Adjusting the time of the screen off on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi’s smartphone screen is one of the main consumers of battery power. Even in standby mode, the display can discharge the device if it stays active for too long without user action. Adjusting the time of automatic screen shutdown helps balance convenience and energy efficiency: too short a timeout will force you to constantly unlock the phone, and too long will reduce battery life.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to adjust the screen time on Xiaomi devices, including standard settings. MIUI, hidden options for advanced users and solutions for cases when the option is not available. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of firmware and models - from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 14.

You will also learn how to get around system limitations when the right timeout value is not on the menu, and what apps will help you flexibly manage this setting. At the end of the article, you will find answers to frequent questions and tips on optimizing battery consumption without losing comfort.

Why it is important to set the screen timeout correctly

The time of the screen shutdown (or lock timeout) determines how many seconds the display will go out if the user does not act.

  • πŸ”‹ Battery consumption – the longer the screen stays on, the faster the battery drains. For example, a 30 second timeout smartphone will last 10-15% longer than a 2 minute timeout.
  • πŸ”’ Security – Short timeouts reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your device if you forget to lock it.
  • πŸ‘οΈ Usability – Too short a time makes you unlock your phone more often, such as when reading long articles or viewing photos.
  • πŸ“± Display wear β€” OLED-screens (installed in most modern Xiaomi) are subject to pixel burnout during prolonged operation.

The optimal value depends on the use scenario:

ScriptRecommended timeoutReason.
Battery savings15-30 secondsMinimizes charge consumption in the background.
Reading or viewing content1-2 minutesReduces the number of unlocks with prolonged use.
Games or videos5-10 minutes or "Never"Prevents accidental shutdown of the screen during viewing.
Public places10-15 secondsReduces the risk of data leakage when a device is lost.

On Xiaomi devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60) Too long a timeout can cause uneven wear on the matrix, especially when static interface elements (e.g., notification panels) are used).

πŸ“Š What screen timeout are you using?
15 seconds.
30 seconds
1 minute
2 minutes.
5 minutes or more
Never shuts down.

Standard method: setting up through the menu MIUI

The easiest way to change the screen shutdown time is to use the built-in settings. MIUI. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the overall algorithm is the same for all Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO.

To change the timeout:

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
  2. Go to the Display section (or the Screen in some versions) MIUI).
  3. Find the Sleep item after (in older versions – Screen Timeout or Auto Lock).
  4. Choose the appropriate value from the options offered (usually 15 seconds to 30 minutes or β€œNever”).

On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5 Redmi Note 12 may be located in the Lock and Protection section. β†’ Locking settings.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings β†’ About the phone

Close all active applications

Connect the charger if the battery charge is less than 20%

Restart your phone if the settings do not apply-->

If the list does not have the right value (for example, you want to set 45 seconds, and only 30 and 1 minute are available), use the alternative methods described below.

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware devices (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), the Sleep item after may not be in the Display menu. In this case, check the Additional section or use the ADB-commands (instructions in the next section).

Advanced settings: changing the timeout through ADB

If the standard settings MIUI do not offer the desired value or item is not at all, you can change the screen timeout through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting a smartphone to a computer.

Before proceeding, make sure that:

  • πŸ–₯️ Xiaomi drivers and tool are installed on the computer ADB (You can download it as part of Google’s Platform Tools).
  • πŸ“± On the smartphone included debugging on USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Press 7 times, then return to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers).
  • πŸ”Œ Used by the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not support data transmission).

Instructions for changing the timeout:

  1. Connect the smartphone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
  2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices Wait for the serial number of your device to appear.
  4. Set the right timeout value (in milliseconds). 1 minute (60 000 MS): adb shell settings put system screen_off_timeout 60000
  5. Restart the device so that the changes take effect.

Allowable timeout values (in milliseconds):

  • 15,000 - 15 seconds
  • 30,000 to 30 seconds
  • 60,000 - 1 minute
  • 120,000 - 2 minutes
  • 300,000 - 5 minutes
  • 600,000 - 10 minutes
  • -1 β€” never-off

πŸ’‘

If, after the execution, ADB-The timeout commands have not changed, check if any third-party application resets it (for example, "Battery Health" in the "Battery Health" MIUI). Turn off optimization for system applications in battery settings.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not change other settings through settings put unless you are sure of their purpose. screen_off_timeout 0 This will cause the screen to be instantly shut down after unlocking.

Applications for flexible timeout setting

If you don’t like standard values or want to automatically change your timeout depending on the situation (for example, set 30 seconds outside and 5 minutes at home), use third-party apps that offer additional features such as:

  • πŸ“± Adaptive timeout – automatic time change depending on user activity.
  • πŸŒ™ Schedule – different settings for day and night.
  • πŸ”„ Application exceptions: the screen does not turn off in certain programs (for example, in a navigator or video player).

Top.-3 screen-timeout:

AnnexFeaturesReference
Keep Screen OnA simple app to turn off timeouts in selected apps. It doesn't require root rights.Google Play
Screen Timeout SettingsIt allows you to set any timeout value (from 5 seconds to 1 hour) and create profiles for different situations.Google Play
TaskerAdvanced automation tool. It can change timeouts based on location, time of day, connected devices, etc.Google Play

To use Tasker, you will need to create a Display Timeout task and specify the desired value in seconds, for example, to set a 1 minute timeout when connecting to a home Wi-Fi network:

  1. Create a profile with condition condition β†’ Networks. β†’ Wi-Fi is linked (indicate the name of your network).
  2. Add a task with the Display action β†’ Display Timeout.
  3. Set the value of 60 (seconds).
  4. Save and activate the profile.
How to get around restrictions MIUI for root-free applications?
Some apps (like Screen Timeout Settings) require permission. WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS, which is not available by default. To get it: 1. Connect to the PC and execute ADB-Command: adb shell pm grant Package Applications android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS (Replace the Applications Package with a real identifier, such as com.lexa.fakelock). 2. Reboot the device. This method works without root rights, but requires re-execution after resetting settings or updating the firmware.

Features of setting up on different Xiaomi models

Although most Xiaomi devices use firmware MIUI, The location of the screen timeout settings may vary depending on the model and version of the software. Below are the key features for popular series.

Xiaomi 13/14 series K60/K70

On the flagship models with MIUI 14/15 time-out:

Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Sleep after

Available values: 15 s, 30 s, 1 m, 2 m, 5 m, 10 m, 30 m, "Never" also have the option Adaptive brightness, which can indirectly affect the time of the screen shutdown in low light levels.

POCO F5/F6 Redmi Note 12/13

In the firmware MIUI for POCO path may differ:

Settings β†’ Screen lock β†’ Sleep after

In some models (for example, POCO X5 Pro) this option is hidden in the section Additional β†’ Special facilities β†’ Screen timeout, also on screen timeout. POCO There is often no β€œNever” value, instead of a maximum timeout of 30 minutes.

Xiaomi Pad 6 and other tablets

On Xiaomi tablets, the screen shutdown time is set by default to longer intervals (up to 1 hour).

Settings β†’ Display and brightness β†’ Sleep after

Feature: when connecting a keyboard or mouse, the timeout can be reset to the standard 2-5 minutes, even if the settings indicate a higher value.

πŸ’‘

On devices with MIUI 12.5 and later (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi Note 11) the screen shutdown time can be automatically adjusted by Smart Optimization. To disable this behavior, go to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery settings and deactivate Adaptive Lock option.

What to do if the timeout settings are not saved

Sometimes users face a problem where the set screen shutdown time is reset after a reboot or after a while. Causes and solutions:

  • πŸ”„ Optimizing the battery: MIUI can automatically reset timeout to save charge. Turn off optimization for system applications in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization (select All Apps and find Settings or System) UI).
  • πŸ› οΈ System settings failure: Reset application settings through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Settings (βš™οΈ) β†’ Reset your settings. It won't delete your personal data.
  • πŸ“± shell conflict: On some custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), timeout is managed through other settings. Check the settings in the developer menu (Settings) β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Sleep after).
  • 🦠 Viral software: Some malware applications change system settings. Check the device with an antivirus (e.g. Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes).

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.
  2. Confirm the action and restart the device.
  3. Check if the timeout is saved after resetting.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 16 and older (such as Xiaomi Mi 9 or Redmi Note 8) reset network settings can also reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.

How to completely turn off the automatic screen shutdown

In some cases, you need to keep your screen on all the time, like when you use your smartphone as a navigator, when you're in presentations, when you're testing apps, and there are several ways to turn off your timeout:

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings

If your firmware version has the option β€œNever”, select it from the Settings menu. β†’ Display. β†’ Sleep after, however, on most modern devices (Xiaomi). 13/14, Redmi Note 12) This option is missing.

Method 2: Developer mode

Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI In Settings β†’ About the phone, then:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers.
  2. Find the option to β€œDo not turn off the screen (or Stay awake)” and turn it on.

Limit: The screen will only remain on when connected to the charger.

Method 3: Screenholding applications

Install one of the applications that mimic user activity:

  • πŸ“± Caffeine – Adds a button to the notification panel for quick activation / disabling of the constant activity mode.
  • πŸ”„ Keep Screen On – allows you to choose apps where the screen will not turn off.
  • πŸ› οΈ Tasker – Create a task with Display action β†’ Stay Awake.

Method 4: ADB-command (for permanent disconnection)

Follow the command:

adb shell settings put global stay_on_while_plugged_in 3

Team parameters:

  • 0 - disabled;
  • 1 – only when connected to the network;
  • 2 - only when connected to the USB;
  • 3 - with any connection to the power supply.
How to return a standard timeout after use ADB?
To reset the screen retention settings, do: adb shell settings delete global stay_on_while_plugged_in After that, the timeout will be determined by standard settings. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting screen shutdown time

Can I set a timeout of less than 15 seconds?
Standard settings MIUI They do not allow you to set a value less 15 But you can use it. ADB-parameter 5000 (5 second): adb shell settings put system screen_off_timeout 5000 Install Screen Timeout Settings (requires permission) WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS). Remember that the timeout is too short (less than that). 10 seconds) may interfere with normal operation of the device.
Why did the MIUI update reset the screen timeout?
Large updates (e.g. with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) some system settings are reset to default values. To return the previous settings: Check the current firmware version in Settings β†’ Manually set the right timeout in Settings. β†’ Display. β†’ Sleep after. If the value is not saved, reset the settings of the Settings app (see section above). on some devices (for example, Xiaomi). 11T) After the update, you may need to re-enable the Developer Mode.
How to make different timeouts to lock the screen and turn off the display?
V MIUI These options are usually related, but they can be divided: Install the Tasker or MacroDroid app. Create a macro that: Disables the screen after a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) using the Display Off action. Locks the device at a different interval (e.g., 1 minute) using the Lock Device action.Tune triggers (e.g., unlocking the screen or launching a particular application). This method does not require root rights, but you will need to provide the application with permission for special features (Settings). β†’ Special facilities β†’ Special facilities services).
Does screen shutdown time affect battery wear?
No, the screen shutdown time alone doesn't affect battery wear: πŸ”‹ Long timeouts increase charge consumption as the screen stays on longer, leading to more frequent charging cycles, which indirectly speeds up battery wear. πŸ”„ Frequent unlocks (with a short timeout) also increase the load on the processor and display, but the effect on the battery is minimal. For maximum battery life, it is recommended: Use a timeout of 30–60 seconds in everyday scenarios. Avoid full discharge and overheating of the device. Turn off the screen manually (power button) if you have a long downtime.
Can I set different shutdown times for different applications?
Yes, the following solutions are suitable for this: Keep Screen On, which allows you to select applications in which the screen will not turn off. For example, you can set an infinite timeout for Google Maps or YouTube. Tasker, create a profile with the condition that the Application is running and the action Display Timeout. Profile: YouTube β†’ Display Timeout = 3600 (1 hour) Profile: Chrome β†’ Display Timeout = 120 (2 minutes) MIUI Optimizer (requires root) is a module for Magisk that allows you to flexibly configure timeouts for individual applications. Without root rights, the most convenient option is Keep Screen On, since it does not require complex configuration.