Translation of the screen of the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi in black and white mode may be necessary for various reasons: from saving battery power to reducing eye strain or even as an experiment with a minimalist interface. Some users include a monochrome mode to reduce distractions (e.g. when preparing for exams), others because of color perception, and regardless of the purpose, Redmi devices can do this in several ways: through standard settings. MIUI, hidden functions or even through ADB-team.
It's important to understand that not all methods are equally convenient. For example, the Color filter from the special features section works at the system level and affects all applications, while the Read mode in MIUI can only be limited to certain programs. Also, you should consider the firmware version: in HyperOS (the new shell from Xiaomi), the path to some settings has changed. We will look at the current ways for all modern Redmi models, from the budget Redmi 10A to the flagship Redmi K60 Pro.
If you're looking for a way to bring back colors, don't worry: all changes are reversible, and for those who want to go further, we'll show you how to make the monochrome mode permanent by default after the reboot (this will require additional manipulation of the developer's settings).
1. Method: Color filter in special features
The most reliable and versatile method is to use a built-in Color Filter, which works at the system level, so all apps, games and even wallpaper will be displayed in shades of gray, which is suitable for MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS, but the path to settings may be slightly different.
To activate the filter:
- Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
- Choose the Color Filter (in some versions, Color Correction).
- Activate the switch and select Shades of Grey.
- Adjust the intensity of the effect with the slider (a value of 100% is recommended for full black and white mode).
The advantage of this method is that the filter can be turned on/off quickly through the notification bar (if you add the appropriate button).
- 🔴 It doesn’t work in screenshots – they will stay in color.
- 🔴 Some apps (like TikTok or Instagram) may ignore the filter due to their own rendering settings.
- 🟢 It does not require root rights and works without a PC connection.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices, the path to settings may look like this: → Additional settings → Special facilities → Color filter. If you can't find a point, search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).
Add the "Color Filter" button to the notification panel|Check the work in key applications (messengers, browser)|Make sure the screen brightness is not too high (monochrome enhances contrast)|Make a backup of the settings (in case of resetting)-->
2. Method: Reading mode (only for individual applications)
If you don't want a global black and white mode, but only monochrome display in certain programs (like Chrome or WPS Office), you can use Read Mode, which is originally designed to reduce eye strain, but when you set it up as much as possible, it turns content into shades of gray.
How to turn on:
- Open the application for which you want to activate the mode (for example, the browser).
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the Read Mode button (if it is not available, add the notification panel via Edit).
- Activate the mode and adjust the parameters: 🎨 Color temperature → Black and white. 🔍 Contrast → maximum.
Limitations of this method:
- 🔴 It only works in supported applications (not systemically).
- 🔴 In some programs (for example, YouTube), the read mode can block videos.
- 🟢 It does not require rebooting and is easily shut down.
Savings in battery charge|Reducing the burden on the eyes|Reducing distractions|Experiment with the interface|Other-->
Method 3: Developer settings (advanced method)
For those who are willing to dig into hidden settings, there is a way to activate monochrome mode through the developer settings. This method is more flexible, but requires caution - incorrect changes can lead to system failures.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version (you will be notified "You are a developer").
Settings
For developers
Imitation of flower space
Simulate color space
Monochrome
Monochromacy
Reset the device.
What's important to know:
- 🔴 Changes apply to the entire system, including boot screen and animations.
- 🔴 Some interface elements (such as notifications) may not display correctly.
- 🟢 You can combine with a color filter to enhance the effect.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) When you activate this mode, you may lose access to the camera in apps like Instagram or Snapchat. To return functionality, you will have to reset the developer's settings or roll back changes through the app. ADB.
How to reset the developer settings?
4. Method: ADB-For the purpose of continuous effect)
If you want a black and white mode that doesn’t reset after the reboot, you can use it. ADB-This method is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.
Step-by-step:
- Install ADB on your PC (download Google’s Platform Tools).
- Activate USB Debugging on your smartphone: Go to Settings → Developer. Enable USB Debugging.
Redmi
adb shell settings put secure accessibility_display_daltonizer_enabled 1
adb shell settings put secure accessibility_display_daltonizer 0where 0 is the value for the monochrome regime (for other types of color blindness, use 1–3).
Reset the device.
Advantages of the method:
- 🟢 It works after rebooting (unlike the standard color filter).
- 🟢 You can automate on/off via Tasker or scripts.
Risks:
- 🔴 If you enter commands incorrectly, you can knock down the system settings.
- 🔴 Some of the scalings (for example, the scalings) ADB may be limited.
adb shell settings put secure accessibility_display_daltonizer_enabled 0This will turn off the filter, but will keep the ability to quickly turn on through the notification panel.-->
5. Method: Third-party applications (without root)
If you don't want to mess with your system settings, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play. For example, the Gray Scale Mode or Night Mode app allows you to turn black and white into one tap. The main advantage is that you don't need to dig into the MIUI menu, and the minus is that some features can be paid.
Top.-3 monochrome applications:
| Annex | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Gray Scale Mode | Fast on/off, intensity setting | Advertising requires permission to overlay |
| Night Mode | Schedule support (automatic time switching on) | Some features are only available in the premium version |
| Blue Light Filter | Additionally filters blue light. | It may conflict with the system color filter |
How to use:
- Download and install the app (such as Gray Scale Mode).
- Launch it and give access to Special Opportunities.
- Activate the monochrome mode and adjust the brightness.
- Add the widget to the main screen for quick control.
⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Gray Scale Mode) may conflict with the system's Color filter. If the screen becomes too dark or artifacts appear after activation, disable both tools and restart your smartphone.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make it easier for you to determine, we have collected the key pros and cons of each method in one table:
| Method | Difficulty | Systemic effect | Post-reset reset | PC required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color filter | ⭐ | Yes (all annexes) | No. | No. |
| Reading mode | ⭐ | Partially (only in supported applications) | No. | No. |
| Developer settings | ⭐⭐ | Yes (systemically) | Yes. | No. |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐ | Yes (systemically, persistently) | No. | Yes. |
| Third-party annexes | ⭐ | Yes/No (depending on the annex) | Sometimes. | No. |
Selection recommendations:
- 🔹 If you need a temporary effect, use Color filter or Read Mode.
- 🔹 For continuous monochrome mode (including boot screen) — ADB-team.
- 🔹 If you do not want to dig into the settings - third-party applications.
💡
For most Xiaomi Redmi users, the best solution is a combination of Color Filter (for global effect) and Read Mode (for individual applications).
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you turn on black and white, you might have some unexpected difficulties, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The color filter doesn’t work in some apps (like Instagram or TikTok).
Decision:
- Try to turn on Developer Mode and activate Forced Enable GPU-Acceleration (in some cases, it helps).
- Use it. ADB-Filtering command: Adb shell settings put secure accessibility_display_daltonizer_enabled 1
Problem 2: After activating the monochrome mode through the developer settings, access to the camera was lost.
Decision:
- Turn off colorblind mode in the developer settings.
- If access to settings is lost, reset via ADB (see spoiler above).
Problem 3: The screen has become too dark or colored artifacts have appeared.
Decision:
- Reduce the intensity of the color filter (set the slider 80-90% instead of 100%).
- Disable all third-party light filtering applications (e.g. Blue Light Filter).