Xiaomiβs smartphone screen can look dim over time, especially in bright sunlight or after a firmware update. Even at maximum brightness settings, the picture sometimes fades and automatic adjustments work incorrectly. In this article, weβll look at all the possible ways to increase brightness, from basic settings to hidden options for engineering menus and alternative solutions for older models.
The problem of a dim screen is relevant for both budget Redmis (like the Redmi Note 10 or Redmi 9A) and flagships like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. The reasons may lie in software constraints, wear of the matrix or incorrect color reproduction settings. We tested each method on real devices β from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14 β so you can choose the best option without risking damage to the smartphone.
1. Standard brightness settings in MIUI
Start by checking the baseline. In MIUI, the brightness is manually or automatically adjusted through the light sensor, so you can open the menu.
- Go to Settings β Display.
- Move the "Brightness" slider to the right to the point.
- Activate the Auto Brightness switch (if it is switched off).
If the slider is already at its maximum, but the screen is still dim, try calibrating the light sensor:
- In the same menu, tap on the icon. βοΈ near "AutolightΒ».
- Follow the instructions on the screen, pointing the smartphone at light sources of different intensity.
Important: On some models (e.g. POCO X3 Pro), the Contrast option is hidden in the display settings menu. Increase it to 100%, which will visually brighten the picture, although the physical backlight will not change.
β οΈ Note: If after the update MIUI The brightness has dropped to 50% and is not adjustable, it could be a firmware bug. Try restarting the device or resetting the display settings in Settings β System system β Resetting settings β Reset the display settings.
2. Engineering menu: hidden brightness parameters
In the Engineering Mode, you can manually change the maximum brightness threshold, which is limited by the manufacturer, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but you need to be careful - incorrect settings can lead to overheating of the matrix.
To get into the engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337###
- Select Hardware Testing β Display.
- Find the option "Max Brightness" (or brightness_max) and increase the value of 10β20% current.
On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11), the path may be different: Hardware Testing β Light Sensor β Brightness. Here you can calibrate the light sensor manually, setting higher values for different levels of ambient light.
What happens if you overstate the brightness in the engineering menu?
| Xiaomi model | Max. Brightness (nite) | Recommended increase in the engineering menu |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | 700 | Up to 800-850. |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | 1100 | Up to 1200. |
| POCO F3 | 500 | Up to 600. |
| Redmi 9A | 400 | Not more than 450. |
3. Disconnection of energy-saving modes
The Battery and Ultra-Economic modes in MIUI artificially lower the brightness of the screen, even if the slider is at its maximum, to return normal lighting:
- π Open the Settings. β Battery and productivity.
- π± Select Performance Mode (or Balanced Mode if the former is not available).
- π Restart the device β sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.
On models with MIUI 13+, a separate Battery Brightness Limit switch has been added, which you need to turn off even if you are not using energy saving:
- Go to Settings β Battery β Battery settings.
- Find the item βLimit the brightness of the screenβ and deactivate it.
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If the brightness has not recovered after the power saving shutdown, check out apps like Greenify or AccuBattery β they can block maximum backlight at the OS level.
4. Resetting display settings to factory
If all previous methods failed, the problem may lie in the wrong color or calibration settings, in which case resetting the display parameters without losing data will help:
- Go to Settings β System β Resetting settings.
- Select βReset Display Settingsβ (not to be confused with a full reset!).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
After discharge:
- π¨ Reset the color profile in Settings β Display. β Color scheme (select "Saturated" or "StandardΒ»).
- π¦ Recalibrate the autobrightness (see Section 1).
- π± Check the screen in different apps (for example, in YouTube or Gallery).
β οΈ Note: On some devices (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi) 9T) After the display is reset, the Read mode (black and white screen) may disappear. β Display. β Reading mode.
5. Checking for hardware malfunctions
If the software methods fail, the cause of the screen dimness may be hardware, and here are the signs that indicate a physical breakdown:
- π‘ Brightness does not change when moving the slider (hang at one level).
- π³ The screen shows divorces or uneven lighting (especially around the edges).
- π‘οΈ The smartphone is strongly warmed in the screen area (may indicate a malfunction of the backlight).
- π After replacing the battery, the brightness fell (possibly the master did not connect the display plume).
For diagnosis:
- Connect the device to the PC and check the brightness through the Mi PC Suite β if the screen is also dim, the problem is in the matrix.
- Run the display test in the engineering menu (##6484## β Manual Test β LCD).
- Light a flashlight on the screen at an angle - if you see dark spots, it is a defect of the matrix.
Check the screen response to touch (the touchscreen may be damaged)
Compare brightness in light and dark themes (if there is no difference, the problem is the backlight)
Make sure there are no physical damages (cracks, chips) on the screen.
Try to turn off the protective glass (sometimes it creates glare that mimics dullness)-->
In the models with OLED-screens (Xiaomi 12, Redmi) K50) Dimness can be associated with pixel burnout β especially if you have been using static wallpaper or navigation bars for a long time.
6. Third-party applications for increasing brightness
If standard methods don't work, you can use applications that bypass the limitations of MIUI.
| Annex | How it works | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Lux Auto Brightness | Overrides the settings of autobrightness, allows you to set higher values. | Requires root on new versions of MIUI. |
| Screen Filter | It uses a translucent filter, visually increasing contrast. | It does not increase the real brightness, only imitates. |
| Brightness Control | Unlocks hidden brightness levels through the engineering menu. | Maybe not work on MIUI 14. |
For installation:
- Download APK from the official website (for example, APKPure).
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β Applications β Special Access.
- Launch the application and follow the instructions (usually you need permission to change system settings).
β οΈ Note: Apps like Lux may conflict with MIUI, Make a backup of the settings in Settings before using. β System system β Backup.
7. Alternative solutions for older models
On devices older than 2019 (Redmi Note 7, Mi A2), brightness may drop due to battery wear or outdated firmware.
- π Replace the battery with a discharge below 20% MIUI automatically reduces brightness.
- π² Firmware rollback: If dullness appears after the update, go back to the previous version MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.
- π Use wallpaper with a dark background - on AMOLED-This visually increases the contrast.
- π Turn on Developer Mode and turn off animations (this will speed up screen response): Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times) Settings β Additionally. β For developers β Animation. = Off.
For models with LCD-Replacing the backlight with screens (for example, Redmi 7) will help - it is cheaper than changing the entire matrix. The cost of repairs in Xiaomi service centers starts from 1,500 rubles.
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If your smartphone is older than 3 years, check the battery status in the AccuBattery app first. With a capacity below 70%, the brightness will be automatically limited by the system.