Replacing the call screen with Xiaomi Redmi: from standard themes to customization

The call screen (or Always-On Display, AOD) on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is not just a feature, but part of the daily interaction with the device. It shows the time, notifications, battery status and even personalized images while the phone is in standby mode. However, not everyone likes the standard look of this screen: someone wants to change the design, someone wants to fix the display bugs, and some even face the fact that AOD suddenly stopped working after the MIUI update.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can change the call screen on Xiaomi Redmi, from basic settings in the phone menu to install custom themes through third-party apps, and how to return AOD to work if it’s gone after firmware, and what hidden features MIUI 14 allows you to fine-tune the display of notifications on a locked screen.

Before you make any changes, make sure your Redmi supports Always-On Display. AMOLED-screens, starting with Redmi K20 Pro (2019) and newer. On devices with IPS-Matrices (for example, Redmi Note 10 in the basic version) AOD It will not work due to technical limitations.

If you’re not sure about your screen model, check the specifications on Xiaomi’s official website or use the AIDA64 app (display section), and remember that using AOD can increase battery consumption by 5-15% depending on the model.

1. Standard call screen settings in MIUI

The easiest way to change the look of AOD is to take advantage of the built-in MIUI options. Xiaomi developers regularly update the list of themes and styles, so even without root rights or third-party applications, you can achieve an interesting result.

To open the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Lock screen.
2. Select the Call Screen (AOD) option.
3. Activate the slider Show the call screen.

Here you will find several tabs available:

• 🎨 Styles are pre-set templates with clocks, dates and notifications, such as Digital Watches, Analog or Minimalist.
• 🖼️ Background – the ability to choose a color scheme or upload your own image (not available on all models).
• ⚙️ Schedule – setting the display time AOD (For example, only at night or at certain hours).

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and newer MIUI 14 featured Adaptive AOD, which automatically adjusts the brightness of the call screen to light, a feature that saves battery power but can run unstable on firmware betas.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K50i) post-update MIUI 14.0.5, the call screen can shut down after 10 seconds instead of permanently displaying. This is a firmware bug, the solution is described in the Troubleshooting section.

2. Installation of custom themes for AOD

If you are tired of built-in styles, you can install third-party themes through the official Xiaomi Themes app, which requires no root rights and is safe for the system.

Installation instructions:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the AOD section or Lock screen.
3. Select your favorite theme and click Apply.
4. Confirm the changes in the window that appears.

Popular topics among Redmi users:

• 🌌 Neon Clock - Neon Clock with animation.
• 📱 iOS Style AOD — imitation of the call screen from Apple.
• 🎮 Pixel Art – a retro style with a pixel clock.
• 🌿 Minimal Green – Eco-design with green accents.

Note that some themes may not display notifications correctly or conflict with system fonts. If the call screen starts to slow down after applying the theme, return the standard style in the settings.

3. Manual change of AOD through ADB (for advanced)

For those who are willing to go beyond standard settings, there is a way to change system settings. AOD through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method allows you to activate hidden features, such as, always_on_display_idle smoother-to-smooth.

Before starting, make sure that:

• On the PC, ADB drivers are installed.
• The phone has USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
• You have a backup of the data.

Commands to change the AOD parameters:

adb shell settings put global always_on_display_enabled 1 # Insert AOD


adb shell settings put global always_on_display_timeout 0 # Turn off timeout (constant display)




adb shell settings put global always_on_display_brightness 50 # Set brightness (0-100)

To apply the changes, restart the device. If you don't have AOD after the commands, check the support for the function with your model through the command:

adb shell dumpsys power | grep "mAlwaysOnSupported"

If the result is false, then your Redmi does not support AOD at the software level.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause system failures, so don't change parameters that you don't know what they're supposed to do. always_on_display_force_enable on unaccompanied models causes overheating of the screen.

4. Challenge screen problems and their solutions

Even after you set it up properly, AOD can malfunction, and let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try clearing the system cache:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation).
4. Reset the device.

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If AOD is gone after the MIUI update, try temporarily disabling the Adaptive Battery function in the power settings. Sometimes the power optimizer blocks the background processes that are responsible for the call screen.

5. Hidden AOD chips in MIUI 14

Recent versions of MIUI 14 have undocumented features for customizing the call screen that are not displayed in the main menu, such as activating dynamic wallpaper for AOD or setting up real-time weather displays.

To enable hidden options:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
2. Find the list of activities com.miui.aod.
3. Start AOD Settings (Hidden Menu).
4. Activate Dynamic Wallpaper or Weather Info options.

Other useful tips:

• 🔄 Double tap to wake up – activated in Settings → Screen. → Double-touch wake-up. Works even when you're on. AOD.
• 🎵 Musical widget - when playing music on AOD track progress is displayed (available on Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ newer).
• 📊 Step statistics – if synchronized with Mi Fitness, the call screen will show progress on steps.

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (such as the Redmi K60 Pro), MIUI 14.1.3 has AOD support with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, but this feature is hidden by default and requires activation via ADB.

Make a backup copy of the data|Install Activity Launcher|Check the version. MIUI (not less than 14.0.2)|Disable energy saving for system applications-->

6. Alternative applications for AOD customization

If built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, you can use third-party apps, which offer more flexibility, but require caution when setting permissions.

Top.-3 call-screen:

• 🌟 Always On AMOLED — It supports animations, gifs and custom fonts. It works on most Redmis with AMOLED-screen.
• 🔧 AOD Notify – allows you to customize notifications, color schemes and display schedule.
• 🎨 Edge Lighting – Adds lighting effects at the edges of the screen when notified (compatible with the AOD).

Before installation, check:

1. Compatible with your Redmi model (read reviews on Google Play).
2. Advertising or hidden payments (many free apps limit functionality)
3. Permissions required (do not allow access to SMS or calls without need).

Example of Always On AMOLED setup:

1. Install the application and grant permissions to Overlay on top of other applications.
2. Select the style of the watch from the Clock Styles menu.
3. Activate the Auto Start option to start when you lock the screen.
4. Set up battery saving exceptions in Battery Optimization.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Always On) AMOLED) They may conflict with the system AOD. If after installation the call screen stopped working, turn off the system AOD customized MIUI.

7. Optimization of battery consumption when using AOD

A constantly active call screen inevitably affects autonomy, but there are ways to minimize battery consumption without turning off the function:

Tips for saving energy:

• ⏱️ Set up a schedule - turn on AOD only at the right hours (for example, from 20:00 to 8:00).
• 🔦 Reduce the brightness - in the settings AOD set the value not above 30%.
• 📵 Turn off unnecessary notifications – leave only important (calls, SMS, messengers).
• 🔄 Use dark themes -- on AMOLED-Black pixels do not consume energy.

To check the actual effect of AOD on the battery:

1. Charge the phone to 100%.
2. Activate AOD and leave the device on standby for 8 hours.
3. Check the consumption in Settings → Battery → Battery use.

For example, on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ with AOD tuned to minimum brightness and no animations, the consumption was ~3% per night.

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The optimal balance between AOD functionality and battery savings is achieved with 20-30% brightness, dark theme and disabled animations.

FAQ: Frequent questions on the call screen on Xiaomi Redmi