How to change the screen resolution on Xiaomi devices: all the ways

Changing the screen resolution on Xiaomi devices can be required in a variety of situations, from connecting to the monitor via HDMI to optimizing the picture on the Mi TV. However, not all users know that on smartphones with MIUI this feature is often hidden in the depth of settings, and on Xiaomi TVs the algorithm differs from the standard Android TV. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from basic to advanced, including solving problems with incorrect display after changing the resolution.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi models support manual resolution change. For example, on budget smartphones like Redmi 9A or Poco C31, the option can be blocked by the manufacturer, while the flagships of the Xiaomi 13 or Mi 11 Ultra series offer advanced display settings. The same applies to TVs: Mi TV Q2 and Xiaomi TV A Pro have different resolution control menus. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions taking into account the characteristics of different devices.

Why you may need to change the screen resolution

At first glance, it seems that the factory settings of the screen are optimal, but in practice, users face situations where resolution adjustment becomes necessary.

• 🖥️ Connecting to an external monitor or TV – when using HDMI-A cable or wireless projection (Miracast) picture can be stretched or cut.
• 🎮 Game mode – some games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) require specific permission to display the interface correctly.
• 👓 Vision problems – zooming through resolution change helps people with poor vision see interface elements better.
• 📱 Adaptation to old apps – some programs (especially banking or enterprise) do not support high resolutions and are displayed incorrectly.
• 🔧 Testing and debugging – developers often change resolution to check the adaptability of their applications.

In addition, on Xiaomi TVs, a resolution change may be required when viewing content with non-standard proportions (for example, movies in 21:9) or when connecting game consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X), which do not automatically adjust the picture to the screen.

How to change the resolution on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI)

On MIUI-powered smartphones (including Redmi, Poco, and Black Shark models), the resolution change process depends on the firmware version. Recent updates (MIUI 14 and later) have made the feature less accessible due to interface optimization, but it is still available.

Standard path:

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Select Screen Resolution (in some versions, it may be called Screen Size or Scale).
3. In the list of available options, select the desired resolution. Usually options are offered: HD (1280×720), FHD (1920×1080) QHD (2560×1440) (available on flagships)

Confirm the changes and wait for the application (the device may restart).

If you don't have screen resolution on the menu, your model doesn't support manual tuning, and then you can try alternative methods:

Check out the MIUI version (update to the latest version)

Use the Developer Mode (see the next section)

Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience)

Connect an external display – sometimes the option only appears when active HDMI-->

⚠️ Note: Some devices (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) may lose support for 90 Hz or 120 Hz when choosing non-native resolution. To return a high refresh rate, you will have to reset the screen settings.

Change of permission through the developer mode

If standard settings do not allow you to change the resolution, you can use hidden options of the developer mode, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires caution – incorrect settings can lead to interface failures.

Algorithm of action:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You are a developer").
2. Return to the main Settings menu and open a new section → For developers.
3. Find the Minimum Width (Dp) (Smallest Width) item.
4. Enter a value in the range of 320-600 (the smaller the number, the larger the interface elements will be). For example: 320 is the equivalent of HD (720p) 480 - approximately FHD (1080p) 600 - maximum interface "compression"

Save the changes and restart the device.

This method does not change the physical resolution of the screen, but only scales the interface. ADB-commands or third-party utilities.

Change of resolution on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV)

On Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Xiaomi TV A, etc.), the resolution change algorithm is different from smartphones. Here it is important to understand that the TV automatically adjusts to the source signal (consoles, consoles, PC), but sometimes manual adjustments are required.

Instructions for Android TV:

1. On the remote, press the button Settings → Display & Sound.
2. Select Screen → Screen resolution (in the Russian version – Screen resolution).
3. In the list of available modes, select the optimal: Resolution Mode When to use Auto Auto Auto For most cases (recommended) 4K (3840×2160) 3840×2160 For a viewing. 4K-content PS5/Xbox 1080p (1920×1080) 1920×1080 If 4K not supported by the signal source 720p (1280×720) 1280×720 For older devices or saving resources PC Mode Different When Connecting to a PC as a Monitor
4. Confirm the change. The TV may go out for a few seconds.

If the resolution isn’t on the list, try updating your TV firmware or resetting to factory settings. Some models (such as the Mi TV Stick) may not have the resolution option at all, in which case only replacing the device or using an external adapter will help.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall (Indian firmware), the settings menu may differ.If you don't find the Screen resolution item, try the path: Settings → Device Preferences → Display → Resolution.

Advanced methods: ADB and third-party utilities

If the standard methods don't work, you can use debugging tools, which are suitable for power users and require you to connect the device to a PC.

Steps to change permission through ADB:

1. Enable USB debugging: Activate Developer Mode (as described above). In the Developer Menu, enable USB Debugging.

cmd

Terminal

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

1920×1080

adb shell wm size 1080x1920

Note

adb shell wm size reset

Alternative utilities:

• 📱 SecondScreen – allows you to adjust the resolution when connecting to an external display.
• 🖥️ Display Changer (requires root) - Advanced screen settings management.
• 🎮 Game Turbo (built-in to the game) MIUI) — Optimize the resolution for games.

💡

Before use ADB-You can have some changes that can cause the GUI to crash, especially on custom firmware.

Solving problems after changing the resolution

Sometimes, when you change the resolution, you have a problem, like a distorted picture, a broken touchscreen, or you can't get your factory settings back, and here's how to fix them:

• 🔄 Screen not responding to touch: Connect the device to the PC and return the resolution via ADB (The command adb shell wm size reset ADB Not working, perform a hard reset (clutch power). + Volume up for 10 seconds).
• 🖼️ Image stretched or cropped: Check the aspect ratio (e.g. 16:9 vs 18:9). On the TV, turn on Just Scan mode (in image settings).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: High resolutions (e.g., high resolution, QHD) load GPU. Go back to FHD, if autonomy is critical.
• 🎮 Games are lagged after changing the resolution: In the game settings, set the resolution: Auto or manually select the supported mode. Turn off VSync in Game Turbo if it is enabled.

Xiaomi TVs may lose sound if they don't have the right resolution. HDMI-To get the sound back, go to Settings. → Sound → HDMI ARC and choose PCM auto.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make common errors when changing the resolution, which leads to additional problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

1. Ignoring aspect ratio: Choosing a resolution that doesn’t match the physical proportions of the screen (e.g., 1920×1080 on an 18:9) display results in stretching or black bars. Always check the native resolution of your model on the Xiaomi website.
2. Change resolution without backup: Before experimenting with ADB or custom firmware, save data via Mi Cloud or Google Drive. Use TWRP for backup at the very least.
3. Use of unstable firmware: Some custom firmware (such as LineageOS) may not support native resolution of your display. Check compatibility on the XDA Developers forum before installing.
4. Neglect Updates: Older versions of MIUI (below MIUI 12) may not have the option to change the resolution. Update the firmware through Settings → Update.

💡

Before changing the resolution, check if your device supports the selected mode. For example, smartphones with an FHD+ display (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro) will not be able to display 4K correctly, even if the system allows you to choose it.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions