How to remove the pulse from the lock screen Xiaomi: the complete guide

The flashing circle on Xiaomi’s lock screen is one of the most controversial features of MIUI. For some users, it’s a handy notification indicator, for others it’s an annoying animation that eats up battery power and distracts. If you fall into the second category, this article will help turn off the pulse completely on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models – from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI 14/15 (including global and Chinese firmware) and selected only working solutions. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, but most users will be able to do with standard settings. At the end of the article, we will provide an FAQ with answers to typical questions and a table of compatibility of methods with different models.

What is a “pulse” on the lock screen and why does it appear?

Notification Pulse was introduced in MIUI 10 as a visual indicator of new messages.

• 🔴 Blinking red circle is the standard option for most notifications
• 🟢 Green dot – for messages on WhatsApp or Telegram (on some firmware)
• 🔵 Blue glow for system alerts (e.g. updates)
• 🟡 Yellow animations – for reminders in Calendar or Notes

By default, the pulse is activated when:

• 📱 New. SMS/Calls (even if the screen is off)
• 💬 Messages in messengers (Viber, Facebook Messenger, etc.)
• ⚠️ System warnings (low charge, overheating)
• 🔔 Alerts from applications with permission to notify

The main reasons why users want to take their pulse off are:

1. Battery consumption – animation causes the screen to periodically “wake up”, which increases power consumption by 3–7% (according to XDA Developers tests).
2. Distraction effect – blinking is noticeable even in a dark room and can interfere with sleep.
3. Aesthetics – not everyone likes the design of animation, especially in the AMOLED-screen.
4. Confidentiality – the pulse may give the fact of receiving a message to outsiders.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings (without root)

The simplest method, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15, is suitable for models Redmi Note 11/12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 12/13/14 and others.

1. Open Settings → Always display (or lock screen in older versions).
2. Slip on the Notification Pulse (may be called the Notification Indicator).
3. Move the slider to the Off position for all types of notifications.
4. Save the changes and restart the device (required!).

If the Pulse Notifications item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (⋮) → Special permissions → Display over other windows → Find System Notifications and turn off

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work on some Chinese firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu)
• ❌ May be reset after the update MIUI
• ❌ Does not turn off the pulse for system warnings (low charge, etc.)

💡

If your pulse still appears after turning off, check the settings of specific applications (for example, WhatsApp: Settings → Notifications → Light indicator).

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If the standard method does not work, you can turn off the pulse via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root, but requires a computer and USB-Cable, Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone Tapnet 7 times on MIUI Version Enter the password from your Mi Account if required

USB debugging

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers
• Turn on the debugging slider over USB
• Confirm the permission on the computer
• Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands: adb shell settings put global notification_light_pulse 0 adb shell settings put global notification_light_screen_on 0

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It does not require a PC connection.
• ✅ It works on most firmware. MIUI
• ✅ You can fine-tune the pulse behavior for individual applications

Disadvantages:

• ❌ On some devices (POCO F4, Redmi K50) activity may not be available
• ❌ After updating MIUI settings may reset
• Save the changes and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention! editing system files may result in: • Bootloop (looped-in boot) • Warranty loss (if the device is warranty) • Notification failure (including SMS Before the changes, make a full backup through TWRP Mi Flash.

Method 5: Install custom firmware (for enthusiasts)

If none of these methods worked, the last option is to install custom firmware without a pulse.

• 🔧 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary features MIUI
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface

How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-14 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model (download from the official website).
3. Download the firmware (for example, with XDA Developers).
4. Reboot to TWRP and run Wipe → Format Data.
5. Install the firmware through Install → Select ZIP.

Advantages:

• ✅ Complete removal of pulse and other unnecessary functions MIUI
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface
• ✅ Frequent security updates

Risks:

• ❌ Loss of guarantee
• ❌ Possible bugs (not working) NFC, camera.)
• ❌ Difficulty rolling back on standard firmware

Table of compatibility of methods with popular models

Not all methods work equally well across devices, and below is the compatibility table for popular Xiaomi models (as of 2026):

If your model is not in the table, check compatibility on the forums. 4PDA or XDA For new devices (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13) we recommend starting with ADB-The method is the most universal.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the pulse is turned off, users face typical problems, and here's how to solve them:

1.Pulse is gone, but notifications don't come in:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🔧 Check permissions for applications in Settings → Annexes → Management of notifications.
• 📱 Install the Notification History Log application for diagnostics.

2.After the MIUI update, the pulse returned:

• 🔄 Repeat the shutdown through ADB Activity Launcher.
• 📵 Turn off automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Use the Magisk Module MIUI Optimization to block resetting settings.

3.The pulse only flashes for a specific application (e.g. WhatsApp):

• 📱 Open the application settings → Notifications → Additionally.
• 🔴 Turn off the light indicator and flashing screen.
• 🔧 For Telegram, also turn off Show notifications on the lock screen.

4. The screen is left with a dim glow after the shutdown:

• 🔧 It's AMOLED-The effect (typical) of Xiaomi 12/13 s E4 AMOLED).
• 🌓 Set a dark theme in Settings → Screen. → Dark subject.
• 🔄 Execute the command through ADB: adb shell settings put global low_power_ambient_display 0

⚠️ Attention! If after manipulating the settings, the phone stopped turning on (bottle), try: 1. + Vol+ 10 seconds for forced reboot. 2. Flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool in mode EDL (Requires an authorized Xiaomi account). 3. Contact the service center (if the warranty is valid, do not talk about root!).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions