How to activate a smart case for Xiaomi: full instructions with nuances

Xiaomi smart cases are not just screen protection, but a full-fledged accessory that extends the functionality of the device. They allow you to manage calls, music and notifications directly through a closed case, saving time and battery. However, many users face the problem: the purchased case is not recognized by the system or does not work correctly, most often due to improper activation or lack of necessary settings in the firmware.

In this article, we will discuss how to properly connect and configure a smart case on any Xiaomi smartphone – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and POCO. You will learn which models of cases are compatible with your device, how to check the operation of sensors and what to do if the system does not respond to closing / opening the case. We will also consider hidden features that are not written about in the official instructions, but can significantly improve the user experience.

What are the “smart” covers and how to distinguish them from the usual ones

Not every case with a notification window is “smart” in the sense of Xiaomi. Smart cases are equipped with a built-in magnet and a chip that interacts with the Hall sensor in the smartphone. This allows the device to recognize the state of the case (open / closed) and automatically perform specified actions – for example, lock the screen or turn on the pocket mode.

To distinguish the original smart case from a fake or ordinary accessory can be on several grounds:

• 🧲 Magnetic fastening: a small magnet must be sewn inside the cover (usually in the upper right corner) and can be felt with your fingers or checked with another magnet.
• 📱 Model Compatibility: The package or product description should indicate which model Xiaomi is intended for the case (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ Xiaomi 13T). Universal covers rarely support all functions.
• 🔧 IC: Original accessories inside the lining have a small chip (sometimes hidden under a layer of fabric) that is often only done by a magnet.
• 💰 Price: the cost of the original smart case for Xiaomi starts from 1500-2000 rubles. Cheap analogues (300-800 rubles) usually do not support all functions.

If you bought a case, but the smartphone does not react to its closure / opening, first check the presence of the magnet and chip. Also make sure that your smartphone model officially supports the function of a smart case – a list of compatible devices can be found on the Mi Store website or in the documentation for the accessory.

⚠️ Attention: Some models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pros may not support smart cases due to lack of Hall sensor in the design.

Preparation of the smartphone before activating the smart case

Before you start setting up, make sure your smartphone is ready to work with a smart case. Here are the key points to check:

1. Firmware Update: An outdated version of MIUI may not support the smart case function. Update the system through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Clean Hall sensor: If another magnet case has already been installed on the smartphone, residual magnetization may interfere with work.
3. Disabling third-party apps: Some programs to save battery or lock the screen (such as Greenify or MacroDroid) may conflict with the smart case function.
4. Check screen settings: Make sure Settings → Screen → Sleep mode is not set to “Never” – this can prevent automatic locking when closing the case.

It is also recommended to reboot the smartphone before the first installation of the case, which will help to reset temporary errors in the operation of the sensors.

Step-by-step: how to activate a smart case

The process of activating a smart case on Xiaomi usually happens automatically at the first close, but sometimes manual adjustment is required.

1. Install the case on the smartphone so that the magnet in the case is in the upper right corner (near the front camera).
2. Close the case and wait 2-3 seconds. If the screen goes out, the Hall sensor worked correctly.
3. Open the case. The locked screen should show information about the time, notifications and icons (if the case with a window).
4. Check the response to the call: call the smartphone from another device. When the case is closed, the call should automatically mute, and when opened, it should restore the volume.

If the cover is not recognized, perform forced activation:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Smart Case (on some firmware, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Smart Functions).
2. Activate the switch "Enable the smart case".
3. In the Smart Case Settings section, select the opening/closing actions (e.g., Unlock when opened or Show notifications).
4. Save the settings and re-close/open the case.

The screen goes out when the cover is closed

The screen is turned on when the cover is opened.

Notifications are displayed in the window (if any)

Calls are muted when the cover is closed

Magnet securely locks the case-->

If the case still doesn't work after this, the problem may be a firmware incompatibility or a hardware malfunction in the Hall sensor, in which case you can upgrade MIUI to the latest version or contact the service center.

Configure additional functions of the smart case

Basic activation of the case is just the beginning, and MIUI has hidden settings that allow you to extend the functionality of the accessory, for example, you can configure:

• 🔔 Music control: double tap on the cover to pause/play the track (not working on all models).
• 📞 Automatic Call Response: The case can be configured to receive an incoming call when opened.
• 🔋 Battery savings: Disable the display when the case is closed even while charging.
• 🔒 Secure unlocking: disabling fingerprint or Face ID when the case is closed (useful for protection against accidental unlocking).

To access these functions:

1. Open Settings → Display → Smart Case → Additional settings.
2. Enable the option "Advanced Control" (if available for your model).
3. Set up gestures and automatic actions at your discretion.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13 Series), the cover music management function is activated only after installing the Mi Smart Cover app from the Mi App Store. If you don’t see the right options in the settings, check for this app or update it.

⚠️ Attention: Adjusting automatic call response can cause accidental positives if the case is not fixed properly.

What to do if the smart case does not work

If after all the manipulations the case is still not recognized, the reasons may be as follows:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the screen settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select “Display Settings Reset” (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. After rebooting, re-activate the smart case.

In extreme cases, you may need to completely reset your settings (with data loss), but only resort to this if other methods have not worked.

Compatibility of smart cases with different models Xiaomi

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support smart cases the same. For example, Redmi budget models may have a reduced functionality compared to the flagships Mi or Black Shark. Below is a compatibility table for popular devices:

If your model is not in the table, check compatibility on the official Mi Store website or in the documentation for the case. Also note that custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may not support the smart case function due to the lack of drivers for the Hall sensor.

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If you use a case from another Xiaomi model (like the case from the Mi 11 on the Redmi Note 11), try moving the magnet manually. Sometimes a slight shift of the magnet helps the sensor to work.

How to extend the life of a smart case

Smart cases, like any accessories, wear out over time. To prolong their life and maintain functionality, follow these recommendations:

• 🧼 Cleaning regularly: wipe the inside of the case and the case of the smartphone from dust and dirt. this will prevent particles from entering between the magnet and the sensor.
• 🧲 Avoid strong magnets: Do not place your smartphone near powerful magnets (such as speakers or magnetic holders.
• 🌡️ Overheating protection: Do not leave your smartphone in a case under direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• 🔄 Removal: Don't pull the case around the corners - this can cause the magnet to detach. Remove it carefully, starting at the bottom.

It's also worth checking the magnet's fixation periodically, and if the case starts to close poorly or the screen stops responding to the closure, it's possible that the magnet has shifted, in which case you can carefully disassemble the case and return the magnet to its place (if you're confident in your skills) or go to the workshop.

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Xiaomi’s original smart cases are designed to last 10,000-15,000 open/close cycles, and when used carefully, they last 2-3 years without losing functionality.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smart cases