Modern smartphones of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO well-equipped AMOLED-This technology, known as Always On Display, allows you to see the time, notifications and date even when the device is locked. However, not all users like that the screen continues to burn, consuming energy and leaving traces on the matrix during prolonged use.
Sometimes it is necessary to completely remove this feature or adjust it to a schedule. Users often wonder how to turn off the active screen on Xiaomi to extend the autonomy of the gadget or just for the sake of minimalism of the interface. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to manage this parameter, including hidden settings and features of different versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shell.
Understanding how pixel backlighting works in sleep will help you make the right decision. We will look at not only standard shutdown methods, but also the nuances that owners of different models may have. If you want to save charge or just change the look of the lock, follow our recommendations for fine-tuning the device.
What is Always On Display and How Does It Work?
Always On Display (AOD) is a display mode in which only a small fraction of the pixels are active. Unlike the full screen, only the necessary symbols are lit, which should theoretically save battery life compared to the constant ignition of the entire matrix.
In Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, this feature is integrated deep into the system and is closely related to the operation of the screen locker. It can display not only the clock, but also charging progress, steps, notifications from messengers and even personalized images.
Many users notice that when AOD is active, the device discharges faster, especially when it is in standby mode. In addition, some panels may experience a burnout effect of static elements if the brightness is too high and the image does not change for years, which is why the issue of turning off the function remains relevant.
⚠️ Warning: Constant use of Always On Display at maximum brightness for a long time can lead to uneven wear of the matrix AMOLED.
It's also worth noting that different versions of firmware can have different ways of working, where the screen goes out 10 seconds after locking, and somewhere it burns constantly until you pick up the phone, and understanding these differences will help you find the right switch on the menu.
Step-by-step disabling instruction through settings
The easiest and safest way to remove the constant glow is to use the regular settings menu. The MIUI and HyperOS interface may be slightly different visually, but the logic remains the same for most models. You do not need superuser rights or install third-party software.
To start, unlock your smartphone and find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear and is located on the home screen or in the Tools folder. Once you start the app, scroll down to the "Screen is always on" section.
Inside this menu, you'll see a master switch. To fully deactivate the function, just put the slider in an inactive position, and then when you lock the phone, the screen will go out completely, displaying only a black image.
☑️ Checking the shutdown AOD
If you can't find this item right away, use the search bar at the top of the settings menu. Type "AOD" or "always on" and the system will redirect you to the desired section, which is especially useful if you've upgraded to a new firmware version where the menu has been reorganized.
You will have to unlock your device every time to check for new messages or missed calls.
Schedule settings and smart modes
It doesn't always require a complete shutdown. Often, users only need to have the screen on at certain times of the day, for example, it's convenient during the day, and at night it can interfere with sleep or disturb the imagination in a dark room.
The Always On Display management menu usually has a Schedule option, and by choosing this mode, you can set a time interval during which the function will be active, a compromise solution that allows you to keep the functionality without excessive energy consumption at night.
- 🕒 Set a time to start activity, such as 07:00 a.m. when you normally wake up.
- 🌙 Set a time of ending, for example, 23:00, so that before bedtime the screen is guaranteed to go out.
- 📅 Check that the Schedule Switch is activated, otherwise the time settings will not apply.
There's also a Smart Schedule mode that uses your location and sunrise data, and it can detect when it's light outside and turn it on, and when it's dark, it turns it off, which is convenient for people who travel or change time zones.
⚠️ Warning: Smart schedules require access to geolocation and the Internet for proper operation, which can further consume battery power.
Another useful option is to turn off when you put your phone in your pocket or bag, and the proximity sensor detects the device in a confined space and extinguishes the screen, preventing accidental switching on and heating.
Style selection and display personalization
Even if you decide to keep it on, it's worth considering what's on the screen. Standard watches can be too bright or intrusive. The system offers many design options that can be less energy-intensive.
In the Style or Online Resources section, you can find the store where you can download new dials, some of which use fewer pixels or have a black background, which is ideal for the users. AMOLED-Matrixes, because the black pixels on these screens are simply turned off.
You can also set your own photo as a background, but be careful: if you have lots of light, it will lead to increased energy consumption, and you'll want to use dark images with minimal detail.
Hidden possibilities of styles
Personalization allows you to display only the most important data. You can remove steps, weather or app icons, leaving only time. The fewer elements on the screen, the less the load on the display controller and the processor.
Remember, customization is not just about appearance, it's also about functionality. A well-chosen style can make reading time more convenient in bright sunshine or less noticeable in the theater.
The Impact of Always On Display on Autonomy
One of the main arguments against the constant operation of the screen is the battery consumption, manufacturers say that the technology is optimized, but the real practice shows that the impact on autonomy is still there, especially on older batteries.
The energy consumption depends on several factors: the brightness of the screen, the number of active pixels and the frequency of updating information. If you have a smartphone with a large diagonal and high resolution, the consumption will be more noticeable than on compact models.
| Parameter | Impact on the battery | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness 100% | High. | Use auto-brightness |
| Difficult style | Average. | Choose simple dials |
| Permanent regime | Medium/High | Use the schedule |
| Animation at Notification | Low. | Turn off animation. |
Tests show that a smartphone can lose between 3% and 8% of its charge in 8 hours of sleep with AOD enabled, depending on the model, and for some, this is critical, and for others, it won’t even notice the difference during the day.
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For maximum charge savings, set the screen wait time to “Switch off in 10 seconds” in the main display settings if you don’t need a full AOD.
If you notice that the phone started to run out quickly after the system update, try temporarily disabling Always On Display and watching the statistics. This will help you to understand whether this feature is the cause of the problem or the background.
Decision and additional advice
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the function does not turn off or behaves incorrectly. The screen may light up on its own or not go out after the timer expires.
Frequently, bugs are fixed in new versions. MIUI or HyperOS. Go to the settings and click "Version" MIUI», If the system is up to date, clear the Themes app cache or reset the screen settings.
Also worth looking at are third-party apps that can intercept screen control. Launchers, call blockers or widgets sometimes conflict with system display functions. Try running your phone in safe mode for diagnosis.
- 🔍 Check if the “Rise to Activate” feature is enabled, which can wake the screen.
- 🛡️ Make sure that the energy saving mode does not block the operation of system services.
- 🔄 Restart the device after changing the settings so that the changes take effect.
In rare cases, the problem may be hardware, such as a faulty light sensor, if the screen does not go out in the dark or when you bring it to your ear during a call, you may need to be diagnosed at a service center.
⚠️ Warning: If the screen is constantly on and the phone is very hot in your pocket, immediately turn off the function and contact the service, as this may damage the battery.
Detecting problems with the display in a timely manner will help avoid more serious consequences.Do not ignore the strange behavior of the device, especially if it is associated with heating or rapid discharge.
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Optimal Always On Display setting is a balance between easy information and battery life, achieved through the use of schedules and simple styles.