Have you ever wondered why your Xiaomi smartphone has untapped potential?The second screen is not a myth or a feature only for flagships.Many modern models support an additional display, but users often don't know how to activate it.This feature can be useful for displaying notifications, time or even controlling music without unlocking the phone.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to find and configure a second screen on Xiaomi devices, including models with Always On Display (AOD), hidden MIUI features, and even hardware solutions for some of the lines. You’ll learn which phones support this option, how to turn it on in the settings, and what to do if the second screen isn’t in your firmware.
What is the second screen on Xiaomi and why you need it?
The second screen on Xiaomi smartphones is an additional panel that can work in parallel with the main display.
- 📱 Software is a virtual screen that is displayed over the main screen (e.g. Always On Display or floating windows).
- 🔧 Hardware is a physical second display, like on Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra models with a mini-screen on the back.
Main use cases:
- ⏰ View time, date and notifications without unlocking your phone.
- 🎵 Manage music or podcasts through a mini-panel.
- 📊 Display statistics (steps, weather, battery charge).
- 🔒 Additional protection: Some models only show notifications on the second screen.
For example, on the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, the second screen on the back allows you to take selfies with the main camera, show time or even run mini-applications. And on models with AOD (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), you can configure the display of personalized information with the main display turned off.
What Xiaomi models support the second screen?
Not all Xiaomi smartphones have a second panel, and here is a table of models that support this feature:
| Type of second screen | Xiaomi models | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware (mini-display) | Mi 11 Ultra, MIX Fold 2 | Physical screen on the back, supports the camera, time, notifications. |
| Always On Display (AOD) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, POCO F5 Pro | Visualization of time, notifications, battery on the off screen (AMOLED only). |
| Floating windows (PiP) | All models on MIUI 12+ | Mini windows for video, maps or instant messengers on top of other applications. |
| Hidden mode (engineering menu) | Redmi K50, POCO X4 GT (unofficially) | Activated through codes or ADB, it is unstable. |
If your model isn't listed, it doesn't mean that a second screen isn't possible. For example, on some devices with AMOLED- screens, you can turn Always On Display on through the hidden settings of MIUI, even if the feature isn't officially announced. But be careful: not all firmware supports this option stably.
⚠️ Warning: On devices with LCD- screens (e.g., Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro), the Always On Display feature will not work due to hardware limitations. Check the display type in your model's specifications.
How to Enable Always On Display (AOD) on Xiaomi
Always On Display is the most common type of second screen on Xiaomi, which shows the time, notifications and other data when the main display is off. Here's how to activate it:
- Open the Settings → Screen.
- Select Always On Display (on some models – Lock and Password → Always On).
- Activate the switch and adjust the information displayed (time, date, battery, notifications).
- In the Style section, select the screen design (digital or analog watches, color schemes).
If the Always On Display item is not on the menu, try:
- 🔍 Update MIUI to the latest version (the feature may have appeared in new firmware).
- 🛠️ Insert through the engineering menu (instruction below).
- 📱 Install a third-party app (e.g. Always On AMOLED from Google Play).
Update MIUI to the latest version
Make sure the phone has a AMOLED- screen.
Battery charge above 20%
Turn off the power saving modes-->
On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T Pro), AOD can only be set to display when the phone is lifted up or touches the screen, saving battery power but reducing usability.
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If the AOD screen goes out quickly after turning on, check the Sleep → Sleep Mode settings. Set a value Always for the AOD parameter
Activation of hardware second screen (on the example of Mi 11 Ultra)
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is the only model with a physical second display on the back.
- Go to Settings → Display → Second screen.
- Activate the switch to Turn on the second screen.
- Select mode: Automatic - turns on when you turn the phone down. Always on - runs constantly (consumes battery) Only at notifications - activates when new messages.
Customize the information displayed: time, weather, notifications or mini-applications (such as a music player).
On the second screen of the Mi 11 Ultra, you can:
- 📸 Take a selfie with the main camera (preview is displayed).
- 🎶 Manage music playback (play/pause, tracks).
- 📊 View health statistics (if synchronized with Mi Band).
⚠️ Warning: The second screen on the Mi 11 Ultra is pressure sensitive. Don't put the phone down on hard surfaces -- this can damage the display. Use a neckline case for the back.
How to take a selfie on the Mi 11 Ultra through the second screen?
Hidden ways to turn on the second screen (engineering menu and ADB)
If your model doesn’t support the second screen officially, you can try activating it through hidden settings.This method is only suitable for power users and can cause crashes!
Method 1: through the Engineering Menu
- Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337###.
- Go to CIT → Display.
- Find Always On Display or Secondary Display and set the Enabled value.
- Reboot the phone.
Method 2: ADB (PC required)
adb shell settings put global always_on_display_enabled 1
adb shell settings put global aod_mode 1Once you've done the commands, restart the device. If the second screen doesn't show up, your model doesn't support this feature at the hardware level.
⚠️ Warning: Changing settings via the engineering menu or ADB may result in loss of warranty or software failures. Before experimenting, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup.
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Hidden MIUI features often depend on the firmware version. If the second screen is missing after the upgrade, try rolling back to the previous version or wait for a patch.
Floating windows (Picture-in-Picture) as an alternative to the second screen
If your Xiaomi doesn’t support Always On Display or hardware second screen, you can use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode.
How to turn on:
- Open the video to YouTube or Mi Video.
- Click on the home screen icon (Home button).
- The video will be rolled up into a small window that can be moved around the screen.
PiP works with:
- 🎥 Video players (YouTube, Netflix, Mi Video)
- 🗺️ Navigation (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps)
- 💬 Some messengers (Telegram in video call mode).
To set up the PiP:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Picture mode in picture.
- Turn on the switch and select apps that can use this mode.
Limitations:
- ❌ Not all apps support PiPs (like TikTok or Instagram).
- ❌ On some models, the PiP window cannot be resized.
Frequent problems and their solutions
If the second screen is not working or is not working properly, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| AOD is not included | No support on the LCD- screen | Check the display type in the model characteristics |
| The second screen flashes or goes out | Conflict with the energy saving regime | Turn off the ultra-economic mode in the battery settings |
| PiP does not work in the app | The app does not support the mode | Update the app or use an alternative (e.g., a browser for video) |
| On the Mi 11 Ultra, the second screen does not respond to touch. | Sensor contamination or damage | Wash the screen with an alcohol napkin or contact the service |
If none of these methods worked, try:
- 🔄 Reset screen settings (Settings → System → Resetting → Reset screen settings).
- 📥 Flash your phone to the official global version MIUI (if you have custom firmware).
- 📧 Contact Xiaomi with the model and firmware version.