Why does Xiaomi’s “Do Not Disturb” mode work differently than it does on other smartphones?
The “Do Not Disturb” mode» (DND) on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — It's not just a button to turn off the sound. Unlike the naked Android, the shell is a button. MIUI It adds a lot of hidden settings, from flexible schedules to filtering notifications by contacts and apps, but many users find that mode either doesn't work at the right time or it blocks important calls. MIUI, which the manufacturer does not advertise in the basic instructions.
In this article, we’ll look at not only the standard settings, but also little-known tricks — like how to make the mode automatically turn on when you connect to Bluetooth headphones, or how to allow notifications only from selected chats on Telegram. And also find out why on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) the mode can spontaneously turn off — and how to fix this.
Where is the “Do Not Disturb” mode in MIUI and how to quickly turn it on
The fastest way to activate mode is through the notification bar. Swipe down from top to top to open the curtain, and find the icon with the bell crossed out (on some firmware it may be called Quiet Mode). But beware: one tap turns on Basic Mode (blocks all sounds), and a long tap opens up advanced settings.
If the icon is not in the curtain, you can add it:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Notification panel
- 🔧 Tap "Edit" (or "Tile settings»)
- 🔍 Find “Do Not Disturb” and drag it to the active area.
Alternatively, settings → Sound and vibration → Don’t disturb. You can also set exceptions and schedules here, more in the following sections.
Three levels of the “Do Not Disturb” mode in MIUI: which one to choose?
Here’s what sets Xiaomi apart from other Android smartphones: here, Do Not Disturb mode has three submodes that affect notification behavior.
| Regime. | What's blocked | What's allowed | For what cases is suitable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | All the sounds and vibrations | Nothing (not even alarm clocks!) | Maximum silence (e.g. in the cinema) |
| Priority. | All notifications except selected | Calls from selected contacts, repeated calls, alarm clocks | Sleep or important meetings |
| Just alarm clocks. | Everything except alarm clocks. | Just alarm clocks. | Sleeping at night (unless you are waiting for an emergency call) |
⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14+ (For example, Xiaomi 14 or POCO F5) In the priority mode, by default, only one call from any contact is allowed for 3 minutes. If you get a call from an unknown number, it only works the second time!
💡
To quickly switch between modes, add the Do Not Disturb widget to the home screen. To do this, long click on the free space → “Vidgets” → find “Do Not Disturb Mode” and drag it.
How to Set Up Exclusions: Calls, Messages, and Applications
The most useful thing about the regime is that it has flexible exceptions, like allowing family calls, but blocking all messages except WhatsApp from the boss.
- Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb → Exceptions.
- Turn on the "Allow exceptions" switch.
- Set up sections: 📞 Calls: Select "Favorite Contacts" or "All Contacts" MIUI 13+ You can add contact groups (e.g., “Family” or “Work»). 💬 Messages: Allow notifications from specific apps (Telegram, Viber) or contacts. ⏰ Alarms and Events: Default is on, but you can turn off.
🔹 Hidden Opportunity: B MIUI 14, the option “Allow notifications from applications in priority mode” was introduced, where you can choose which apps will show silent notifications (no sound or vibration, but with an indicator on the lock screen). Useful for instant messengers, where it is important to see messages, but do not need to be distracted by the sound.
Selected contacts added to exceptions?|Is it allowed to call again?|Are notifications from social networks disabled?|Is the alarm on?-->
Automatic activation by schedule, location or event
One of the most underrated features is the automation of Do Not Disturb mode, which Xiaomi can not only time-link, but also:
- 🕒 Schedule: for example, from 23:00 to 7:00 daily.
- 📍 Location: The mode will be activated automatically at work or at home.
- 🎧 Connected devices: when connected to Mi Band or Bluetooth headphones.
- 🔋 Charge level: for example, activate the mode when charging (useful at night).
Scheduling settings:
- Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb → Schedule.
- Select "Add rule."
- Specify the conditions (time, days of the week, event).
- Select the mode (basic/priority) and exceptions.
⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI 12.5 and below automatic on Bluetooth devices is unstable - the mode can work with a delay of up to 2 minutes. MIUI 14 this problem fixed, but on older models (for example, Redmi Note 10) it is better to use a timetable.
How to tie the regime to geolocation?
Problems and Solutions: Why the Do Not Disturb mode doesn't work?
If the mode spontaneously shuts down or does not block notifications, check these points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The mode shuts down at night. | Conflict with the function of "Adaptive alarm clock" | Turn off Settings → System and device → Advanced settings → Adaptive alarm clock |
| Calls are going despite the mode | Repeated call or contact with selected | Check the exceptions in Do Not Disturb → Exceptions → Calls |
| Notifications still sound. | The application has priority rights | Disable notifications for the application manually: Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Application] → Notifications |
| The mode is not included on schedule | Battery optimization blocks background processes | Add “Do Not Disturb” to optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Find “Do Not Disturb” → Without Limits |
🔹 Exclusive for POCO: In some models (for example, POCO X5 Pro) Do Not Disturb mode may conflict with the proprietary Game Turbo feature. If you notice the mode is off during games, check the Game Turbo settings. → Do not disturb during the game.
💡
If Do Not Disturb is unpredictable, try resetting the settings: Settings → Sound and Vibration → Do Not Disturb → Reset. This will bring all settings back to factory settings, but will not affect contact exceptions.
Hidden chips: what else does the mode “Do not disturb” on Xiaomi
Few people know, but in MIUI, you can use Do Not Disturb mode for more than just silence.
- 📵 Blacklist for notifications: Turn on mode as a priority, but disable all exceptions. Now notifications will come, but without sound or vibration - they can be checked.
- 🔕 Secret mode for meetings: Set up a rule that will include Basic mode when connecting to Mi Band (for example, during negotiations).
- 🎮 Playing trick: In MIUI 14: Do Not Disturb While Playing – It automatically blocks notifications when you start games from the Game Turbo list.
- 📱 Double-click activation: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) You can assign a double-tapping gesture on the back to turn on/off mode. → Extended functions → Double touch and gestures → Double touch.
🔹 For owners of Xiaomi Pad: On tablets, the “Do Not Disturb” mode can be tied to the reading mode (Settings) → Display. → Reading mode: Useful if you read books before bed and don’t want to be distracted by notifications.