Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are equipped with accelerometers that instantly respond to a change in the position of the device in space, a feature known as autorotation, is extremely convenient when watching videos, reading books or working with web pages in a horizontal orientation. However, in some situations, such as when a user is lying down or watching content with a fixed orientation, spontaneous flipping of the interface can be very annoying and interfere with management.
Fortunately, the MIUI or HyperOS Android operating system provides flexible tools to control this setting. You can completely block the orientation by fixing it in the vertical position, or, conversely, force horizontal mode on certain applications. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available methods, from standard buttons in the notification curtain to deeper system settings that will help you take control of the display in your hands.
Understanding the principles of the screen orientation will allow you not only to improve the comfort of using the gadget, but also to save battery power, since the constant redrawing of the interface requires the resources of the processor. We will consider the nuances of the accelerometer and software limitations that can occur in different versions of firmware Chinese manufacturer.
Basic management through the notification panel
The fastest and most obvious way to capture the position of the image on the display is to use a standard control in the notification curtain. This method does not require logging into the deep settings menu and is available on any Xiaomi device regardless of the version of MIUI. To use it, just swipe from the top edge of the screen down, opening the control center.
In the menu that opens, look for an icon that visually resembles a lock in your smartphone contour, or the arrows that form a circle. Depending on the version of the shell, this element may be called "Orientation", "Autoporate" or "Blocking." If the function is active, the icon will be illuminated (usually in blue or green), which means rotational resolution. To turn off, you just tap on this icon to turn gray or disappear backlight.
It is worth noting that in some custom design themes, the standard icon can be replaced with a graphic element that has no signature, in which case you should focus on the pop-up prompt with prolonged pressing, if after pressing the screen stopped responding to the turns of the device, then the orientation lock is successfully activated.
- 📱 Swipe your finger from top to bottom to open the curtain.
- 🔒 Find an icon with a picture of the castle or circular arrows.
- 🚫 Click on it to change status (active/inactive).
- ✅ Make sure the icon turns grey or changes state.
Configure through the system menu of parameters
If for some reason the widget in the curtain has been removed or hidden, rotating function control is always available through the main system settings menu, which is more reliable, since it works even in case of desktop interface failures. You need to go to the Settings section, which is usually indicated by the gear.
Then the algorithm depends on the version of the operating system. In current versions of HyperOS and new MIUI, the path often runs through the Screen or Display section. Find the orientation item and switch the switch to the desired position. In older versions of the shell, this option could be in the Advanced Settings section or even in the special features menu.
Why can the settings be reset?
It's important to understand that system settings take precedence over settings for individual applications, but not over hardware commands. If you have a rotating ban on a phone's menu, but a particular app (like YouTube or Gallery) compulsorily requires horizontal mode to play video, it may ignore the overall lock. This behavior is embedded in the Android architecture to ensure multimedia functionality.
- ⚙️ Open the main menu “Settings” of your device.
- 📺 Go to the screen or display and brightness section».
- 🔄 Find the “Autoporate” or “Orientation” switch».
- 🛑 Deactivate the function to fix the vertical position.
Use of the Control Center and editing buttons
The MIUI shell is known for its flexibility in customizing the interface, and the Quick Access Bar is no exception. If you can't find the right button in the curtain, it may just be hidden or moved to a list of inaccessible widgets. Editing the panel allows you to bring the turn-lock feature to the most prominent place for quick access.
To enter edit mode, open the notification curtain completely and find the pencil button or menu icon (usually in the upper or lower right corner). You will see an interface divided into two parts: active buttons and available for add. Find the "Orient" or "Block" item in the bottom list and drag it to the upper active zone.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove system buttons that you do not know the purpose of, as this may make it difficult to access critical features such as a flashlight or flight mode in an emergency.
After moving the icon, remember to save the changes by clicking the "Done" or "Save" button. Now the function will always be at hand, this is especially convenient for users who often change their body position in space and have to constantly switch the display modes.
☑️ Checking screen settings
Specificity of work in applications and games
Users often experience a situation where the locking of the screen works in the browser or social networks, but stops working when running games or video players, this is due to the fact that application developers prescribe a mandatory orientation requirement in the program manifest, for example, the game can be optimized only for landscape mode, and trying to run it vertically will either stretch the picture or force the rotation.
In such cases, standard system tools may be powerless. However, there are third-party apps and special features in the developer menu that allow you to force a certain orientation. For example, in the developer menu (which is activated by seven times clicking on the version number in the About section), sometimes the item “Forced orientation” is found.
| Type of application | Response to lockdown | Possibility of circumvention |
|---|---|---|
| Social media | Full lockdown. | Not required |
| Video players | Partial (ignored) | Low. |
| Games (Landscape) | Ignored. | Medium (via software) |
| Banking applications | Full lockdown. | Not required |
| browsers | Full lockdown. | Not required |
| Office packages | Depends on the document. | Tall. |
For advanced users, there is a possibility of using ADB-commands for forced system-level orientation. adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/system --bind name:s:user_rotation --bind value:i:1 (where 1 — This is a horizontal orientation, and 0 — vertical) allows you to lock the position rigidly. However, using this method requires a connected computer and enabled debugging on the computer. USB.
Sensor problems and calibration
Sometimes the problem isn't software settings, but a hardware accelerometer or gyroscope that doesn't work properly. If the screen turns randomly, twitches, or doesn't respond to lock commands, it might require calibration. Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering menu to test and customize components.
To get into it, open the Phone app and dial ##6484##. In the CIT (Customer Information Test) menu, select the item associated with the accelerometer or gyroscope. Follow the instructions on the calibration screen: you usually need to put the phone on a flat horizontal surface and press the calibration button.
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If calibration through the engineering menu didn’t help, try restarting the device in safe mode, which will eliminate the influence of third-party applications that can intercept the control of the sensors.
After successful calibration, be sure to restart the device. If the problem with spontaneous rotation persisted due to a sensor failure, it should disappear. Otherwise, if the phone responds to light touches or vibrations by turning the screen, this may indicate a physical malfunction of the module that requires replacement at the service center.
- 🔧 Type ##6484## in the phone.
- 📉 Choose the Axelerometer or Gyroscope test».
- 🧘 Put your smartphone on a flat surface.
- 📟 Click the “Calibrate” button and wait until it is completed.
Third-party solutions and automation
For those who lack standard functionality, the Google Play store offers a variety of orientation control apps, and tools like Rotation Control or Ultimate Rotation Control allow you to create complex scenarios, such as setting a rule: “If you run a YouTube app, allow you to turn, and otherwise block.”
These apps run on top of system settings and have higher priority, and they can force-rotate even apps that don't, stretching the image to the full screen, which can be useful for watching old videos or using tablet-only apps on a smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Installing applications with deep access rights can affect the autonomy of the smartphone. Constant survey of sensors with third-party software increases battery consumption.
Additionally, some launchers (desktop shells) have built-in orientation management features. If you're using Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or other alternatives to the standard Xiaomi desktop, check their settings. There may be a separate clause prohibiting icons and widgets from turning, which also contributes to the overall interface behavior.
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The combination of system locking and competent use of profiles in controller applications gives the maximum result in screen management.