off display during meetings or sleeping at night when your phone is on the nightstand. Xiaomi's flexibility allows you to tailor your smartphone behavior to any user's habits.
⚠️ Warning: When choosing Always On mode without a schedule, be sure to turn on the “In-Pack” function (if available in your version of the software) so that the screen goes off when placing the phone in your bag or pocket, preventing false inclusions and discharge.
Impact on autonomy and energy saving mode
Redmi Note 9 Pro owners often wonder how much does Always On Display affect battery life? The AMOLED matrix is unique in that it highlights each pixel individually. The black color on the screen is a pixel turned off that consumes no power. Since most AOD styles have a black background and only single dots (digits, icons) on their back, the actual energy consumption is much lower than it might seem at first glance.
However, the use of this feature still contributes to the overall energy balance. On average, constant AOD operation can reduce battery life by 1-2 hours per day, depending on the brightness and style chosen. If you are critical to maximum smartphone life without recharging, it makes sense to use activation mode by touch or strictly limit the operating hours to a schedule.
And the thing that we need to look at is the interaction with the power saving mode, and when you activate the Saving Energy or Ultra Saving mode, the system automatically turns off Always On Display to save charge, which is a standard behavior, not a mistake, and if the screen stops lighting up after the economy mode is turned on, then the system is working correctly.
Technical details of AMOLED work
The solution: Why AOD is not working
Despite the ease of setting, users may encounter a situation where the feature is not working or behaving incorrectly.The most common reason is the power saving mode on, which was mentioned above.If the saving mode is turned off but the screen is still black, check whether the Do Not Disturb mode is activated with the setting of a full screen shutdown, or whether the phone is not on charge (some settings block AOD while charging).
Another reason may be a system process that is responsible for the lock screen, in which case a simple reboot of the device helps. If the problem persists, it is worth checking for system updates or trying to reset the theme settings to standard ones, as third-party themes may conflict with the system display functions.
It’s also worth making sure that the light sensor and proximity sensor work correctly and are not covered by a protective glass or case.If the proximity sensor “thinks” that the phone is in your pocket (due to a dense case with a magnet or thick side), it will force the screen to extinguish even if it is scheduled to burn.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party apps from Google Play to create AOD Redmi Note 9 Pro is not recommended, as they may conflict with system implementations MIUI and cause increased battery discharge or "blinking" of the screen.
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If AOD stopped working after updating the firmware, first of all check the settings “lock screen” – after the update, the settings are often reset to default, where the function can be turned off.