How to Enable Always On Display (AOD) on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: A Complete Guide with Nuances

The feature is Always on Display (AOD) It allows you to display key information on the screen of your smartphone even when it is off — time, date, notifications or battery charge. AMOLED-This option is available out of the box, but owners of Redmi Note 9 often face its absence from the menu?

The thing is, the Redmi Note 9 fitted IPS-display, not energy efficient AMOLED. The manufacturer is deliberately blocking AOD on such screens, since the constant backlighting of pixels leads to a significant battery consumption (up to the current level). 10-15% However, there are legal and informal ways to activate the function – from hidden settings. MIUI In this guide, we will analyze all working methods, taking into account firmware versions and potential risks.

Why is Redmi Note 9 not Always On Display by default?

The main reason is technical limitations. IPS-Unlike the matrix. AMOLED, where each pixel is illuminated independently, IPS-displays require full-screen illumination even to display minimal information:

⚡ Accelerated battery discharge - up to 20% post 2-3 hourly AOD.
🔋 Overheating of the display during prolonged operation (risk of degradation of the matrix).
📉 Reduced autonomy time by 30-40% compared to normal use.

Xiaomi also artificially restricts the functionality in the firmware for budget models to encourage a move to more expensive devices, such as the Redmi Note 9 Pro (with AMOLED) has AOD, but the base version does not.

📊 You use Always On Display on your smartphone?

Yeah, all the time.

Only at night.

I tried it, but I turned it off.

No, you don't.

Official method: hidden settings MIUI

In some versions of MIUI 12-14 for Redmi Note 9, the AOD function is hidden, but it can be activated through the codes of the engineering menu or the MIUI laboratory.

Instructions:

Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##6484## (if the code didn't work, try ##64663###).
In the menu that appears, select MIUI Version and click on the MIUI logo 5-7 times until you see a message “You are a developer!”
Return to Settings → Additional → Functions Lab (or Special Opportunities → MIUI Lab).
Find the Always On Display option and turn it on.

If there is no item, your firmware version does not support this method, so move on to alternative solutions.

☑️ Preparation for activation AOD

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)Charge the battery by at least 50%Backup your data (Settings → Additional → Backup)Turn off battery optimization for system applications

Done: 0 / 4

Alternative methods: third-party applications

If the official methods did not work, you can use third-party utilities.

Annex	Features	Cons	Reference
Always On AMOLED	Emulation of AOD with time, date, battery settings. It works on top of the lock.	Battery discharges faster than the official AOD. Advertising in the free version.	Google Play
Glance Plus	Support for themes, weather widgets, notifications, optimized for Xiaomi.	It requires root rights to work properly, paid themes.	Google Play
AOD Notify	Minimalist design, low power consumption (relatively).	Limited customization. It doesn't display notifications from some messengers.	Google Play

Important: Check application permissions before installing, and some request access to Notices, Geolocation, or Special Features, which is necessary for proper operation, but may affect privacy.

⚠️ Attention: Emulation applications AOD They may conflict with system services. MIUI. If after installation, the smartphone began to brake or overheat, remove the utility and restart the device.

Rooting and custom firmware: for advanced users

If you're willing to take drastic measures, you can unlock Bootloader, get Root rights, and install custom firmware with AOD support, which gives you maximum freedom, but has serious risks:

🔓 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
💥 Possibility of "bricking" (turning into a "brick") in case of firmware error.
🛡️ Security vulnerabilities – Root access opens up access to system files for malware.

Step-by-step instruction (briefly):

Unlock Bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-14 days).
Install TWRP Recovery for your model (e.g. via Fastboot).
Sweep through custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) with AOD support.
Activate the function in the settings of the new firmware.

Detailed rooting and firmware guides for the Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. Note that after firmware, the NFC, camera or fingerprint sensor may stop working - this depends on the version of the custom software.

What if the sensor doesn’t work after the firmware?

If the sensor has stopped responding after installing custom firmware, the most common reason is incompatibility of the kernel or drivers. Solution: 1. Return to TWRP and run the original kernel from stock firmware. 2. Check the firmware version - some builds require additional patches for the sensor. 3. If the problem persists, perform a full reset (wipe) and install another custom version of the software.

Optimizing energy use with AOD

Even if you manage to turn Always On Display on, battery consumption will remain high. To minimize losses, follow these tips:

⏱️ Limit your work hours. AOD — For example, only at night or at certain hours (configured in third-party applications).
🔄 Turn off autobrightness for AOD and set the minimum lighting value.
📵 Deactivate notifications – they update the screen more often than time/date.
🔋 Use the energy saving mode (Settings) → Battery → Energy saving regime).

You can also combine AOD with the Rise to Wake (Settings → Lock Screen → Rise to Wake up) function, which allows you to quickly check notifications without constant backlighting.

💡

If your Redmi Note 9 is running too fast with the AOD on, try calibrating the battery: completely discharge the phone before turning it off, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times. This can improve the display of charge level and reduce consumption slightly.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you activate Always On Display, Redmi Note 9 users encounter common errors.

Problem.	Reason.	Decision
AOD is turned on, but immediately goes out.	Conflict with battery optimization or third-party applications.	Add the AOD app to the optimization exceptions (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).
The screen does not show the time/date	Failure to synchronize system time.	Enable automatic date/time (Settings → Additional → Date and time).
AOD only works when connected to a charging	Limitation in the energy saving settings.	Turn off the power saving mode or add the application to the exceptions.
Artifacts appeared on the screen (stripes, flickering)	Incompatible with current firmware or display drivers.	Update MIUI to the latest version or roll back to a stable build.

If none of these methods worked, maybe your Redmi Note 9 has hardware limitations that you can't get around software. AOD, Or consider buying a smartphone with AMOLED-screen.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI try AOD through the engineering menu or ADB-If after manipulation the phone starts to restart or lag, reset settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can I turn on AOD on Redmi Note 9 without root rights?

Yes, but with limitations. You can use third-party apps (e.g. Always On). AMOLED or Glance Plus, which emulate a function on top of a lock, but they won't be as energy efficient as a native one. AOD on AMOLED-Some functions (such as displaying notifications) may not work properly.

Why is AOD fast draining the battery on my Redmi Note 9?

Because your smartphone is equipped IPS-It's a screen that illuminates the entire matrix, even to display a small amount of information. AMOLED Only the right pixels are highlighted, which saves charge. - Redmi Note 9 AOD can consume up to 1-2% of the battery per hour in standby mode – this is normal for the battery. IPS.

Will AOD work after the MIUI update?

This depends on the activation method: If you used hidden MIUI settings, the function may disappear after the update (you need to turn on again). If AOD is activated through a third-party application, it should continue to work, but you may need to update the utility. When using custom firmware, the function will remain if the new version of the software supports it.

Can I customize the design of AOD on the Redmi Note 9?

In native MIUI settings, you don't have that option for your model. However, third-party apps (like Glance Plus or AOD Custom) let you: Change fonts and time/date colors; add weather or battery widgets; select animations when unlocked; Full customization requires root rights.

Is Always On Display Harmful for the Redmi Note 9?

Long-term use AOD on IPS-Theoretically, the risk of a screen degrades backlights, but in practice, it is minimal when used in moderation (e.g., only at night). AOD. To minimize the risks: Do not use AOD temperature above 30°C. Turn off the function if the battery is under 20%. Avoid bright colors in the design AOD (They increase the heat of the lights).

💡

On the Redmi Note 9 with IPS-Always on display will always use more energy than on the screen. AMOLED. The optimal balance is to use AOD Only during the necessary periods (e.g. at night) and prefer minimalist themes without animations.