How to turn off the auto-turn off the screen on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

You read a book on a Xiaomi smartphone, watch a long YouTube video, or go through a difficult level in the game, and suddenly the screen goes out, interrupting the process. Familiar situation? Automatic disabling of the display on the timer of inactivity is a standard feature of energy saving in MIUI, but it can be adjusted or completely disable. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, including hidden settings and workarounds for different versions of the firmware.

The problem is relevant not only for older models like the Redmi Note 4X or Mi A1, but also for the flagships of 2023-2026 – Xiaomi 14 Ultra, POCO F6 Pro or Redmi K70. Even with a battery of 5000 mAh, the system by default limits the screen time to 30 seconds-5 minutes, which is inconvenient for prolonged use. We tested all methods on MIUI 14/13/12 and identified those that work without root rights and do not require the installation of questionable applications.

Important: some ways can affect battery consumption, for example, if you completely turn off the screen sleep timer, the smartphone will discharge faster — especially on models with a high-speed battery life. AMOLED-displays (e.g., Xiaomi) 13T Pro or Black Shark 5, we recommend you try to increase the waiting time first, and then resort to radical measures.

1. Standard MIUI settings: increasing the screen sleep timer

The easiest and safest way is to change the time of automatic disabling of the display through the settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices regardless of the MIUI version (even on the old Mi 8 or Redmi 5 Plus).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
• ⚙️ Go to the Screen section (or Display in some localizations).
• ⏱️ Find the screen sleep item (may be called screen timeout or auto-switch off).
• 🔢 Choose the maximum value – usually 10 minutes or 30 minutes (on some models up to 1 hour).

If your menu doesn’t have a screen sleep option, try an alternative path:

Settings → System → Additional → Timeout screen

On models with MIUI 14 for global firmware (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite or POCO X5 Pro), the maximum timer value can be hidden. To unlock it, activate Developer Mode** and enable the option Do not turn off the screen while charging (more on this method in the next section).

2.Developer Mode: Hidden Options for Screen Control

MIUI has hidden settings that allow you to flexibly adjust the behavior of the screen – for example, turn it off when connecting to a charge or while using specific applications.

How to turn on the developer mode:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (you will receive a notification “You became a developer!”).
3. Return to the main settings menu and open a new Developer section (usually at the bottom of the list).

Additional options are now available:

• 🔌 Do not turn off the screen while charging – the screen will always be on while the device is connected to the network (useful for navigating or viewing recipes in the kitchen).

Attention: on models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi) K60) Constantly running the display in charging mode can cause burn-in pixels. To minimize the risk, reduce the brightness to 30-50% and use dark themes.

Activate the mode (7 taps according to MIUI)

Check the availability of the section "For developers"

Disable optimization for the desired applications

Set up exceptions for charging-->

3. Apps to block the sleep of the screen: top-3 utility

If you don't have the standard settings, you can use third-party apps, and they're useful when you need them.

• 🎥 Keep the screen on only in certain applications (e.g. Google Maps or Twitch).
• ⚡ Save battery by turning off the timer only when connected to charging.
• 🔄 Automatically turn on/off the screen on schedule.

The best apps for Xiaomi:

Note: After installing any of these apps, add it to AutoRun Exceptions and Battery Optimization in Xiaomi's settings, otherwise the system may force it to close.

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Autostart and Battery Optimization

💡

If the application doesn’t work, try disabling MIUI Optimization in the developer settings, which can solve the problem of forced closure of background processes.

4. ADB-How to turn off screen sleep without root

For power users, there is a way to turn off the auto-turn off screen through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method does not require root rights, but it will require a computer and a computer. USB-Suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 etc.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on “USB Debugging”** on your phone (Settings → Developers → USB Debugging).

Other team options:

• 0 - Disabled (timer works as usual).
• 1 – only when charging from the network (not from USB).
• 2 – only when charging from USB.

Attention: once the phone is restarted, the ADB settings are reset, so to make the changes permanent, you need to create an auto-run script or use an app like Tasker to re-apply the command.

5. Set up exceptions for individual applications

If you want the screen to stay on-line only in specific apps (like Google Maps, Waze or Netflix), you can set up exceptions without third-party utilities. MIUI has a built-in Battery Optimization feature** that allows you to control screen behavior for individual programs.

How to add an appendix to the exceptions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the appropriate app (e.g. YouTube).
3. Slip on Battery Optimization.
4. Choose No Limits.
5. Go back and turn on the Auto Start option.

For some applications (such as navigators), it is also useful to disable Data Savings** and Background Activity:

Settings → Applications → [Select App] → Data Transfer → Traffic Savings (Switch Off)

On models with MIUI 14 for Chinese firmware (e.g. Xiaomi 13 for the Chinese market), the path to battery optimization settings may differ: Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management by Applications.

💡

Customizing exceptions for applications is the safest way to keep the screen on, as it does not affect the overall display time in other scenarios.

6.Alternative methods: from gestures to physical blocking

If none of these methods work, you can use custom solutions, which are less convenient, but sometimes the only way out, for example, on devices with heavily stripped firmware (as on some Redmis for the Indian market).

Ways to bypass auto-turn off the screen:

• 👆 Double Tap to Wake gesture – if your model supports double tap screen activation (e.g., double tap, POCO X4 Pro or Redmi Note 11, you can quickly "wake up" the display when it goes out. → Screen. → Double Tap to Wake.
• 🔄 Automatic scrolling – some apps (like Twitter or Reddit) can enable automatic scrolling of the feed, which resets the inactivity timer.
• 📱 Physical lock of the power button – if the screen goes out due to the accidental pressing of the lock button (relevant for Xiaomi) 12T with a sensitive side button, you can use a cover with press protection.

Note: On models with Always-On Display (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60 Pro), constantly displaying time and notifications on the off screen also resets the inactivity timer.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you've had all the settings, the screen can still go out, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.

If neither method works, check if your device has custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that may have different energy saving settings, and require manual root editing.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions