How to completely disable Ambient Mode on Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s Ambient Mode (or Always-On Display) feature is designed to display time, notifications and other information on a screen that’s off. While many users like it for its convenience, it also has drawbacks: constant glow. AMOLED-The screen reduces battery life by 5-15% depending on the model, and at night can interfere with sleep due to even minimal illumination. MIUI, irritant.

In this article, we will explore all possible ways to disable Ambient Mode, from standard settings to hidden commands for power users. POCO base MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS, including models with AMOLED- and LCD-If you're faced with a feature that doesn't turn off through the menu or comes back after it's rebooted, here's the solution.

What is Ambient Mode and Why Disable It

Ambient Mode (in Ambient Mode) MIUI It can also be called "Always-On Display," "The screen is always on," or "Sitting Mode," which is a feature where part of the screen remains active even when the device is locked:

  • πŸ•’ Time and date (primary function)
  • πŸ”” Number of unread notifications
  • πŸ”‹ Battery level of charge
  • 🎡 Information about the music being played (on some models)
  • πŸ“Š Additional widgets (weather, steps, etc.)

At first glance, it's convenient -- you don't have to press the power button to see the time.

  • ⚑ Increased battery consumption, even for AMOLED-In screens (where only pixels are illuminated), the power consumption of grows by 5-15% due to the constant operation of the processor and display.
  • πŸŒ™ Light pollution – even dim glows at night can interfere with sleep, especially if the phone is lying next to the bed.
  • πŸ”„ Spontaneous inclusion – after updates MIUI or resetting the function is sometimes activated without the user's knowledge.
  • πŸ“± Incompatible with some cases – if the case closes the proximity sensor, Ambient Mode can work unpredictably.

On LCD-screen devices (such as the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3 Pro), the function consumes even more power, as the entire matrix is illuminated, in which case disabling Ambient Mode can extend battery life by 1-2 hours.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (such as Mi 11 Ultra or Xiaomi 13 Pro), Ambient Mode is integrated into the Lock screen system menu and may conflict with third-party launchers. If it reappears after turning it off, check the screen lock settings.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options, which is suitable for most devices on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to the Screen section (or Display in English firmware).
  3. Select Ambient Display (can be called Always-On Display or Always On).
  4. Move the slider to the off position (or uncheck if it is a checkbox).
  5. Confirm the action if the system requests permission.

On some firmware, the path may be slightly different. For example, on POCO F5 with HyperOS, go to Settings β†’ Screen Lock β†’ Always-On Display. If the Ambient Display item is not in the Screen menu, try searching it through the search bar in the settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

After disabling, check if the function appears again after:

  • πŸ”„ Phone reboots
  • πŸ“₯ System updates
  • πŸ”‹ Connections of the charger

β˜‘οΈ Checking the Ambient Mode shutdown

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) If you turn off Ambient Mode, you may lose the Lift to wake function. To return it, go to Settings. β†’ Screen. β†’ Re-wake up to wake up and turn on again.

Method 2: Disconnect via screen lock settings

If the screen doesn't have Ambient Display, try finding it in the lock settings. This method works on most Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 13+:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Lock screen (or Lock screen).
  2. Find the Always-On Display or Ambient Display section.
  3. Turn off the slider or uncheck the tick from the point Show when blocking.
  4. If there are additional options (such as Schedule or Timer), make sure they are deactivated too.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU), you can set the schedule here, and if you don't want to shut it down completely, but want to save power, set a time limit, for example, only in the afternoon from 8:00 to 20:00.

Model phoneThe Way to Setting Up Ambient ModeFeatures
Xiaomi 13/13 ProSettings β†’ Screen. β†’ Always-On DisplayThere is an option β€œAdaptive mode” – can include the function automatically
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Settings β†’ Screen locking β†’ Ambient DisplayThe function only works on AMOLED-model
POCO F4 GTSettings β†’ Display β†’ Always-OnCan conflict with the game mode Turbo Mode
Xiaomi 12TSettings β†’ Screen. β†’ Ambient DisplayAfter disconnection, a reboot may be required.

If your model does not have any of these items, it is possible that the Ambient Mode function is disabled at the firmware level (for example, on budget models with a high-end model). LCD-In this case, proceed to the following methods.

πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Xiaomi 13/14 Series
Redmi Note 11/12
POCO F/X series
Another Xiaomi
Not Xiaomi.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If Ambient Mode does not turn off via the menu or returns after a reboot, you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) command, which requires connecting the phone to your computer and enabling the developer mode.

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You are a developer").

USB debugging

  • Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  • Activate the debugging slider over USB.
  • Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global always_on_display_enabled 0
  • Reset the device.

If the function still works after that, try additional commands:

adb shell settings put global ambient_display_always_on 0


adb shell settings put secure doze_always_on 0

To return the standard settings, use:

adb shell settings delete global always_on_display_enabled

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can cause system failures. Before execution, back up your data through Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup. If the phone starts to work unstable after the commands, reset the settings to the factory.

πŸ’‘

If you don't have a cable to connect to your PC, you can use Wi-Fi wireless debugging. β†’ For developers, activate Wireless debugging and connect via the adb connect command [IP-address].

Method 4: Disconnecting through hidden system settings (Secret Codes)

On some Xiaomi devices, Ambient Mode is managed through hidden menus, which are available in special codes. These codes do not work on all models, but it is worth trying:

  • πŸ“± Type in the phone app (as if calling): ##6484## This will open the display testing menu. Here you can turn off Always-On functions, but be careful - do not change other settings!
  • πŸ”§ Alternative code for MIUI 14: ##4636### From the menu that opens, select Battery information and check if there are any options associated with Ambient Display.

If the codes don’t work, try a different approach:

  1. Install Hidden Settings for MIUI (available on Google Play).
  2. Open the Display or Lock Screen section.
  3. Find the Always-On Display option and turn it off.

These methods are especially useful for custom firmware devices or if the standard settings have been changed by the manufacturer (e.g., Xiaomi for the Russian market).

What to do if hidden codes don’t work?
If you enter the code and you see a message like β€œConnection problem” or β€œInvalid MMI code,” it means that your model does not support this hidden menu, in which case you can try other methods from the article or check if the antivirus is blocking access (for example, Mi Security).

Method 5: Disconnection through third-party applications

If system methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities to control Ambient Mode in a more flexible way, such as turning it off overnight or when the battery is low.

The best applications for this task:

  • πŸ”§ Always On Display AMOLED β€” It allows you to completely disable the feature or adjust its schedule. Supports Xiaomi, Samsung and other brands.
  • πŸ“± Ambient Music Mod – disables Ambient Mode and replaces it with a minimalist screen with music (useful for music lovers).
  • ⚑ Battery Guru – Automatically deactivates power-hungry features, including Always-On Display, at low charge.

How to use:

  1. Download one of the apps from Google Play.
  2. Provide the necessary permissions (access to notifications, system settings).
  3. In the app settings, look for the option Disable Always-On Display or Ambient Mode Control.
  4. Activate the shutdown and restart the phone.

The advantage of this method is that applications can block automatic activation of the function after system updates. ROOT-rights that may violate the guarantee.

⚠️ Note: Apps from third-party sources (not Google Play) may contain malicious code. Check developer reviews and reputation before installing. MIUI You can also block the installation from unknown sources – allow it in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Special access β†’ Installation of unknown applications.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after disabling Ambient Mode, users sometimes find that the feature returns or does not work correctly.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The function is turned on itself after restartingMisfire in MIUI settings or conflict with updatePerform Settings Reset β†’ System β†’ Settings Reset β†’ Reset all settings (without deleting data)
There is no Ambient Display item on the menu.Device with LCD-screen-wireCheck the phone model – the function is only available on the phone AMOLED-display
The screen flashes or flickers after shutting downConflict with energy saving settingsTurn off Adaptive Brightness in Settings β†’ Screen
Ambient Mode only works when charging.Activated option Only when charging in the settings of the functionGo to Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Ambient Display β†’ Schedule and turn off the restriction

If neither of these methods worked, maybe the problem is the firmware.

  • πŸ”„ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ“₯ Install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) where the function is managed more flexibly.
  • πŸ“ž Contact Xiaomi Support – If the device is warranty, they can help with remote management.

πŸ’‘

If Ambient Mode does not turn off in any way, check if the Lift to wake function is activated – it can automatically turn on the screen when moving, simulating the Always-On function.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I turn off Ambient Mode at night?
Yes, use: Built-in Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Ambient Display β†’ Schedule (set time, for example, from 22:00 to 7:00) Third-party apps like Always On Display AMOLED, where you can set up automatic time-out. Some firmware (for example, HyperOS) also has an option Adaptive Mode that turns off the feature in the dark.
❓ Why Ambient Mode stopped working after shutting down the function "Double touch to wake up"?
It's a well-known feature. MIUI β€” Some lock screen gestures depend on the same system services as Ambient Mode.To return Double Touch: Go to Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Double tap to wake up. Turn off and turn on the function again. Reboot your phone. If that doesn't work, try resetting your screen settings through Settings. β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting screen settings.
❓ Does Ambient Mode affect the life of the AMOLED-screen?
The constant glow of individual pixels can theoretically cause burn-in, but in modern times, it is not critical. AMOLED-Xiaomi displays this process is minimal thanks to the: πŸ”„ Pixel displacement – the system shifts the image slightly to evenly distribute the load. ⏳ Brightness Limitation – Ambient Mode uses minimal backlighting. πŸ›‘οΈ Security algorithms in firmware that prevent burnout, however, if you plan to use your phone for more than 3-4 years, it’s best to turn off the feature for long periods of downtime.
❓ Can I disable Ambient Mode via the voice assistant (Google Assistant or Xiao)? AI)?
There's no direct command to do this, but you can create an automatic rule: Open Google Assistant and say, "Tune in a routine." Create a new routine with the command, such as "Turn off Always-On." β†’ Screen. β†’ Ambient Display. Add the step Click on Shutdown (Availability permission required). for Xiao AI (In Chinese firmware, you can use a command in Chinese: «» (guān bΓ¬ xΔ« pΓ­ng xiǎn shΓ¬).
❓ Why my Xiaomi doesn’t have Ambient Mode?
Always-On Display is available only on devices with AMOLED-If you have a model with a screen. LCD (For example, the Redmi Note 10 in the basic version or POCO M4 Pro, it's not in the firmware. Check the screen type: Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Full specs. Find the display type bar. If it says LCD, IPS or LTPS β€” Ambient Mode function is not supported by hardware.