The pixel density (DPI) on Xiaomi’s screen determines how large or small the interface elements — icons, text, buttons — will look. By default, the system sets the value optimal for the physical size of the display, but sometimes users want to change it: to fit more information on the screen, improve readability or adapt the interface to their needs. For example, with DPI = 480, the icons will be larger than with DPI = 320, where more shortcuts will fit on the desktop.
In this article, we will discuss three working methods of change. DPI on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (including models MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS: through the developer settings, using ADB-Importantly, not all methods are equally safe — some can cause interface failures, so we will describe the risks in detail and give recommendations for minimizing them.
If you’ve never changed DPI before, start with the first section, which explains what pixel density is and how it affects display.
What is DPI and why change it to Xiaomi?
DPI (dots per inch) is the number of pixels per inch of a screen. The higher the value, the smaller the interface elements, and vice versa.
- 📱 Low. DPI (320-400: large icons and text, suitable for visually impaired or small screens.
- 🖥️ Average. DPI (420-480: Balance between readability and density (standard for most smartphones).
- 🔍 High. DPI (500+): maximum detail, but the text may become too small.
On Xiaomi, the DPI change is relevant in several cases:
- 🔄 Adaptation to large screens (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro where standard settings make icons too large.
- 👓 Improved readability for users with vision problems.
- 🎮 Optimization for games where it is important to see more interface elements at the same time.
- 🛠️ Testing applications where different resolutions are emulated.
However, there are risks:
⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as banking or gaming) may refuse to run when non-standard DPI, You're going to get an error called "Unsupported screen resolution," and then you're going to have to go back to the factory settings.
Method 1: Change the DPI through the developer settings
The easiest and safest method is to use hidden settings for developers, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS, does not require root rights or PC connection. However, there is a limitation: you can only choose from predefined values (usually 320, 360, 400, 480 DPI).
Steps:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version (or HyperOS Build Number) and it will be notified, "You've become a developer!"
Settings → Additional → For Developers
Settings → System → Advanced settings → For developers
HyperOS
Minimum width
Screen density
Redmi Note 12 Pro+
420 DPI
480 DPI
Restart the device so that the changes take effect.
What if there is no “screen density” item?
If the developer does not have a DPI option
☑️ Preparation for change DPI through the developer's settings
Method 2: Change DPI through ADB (without root)
If the developer’s settings do not have the right item or require an accurate setup DPI (for example, 440 opportunistic 400/480), can be used ADB-This method does not require root rights, but you will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tools. ADB.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Platform Tools (includes ADB) on PC.
- Turn on USB debugging on your smartphone: Go to Settings → For developers. Activate the USB debugging switch. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm trust in your computer.
Command line.
Terminal
ADB
adb devicesThe serial number of your device should appear.
adb shell wm densityThe answer is: Physical density: 420.
440
adb shell wm density 440adb rebootImportant nuances:
- 🔄 Changes through ADB not permanent - after resetting settings or updating the firmware DPI go back to standard.
- 📏 To return the factory settings, use the command: adb shell wm density reset
- ⚠️ Not all applications work correctly with non-standard DPI. For example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff may issue an error called “Unsupported permission".
💡
If the DPI over ADB is changed and the interface is not displayed correctly (for example, the keyboard moves over the edge of the screen), try a multiple of 40 (for example, 400, 440, 480).
Method 3: Applications for changing DPI (with and without root)
If the first two methods don't work, you can use third-party applications, and they fall into two categories:
- Rootless: Work through ADB or emulation of developer settings (e.g. App Settings in the Xposed Framework, but requires Magisk).
- Root rights: allow you to change DPI globally or for individual applications (e.g. BuildProp Editor).
Top.-3 change-over DPI:
| Annex | Need root? | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Settings (Xposed) | ✅ Yes. | Allows you to change the DPI for individual applications | Xposed Repo |
| BuildProp Editor | ✅ Yes. | Editing the system file build.prop | Google Play |
| SecondScreen | ❌ No. | Emulates a second screen with a different DPI (requires ADB) | GitHub |
How to use BuildProp Editor (for root):
- Install the application and provide root access.
- Find a line. ro.sf.lcd_density.
- Change the value to the desired one (for example, 440).
- Save the changes and restart the device.
⚠️ Attention: Editing build.prop without backup can lead to bootloop ( looped reboot). TWRP Or OrangeFox.
💡
Applications without root (such as SecondScreen) are less reliable and can run unstable, and ADB or root solutions are better for constant change.
How to Get a Standard DPI Back on Xiaomi
If after experimenting with DPI, the interface began to display incorrectly or applications stopped working, return the factory settings:
Method 1: Through the Developer's Settings
- Open the Settings. → For developers.
- Find the minimum width or screen density.
- Select the default value or enter the standard for your model (usually 420-480).
- Reset the device.
Method 2: Through ADB
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line.
- Enter adb shell wm density reset
- Reboot the device: adb reboot
Method 3: Resetting settings (if nothing helps):
- Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
- Select Reset all settings (does not delete files, only returns settings to factory settings).
Some Xiaomi models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K60) may require re-activation of the developer mode after resetting the DPI.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When changing the DPI to Xiaomi, the following errors may occur:
1. MIUI interface is displayed incorrectly
- 🔹 Problem: Icons on the desktop move, text is cropped.
- 🔧 Solution: Try the value DPI, multiple of 40 (e.g. 400, 440, 480). If it doesn't work, return the standard value.
2.Applications are not launched
- 🔹 Problem: Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) or games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact issue error "Unsupported permission".
- 🔧 Solution: For individual applications, use App Settings (requires root). DPI globally.
3. The keyboard does not fit on the screen
- 🔹 Problem: When you type in text, the keyboard (Gboard, SwiftKey) moves over the edge of the screen.
- 🔧 Solution: Reduce DPI 20–40 units or enable the option “Stretch to the full screen” in the keyboard settings".
4.After the MIUI update, the DPI dropped
- 🔹 Problem: After installing the new version MIUI HyperOS pixel density is back to standard.
- 🔧 Solution: Repeat the settings through ADB Or design settings. Use root apps to save permanently.