Xiaomi’s MIUI-powered smartphones and the new HyperOS are known for aggressive power optimization, often resulting in the display going out at the most inopportune time, whether while reading long articles, viewing recipes in the kitchen, or showing a presentation. Users are faced with having to constantly touch the screen to unlock the device, which is annoying and distracting.
The problem is that the default sleep timer settings are 30 or 60 seconds, but the system offers flexible tools to control this setting. Not only can you increase the time to maximum values, but you can also completely disable autolock for certain use cases. In this article, we will discuss all available methods in detail.
It is important to understand that the constant operation of the display at maximum brightness significantly accelerates battery discharge. OLED-matrixes used in flagship models are especially sensitive to static image.
Standard setting of the lock timer
The basic way to manage the time before the display is turned off is hidden in the system settings menu, which is suitable for most users who simply need to increase the interval from one minute to ten, and the path to these parameters may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system.
To access the settings, you need to open the main menu and select the Settings section, then go to the screen and brightness category. This section is the Sleep Mode or screen timeout item, and clicking on it, you will see a list of available time slots.
The system will suggest selecting a value from 15 seconds to 10 minutes. The choice of "Do not turn off" in the standard menu is often absent, as manufacturers limit this feature to protect against pixel burnout. However, even a maximum value of 10 minutes may not be enough for specific tasks.
- 📱 Open the Settings app on the desktop.
- 🔆 Go to the Screen and Brightness section for backlight control.
- ⏱ Select the Sleep mode to set the timer.
- ✅ Set the maximum available time value.
It's worth noting that in some versions of MIUI Global's firmware, the maximum limit can be tightly limited. If you need more time, you'll have to use the advanced techniques described below. The standard timer is a balance between convenience and autonomy.
Use of reading mode and special features
For those who use a smartphone primarily to read books or documentation, there is a more elegant solution than constantly changing the system timer. Xiaomi has a special mode that prevents the screen from locking only inside the selected application, which allows you to save the battery for the rest of the time.
The feature is called Read Mode or can be found in the Special Options section. To activate it, go to Settings and find Special Options. Inside the menu, you will need to select an option related to improving readability or a visually impaired mode, where often the Do Not Turn off feature is hidden.
⚠️ Attention: Activation of the permanent glow function of the screen through special features can lead to overheating of the case with prolonged use, especially if resource-intensive applications are running simultaneously.
An alternative way is through the Advanced Settings menu -> Special Features. Here you can find a switch that prevents you from going to sleep. Once you turn on this option, the system will ask permission each time you want to use this feature in a particular application.
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Use the “Do not turn off screen” function only in reading or navigation apps so as not to waste charge in the background.
This is ideal for navigators or recipes, so you open a map or a cookbook, you activate sleep deprivation, and the screen burns until you close the app, and once you shut down the program, the timer will start working again.
Always on Display for Permanent Notifications
The Always On Display (AOD) technology is worth noting, although it does not keep the main screen with apps on, it allows you to see the time, date and notifications without touching your smartphone. On devices with AMOLED arrays, this is implemented energy-efficiently, since only individual pixels burn.
Xiaomi model owners can flexibly adjust AOD behavior. The feature is available in the Settings -> Screen is always on and screen lock. Here you can choose a schedule, for example, turn on only during the day or all night, which creates the illusion of a constantly working screen.
| Mode of operation of AOD | Description of behaviour | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Included. | The screen is always on. | High (-15% per day) |
| 10 seconds. | Included after notification | Low (-2% per day) |
| Scheduled. | Works at the specified time. | Average (-5% per day) |
| In my pocket. | Turns off when removed | Depends on the use |
There's also a Raise to Power mode that activates the screen when you pick up the phone. It's not exactly a "permanent" screen, but it eliminates the need to press the power button. The combination of AOD and the proximity sensor creates a comfortable experience.
If your model supports Second Space or guest mode, the AOD settings may differ, so check the settings in each profile separately if you use the separation of work and personal space.
Application of third-party blocking applications
When there's not enough built-in tools, Google Play Store apps come to the rescue, and they create a glass on top of the desktop that mimics an active screen but keeps the system from going to sleep, and that's the most reliable way to get things done 100 percent of the time.
One of the most popular solutions is Caffeine, or its counterparts, like Keep Screen On. They work very simply, they put a button in the notification curtain, and by pressing it, you force the display to be active, which is convenient because you don't have to go deep into the system settings.
Security of Third Party Applications
Another option is to use specialized readers or browsers with built-in “do not go out” function, for example, many browsers have a “night reading” or “incognito” mode, in which the sleep timer turns off automatically, which can be more convenient than installing separate software.
- 📥 Download the screen control app from a verified source.
- 🔋 Allow the application to run in the background without restrictions.
- ⚙️ Set up automatic start for selected programs.
- 🚫 Don’t forget to turn off the function when it isn’t needed.
It's important to remember that pixel burnout is important. If you use third-party software to keep your lights on, make sure you turn on the dark theme and dim the brightness. OLED-screens, and no software crutches will not save the matrix from physical degradation.
Engineering menu and hidden settings
For advanced users, hidden parameters can be accessed through an engineering menu, which allows you to change system constants that are not available in a normal interface, but using this method requires caution, since improper actions can lead to unstable system operation.
The login to the engineering menu is via a set of special code in the Phone app. Codes may vary depending on the processor (Qualcomm or MediaTek). For example, for many devices, the combination ##6484## or ##4636## is suitable. Inside the menu, you need to look for the section associated with the display or testing.
#6484## - CIT Menu (Equipment Testing)
#4636## - Testing (Phone Information)⚠️ Note: Changing the settings in the engineering menu may result in resetting or software errors. It is recommended to make a full backup of the data before making changes.
In some cases, you can find a Config or Display that adjusts the minimum and maximum timer threshold, and if the standard maximum is 10 minutes, you can sometimes increase it to 30 minutes or an hour through the engineering menu, but that doesn't work on all versions of HyperOS.
Also worth checking is the developer settings. Turn them on by quickly tapping the build number 7 times in the About Phone section. Then, in the Developer Menu, find the Stop Awaken option, which keeps the screen on only while charging the device, which is ideal for using your smartphone as a desktop clock or smart home control panel.
The effect of matrix type on screen settings
Understanding your display type is critical when setting up your permanent glow. Xiaomi devices use both IPS LCD and AMOLED arrays. The behavior of these technologies varies dramatically over long static loads, which dictates different approaches to use.
AMOLED screens, which are installed in the Mi, Xiaomi and Redmi Note Pro series, are subject to the “burn-in” effect. If a static element (such as a status bar or keyboard) remains on the screen for a long time, these pixels can lose brightness faster than others, resulting in a barely noticeable but permanent trace on the screen.
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For AMOLED screens, it is critical to use dark themes and dynamic wallpaper to minimize the risk of pixel burnout during prolonged operation.
IPS arrays, which are often found in budget models, are more resistant to burnout, but they consume more energy, because the backlight is constantly running throughout the screen area. For IPS, a static picture is less scary, but the battery will sit down faster. So for IPS, you can safely set longer timers without fear of image artifacts.
If you own an AMOLED device and need to keep the screen on for a long time (for example, for navigation), be sure to turn on the dark theme of the system and use dark maps in the navigator. This will reduce the load on blue subpixels, which degrade faster than others.
Problems with the proximity sensor and autolock
Sometimes users want to turn off the screen blackout because they have the opposite problem: the screen goes out on its own while talking or watching a video. Often the fault of the proximity sensor, which falsely triggered due to protective glass or contamination.
MIUI and HyperOS have sensor calibration. Go to the test menu (code ##6484##) and select Proximity sensor. Cover the top of the screen with your hand and remove it. If the values change correctly (0 to 5.0), the sensor is fine. If not, you need to calibrate or replace the protective glass.
It's also worth checking the "pocket mode" settings, which prevents accidental taps when the phone is in the bag, but sometimes it locks the screen too aggressively, and you can turn it off in the "lock screen" section -> "mode in your pocket."
- 🧼 Wipe the top of the screen from fat and dust.
- 🛡 Check if the security glass is blocking the sensor.
- 🔧 Calibrate through the Engineering Menu.
- 🚫 Turn off the "mode in your pocket" in case of problems.
If the screen goes out while watching videos in a particular app (like YouTube or VLC), check the settings of the app itself.There may be its own timer or power saving feature that overrides Xiaomi's system settings.