You have turned on the new Xiaomi Mi TV TV Or a Redmi smartphone, and instead of a desktop, you have bright banners that advertise features, constantly switching pictures and saying "Demo mode"? Or the device suddenly switched to this mode after the update? Don't panic, it's not a virus or a breakdown. The demo mode (or demo mode) is specifically designed by the manufacturer to show the capabilities of the equipment in stores, but sometimes it is activated on home devices, interfering with normal operation.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what demo mode is on Xiaomi devices (TVs, smartphones, tablets), why it is needed, how to turn it on for a presentation or turn it off for normal use, and why the mode can turn on spontaneously and how to prevent it. All instructions are suitable for current models of 2023-2026, including Xiaomi. TV A Pro, Redmi Smart TV X, POCO F5 others.
What is a demo mode on Xiaomi and why it is needed
Demo mode is a special mode of operation of the device, in which the screen displays pre-prepared materials: slides with functions, animations, examples of the interface.
- 🛒 Demonstrations in stores – shoppers can see the possibilities of technology without access to personal data.
- 📺 Exhibitions and presentations – it is convenient to show the key chips of the device.
- 🔧 Testing – checking the performance of the screen, speakers, sensors.
In demo mode, the device behaves differently than in normal:
- 🔄 Slides with information about functions are automatically scrolled.
- 📛 Watermarks appear (e.g., “Demo Mode” or “Only for display»).
- 🔒 Restricted access to certain settings (for example, you can not connect to Wi-Fi or install applications).
- ⏳ Time and date can be reset or fixed values displayed.
On Xiaomi TVs, demo mode is often turned on by default when first launched if the device is not connected to the Internet. On smartphones, it is activated less often, usually after resetting settings or through an engineering menu.
What does the demo mode look like on Xiaomi TVs and smartphones
To avoid confusing demo mode with other problems (such as viruses or software failures), it is important to know its visual features.
| Type of device | Signs of demo mode | What's not working |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV | Bright slides with functions (HDR, Dolby Vision, game mode) Inscription "Demo" or "Demo Mode" in the corner of the screen. Automatic channel/application switching. | You can't log in to Mi. Network settings are restricted. There's no brightness/sound change. |
| Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO smartphones | On the desktop, you have icons with hints (like "Double tap to unlock"). On the status bar, you have a Demo icon. Apps open late. | You can't install new apps. You don't save wallpaper and themes. You don't have access to Google Play. |
| Tablets Xiaomi Pad | Animation of flipping pages with functions: fixed time (for example, always 12:00). | Multitasking doesn't work. You can't change the language of the system. |
If your device behaves like this, it means that the demo mode is turned on, but if the screen just appears banner ads (for example, in the video). MIUI), This is not a demo, but system recommendations that are turned off in the settings of the Xiaomi account.
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On some Xiaomi TVs, the demo mode may disguise itself as a normal interface. To recognize it, try changing the brightness or volume — if the settings do not persist after the reboot, this is a sure sign.
How to turn on the demo mode on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
You may need to turn on the demo mode if you:
- 🏪 Want to showcase the device in a store or exhibition.
- 🔧 Testing the equipment after repair.
- 🎥 Take a YouTube review and need “clean” footage without personal data.
The activation methods are different for TVs and smartphones:
On Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi TV, TV A Pro)
There are two methods – through the settings menu and using the remote (hidden combination).
- Through Settings: Open Settings → System system → Special features: Select Demo Mode (or Store Mode on older models) Activate the switch and confirm the selection.
- Hidden combination (if the item is not on the menu): On the remote, press sequentially: Menu → 1 → 1 → 9 → Menu After that, a menu of service functions will appear, where you can turn on the demo mode.
On Xiaomi smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi)
On mobile devices, the demo mode is enabled through the engineering menu or ADB-team:
- From the Engineering Menu: Open the Phone app and type ##4636##. Go to Phone Information. Click a few times on the Software Version until the Developer menu appears. Go back to the basic settings, open Additional → For developers, find the demo mode option and activate it.
- Through ADB (Adb shell settings put global settings sysui_demo_allowed 1 After this command is executed, the device will restart in demo mode.
Make a backup copy of the data|Connect the device to charging|Check the version. MIUI/TV OS|Record the current screen settings-->
How to turn off the demo mode on Xiaomi: all ways
If the demo mode is turned on itself or you need to return the device to normal mode, use one of the methods below. On Xiaomi TVs 2023-2026, the demo mode can block access to the settings - in this case, only a reset or hidden combination will help.
Method 1: Through standard settings (if available)
If the menu is not blocked:
- On TV: Settings → System system → Special facilities → Demo mode (turn off the switch).
- On a smartphone: Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Demo mode (deactivate the option).
Method 2: Hidden combinations on the remote / phone
If the settings are blocked, try these combinations:
- 📺 For TVs: On the remote, press Menu → 1 → 1 → 9 → Then select Exit Demo Mode.
- 📱 For smartphones: in the engineering menu (#4636##) find the item Demo Mode Off.
Method 3: Reset to factory settings
If nothing helps, do a hard reset:
- 🔄 On TV: Settings → System system → Reset → Reset all settings.
- 🔄 On a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.
⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete all data, including installed apps and accounts. Xiaomi TVs may reset to demo mode if the device is not connected to the Internet. To avoid this, immediately after the reset, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your Mi Account.
Method 4: Through ADB (for power users)
If the device does not respond to other methods, connect it to the PC and follow the command:
adb shell settings put global sysui_demo_allowed 0Then restart the device.
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On Xiaomi TVs in 2026 (for example, TV A Pro 2026) Demo mode can be automatically enabled when the Internet is not available for more than 24 hours. To avoid this, connect the device to the network or turn off automatic activation in the service menu.
Why the demo mode turns on itself and how to prevent it
Sometimes demo mode is activated without you, and here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:
| Reason. | How it manifests | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic activation in the absence of the Internet | The TV goes into demo mode in 1-2 days without Wi-Fi. | Connect your device to the network or turn off the option in the service menu (Menu). → 1147 → Menu). |
| Failure after software update | After the update. MIUI or TV OS demo. | Reset the settings to factory or roll back to the previous firmware version. |
| Viral software or malicious applications | The demo mode is switched on periodically, advertising appears. | Check your device with an antivirus (e.g. Xiaomi Security) and remove suspicious apps. |
| Incorrect shutdown (for example, from the socket) | After a sharp power outage, the device is loaded into the demo. | Perform a reset via the service menu or wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes the mode turns off itself. |
If the problem recurs regularly, check:
- 🔌 Power Stability – Use network filters for TVs.
- 📶 Internet connection – set up an automatic Wi-Fi connection.
- 🛡️ Security – Update the software and check the device for viruses.
What if the demo mode is turned on after each reboot?
Demo mode vs. store mode: what is the difference
Many people confuse the demo mode with the store mode (Retail Mode or Shop Mode), these are different functions, although they are designed to demonstrate the technique:
- 🔹 Demo mode: Shows the capabilities of the device (HDR, It can be turned on and off by the user, does not block all functions (for example, you can change the volume).
- 🔹 Store mode: Completely blocks access to settings and personal data, only enabled through special software (for example, Xiaomi Retail Tool), used only in official partner stores.
If your device is locked completely (you can't even log in to the settings), it's likely that the store mode is turned on.
- Contact the Xiaomi Service Center with proof of purchase.
- Use special software (e.g. Mi Unlock Tool), but this may void the warranty.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the demo mode with the kiosk mode (Kiosk Mode), which limits the operation of the device to one application. MDM-solutions (e.g. Xiaomi) EMM) and used in public places (airports, hotels).
Frequent mistakes when working with demo mode and how to avoid them
When trying to turn on or off demo mode, users often make mistakes that can lead to device locking or data loss, and the most common ones are:
- Using the wrong combinations. For example, on Xiaomi 2026 TVs, the old Menu combination → 1147 → Menu may not work. Instead, try Menu. → 1 → 1 → 9 → Menu.
- Reset settings without backup. If you reset the device in demo mode, it may remain locked. Always save data before resetting!
- Interrupting the shutdown process: If you turn off the TV or smartphone while you turn off the demo mode (for example, through a shutdown). ADB), The device may stop turning on.
- Trying to turn off store mode like a demo. It's different! Store mode requires special tools to turn off.
To avoid problems:
- 📋 Always write down your current settings before experimenting.
- 🔋 Make sure your device is charged (or connected to the network).
- 🔍 Check the current instructions for your model (e.g., Xiaomi) TV A Pro 2026 and Redmi Smart TV X 2023 may be different).
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If after disabling the demo mode on the Xiaomi TV, a sound or image is lost, reset the sound settings: → Sound. → Resetting the sound settings. This often helps to return the factory settings.