Why Xiaomi Reminders Work Differently Than Other Smartphones
Xiaomi Redmi smartphones use the proprietary MIUI shell, which radically changes the logic of standard Android functions โ including reminders. Unlike naked Android, where Google is responsible for notifications, there are three parallel systems: the built-in Clock app (with alarm clocks and timers), Calendar (for date events), and Google Assistant (for voice commands), which creates confusion: users often do not understand why some reminders work even when the phone is turned off, and others disappear after a reboot.
Another feature of Redmi is aggressive battery optimization, and MIUI automatically freezes background processes, which may cause some reminders to fail, such as if you put a notification through a third-party app (like Todoist) but didn't add it to your AutoRun list (in battery settings), the system will simply ignore the event, and we'll figure out how to get around those limitations and set reminders to work 100% of the time.
Method 1: through the standard โClockโ app (for one-time reminders)
The built-in Watch app on Xiaomi Redmi not only wakes up in the morning, but also sends one-time notifications at a given time, which is suitable for simple tasks like โdrink a pill at 15:00โ or โcall your mom in 2 hours.โ The main plus is that the reminder will work even if the phone is in Do Not Disturb mode (except for full silent mode).
To create a reminder:
- Open the Clock app (icon with dial).
- Go to the Reminder tab** (or Reminder in English firmware).
One important nuance: the Clock reminders don't sync with the Mi Account and will disappear after you reset your phone to factory settings. โ2 or โ3.
The correct time is indicated (AM/PM!)
Selected the sound of the alert (by default - silent)
Repeat is disabled if it is not necessary
The text of the reminder is laconic (up to 50 characters)
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Method 2: Calendar (for recurring events)
The MIUI Calendar app is integrated with the Mi Account and is suitable for long-term reminders: birthdays, monthly payments or work deadlines. Unlike the Clock, you can set a repeat at intervals of up to 1 year, attach a place (via Google Maps), and even invite other participants (if synchronized with Google Calendar).
Instructions for the creation of the event:
- ๐ Open the calendar** (Date icon).
- ๐๏ธ Press ยซ+ยป** bottom-screen.
- โฐ Specify the date, start and end time (for example, for a meeting).
- ๐ Enable the Reminder option** and select how many minutes/hours to notify.
- ๐ If necessary, add a description, place or repetition (daily/weekly, etc.).
- ๐พ Save the event.
The advantage of this method is that it syncs between devices, and if you log in to the same Mi Account on a tablet or another Xiaomi smartphone, the reminder will show up there, but there's a pitfall: if your account settings are disabled calendar sync, events may disappear after the MIUI update.
Calendar
Clocks (alarm clocks/timers)
Google Assistant
Third-party applications (Todoist, Any.do, etc.)
I don't use reminders.
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Method 3: Voice Reminders via Google Assistant
If you're too lazy to dig through the menu, you can create a voice reminder -- Redmi has Google Assistant preinstalled for that. Just say, "OK, Google, remind me to take out the trash at 20:00," and the system will create the event itself. The main advantage is the speed and the ability to set contextual reminders (for example, "remind me to buy bread when I'm near the store").
How to set up:
- Activate Google Assistant with a long press on the Home button or a voice command, OK, Google.
- Say a phrase like, "Remind me of meeting tomorrow at 14:00."
- The assistant will offer to save a reminder - confirm.
- The notification will arrive at the specified time.
Limitations of the method:
- โ ๏ธ It only works with an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
- โ ๏ธ Reminders will not appear in Xiaomiโs standard apps (โHoursโ or โCalendarโ or โCalendarยป).
- โ ๏ธ If you turn off sync with Google Account, events will disappear.
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To allow Google Assistant to recognize voice commands even with a locked screen, enable OK Google Recognition at any time in the Assistant settings (Settings โ Google โ Settings for Assistant โ Phone).
Comparison of methods: what way to choose
Each of these three ways has its own strengths and weaknesses, and we've put them together in a table to make it easier for you to define.
| Criteria | "The Clock" (MIUI) | "Calendar" (MIUI) | Google Assistant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of reminder | One-timers, timers | Repeated events | One-off, contextual |
| Synchronization | โ No. | โ With Mi Account/Google | โ With a Google Account |
| Working without the Internet | โ Yes. | โ Yes. | โ No. |
| Voice control | โ No. | โ No. | โ Yes. |
| Suitable for | Alarm clocks, one-time tasks | Birthdays, working deadlines | Quick notes, contextual notifications |
If you need a reliable, repetitive reminder (like paying for utilities every month), choose Calendar. For one-off tasks (like watering flowers in 3 hours), you can also use Hours. And if you use voice assistants often, Google Assistant saves time.
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For critical reminders (such as taking your medication), use two methods: create an event in the Calendar and duplicate it in the Clock, so you are guaranteed not to miss the notification.
Why Reminders Don't Work: 5 Reasons and Solutions
Xiaomi Redmi users often face a problem: a reminder is put on and the notification is not received, and the reason for this is the features of MIUI. Here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:
- Battery Optimization: MIUI blocks application background activity. Solution: Go to Settings โ Battery and Performance โ Battery Consumption Management. Find the Watch or Calendar app and select No Limits.**
- Autorun disabled: After the MIUI update, some applications lose their autorun permission. Go to Settings โ Applications โ Application Management โ Clock / Calendar โ Autorun. Turn on the switch.
- Do not disturb or save charge mode is active.
An outdated version of MIUI
MIUI 12
Settings โ About the phone โ System update
What if the reminder is missing after the phone is dropped?
Third-party applications: when to use them
If the built-in MIUI tools donโt suit you, you can install customized reminder apps that offer advanced features: repetitive tasks at flexible intervals, file attachment, sharing, and even integration with Xiaomiโs smart home (for example, a reminder can turn on the light in the room).
Top.-3 Applications for Xiaomi Redmi:
- ๐ Todoist: user-friendly interface, cross-platform (there are versions for PC and browser), integration with Google Calendar. Suitable for work and personal affairs.
- ๐ Any.do: voice input, location reminders (โbuy milk when youโre in the storeโ), home screen widget.
- ๐๏ธ TickTick: Tomodoro timer, repetitive tasks with exceptions (e.g., "every Monday except holidays"), sync with Mi Band.
Warning: Third-party applications require additional permissions.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Go to Settings โ Annexes โ Application management โ [name] โ Permissions and Enable: AutoRun Notifications Calendar Access (if synchronization is required) Geolocation (for location reminders) Otherwise notifications may not arrive.
If you use the Mi Band or other Xiaomi devices, look for the Mi Fit, which has a sedentary reminder feature, which is useful for those who work hard at the computer.