How to set up auto-turn off the screen on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

The screen of the smartphone Xiaomi is one of the main consumers of battery power. Even in standby mode, the display can quietly β€œeat” up to the end of the day. 15-20% Setting up an automatic screen shutdown (sleep timer) not only saves battery life, but also protects battery life. AMOLED-It's a pixel burnout matrix, but it's different versions. MIUI and on different models (Redmi Note) 12, POCO X5, Mi 13) The path to these settings may differ, and some features are hidden in non-obvious menus.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all current firmware versions (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), including how to configure through Settings, Developer Mode, and even third-party apps. We will also discuss how to circumvent the 15-second minimum timer limit (which some devices have), and what to do if settings are reset after a system update. A separate section is devoted to how to auto-off work on Xiaomi Pad tablets and Mi TVs.

Why it is important to set up auto-turn off the screen

Many Xiaomi users leave the screen on for as long as possible (or turn off the timer altogether) without knowing the consequences.

  • πŸ”‹ Battery consumption: The display consumes up to 40-50% Even when you're in standby mode with the screen on, the smartphone loses its charge. 5-10% charge-hour.
  • πŸ’‘ Burnout AMOLED: Static elements (navigation panels, icons) over time β€œimprint” into the matrix, forming noticeable artifacts.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Security: A forgotten screen may accidentally unlock in your pocket or bag, leading to unwanted actions (calls, purchases).

According to DisplayMate research, the optimal auto-off time for most scenarios is 15-30 seconds, a balance between convenience and savings. However, on devices with MIUI, the default time is often 1 or 2 minutes, which is far from ideal.

⚠️ Warning: On smartphones with Always-On Display (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro), even after the main screen is turned off, the mini-display remains active with time and notifications. β†’ Always-On.

Method 1: Standard configuration via MIUI menu

This is the simplest method that works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12 and later. Instructions are relevant for models from 2020-2026 (Redmi Note 11, POCO F5, Mi 12T, etc.).

Open the Settings app (cog icon) and follow the path:

Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Timeout of the screen

In this menu, you'll see the available auto-off times.

OptionDescriptionRecommendation
15 seconds.Minimum time for most devicesβœ… Optimal for battery saving
30 secondsBalance between convenience and energy consumptionβœ… Suitable for everyday use
1 minuteStandard default value⚠️ Excessive battery consumption
2/5/10 minutesLong time to read or watch❌ Not recommended for permanent use
Never.The screen does not turn off automatically.❌ Very undesirable

Choose the right option and go back to the main menu – settings will apply automatically. On some devices (for example, POCO X3 Pro) after selecting the time, an additional Adaptive Timeout switch will appear. It is better to turn it off, as it increases the screen time when detecting movement (which drains the battery).

Time selected ≀ 30 seconds|

Adaptive timeout disabled (if any) |

Checked that the screen turns off when inactivity |

Settings saved after rebooting-->

Method 2: Using the Developer Mode

If standard time options aren’t enough (like you need 5 or 10 seconds), you can activate hidden settings through Developer Mode.This works on all Xiaomi devices with Android 10 and later.

First, turn on the developer mode:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row.
  3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if required.
  4. You will be notified that you have become a developer.

Now go back to the main Settings menu and open a new section Additional β†’ For Developers (or System β†’ Advanced Settings β†’ For Developers on some models). Scroll down to the Screen block and find the option:

Screen timeouts when inactivity

Additional time options are available here, including 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and even 30 minutes (not recommended). After choosing, remember to save settings and restart the device if the screen does not turn off correctly.

What to do if the developer mode is not turned on?
If nothing happens after 7 taps on the MIUI version, try: 1. Update the firmware to the latest version. 2. Use another input method (for example, press and hold, not tap quickly). 3. Check if the developer mode is disabled through Resetting (in some firmware it resets after updates). 4. On POCO models, the path may be different: Settings β†’ System β†’ Phone β†’ Device Information β†’ MIUI Version

Method 3: Automation with Applications

If built-in settings are not enough, you can use third-party utilities to flexibly configure auto-switching.

  • πŸ“± MacroDroid – allows you to create rules such as β€œturn off the screen 10 seconds after locking” or β€œreduce the brightness before turning offΒ».
  • ⚑ Tasker – Advanced Automation Tool (Requires customization skills).
  • πŸ”„ Screen Off and Lock is a simple utility for instantly turning off the screen (useful if the power button is broken).
  • πŸŒ™ Twilight not only turns off the screen, but also filters blue light on a schedule.

Example of settings in MacroDroid:

  1. Create a new macro with the trigger Screen on.
  2. Add the condition No activity for 15 seconds.
  3. In action, select Turn off the screen.
  4. Save the macro and activate it.

The advantage of this approach is that you can set different timers for different situations, 30 Seconds of reading books and 5 But remember, the constant operation of background applications can increase battery consumption. 3-5%.

15 seconds |

30 seconds |

1 minute |

2 minutes and more |

Disconnected.-->

Features on the Xiaomi Pad and Mi TV

On Xiaomi Pad 5/6 tablets and Mi TVs, the setting to auto-turn the screen has its own nuances. For example, on tablets, the default time is often 10 minutes, which is critical for the battery.

On Xiaomi Pad:

Settings β†’ Display β†’ Timeout screen

Available options: 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1/2/5/10/30 minutes We recommend choosing 1-2 minutes for a balance between convenience and savings.

On the Mi TV (including Mi TV A2, Mi TV Q2):

Settings β†’ Preferences β†’ Energy saving β†’ Sleep timer

You can set the entire TV (not just the screen) to automatically turn off after 15/30/60/120 minutes of inactivity. There is no separate setting for the screen - it goes off with the TV.

⚠️ Note: On some Mi models TV When the sleep timer is activated, the Quick Start function is turned off.+ (It means the TV will be on longer (5-10 second 1-2). To get a quick start, you have to turn off your sleep timer.

Solving problems with auto-turning off the screen

Sometimes the settings are reset or not working correctly.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The timer is reset after rebootingConflict with MIUI optimization or updateTurn off Auto-Optimization in Settings β†’ Battery
The screen doesn't turn off at all.A jammed proximity sensor or an app blocks sleepCheck the sensors in ##6484## or force the background applications to close
Time resets by 1 minuteUpdate MIUI or reset settingsSet the time again and turn off automatic system optimization.
No option <15 secondsFirmware restrictionUse Developer Mode or Third Party Apps

If the screen does not turn off when calling, check the settings in the Phone application:

Phone. β†’ Settings β†’ Approximation sensor

Make sure the option to turn off the screen while calling is activated, and on some models (Redmi 9A), this sensor may not work properly, in which case only flashing or repairing will help.

πŸ’‘

If the screen starts to spontaneously turn off too quickly (before the timer expires), check Settings β†’ Special Features β†’ Gestures. Sometimes the activated "Double-touch to wake up" gesture conflicts with the sleep timer.

How to extend the life of the screen: additional tips

Setting up an auto-switch is only part of the display care, and here are some more tips for Xiaomi users:

  • 🌑️ Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not leave your smartphone in the sun or near heaters. AMOLED-screens lose their brightness when overheating.
  • πŸ”¦ Reduce brightness: Optimal level β€” 40-60%. Autobrightness often overstates the values.
  • 🎨 Use dark themes: On AMOLED-Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi (screen) K50) Black pixels do not consume energy.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware: In new versions MIUI Improved screen power management.
  • πŸ› οΈ Calibrate sensors: Once in a while 3-6 Check the operation of the proximity and illumination sensor in the engineering menu for months (##6484##).

For devices with Always-On Display (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mi Mix 4), set up your display schedule or turn off the feature at night:

Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Always-On β†’ Schedule

πŸ’‘

On smartphones with LCD-screens (Redmi) 9C, POCO M3) Auto shutdown is less critical for durability, but still greatly affects battery life.

FAQ: Frequent questions about auto-turning off the screen

Can I set a shutdown time of less than 15 seconds?
Options: Activate Developer Mode (described above) β€” there is an option of 5 seconds; use applications like Tasker or MacroDroid to create custom rules; on some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), the minimum time is 10 seconds; note that too short a time (less than 10 seconds) can interfere with normal smartphone use.
Why did the MIUI update reset the auto-out time?
This is standard MIUI behavior in major updates (e.g., MIUI 13 to MIUI 14). The system resets some settings to default values. To avoid this: Before upgrading, back up settings via Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup. After updating manually check all key settings (screen timer, brightness, application resolutions). If the problem is repeated often, turn off automatic optimization in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization.
How to turn off the screen auto-turning while watching a video?
There are several ways: Built-in feature: In a player (like YouTube or Mi Video), tap the screen and find the icon «⏳» (Turn off the sleep timer. Gesture: On some models (POCO F4) You can touch the screen twice to temporarily turn off the timer. Apps: Utilities like Keep Screen On or Caffeine block the screen from turning off for selected applications. MIUI 14 appeared the function Smart screen, which automatically extends the display time when you detect the user's face while viewing.
Does auto-turning off the screen affect notifications?
No, the screen sleep timer doesn't block notifications. You'll still receive: Audible alerts (calls, SMS, instant messengers); Vibration (if enabled); Indication on Always-On Display (if supported); However, some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) may not show notifications on the locked screen if background activity is disabled for them; Check the battery settings for these applications.
Can I set different auto-off times for different applications?
Yes, but only with third-party apps. For example, in Tasker: Create a profile with the condition App is running (select the desired application, for example, Chrome). Add the action to Turn off the sleep timer. Create a second profile with the condition Application is closed and the action to Restore the sleep timer. Alternatively, the application Stay Alive!, where you can specify a list of applications for which the screen will not turn off.