Owners of Xiaomi flagship devices often seek to get the most functionality from their gadget, and one of the most popular features is the lock screen with constantly active time and notification widgets. However, in the Xiaomi Mi 8 model released in 2018, the situation with this option has its own technical nuances that must be considered for the correct configuration of the system. AMOLED, which is theoretically able to display a static picture without active highlighting of all pixels, but the software shell MIUI In global versions, firmware often hides this possibility.
Users face a lack of a menu item, believing that their device does not support Always On Display (AOD), although the screen is physically ready for it. Enabling this feature requires not just switching the switch, but understanding how energy saving works in conjunction with the display. The key limitation to activating a regular AOD on the Mi 8 is the version of the MIUI operating system and the firmware region, since in some builds the function is blocked software to save battery life. In this material, we will discuss in detail all available activation methods, the risks of pixel burnout and alternative solutions.
Before you start changing system settings, it’s important to recognize the difference between software emulation and hardware support. While newer models like the Mi 10 or Mi 11 are running out of the box, the Mi 8 often requires additional action or custom software installation. We’ll look at both native methods hidden in the engineering menu or standard settings of certain versions of MIUI, and third-party applications that can be a worthy replacement.
Technical features of the screen Xiaomi Mi 8 for AOD
The display of the Xiaomi Mi 8 smartphone is made using AMOLED technology, which is a fundamental condition for the Always On Display function. Unlike IPS-matrixes, where the backlight works throughout the screen area, AMOLED allows you to light individual pixels independently of each other. This means that when displaying a black watch on a black background, the corresponding pixels are simply turned off and do not consume energy, which makes AOD technology technically feasible on this device.
However, despite the availability of a suitable matrix, the implementation of the MIUI function in this model was limited. the company's engineers were guided by the considerations of autonomy, since even the minimum glow of pixels for 24 hours significantly affects the overall battery charge.
⚠️ Warning: Prolonged static image of the same elements at high brightness can lead to residual afterglow (burnout) of the matrix AMOLED, Therefore, it is not recommended to use AOD round-the-clock.
It is important to understand that not having a settings menu item doesn’t always mean that the function is physically impossible to work, often a software limitation that can be circumvented, but you should do it with caution. If you decide to activate AOD on the Mi 8 in any of the available ways, be prepared to increase battery consumption in standby mode.
- 🔋 Technology AMOLED Allows you to display information without turning on all screen highlights.
- ⚙️ Software shell MIUI can hide the function AOD depending on the region of the firmware.
- 📉 Activation of permanent widgets increases battery consumption in standby mode.
- 🛡️ The risk of pixel burnout is minimal when using dynamic styles and low brightness.
Thus, the technical base of the Xiaomi Mi 8 allows you to implement Always On Display, but requires intervention in the software part. The user must weigh the need for this feature and the willingness to put up with additional energy consumption for aesthetics and convenience.
Checking for native function in MIUI
The first step before installing third-party software or flashing the device should be to carefully check the standard settings of the system. In some versions of the MIUI shell, especially in Chinese or early global builds, the lock screen control point can be hidden or moved.
Inside this menu, you should carefully study all available options. If you are lucky enough to have your firmware version that supports native AOD, you will see a item called Always-on display or Always-on Mode. In newer versions of MIUI, this option is often hidden in the Additional submenu or Advanced settings inside the lock screen section. It is also worth checking the Wallpaper -> Wallpaper Carousel section, as sometimes the function is only activated when using certain themes.
If there is no option in the specified places, this is not a cause for despair. There is a possibility that the function is blocked at the regional level, in which case, change the region in the settings Additional -> Region to India or China, then restart the device and check the menu again. However, this method does not work on all versions of MIUI for the Mi 8 model.
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Try using the Classic theme or standard MIUI wallpaper before looking for AOD settings – sometimes custom themes block access to the system functions of the screen.
It is worth noting that in the global stable firmware versions for the Mi 8 native support for AOD was added only in some updates based on Android 9 and 10. If you have an older version of Android installed, the probability of finding this feature in the standard menu tends to zero, in which case it is more rational to immediately switch to using third-party solutions, which we will discuss later.
Activation through hidden settings and themes
One of the safest ways to get the functionality of Always On Display on Xiaomi Mi 8 without obtaining superuser rights (Root) is to use the MIUI Themes store. Developers create special themes that forcibly include system scripts responsible for displaying widgets on the off screen.
In the store search box, type "AOD", "Always On" or "Active Display". You will be offered a variety of options, both paid and free. Choose themes that are highly ranked and have more downloads, as they tend to be better optimized. Once the theme is loaded and applied, the device may require a reboot. If the theme supports AOD, the lock screen will change after you turn on, and the display will display hours when the display goes down.
However, this method has its limitations: Themes can run unstable, conflict with other interface elements, or quickly drain the battery due to unoptimized code. Also, after updating the system or changing the topic, settings can get lost. Some themes can display AOD only for 10 seconds after blocking, simulating the behavior of the regular function, but not being it in essence.
- 🎨 The shop that MIUI It contains hundreds of support options AOD.
- 🔍 You need to search by keywords"AOD","Always On","AMOLED".
- ⚠️ Using third-party themes can change the appearance of menus and icons.
- 🔄 The feature may stop working after updating the firmware or changing the theme.
⚠️ Warning: When installing themes from unverified sources or questionable stores, there is a risk of downloading malware, so only use the official Xiaomi theme store.
If the theme is unsuccessful, you can try activating the function through the engineering menu, although this method rarely works on the Mi 8. Type in the phone book the code ##6484## to enter the hardware testing mode. Here you can check the display performance, but software to enable AOD through this interface is usually impossible without special patches.
Use of third-party applications for AOD
The most efficient and flexible solution for owners of Xiaomi Mi 8, who do not want to reflash the device, is to install specialized applications from Google Play. API To create a layer on top of the lock screen, mimicking the native Always On Display. AMOLED Screen Always On.
The principle of such applications is to create a black image with the desired widgets (hours, date, notifications), which is displayed on top of the system lock screen. AMOLED-In the case of matrices, the black background doesn't glow, giving the illusion of a screen that's off with active information.
To properly work third-party AOD, you need to give the application a number of permissions, including displaying on top of other windows and operating in the background without restrictions. In the MIUI battery settings for the selected application, you need to select the No Limits mode, otherwise the aggressive Xiaomi energy saving system will “kill” the process a few minutes after turning off the screen.
☑️ Set-up of the application AOD
Importantly, third-party applications cannot fully integrate into the system as deeply as native features. For example, fingerprint or face unlocking can be delayed, as you first need to wake up the AOD app and then read the biometrics. However, for the Mi 8, it is often the only way to get the desired functionality.
Scheduling and energy saving
Regardless of the method of activation of Always On Display on Xiaomi Mi 8, it is critically important to properly set the schedule. the constant glow of even a few pixels for 24 hours can reduce battery life of the smartphone by 15-20%.
In the settings of a native AOD or third-party application, look for a Schedule or Scheduler section, where you can set time intervals when the screen is active, for example, from 8:00 to 23:00. Many applications also support Smart AOD mode, which uses an accelerometer and a gyroscope: the screen only lights up when you pick up the phone or when a notification arrives.
To maximize energy savings, it is recommended to reduce the brightness of AOD widgets to a minimally comfortable level. In the dark, an overly bright screen can interfere, so automatic brightness adjustment by time of day will be very useful. If you use a third-party application, make sure that its settings include a burnout prevention option that periodically shifts the image by several pixels.
| Setup parameter | Impact on the battery | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Working hours 24/7 | High (up to 20% per day) | Not recommended for daily use |
| Scheduled (10-12 hours) | Average (8-12% per day) | The best option for most users |
| Only on notice. | Low (2-4% per day) | The best choice for saving charge |
| Smart mode (sensors) | Medium/Low | A good balance between functionality and autonomy |
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Using the AOD schedule allows you to reduce battery consumption by almost half, while maintaining functionality at the right time of day.
Also, consider that the enabled AOD can interfere with the operation of certain functions, such as the Do Not Disturb mode or alarm clocks, if they are tied to a full lock of the device.
Solving and resolving problems
When you configure Always On Display on the Xiaomi Mi 8, users may encounter a number of typical problems. One of the most common is the spontaneous shutdown of the function after a few minutes of operation. This is due to aggressive battery optimization in MIUI. To solve this problem, you need to go to Settings -> Battery and Performance, find the application used (or the AOD system process), and put the energy saving strategy in the No Limits position.
Another common problem is black screen instead of widgets or incorrect color displays. This may be due to a conflict of design themes. Try resetting the theme to standard Classic or Default and checking the feature again. If you use a third-party app, make sure it has permission to display on top of other apps, which is issued separately in special features or access rights.
Sometimes users complain that AOD doesn't turn off when you hold your phone to your ear during a conversation or in your pocket, which can lead to accidental taps, so you need to check the proximity sensor settings. In the ##6484## engineering menu, you can calibrate the sensors, which often solves the problem of false positives.
- 🔋 Check the permissions of the application in the "Battery" section for restrictions.
- 🎨 Reset the custom theme to the standard one to avoid conflicts.
- 👐 Calibrate the proximity sensor if the screen does not go out in your pocket.
- 📲 Make sure permission is enabled "Display over other windows".
⚠️ Note: If after activation AOD phone starts to heat up strongly in standby mode, immediately turn off the function - this may indicate a failure in the power controller or software.
If none of the methods worked, your firmware version may have critical errors, so consider upgrading to the latest available MIUI or reverting to a more stable build if the problem occurs after the upgrade.
What if the AOD is working but the clock is not showing the right time?
Alternative methods: Castomic firmware
For advanced users who are not afraid of losing their warranty or bricking the device, there is a radical but most effective method – installing custom firmware. The Xiaomi Mi 8 has proven to be a great build LineageOS, Pixel Experience and MIUI EU (European modification), in which the Always On Display feature is often implemented natively and works more stable than in the stock global version.
The custom firmware installation process requires unlocking the bootloader, installing a TWRP relay, and then flashing it back, a complex process that requires carefulness and follow the instructions for a particular model, but the result is the full unlocking potential of the Mi 8 hardware, including full AOD, an improved camera, and no advertising in the system.
It is worth remembering that installing unofficial software always carries risks. You can lose data, so before starting any manipulations, make sure to make a full backup of important information. In addition, some banking applications may stop working due to a violation of the integrity of the system, although this is solved by additional settings (Magisk, SafetyNet).
If you are not ready for such difficulties, it is better to focus on using third-party applications from Google Play, which provide 90% of the functionality without the risk of damage to the system.