Timeout screen on Xiaomi: where to look for a setting in MIUI and how to change it correctly

Screen timeout is one of those settings that impacts smartphone usability on a daily basis. If the screen goes out too quickly, you’ll have to unlock the device constantly, and if it takes too long, the battery will go down noticeably faster. On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark), the path to this setup isn’t always obvious — especially if you’ve recently switched from a different brand or upgraded your firmware.

In this article, we will not only show you where the screen timeout is, but also take a look at the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), Android One devices, and why settings can sometimes “hide” or work incorrectly. You will also learn how to bypass system limitations and adjust the automatic turn off of the screen for your tasks – whether it is reading books, watching videos or saving charge.

Now, if you're looking for this setting through a standard menu search (Settings → Search), the screen timeout may not work, because MIUI often calls it something else, like Sleep After Do Not Act or Screen Shutdown, and we've taken all the options into account and put together the right paths for different devices.

1. Standard way to screen timeout in MIUI 12/13/14

On most modern Xiaomi smartphones (2020 and later), the screen timeout setting is in the Screen section.

Step 1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop or in the application menu).

Step 2. Scroll down and select the Screen.

Step 3. Depending on the version of MIUI, look for one of the following:

• 🔄 Sleeping after inactivity (MIUI 12/13)
• ⏱️ Auto-turn off the screen (MIUI 14, some Redmi Note 12 models)
• 📱 Screen timeout (devices on Android One, such as Mi) A3)

If your menu does not have any of these items, then the manufacturer hid the setting deeper - read about it in the next section.

Check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone |Use search by settings (loop at the top)|Update your firmware to the latest version |Try the alternative path (Section “More”)

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Important! On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13T), the option may be hidden under Advanced Screen Settings. If you don't see it right away, tap on the Additional or At the bottom of the screen.

2. Alternative paths: where else can the setting hide

The manufacturer sometimes migrates or renames options in new firmware versions. If the standard path didn't work, try these options:

Option 1: Through “Special capabilities”

Some Redmi 10 and POCO X3 users report that the timeout setting has moved to the disabled section:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Select Time before auto-turn off or screen settings.

Option 2: In the battery settings

On devices with aggressive power optimization (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the option can be tied to the power modes:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Battery Settings → Additionally.
3. Look for the screen timeout item in saving mode.

Option 3. Through search by settings

If the menu is overloaded, use the built-in search:

1. Open the settings and tap the magnifying glass icon at the top.
2. Enter the requests one by one: 🔍 «sleep» 🔍 «screen-off» 🔍 «timeout" (in English firmware)

MIUI 12|MIUI 13|MIUI 14|Android One (without) MIUI)|I don't know.

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Critical note: on some firmware for the Chinese market (CN ROM) The screen timeout option may not be available at all, in which case only flashing to the global version will help. ROM) use ADB-teams (more on this below).

3. How to change screen timeout on Xiaomi with Android One

Xiaomi Android One devices (such as Mi A1/A2/A3 or Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE) use “pure” Android without the MIUI shell.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings.
2. Go to the display (or screen).
3. Select Sleep or Time Out screen.
4. Set your desired time from the list (usually 15 seconds to 30 minutes).

Android One also has an option called Adaptive Brightness, which can automatically adjust the timeout depending on the lighting to enable it:

1. In the same section of the Display, find Adaptive Brightness.
2. Activate the slider and allow access to the sensors.

⚠️ Note: Android One doesn’t have separate timeout profiles for different modes (like when connecting a charger).If you want to do that, you’ll have to use third-party apps like Tasker or MacroDroid.

4. screen timeout when charging is connected: how to set up

By default, most Xiaomi smartphones don't turn off the screen while the device is charging, but sometimes this function doesn't work properly -- especially on custom firmware. Here's how to set it up:

Method 1. Through the developer settings

If the screen goes off too fast, even on a charger:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in the About Phone section).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option Screen does not turn off when charging and turn it on.

Problem 2: No timeout option in settings

If the paragraph is completely missing:

1. Check if it is hidden through Settings → Additional → Functions Lab (on some firmware there is an option “Hide rare settings”).
2. Update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. If nothing helps, use ADB (Section 5) or third-party apps like Screen Timeout Settings.

Problem 3: The screen goes out during video or gaming

It's about optimizing productivity.

• 🎮 For games: Enable Game Mode in the Notification Curtain.
• 📺 For video: on YouTube or Netflix, turn off Video Optimization in the app settings.
• 🔧 Universal method: add the application to battery exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Select the application → No restrictions).

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FAQ: Answers to popular questions