How to set a watch on the off screen Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with settings and life hacks

Why doesn’t Redmi display a clock when the display is turned off?

You used to look at your smartphone to see the time, but the Xiaomi Redmi screen stays black until unlocked, POCO Or classic Redmis, because you disabled Always-On Display (AOD) β€” technology that leaves minimal information on the screen (time, date, notifications) even when off.

Not all Xiaomi models support all of them. AOD "Out of the box." For example, budget Redmis. 9A or Redmi 10C This option is not available due to hardware limitations (screen type). IPS LCD instead AMOLED). But even if your smartphone is technically capable of showing the clock on the display turned off, the feature can be hidden in the settings or disabled by default to save power. AOD, Turn on the clock and optimize their work.

It is important that your Redmi is equipped with AMOLED-screen (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi) K50), chance of successful adjustment AOD Close to 100%. IPS-The displays will require workarounds - we will also tell about them.

Which Redmi models support Always-On Display?

Function AOD Not available on all Xiaomi smartphones, but here are the key compatibility criteria:

  • πŸ“± Screen type: Only AMOLED super AMOLED. IPS LCD It does not support partial pixel lighting, so AOD On such displays is impossible without workaround solutions.
  • πŸ”‹ Version. MIUI: Starting with MIUI 12 The function has become more stable, but in some regional firmware it may be hidden.
  • πŸ’‘ Hardware platform: Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processors+ MediaTek Dimensity is more often supported AOD, more budget-friendly.

Below is a table with popular Redmi models and their compatibility:

ModelScreen typeSupport for AODNotes
Redmi Note 12 Pro+AMOLED, 120Hzβœ… Yes.Full support with style settings
Redmi K50AMOLED, 120Hzβœ… Yes.Included through Settings β†’ Screen.
Redmi Note 11 ProAMOLED, 120Hzβœ… Yes.Requires an upgrade to MIUI 13+
Redmi 10IPS LCD, 90 Hz❌ No.Only through third-party applications
Redmi 9TIPS LCD, 60 Hz❌ No.Alternative: Widget on a locked screen

If your model is not in the table, check the screen type in the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or through the application. AIDA64 (Display section. IPS-Displays will have to use bypass methods - we will talk about them in the section about alternative solutions.

πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi Note 12/13
Redmi K50/K60
Redmi 10/11
POCO X/F
Another model

Step-by-step: how to turn on the clock on the screen off

If your Redmi supports Always-On Display, follow this instruction.The process may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI, But the general logic holds.

Check the battery charge (recommended >30%)

Update MIUI to the latest version

Make sure the screen is β€” AMOLED

Turn off the power saving modes-->

  1. Open Settings and go to the Screen section (or Display in some firmware).
  2. Find Always-On Display (can be called a Clock on a locked screen or a Clock on a locked screen). AOD). If it is not, tap on Additional or use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).
  3. Activate the Always-On Display slider. The system can suggest selecting the style of the watch (analog, digital, date, etc.).
  4. Set up a display schedule (e.g., only at night or always).Smart mode option includes AOD only when the phone is lifted.
  5. Save the changes. Now, when you turn off the screen (by pressing the power button), it will have a watch and basic information.

If the paragraph AOD no:

  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Update MIUI.
  • 🌍 Check the firmware region: some features are hidden in the global versions.
  • πŸ› οΈ Install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) where AOD frequently activated by default.

πŸ’‘

After inclusion AOD The watch disappears after a few seconds, check the battery saving settings. add the system app com.miui.aod to the exceptions.

Customize the style of the watch and additional information

The Always-On Display feature on Xiaomi Redmi allows you to not only display the time, but also customize the look of the screen.

  • ⏰ Clock styles: analog (with hands), digital (with or without seconds), minimalistic (hours and minutes only).
  • πŸ“… Date and day of the week: display in DD.MM.GYG or Month, number.
  • πŸ”” Notifications: Badges of new messages, missed calls or alarm clocks.
  • 🎨 Color scheme: monochrome mode (saving charge) or color (saturated, but consumes more energy).

To change the style:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Screen. β†’ Always-On Display.
  2. Slip on the item "Style of watches (or design)."
  3. Choose your favorite option and confirm the choice.
  4. Advanced settings (such as adding weather widgets) may require themes from the Theme to be installed.

In the models with MIUI 14+ available β€œDynamic” AOD" β€” The clock changes color depending on the wallpaper or the time of day. AOD Choose the Dynamic Style option.

How to add your picture to the AOD?
In some firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU) you can upload your own image for the background AOD. For that: 1. Put the picture in the folder. MIUI/AOD internal. 2. Go to the settings. AOD and select the User background. 3. Cut the image to the screen size (recommended format β€” PNG transparently).

How to Save Battery Charges Using AOD

The main disadvantage of Always-On Display is the additional battery consumption. AMOLED-The screens have minimal power consumption (only the pixels are highlighted), but when you use them, you can see the difference:

  • ⚑ Set a schedule: activate AOD only during working hours (for example, from 8:00 to 22:00).
  • πŸŒ™ Use dark themes: black background reduces battery load (relevant to the battery) AMOLED).
  • ⏱️ Reduce the display time: in settings AOD Select the option to turn off 10 seconds after blocking.
  • πŸ”‹ Disable unnecessary widgets: Notifications and weather increase spending by 15-20%.

Battery consumption comparison table (testing on Redmi Note 12 Pro)+):

AOD modeExpense in 8 hoursNotes
Off.2%Basic standby consumption
Only the clock (monochrome)4–5%Optimal balance
The clock + date + notice7–8%Costs increase with frequent notifications
Colored AOD animationly10%+Not recommended for savings

⚠️ Attention: If, after activation, AOD Your smartphone is running out too quickly (more than 1% per hour in standby mode), check the applications in the background. AOD increase the cost.

Alternative ways to display time on a screen turned off

If your Redmi does not support Always-On Display (for example, because of the IPS-screen, there are workarounds:

1. The watch widget on the locked screen

Many Xiaomi models allow you to add widgets to the lock screen.

  1. Click the empty space on the home screen and select Widgets.
  2. Find the Watch (or Weather and Clock) widget.
  3. Drag it to the lock screen (if the option is available).

Cons: The widget is only visible after pressing the power button, not constantly.

Third-party annexes

Apps like Always On AMOLED or Glance Plus emulate AOD even IPS-They work by the principle of screens:

  • πŸ“± Displays minimalist watches when blocked.
  • πŸ”„ Update time every minute (not in real time).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery consumption is higher than that of native AOD, but lower than the constant screen lighting.

Instructions for Always On AMOLED:

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. Grant permissions to Overlay on top of other applications and Ignore battery optimization.
  3. In the application settings, select the style of the watch and activate the option to Show when blocking.
  4. Add the app to autoboot (via Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Auto-start).

⚠️ Attention: Some applications for emulation AOD They may conflict with system services. MIUI. Before installing, check the reviews on compatibility with your Redmi model.

3. Double tap to wake up

If neither of these methods works, turn on the Double Touch function to wake up:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Screen β†’ More.
  2. Activate the option of Double Touch to wake up.
  3. Now, tap the screen twice to see the time.

It's not a full replacement. AOD, It is more convenient than pressing the power button.

πŸ’‘

In the models with IPS-screen-wire AOD Alternatives (widgets, third-party applications) provide a partial solution, but with compromises on convenience and battery consumption.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after setting up Always-On Display correctly, Xiaomi Redmi users are faced with bugs.

1.The watch disappears in seconds

Reason: Battery optimization for system application is active AOD.

Decision:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Always On Display (or com.miui.aod).
  3. Choose the Battery. β†’ No restrictions.
  4. Also add the app to Auto Launch.

2. AOD Not working after the update MIUI

Reason: Reset screen settings or conflict with a new firmware version.

Decision:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone.
  • πŸ”§ Reset the screen settings: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting screen settings.
  • πŸ“₯ If the problem persists, revert to the previous version. MIUI (via Fastboot or Recovery).

3.The clock is displayed incorrectly (with artifacts)

Reason: Conflict with the shell MIUI or damage to system files.

Decision:

  • 🎨 Change the style of the watch to the standard (for example, digital).
  • πŸ”„ Clear the system cache: Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Cleanup β†’ Cash system.
  • πŸ› οΈ If the artifacts are left, reset to factory settings (pre-make a backup).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (such as Note 11 Pro) after resetting AOD It might disappear from the menu, and then you can only flash it through Fastboot.

Can I include? AOD on the redmi IPS-screen?
The full-fledged Always-On Display only works on the AMOLED-They're displays, because they can highlight individual pixels. IPS Only alternatives are available: widgets on a locked screen or third-party applications (for example, Always On). AMOLED), fake AOD battery-consuming.
Why? AOD It suddenly stopped working after the update?
This is a common problem when switching to a new version. MIUI. Most often helps: Reset screen settings (Settings) β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Screen resetting) Cleaning the system application cache. Manual activation AOD through settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Always-On Display. If nothing works, check if the feature is hidden in your regional firmware. MIUI For the Redmi Note 12 AOD It may be disabled by default.
How to make the clock on AOD flashing on notice?
In standard settings MIUI There is no such option, but you can use a workaround: Install the Edge Lighting app (available on Google Play). AOD Please provide all necessary permissions (access to notifications, auto-start). Note: the feature does not work on all models and may increase battery consumption.
Can the color of the clock be changed? AOD?
Yes, but the possibilities depend on the model and version. MIUI: On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and newer color styles available AOD (included in the settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Always-On Display β†’ Color scheme. On older models (e.g. Redmi) K40) The color can only be changed through custom themes from the Themes store. Full customization (e.g. gradients) will require the installation of alternative firmware (Xiaomi.EU).
AOD It's a big battery drain?
Here are the proven ways: Switch to a monochrome watch style (black and white). Turn off the display of notifications and weather in the watch. AOD. Set a work schedule (e.g., only 7:00 to 23:00) Activate the option to turn off 10 seconds after locking. Use dark wallpaper and themes, which reduces the load on the workload. AMOLED-If the flow rate is too high, check if it's conflicting. AOD with other applications (for example, messengers or fitness trackers).