How to reduce the screen resolution on Xiaomi devices: 5 working methods

Reducing the resolution of the screen on Xiaomi devices can be required in a variety of situations, from saving battery power to adapting the interface to low vision or specific tasks (for example, streaming to old monitors). However, standard settings MIUI and Android TV do not always provide a direct opportunity to change the resolution — especially on smartphones. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways, including hidden features, developer tools and alternative solutions for different types of Xiaomi devices.

It's important to understand that changing the screen resolution is not just a cosmetic setup; it affects GPU performance, device autonomy, and even compatibility with certain applications. For example, reducing the resolution from FHD+ (2400×1080) to HD+ (1600×720) on the Redmi Note 12 can increase 15-20% of battery life, but it will make the text in the browser less clear. We'll look at all the pros and cons of each method, and also caution against typical errors.

This article is relevant for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices based on MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14, as well as for Mi TV and Redmi Smart TVs with Android TV 11/12. If your model is older than 2019, some methods may not work - check the firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

1. MIUI Standard Settings: Where to Look for Resolution Settings

To start with, the obvious is the built-in MIUI tools. Unfortunately, on most Xiaomi smartphones, the default screen resolution option is hidden, but on some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or the POCO F5 Pro), it can appear in the developer menu or in additional display settings.

To check for her presence:

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Scroll down and find Screen Resolution or Screen Size (not to be confused with Font Size!).
3. If there is no item, try searching through the search bar in the settings for the "permission" request.

On Mi TVs and Redmi Smart TVs, the situation is simpler: the option to change the resolution is usually available in the Settings menu → Display and sound → Screen resolution.

• 📺 3840×2160 (4K) — maximum for most models
• 🖥️ 1920×1080 (Full HD) — optimally save resources
• 📱 1280×720 (HD) — Minimum compatibility with older devices

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs when choosing a resolution below native (for example, Full) HD instead 4K) You might get blurry because of upscale. That's okay, that's how the zoom algorithm works.

2.Developer Mode: Hidden Opportunities to Change DPI and Resolution

If there are no standard options, the next step is to activate the developer mode, which allows you to manually adjust the pixel density (DPI), which indirectly affects the "visual" resolution, for example, reducing the DPI from 440 to 320 will make the interface elements larger, as if the screen has become smaller.

How to turn on the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified “You became a developer!”).
3. Return to the main settings menu and open a new section → For developers.

Now find the parameters:

• 🔍 Minimum width (dp) – affects the interface scale (the default value is usually 360-411).
• 📏 Screen density (DPI) — changes the size of the elements (standard: 440-480 for: FHD-screen).

To reduce the “effective” resolution:

1. Reduce the minimum width by 50–100 units (e.g., from 411 to 350).
2. Reduce the DPI by 20–30% (e.g., from 440 to 320).
3. Restart the device - changes will apply after the reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as banking or gaming) may fail to run at non-standard values. DPI. If SberBank Online or Wild Rift has stopped working after the changes, return it to the Internet. DPI factory-wise.

Activate the Developer Mode

Remember the current DPI and minimum width

Backup of important data

Prepare for a possible reboot-->

3. Appendices for permission change (without Root)

If the built-in methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities.

Let’s look at Second Screen, the most universal solution:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and select Create Virtual Display.
3. Specify the desired resolution (e.g. 1280×720) and refresh rate (60Hz).
4. Activate the Mirror Primary Display option – now the main screen will be duplicated with the selected resolution.

Importantly, this method creates a virtual display, rather than changing the physical resolution of the screen, and some applications (such as a camera or a game) can ignore the virtual screen and use native resolution.

💡

If the sound has disappeared after changing the resolution through Second Screen, check the audio output settings in Settings → Sound → Sound Output and select the Phone Speaker.

Change of permission via ADB (for advanced users)

For those who are not afraid of the command line, the most reliable way is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on all Xiaomi devices without Root, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings on your phone.
3. Connect the device to the computer and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell wm size 1280x720


adb shell wm density 320

Where:

• 📏 1280x720 — Replace your desired permission (replace it with your own permission).
• 🔢 320 - density DPI (experiment).

To return the factory settings, perform:

adb shell wm size reset


adb shell wm density reset

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) after changing resolution via ADB Navigation gestures may be lost, so to fix this, restart your phone or return the standard settings.

5. Root access: Full control of permission

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, getting Root rights will open up access to the system files responsible for screen resolution, a method that’s suitable for enthusiasts, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a customized Recovery (such as TWRP).

After receiving the Root:

1. Install a file manager with Root support (such as Root Explorer).
2. Go to /system/build.prop.
3. Find the lines: ro.sf.lcd_density=440 persist.demo.hdmiout=true
4. Change the meaning. ro.sf.lcd_density appropriate (e.g., appropriate, 320).
5. Save the file and restart the device.

For Mi TVs with Root, you can use the TV Settings app (available on 4PDA), which allows you to change the resolution in real time without editing system files.

💡

Root access voids Xiaomi warranty and can cause the device to malfunction. Use this method only if you understand the risks!

6.Alternative solutions: scaling and third-party launchers

If you need to change the resolution only for convenience (for example, increase the interface elements), you can do without complex manipulations:

• 🔍 Scaling in MIUI: Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Size of display and choose Large or Very Large.
• 📱 Third-party launchers: Applications like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher allow you to customize the size of icons and desktop grid regardless of the system resolution.
• 🖥️ Light mode: On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) In the settings there is a mode Light, which simplifies the interface and increases the elements.

For Mi TVs, TV A useful option would be Movie Mode (in image settings), which automatically adjusts the resolution to the content. HD-film 4K-TV system can temporarily reduce resolution to save resources.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When changing the screen resolution, Xiaomi users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If after experimenting with resolution, the device began to work unstable, reset the display settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset Display Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action – all resolution and DPI parameters will return to factory.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions