PWM Disconnection on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Reducing Eye Load

PWM (pulse-latitudinal modulation) is a screen brightness control technology used in most Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi, POCO and flagship Mi and Xiaomi 13/14 series. While PWM saves battery power, it often causes eye fatigue, headaches and even migraines in sensitive users. The problem is exacerbated at low brightness levels when the flicker frequency becomes noticeable to the human eye.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable or mitigate the effects of PWM on Xiaomi devices – from standard settings. MIUI to advanced methods through ADB It is important to understand that not all models support full PWM disabling: for example, the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Redmi Note 11 have hardware limitations, while the model is not fully PWM-enabled. POCO F4 Xiaomi 13 Ultra allows you to adjust your settings flexibly, and we will also look at alternative solutions such as using the same system. DC-Adjustment (if supported) or third-party applications to reduce vision load.

Before you make any changes, please note that tampering with system settings can cause a screen to run unsteady or even a warranty to be cancelled.

What is PWM and why should it be turned off?

PWM is a method of controlling the brightness of a screen by turning the backlights on and off quickly. The lower the brightness, the shorter the pulses of light and the longer the pauses between them. For most users, this flicker is subtle, but for some it causes:

• 👁️ Eye fatigue even after short use of a smartphone;
• 🤯 Headaches or migraines, especially in the dark;
• 🔄 Discomfort when reading text or watching video;
• 💡 Unnatural color reproduction at low brightness.

Complicating the problem is that manufacturers (including Xiaomi) often do not specify the frequency of PWM in the characteristics of the device. ~240 Hz, which is considered acceptable, while the POCO X3 NFC It drops to 120 Hz at minimum brightness, which is already critical for sensitive users. DC-Adjustment (direct control of backlight current) can completely solve the problem, but not all devices support it.

Fun fact: Xiaomi flagship models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Mix Fold 3) are often equipped with screens with high-frequency PWM (1000).+ Hz) or a hybrid system that automatically switches to DC-It's a high-brightness adjustment that reduces eye strain, but it doesn't completely eliminate the problem.

How to check if there is PWM on your Xiaomi?

Before you try to turn off PWM, make sure that it is indeed causing the discomfort.

1. Visual test: 📱 Put your smartphone in Camera mode and point the camera at the screen of another phone (or your own if you have a mirror). 🔍 Set minimum brightness and look at the screen through the camera: if you see stripes or flicker, PWM is present.
2. Special annexes: 📲 Install. PWM Test (Android) or Display Tester. 📊 These programs will show the frequency of PWM and help determine how dangerous it is for your eyes.
3. Testing with Web Services: 🌐 Open the TestUFO website PWM smartphone-browser. 🔍 Follow the instructions on the screen to assess the flicker level.

If the tests confirm PWM, move to the next section, and if there is no flicker, the problem may lie in another, such as an incorrect color temperature or a matrix malfunction.

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On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi K50), the PWM only activates at a brightness below 50%. Try to increase the brightness, perhaps the flicker will disappear.

Method 1: Disable PWM via MIUI settings (for supported models)

Some Xiaomi devices (mostly flagship series) allow you to disable PWM or switch to DC-It's the safest method, but it doesn't work on all models:

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Select Additional Screen Settings (or Advanced Settings).
3. Find the brightness mode, brightness adjustment type or PWM Adjustment.
4. Select DC Dimming (if available) or Disable PWM.

If there is no such item, your model does not support software disabling PWM. In this case, try other methods from this article.

If your model is not in the table, check the information in the forums (for example, 4PDA Xiaomi EU). Often, enthusiasts find hidden ways to activate. DC-Adjustments for unofficially supported devices.

Method 2: Disable PWM through the engineering menu (for power users)

The Engineering Mode allows you to change hidden screen settings, including PWM settings. This method works on many Xiaomi models, but requires caution: incorrect changes can lead to inoperability of the display.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##36446337## This will open the engineering menu (some models may require a different combination, such as #4636##).
2. Go to the Display or Screen section.
3. Find options related to PWM, Backlight, or Dimming Mode.
4. Try changing the meanings: 🔧 PWM Frequency → set the maximum value (for example, 1000 Hz). 🔧 Dimming Mode → choose DC Mode or Disable PWM.

Save the changes and restart the device.

Make a backup copy of the data

Write down the current screen settings (brightness, color profile)

Make sure that the battery is >50%

Do not interrupt the process of changing parameters.-->

Important: Some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11) may have the engineering menu locked, requiring unlocking the bootloader or using ADB.

Method 3: Disabling PWM through ADB (Universal Method)

If the standard settings and engineering menus didn’t work, you can try disabling PWM via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version until you become a developer.
2. Activate USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on the USB Debugging Switch.

Command line.

Terminal

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, you can continue.

adb shell settings put global dimming_mode 0

Or try an alternative:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.DIMMING_MODE --ez mode 0

Reset the device.

On certain devices (e.g, POCO X4 Pro) PWM is controlled at the hardware level, and ADB-And then you have to use third-party apps or replace the firmware.

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If, after the execution, ADB-When the screen is too dark or artifacts appear, return the default settings to adb shell settings delete global dimming_mode.

Method 4: Using third-party apps to reduce eye strain

If you can't programmatically disable PWM, you can reduce its negative impact with specialized applications, which don't completely remove the flicker, but they make it less noticeable:

• 🌓 f.lux or Night Shift: 🔹 Reduce the blue component of light, which reduces eye fatigue. 🔹 They work at the system level, do not require root rights.
• 👁️ Blue Light Filter (included in the MIUI): 🔹 Go to Settings. → Display. → Reading mode. 🔹 Turn on the filter and adjust the intensity.
• 📱 PWM Disabler (requires root): 🔹 Forcedly disables PWM on supported devices. 🔹 It only works on rotated smartphones.

Note that applications like PWM Disabler can conflict with MIUI system processes.

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If your Xiaomi supports Super Resolution (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), try turning it off in the screen settings.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If none of these methods worked, radical measures remain:

1. Firmware replacement: 📱 Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where PWM can be disabled by default. ⚠️ This voids the warranty and requires unlocking the bootloader.
2. Hardware modification: 🔧 Some service centers offer a replacement screen with a model with DC-Adjustment (relevant to Redmi Note 9 Pro and similar). 💰 The cost of such a service can exceed 50% of the price of a smartphone.
3. Use of external screen: 🖥️ Connect your smartphone to the monitor through HDMI (For example, with the help of Xiaomi Mi TV Stick). 🔄 This will completely eliminate the PWM problem, but is inconvenient for mobile use.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi devices from 2023 requires waiting 168 hours (7 days) after the account is linked.

If you decide to take drastic measures, we recommend first consult on profile forums (for example, XDA Developers) or in the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about PWM disabling on Xiaomi