How to turn off the auto-shutdown screen on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways of 2026

Xiaomi’s screen, which constantly goes out at the most inopportune moment, is a familiar problem for many users. This is especially annoying when reading long articles, watching videos or using a navigator. Fortunately, MIUI has several ways to turn off the auto-turning of the screen, both standard and hidden.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including system settings, developer modes and third-party applications. We will separately focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and popular Xiaomi models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.).

Important: Some methods require developer rights or additional utilities to be installed, and we will describe each step in detail so that you can choose the best option without risking the device.

1. Standard screen waiting time setting

The easiest way is to change the screen timeout in the system settings, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the MIUI version.

To set up automatic screen shutdown:

  1. Open the Settings β†’ Screen.
  2. Select Sleep Mode (or Screen Timeout in older versions).
  3. Set the maximum value – usually 10 minutes or 30 minutes.

Note that on some models (Redmi 10, POCO M4) the maximum value may be limited to 5 minutes.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi model do you have?
Redmi Note 12/Pro
POCO X5/X6
Mi 11/12
Redmi 10/9
Another model

2.Use of Do Not Disturb mode for constant illumination

Little-known life hack: Do Not Disturb can help keep the screen on longer, a technique that is particularly useful when playing or reading.

Algorithm of action:

  • πŸ“± Go to Settings. β†’ Sounds and vibrations β†’ Don't disturb.
  • πŸ”„ Turn on the mode and select Settings.
  • ⏳ Activate the option while the screen is on.
  • πŸ”’ The screen will not go out while you are actively interacting with the device.

The advantage of this method is that it does not require developer rights and works on all versions of MIUI, but the screen can still go out if you do not touch the display for 5-10 minutes.

πŸ’‘

If the option is not available, upgrade your MIUI to the latest version or use alternative methods in this article.

3. Disable auto-turndown through developer settings

For advanced users, there is a hidden option in the developer settings that allows you to completely turn off the screen timeout. This method works on MIUI 12/13/14.

How to activate:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ 7 times click on the MIUI version.
  2. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  3. Find the option to Never Turn off the screen (or Sleep Timeout) and set Never.

Important: on some firmware (Xiaomi.EU, custom ROM) this option may be called Stay awake and require a connection to charge.

Enable debugging on USB|Allow installation from unknown sources|Check the version. MIUI|Make a backup copy of the data-->

Special applications for permanent illumination

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities. We tested the top 3 apps for Xiaomi:

AnnexFeaturesCompatibility
Keep Screen OnSimple management, work in the backgroundMIUI 12-14, Android 10+
CaffeineSmart shutdown at low chargeAll Xiaomi models
Screen AliveAdditional brightness settingsRequires root rights

How to install and configure:

  1. Download one of the apps from Google Play.
  2. Provide all necessary permits.
  3. Activate the permanent lighting function in the application settings.

⚠️ Note: Some applications may conflict with system services MIUI. Before installing, check reviews for your smartphone model.

5. circumvention of restrictions through ADB-team

For tech-savvy users, ADB can manually change the system settings of screen timeouts, which works even on locked downloaders.

Instructions:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your computer.
  2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate debugging via USB.
  3. Adb shell settings put global settings stay_on_while_plugged_in 3

This command will keep the screen on when you connect to the charger. To return the standard settings, use:

adb shell settings put global stay_on_while_plugged_in 0

What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Make sure that Xiaomi drivers are installed USB Drivers. Try using the original USB-In the developer settings, activate Debugging by USB (Prohibition of revocation of rights) and Allow debugging (factory unlocking) OEM)

Why does the screen go off even after the timeout is turned off?

If you have done all the settings, but the screen still turns off, the reasons may be as follows:

  • πŸ”‹ Charge savings: in Ultra mode, system settings are reset.
  • πŸ› οΈ Optimization MIUI: The system can force the background processes to unload.
  • πŸ“± Proximity sensor problems: on some models (Redmi 9) the sensor is mistakenly triggered.
  • πŸ”„ Update of the firmware: after the update MIUI settings may reset.

Decisions:

  • Turn off Adaptive Brightness in the screen settings.
  • Add the application you are using to Cleanup Protection (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions).
  • Check the approximation sensor through the engineering menu (#6484###).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the constant screen lighting

Can I completely turn off the screen without root rights?
Yes, but with limitations. The standard MIUI settings allow you to set a maximum of 30 minutes. You will need either developer mode or third-party apps to completely shut down. Some firmware (Xiaomi.EU) has the Never option in the screen settings.
Why did the MIUI update start to go out again?
Updates often reset user settings. After the update, check: Timeout settings in Screen β†’ Sleeping Resolution mode for applications that control backlighting Developer Mode settings (if used) Sometimes resetting screen settings to factory settings helps (Settings β†’ All settings β†’ Recovery and reset).
Is there a difference between POCO and Redmi?
Functionally, it doesn't make any difference, all MIUI devices use the same system settings. However, POCO may not have a proprietary POCO Launcher shell, which affects the location of some menu items. For example, on POCO X3, the path to screen settings: Settings β†’ Display β†’ Sleep mode.
How to check which app turns off the screen?
Use the built-in activity monitor: Go to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Use CPU Tap Three Dots β†’ Use CPU Check which processes are active before turning off the screen Frequent culprits: Battery Doctor applications, some launchers and weather widgets.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way is a combination of standard settings (maximum timeout) + developer mode (Do not turn off the screen) + adding the necessary applications to optimisation exceptions.