The autocontrast feature on Xiaomi devices is an automatic adjustment of the brightness and contrast of the screen depending on the lighting and content. On the one hand, it is designed to improve visibility and reduce eye strain, but on the other hand, it often causes annoyance to users. The screen can spontaneously dim or, conversely, become too bright, distort colors in games and videos, and create inconvenience when working with graphic editors.
The problem is compounded by the fact that in different Xiaomi models — whether they are smartphones on MIUI or TVs on Android TV — the path to disabling autocontrast can be radically different. Somewhere the option is hidden in the display settings, and somewhere it has to be searched for in the engineering menu. In this article, we will examine all possible ways, including hidden options for advanced users, and explain why sometimes autocontrast can not be turned off completely without root rights.
What is Autocontrast and Why Disable It
Autocontrast (or adaptive brightness) is a technology that analyzes ambient lighting through a light sensor and automatically adjusts screen parameters. On Xiaomi smartphones, it works in conjunction with the function of Adaptive brightness, and on TVs it can be called Dynamic contrast or AI Picture Engine.
The main reasons why users want to disable it:
- 🎮 Color distortion in games – autocontrast can make dark scenes too bright or burn out light areas.
- 📺 Unstable brightness when watching a video – the screen spontaneously dims in dynamic scenes.
- 🖌️ Color correction problems – photographers and designers need stable colors.
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption – light sensor and processing algorithms consume additional energy.
However, there is a downside: disabling the autocontrast can lead to accelerated wear and tear. OLED-Matrices (due to static illumination) or discomfort when reading in variable light conditions. Before making a decision, evaluate how critical this feature is to you.
How to disable autocontrast on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI)
On most Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11), autocontrast is tied to Adaptive Brightness. It is simple to turn off, but there are nuances for different versions of MIUI.
Method 1: Through the main display settings
This is the most obvious method that works on 90% of devices:
- Open the Settings → Display.
- Find Adaptive Brightness (or Automatic Brightness Adjustment).
- Move the slider to the off position.
If the screen changes its brightness after that, check:
- 🔄 Availability of updates MIUI — in older versions of bugs with spontaneous inclusion.
- 🌓 Dark theme mode on schedule – it can affect contrast.
- 🛠️ Battery settings and performance → Power modes – some profiles forcefully include adaptive brightness.
☑️ Check before disabling the autocontrast
Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced)
If the standard method didn't work, try turning off autocontrast via hidden settings. Attention: wrong actions in the engineering menu can disrupt the screen!
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337###
- Select CIT → Display → Automatic Brightness
- Turn off the Enable Automatic Brightness option.
- Save the settings and restart the device.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) may not have an engineering menu or require rights. ADB. Do not change other parameters unless you are sure of their purpose.
Disable autocontrast on Xiaomi TVs (Android TV)
On Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV A2, Redmi Smart TV, Mi TV Q2), autocontrast is implemented through AI Picture Engine technology or Dynamic Contrast. It turns off differently than on smartphones.
Method 1: Through image settings
Follow these steps:
- On the remote, press Settings → Display & Sound.
- Select Picture (Image) → Advanced Settings.
- Find the options: Dynamic Contrast – install Off. AI Picture Engine (AI-- Imaging engine - turn it off. Light Sensor - deactivate if you have one.
Save the changes and check the result on the test video.
Method 2: Resetting image settings
If the autocontrast continues to work, try resetting the image settings to factory:
- Go to Settings → Device Preferences → Reset.
- Select Reset Picture Settings (Reset Picture Settings).
- After resetting manually adjust brightness, contrast and color temperature.
💡
If the screen is soapy or has lost its juiciness after turning off the autocontrast, try to increase saturation manually. On smartphones, this is done in Settings → Display → Colors and Style, on TVs – in Image Settings → Saturation.
Disable Autocontrast via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for smartphones and TVs, but requires command line skills.
Step-by-step:
- Install ADB on your computer (download Platform Tools from Google).
- Turn on USB Debugging on your device: On your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to become a developer) → Additional → For developers → USB Debugging. On TV: Settings → About device → Build Number (click a few times) → For developers → USB debugging.
adb shell settings put system screen_brightness_mode 0
adb shell settings put system screen_auto_brightness_adj 0Reset the device.
For Xiaomi TVs, an additional command may be required:
adb shell settings put global auto_brightness_enabled 0⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause a loss of warranty if the device fails, and some commands may not work on custom firmware or devices with a locked bootloader.
Alternative solutions: if the autocontrast cannot be turned off
On some Xiaomi devices (especially budget models), autocontrast is hard-stitched into the firmware and does not turn off by standard methods.
1. Use third-party applications
Brightness control applications can take control of the screen:
- 📱 Lux Auto Brightness – allows you to create your own brightness profiles.
- 🌓 Tasker – Automates the change in brightness on a schedule.
- 🎮 Game Tools (built-in to the MIUI) — Turns off autocontrast only in games.
2. Install custom firmware
If you are willing to take drastic measures:
- 🔧 Unlock the Bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 📦 Install firmware on the base. AOSP (LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- ⚙️ In custom firmware, autocontrast is usually disabled via Settings. → Display.
Remember that installing custom firmware deprives of warranty and can lead to unstable operation of the device.