How to enable Always On Display (AOD) on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but many users face a problem: the Always On Display (AOD) function is not in the standard settings. Unlike Xiaomi flagship models, where AOD is available out of the box, additional manipulations are required. In this article, we will discuss all working ways to enable displaying time and notifications on a locked screen, from hidden MIUI settings to third-party applications.

It is important to understand that the Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with AMOLED-screen only in modification with the processor Mediatek Helio G90T, a) the basic version has IPS-This has a direct impact on the ability to use the matrix. AOD: on IPS-In the screens, the function is either unavailable or it drains the battery quickly. We'll take these nuances into account and suggest solutions for both types of displays.

Before you start setting up, check the MIUI version on your device. Active tests show that AOD is most stable on MIUI 12.5 firmware and later. If you have an earlier version, we recommend you update via Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ System Update.

What is Always On Display and Why is it Not on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Always On Display (AOD) โ€” This is a feature where part of the screen remains active even when locked, displaying time, date, battery level and notifications. AMOLED-screens where pixels are individually illuminated, which minimizes power consumption.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the situation is complicated by two factors:

  • ๐Ÿ”น Screen type: Basic version of smartphone is equipped IPS-matrix AOD Xiaomi has deliberately disabled the feature for such models to avoid complaints about fast discharge.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Optimization MIUI: Even on modifications with AMOLED manufacturer AOD In budget lines, leaving it only for flagships (Mi 9, Mi 10 and newer).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Hardware Restrictions: Helio Processor G90T Does not support low-level commands to control screen pixels as effectively as Snapdragon in top-end models.

But there are other ways around it. AMOLED-In other words, you can activate the hidden mode. AOD through the engineering menu, and for IPS-Third-party applications with a simulated function will suit the screens.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of screen does your Redmi Note 8 Pro have?
AMOLED
IPS
I don't know.
Other

How to check the screen type on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Before setting up your AOD, it is critical to determine which display is installed on your device, which affects how you activate and how you expect battery consumption.

  1. Using the model number: Go to Settings โ†’ About โ†’ MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line "Keronel". The engineering menu will open, where the Hardware Info โ†’ Display section will specify the matrix type. Look for AMOLED or LCD (IPS) strings.
  2. Visual test: Look at the screen at a 45ยฐ angle. On IPS, the colors will be distorted, and on AMOLED they will remain saturated. Also, turn on the black background of the wallpaper, and on AMOLED, the pixels will completely turn off, creating a "deep" black color.
  3. Through the app: Install AIDA64 and go to the Display section. The "Screen Type" bar will provide accurate information.
Screen typeSupport for AODBattery consumptionRecommended method
AMOLEDYes (hidden function)0.5-1% per hourEngineering Menu or ADB
IPS (LCD)No (imitation)2-5% per hourThird-party annexes
Unknown.Checking is requiredโ€”Visual test

โš ๏ธ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with IPS-screen-on AOD through the engineering menu or ADB-commands can cause the matrix to overheat and the battery to deteriorate rapidly, in which case only use specialized applications with timeout settings.

Method 1: Enabling AOD through hidden MIUI settings (for AMOLED)

If your smartphone is equipped with AMOLED-On the screen, you can try to activate the AOD via hidden options MIUI. This method works on firmware. MIUI 12-14, but it requires caution: wrong actions in the engineering menu can disrupt the stability of the system.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##6484##.This will open the MIUI Test menu.
  2. Go to Display โ†’ AOD Settings (if there is no partition, your firmware does not support the function).
  3. Activate the Enable AOD switch and select the display style (e.g. Digital Clock).
  4. Save the settings and restart the device.

If the combination does not work, try an alternative path:

  1. Install the QuickShortcutMaker app.
  2. In the search, type in AOD and find the hidden activity of com.android.settings.DisplaySettings.
  3. Open it and turn on the Always On Display option.

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparation for activation AOD

Done: 0 / 4

โš ๏ธ Note: Some of the firmware after activation AOD The fingerprint scanner may be missing from the engineering menu. AOD Restart the phone by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-commands (universal method)

If hidden settings are not available, you can enable AOD via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for both types of screens, but IPS will land a lot of battery. You will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings โ†’ About the phone and tap 7 times on the line "Version" MIUI".
  2. Return to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC, confirm your trust in your computer, and open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
  4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
  5. Run the activation command. AOD: adb shell settings put global always_on_display_enabled 1
  6. Reboot the phone.

To disable AOD, use the same command by replacing 1 by 0.

adb shell am broadcast -a com.android.systemui.AOD_SHOW

This will force the display service to run.-->

Method 3: Third-party applications for AOD (for IPS and AMOLED)

If the previous methods have not worked or if you have IPS-The only way out is to use third-party apps. They simulate. AOD, We tested 5 popular solutions and selected the two most stable ones:

1. Always On AMOLED

The application with flexible settings, which supports Redmi Note 8 Pro on all types of screens, allows you to choose watch styles, color schemes and even add your own wallpaper.

  • โœ… Pluses: ๐Ÿ”น Works on IPS (battery-consuming) ๐Ÿ”น Customized activation times (for example, only at night) ๐Ÿ”น Support for notifications from messengers
  • โŒ Cons: ๐Ÿ”น Advertising in the free version ๐Ÿ”น Nana IPS screen flickers at low brightness

2. Glance Plus (formerly Glance)

The official app from Xiaomi, originally designed for smartphones with AMOLED, but adapted for other matrices, has a minimalist design and low power consumption on supported devices.

  • โœ… Pluses: ๐Ÿ”น Optimized for MIUI ๐Ÿ”น Support for gestures (such as double tapping to unlock) ๐Ÿ”น The "Battery Savings" mode for IPS
  • โŒ Cons: ๐Ÿ”น Limited choice of styles in the free version ๐Ÿ”น Sometimes it conflicts with the company shell. MIUI

You can install both apps from Google Play.

  1. Open the application and provide all the permissions you request (including Overlay over other windows).
  2. Select the AOD style and customize the information displayed (time, date, notifications).
  3. Enable AutoRun option in the battery settings (Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ AutoRun control).
  4. Activate AOD mode via widget or notification.
How to reduce battery consumption when using third-party AOD?
1. Set a shutdown timer (e.g. 23:00 to 7:00). 2. Turn off the notifications display - they update the screen every 10-15 seconds. 3. Use dark themes with minimal brightness (on AMOLED, this has almost no effect on consumption). 4. In the battery settings, add the AOD app to the optimization exceptions.

Solving AOD problems on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Even after successful activation of AOD, users often encounter bugs, and we have collected typical problems and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
AOD does not turn on after restartingAOD service killed by battery optimizerAdd the app to exceptions (Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery Optimization)
The screen flickers or is illuminatedConflict with brightness settingsTurn off adaptive brightness in Settings โ†’ Display
AOD only works when connected to a chargingFirmware restriction for IPS-screenUse apps with the "Only when charging" setting
Notifications are not displayedLack of permitsInclude notifications for the AOD application in Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Notification Management

If AOD suddenly stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

  1. Clear the Settings app cache (Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management โ†’ Settings โ†’ Clear the cache).
  2. Reset the display settings to standard (Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Resetting settings).
  3. Reinstall the AOD application (if you use a third-party one).

โš ๏ธ Attention: On firmware MIUI 13+ When you reset, you may miss the Always On Display section in the engineering menu. To return it, follow the command: adb shell pm grant com.android.settings android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

Comparison of AOD Including Methods: What to Choose

Each method has its pros and cons. Below is a comparison table that will help determine the best option for your Redmi Note 8 Pro:

MethodScreen typeDifficultyBattery consumptionStability
Engineering menuOnly AMOLEDMedium0.5-1%/hourHigh (possible bugs after updates)
ADB-teamAMOLED/IPSTall.1โ€“3%/hour (up to 5% IPS)Medium (may be dropped)
Always On AMOLEDAMOLED/IPSLow.1-4%/hourTall.
Glance PlusAMOLED (optimum)Low.0.8-2%/hourTall.

Nana IPS-screen-screen AOD It will consume 3-5 times more energy than it does. AMOLED. If the battery is critical for you, consider alternatives: a watch widget on a locked screen or a smartwatch with a function. AOD.

๐Ÿ’ก

For maximum battery savings, set AOD to activate only when connected to a charge or at certain hours (e.g., at night).

FAQ: Frequent AOD questions on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Can I include? AOD Redmi Note 8 Pro with IPS-screenless?
No, on IPS-matrixes, the feature Always On Display is hardware blocked by Xiaomi.The only way is to use third-party applications like Always On AMOLED or Glance Plus, but they will significantly land the battery (up to 5% per hour).
Why did the AOD section disappear in the settings after the MIUI update?
Xiaomi regularly removes hidden features from firmware for budget models. AOD Disappeared, try: Reverse to the previous version MIUI It's a Fastboot. ADB-Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) where AOD It's supported by default. Before rolling back, back up your data!
How to check if AOD is working in the background?
To make sure the feature is active: Lock the screen and wait 10 seconds. Put a flashlight on the screen - AMOLED should show dim pixels of the watch. Check battery consumption in Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery Use. If AOD works, you will see the com.android.systemui process at ~1% per hour.
The AOD turns on, but the screen goes out after 30 seconds. How do you fix it?
This problem is related to the screen sleep settings.Solution: Go to Settings โ†’ Display. โ†’ Sleep mode and set Never (or maximum time) for third-party applications (e.g. Always On) AMOLED) turn on the Ignore Battery Optimization option in the application settings. ADB: adb shell settings put global stay_on_while_plugged_in 3 This will force the screen timeout to be turned off.
Will AOD work after resetting the phone to factory settings?
No, the reset removes all user settings, including activated through the engineering menu or ADB mode AOD. After reset: Repeat the on-line procedure (via the engineering menu or ADB). Reinstall third-party AOD applications. Check the MIUI version - perhaps after the reset, an older firmware is installed where AOD is not supported.