Why Xiaomi’s screen dims during a call and how to fix it

Have you ever encountered a situation where, during an important phone conversation, your Xiaomi screen suddenly goes out? It's not only annoying, it's also uncomfortable: you can't take advantage of additional features during a call, accidentally press the hands-free button or watch the conversation time, and the reason for this behavior is because of the power saving and backlight timeout settings, which are optimized by default to save battery power, but don't always take into account active use scenarios.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable automatic screen shutdown during calls on Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO steerable MIUI You'll learn how to configure system parameters, use hidden shell functions, and even use third-party utilities if standard methods don't work. AMOLED-screens where the problem is more common due to aggressive power management policies.

Why Xiaomi’s screen goes out during a call: the main reasons

The problem with switching off the screen during calls to Xiaomi is not accidental – it is embedded in the logic of the MIUI operating system.

• 🔋 Energy-saving algorithms: By default MIUI tries to extend the battery life as much as possible, so if you detect "silence" (including during a call), the screen turns off after 5-10 seconds.
• ⚙️ Incorrect timeout settings: In some firmware, the Screen timeout during calls option is reset or missing from the menu.
• 📱 Features AMOLED-displays: On models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) The backlight is controlled by a separate controller that can ignore the standard settings.
• 🔄 Application conflict: Some battery-saving apps (such as Mi Battery Saver) force the screen to turn off even when a call is made.

Interestingly, older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5) were less likely to have problems with the development of additional user activity checks, but new firmware (starting with MIUI 13/14) has shifted the logic toward more aggressive energy saving, leading to more complaints.

Method 1: Configure screen timeout in call parameters

The most obvious and safe method is to change the screen time directly in the phone module settings, which works on most Xiaomi models with MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Calls → section for more (or more, depending on the version).
4. Find the screen timeout item during the call (called Screen timeout during calls).
5. Set the value Always on or maximum time (e.g. 10 minutes).

If there is no such item, then your firmware does not support this option directly, in which case try alternative methods in the following sections.

Make sure you have the latest version of the Phone app (update to Google Play)

Reboot your smartphone before changing your settings

Check if the screen is blocking the cover or protective glass (the sensor may not work)

Turn off the "In your pocket" mode in the screen settings-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 after update to MIUI 14 this item disappears from the menu. In this case, use Method 3 (developer settings).

Method 2: Disabling the power saving for the "Phone" application

Often the culprit is the optimization of the battery, which forcibly freezes the phone app during the call, to fix this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find your phone in the list and tap it.
3. Choose the Battery. → Energy conservation.
4. Set the switch to the position without restrictions.
5. Go back and turn on the Auto Start option (if it is disabled).

This will prevent the system from forcing the screen to shut down, but please note that some firmware (MIUI Global for the European market) may not have the Unlimited option, in which case activation of the developer mode will help (see next section).

Method 3: Using the Developer Mode to Force Screen Turn on

If standard settings don't work, you can use hidden developer settings, which is universal and works on all versions of MIUI, but requires care:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will receive a notification "You became a developer").

Settings

Additional → For Developers

Debugging → Keep the screen down.

Stay awake

Optimization of MIUI

Important: the "Do not turn off the screen" option will only work when the charger is connected. To fully solve the problem, additionally turn on "Debugging by" USB" and use ADB-command (see Method 5).

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn on the option Do not turn off the screen permanently without connecting to a charge.This can lead to overheating and accelerated wear of the battery, especially on models with a high-performance battery. AMOLED-display.

Method 4: Crutch applications for forced screen retention

If the system settings don't work, you can use third-party utilities.

• 📱 Stay Alive (Google Play): Allows you to create rules for holding your screen while you're calling; Supports app-specific exceptions; Works without root rights.
• ⚡ Keep Screen On: Simple switch to turn on/off constant lighting. You can set the automatic switch off timer.
• 🔧 Tasker (for advanced users): Creates automatic screen retention tasks when a call is detected. Requires Phone Offhook profile settings.

When using Stay Alive, it is recommended:

1. Launch the application and provide all the permissions requested.
2. In the Rules section add a new rule for the Phone application.
3. Set the Screen:ON setting and save the settings.

💡

If the app doesn’t work, check if MIUI Optimization blocks it. To do this, turn off MIUI Optimization option in the developer settings and restart the smartphone.

Method 5: ADB-commands for experienced users (without root)

For those who are not afraid of the command line, there is a radical method - disabling the screen timeout through the ADB. This method does not require root rights, but requires a computer and USB-cable.

Instructions:

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Enable USB debugging on your smartphone (in the developer settings).
3. Connect your phone to your computer and type in the command line: adb shell settings put global stay_on_while_plugged_in 3 This command will keep the screen on while calling, even without charging.
4. To cancel the change, use: adb shell settings put global stay_on_while_plugged_in 0

Alternative Team (for MIUI 14):

adb shell settings put secure doze_always_on_display 1

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can cause system failures. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

💡

ADB-When you use commands, you'll be able to use the most reliable way, but you'll need to be careful, and after you use the commands, the screen will remain on not only during calls, but also during other activities (e.g., watching videos).

Additional Advice and Frequent Mistakes

Even after all these methods are applied, the screen can still go out.

• 🔍 Approximation Sensor: On some models (Xiaomi) 11T, Redmi K50) The screen is shutting down because the proximity sensor is activated (##6484##) Or temporarily disable through the developer settings (show_touches).
• 📲 Gestures and Touch buttons: If you use gesture navigation, try switching to the classic buttons in Settings → Display. → Navigation through the system.
• 🔄 Resetting the settings of the Phone application: Sometimes it helps to reset to the factory settings only the phone module (without data loss). → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Reset.

Common user errors:

• ❌ Ignoring firmware updates (in new versions) MIUI problem often corrected).
• ❌ Use of unofficial firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) where there may be screen control bugs.
• ❌ Disabling all energy-saving functions, resulting in a fast battery discharge.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screen settings during calls