How to watch screen time on Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

Why do you need to monitor screen time on Xiaomi?

Xiaomi’s current MIUI or HyperOS smartphones collect detailed statistics on how much time you spend behind the screen, not only to control digital dependency, but also to optimize device performance, such as identifying “gluttonous” apps by time of use, reducing battery consumption or adjusting notifications more efficiently.

Unlike iOS, where Screen Time is on the main settings screen, Xiaomi has a deeper tool that you need to know where to look. Moreover, the path to statistics may differ from one shell (MIUI 12/13/14 or HyperOS), and in this article we will discuss all the current ways to check screen time, including hidden features for advanced users.

It's especially useful to keep track of this data for parents who want to monitor their children's use of their gadgets, or for those who follow the principles of digital detox, but even if you're just curious, statistics often reveal unexpected facts about your digital habits.

Method 1: Standard statistics in MIUI/HyperOS settings

The most obvious and universal method is to use the built-in Digital Well-Being tool (or Screen Time in newer versions), which is available on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, as well as on devices with HyperOS.

To find the statistics:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select Digital Well-Being and Parental Controls (HyperOS may call Screen Time).
3. Slip the chart at the top of the screen – this shows the total time of use of the device for today.
4. For detailed analysis, go to the Usage Statistics or Report tab.

In this section you will see:

• 📊 Total screen time per day/week.
• 📱 Top applications by time of use (by hour).
• 🔄 Number of screen unlocks.
• 📅 Comparison with previous periods (if the function is enabled).

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If the Digital Well-being section is missing, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI or check the firmware region – some features are hidden in global builds for Europe.

Note that the default time for the statistics is at 00:00 local time, so to change the period of the report (for example, a week or a month), tap the date in the upper corner and select the desired interval.

Method 2: Quick access through the notification panel

Not everyone knows, but MIUI 12 and later has a widget for quick screen time viewing right from the notification bar, which is handy if you need to quickly check the stats without diving deep into the settings.

How to turn on the widget:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Put the badge on. ⚙️ Settings (or ✏️ Edit in some versions).
3. Find the Screen Time or Digital Well-being widget and drag it into the active area.
4. Save the changes.

Now, when you swipe down, you'll see:

• ⏱️ Current screen usage time today.
• 📈 A quick top-down.-3 applications.
• 🔔 Quickly switch to full settings.

This method saves time, but it only shows basic information, and you still have to go into the settings for a detailed analysis.

Method 3: Use of the Security application

On some Xiaomi models (especially Chinese firmware), screen time statistics are duplicated in the Security app, which is relevant for devices without Google Mobile Services (for example, for the Chinese market) or if the standard Digital Well-being section is disabled.

Instructions:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Optimization or Tools tab.
3. Find the section Usage Statistics or Application Analysis.
4. Put the time on the screen.

Here you will find:

• 📊 Detailed statistics by day by hour.
• 🔋 Data on battery consumption in relation to time of use.
• 🚫 List of applications with background activity (useful for performance optimization).

Important: If you have European or global firmware, this partition may be called differently or hidden, in which case use the first two methods.

Method 4: View through Google Digital Wellbeing (for GMS devices)

On Xiaomi smartphones with Google services (most global models), an alternative tool is available – Google Digital Wellbeing, which is integrated into the system and duplicates some of the features of MIUI, but with other analytical capabilities.

How to open it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Digital Wellbeing.
2. Or find it by searching for the settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).
3. Slip the pie chart at the top of the screen.

The benefits of Digital Wellbeing:

• 📱 More accurate classification of applications (social networks, games, productivity).
• 🛡️ Application Timer function to limit usage time.
• 🌙 Do not disturb with flexible settings.
• 📊 Export of reports to PDF (useful for analyzing dynamics).

However, there are drawbacks: Google may not take into account the time spent in MIUI system applications (for example, in Topics or Security).

Install Google Digital Wellbeing from the Play Market (if not available)

Enable statistics collection in the application settings

Add the Digital Wellbeing widget to the home screen

Sync data with your Google account for history-->

Method 5: Hidden Opportunities Through ADB (For Advanced)

If you need advanced screen usage data, including system processes and background activity, you can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool, which is suitable for tech-savvy users and requires connecting your smartphone to your computer.

What you can learn through ADB:

• 🕒 Exact time of activity of each process (including system).
• 📊 Statistics on screen usage in relation to resolution and refresh rate.
• 🔍 Application background activity data (hidden from standard reports).

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell dumpsys usage stats
3. To filter by date, use: adb shell dumpsys usagestats --since 2026-01-01 (replace date with current date).

The result will be output as raw JSON data that can be processed using scripts or online tools (e.g. JSON Formatter).

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ADB provides the most comprehensive statistics, but requires technical skills, and for ordinary users, built-in MIUI or Digital Wellbeing tools are enough.

Warning: Using ADB can cause failures if the commands are entered incorrectly.Do not change system settings without understanding the consequences.

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and to make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparative table:

For most users, the first three methods are sufficient. Digital Wellbeing is useful for those who actively use Google services, and ADB is useful for deep analysis or debugging.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Sometimes screen time statistics may not work properly, so let's look at typical situations and how to fix them:

Problem 1: Data is not updated or shows "0 hours".

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – it will reset the cache of the system.
• ⚙️ Check if statistics are included in your Digital Well-Being settings.
• 📅 Make sure the date and time on the device is set correctly.

Issue 2: There is no section on “Digital Well-Being.”

• 🔧 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🌍 Check the firmware region: some features are hidden in European builds. If necessary, reflash the device to the global or Chinese version.
• 📱 Install Google Digital Wellbeing from Play Market as an alternative.

Problem 3: Statistics are being reset at the wrong time.

• ⏰ By default, the reporting period is reset at 00:00. To change this, use third-party apps (e.g. ActionDash or StayFree).
• 📊 Digital Wellbeing can set up weekly reports.

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After the update MIUI statistics are missing, reset the settings of the application "Digital well-being" through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Digital well-being → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Problem 4: The time in games is not properly accounted for.

⚠️ Note: Some games (e.g., high graphics load) may block stats collection due to performance optimization.In this case, the data will be understated.To correct this, add the game to the exception list in the battery settings (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Exceptions).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions