How to Enable Limitless Screen on Xiaomi with MIUI 12: The Complete Guide

The limitless screen mode on Xiaomi smartphones with the MIUI 12 shell allows you to make the most of the display space, hiding the system panels and expanding the display area of content. This feature is especially useful for watching videos, playing games or working with applications where every pixel counts. However, not all users know how to properly activate and configure this mode, and what pitfalls can be encountered in the process.

In this article, we will go into detail all the ways to turn on the limitless screen, look at the differences between the versions of MIUI 12 for different Xiaomi models, and give recommendations for optimizing the work in this mode. If you want to get rid of the label “Limitless screen” in the status bar or encountered bugs after activation, here you will find solutions.

Note that the function can work differently on devices with AMOLED- and IPS-And we've taken these nuances into account, and we've also taken them into account, and we've developed universal instructions.

What is a Limitless Screen in MIUI 12 and Why You Need It?

A limitless screen (or Full Screen Display) is a display mode in which system interface elements (navigation panels, status bar) are hidden or minimized, freeing up additional space for content. In MIUI 12, this feature is implemented with the features of gesture controls and supports several display options:

• 📱 Full screen mode for applications – hide panels only in selected programs (for example, in games or video players).
• 🔄 System-based limitless mode – hiding panels at the shell level, including desktop and menu.
• 🖥️ Advanced mode for video - automatic scaling of content under the full screen (relevant for YouTube, Netflix, etc.).

The main advantages of the regime:

• ✅ Increase in screen area by 5-15% (depending on model).
• ✅ More immersive experiences when watching movies or games.
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune for specific applications.

There are downsides, however: some interface elements may become less accessible, and on physical button devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi 9T), the mode may not work properly, and it’s worth considering that not all apps support full-screen display without artifacts.

Official way to enable a limitless screen through settings

The most reliable and recommended activation method is through the standard MIUI 12 settings menu, which is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 9 Pro, Poco X3, Mi 10 and other devices based on MIUI 12.0-12.5.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Screen section.
3. Select the option "Limitless screen" (or "Full Screen Display" in English firmware).
4. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.
5. In the section Style of the limitless screen, select the preferred option: 🔘 Hide the navigation bar – removes the bottom panel with buttons. 🔘 Hide the status panel – removes the top line with time and icons. 🔘 Full screen – hides both panels.

Apply

Once activated, the status bar may have the word “Limitless Screen” written on it. To remove it, go to Settings → Screen → Limitless Screen → Show the indicator and turn off this option.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Make a backup copy of the settings|Close all background applications|Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)-->

Alternative Incorporation Methods (for Power Users)

If the standard method didn't work (for example, due to custom firmware or manufacturer restrictions), alternative methods can be used, which require more knowledge and can affect the stability of the system.

Method 1: Through ADB-team

This method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and enabled debugging over USB.

adb shell settings put global force_fullscreen 1

Once you've completed the command, restart your smartphone. To return the standard mode, use:

adb shell settings put global force_fullscreen 0

Method 2: Editing the build.prop file

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can result in loss of warranty or device "brick.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer).
2. Open the file /system/build.prop.
3. Add a line: qemu.hw.mainkeys=0
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

This method forcibly disables the software navigation buttons, which can be useful on devices with physical buttons (e.g., Xiaomi Mi A2).

Customize a limitless screen for individual applications

Not all programs work properly in full screen mode. MIUI 12 has the option of flexible customization for each application separately, for example, allowing you to hide the panels only in games or video players, leaving the standard interface in instant messengers.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Limitless screen → Setup for applications.
2. Select an app from a list (such as YouTube or PUBG Mobile).
3. Set one of the regimes: 🔘 Full screen – hides both panels. 🔘 Hide the navigation bar – removes only the bottom panel. 🔘 By default – uses system settings.

Save the changes and check the application.

Some games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) may require additional customization in the game’s menu, usually under Settings → Graphics → Full-screen mode.

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If the game does not have a swipe to return, try to turn on the gesture Back from any edge of the screen in the settings System → Gestures → Back.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

When using a limitless screen, users often encounter bugs and inconveniences, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Navigation gestures are not working

If after activation of the mode swipes for return or switching between applications have stopped working:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → System system → Gestures and reconfigure gestures.
• 🔧 Turn off and turn on the limitless screen again.
• 🔧 Reset your gesture settings to standard (Reset gesture settings in the same menu).

Problem 2: Disappears notification panel

In full screen, the swipe on top may not open the notification curtain.

• 📱 Swipe twice (first to show the status bar, then to open the curtain).
• 📱 Use gesture from the corner of the screen (setting in Settings) → Screen. → Limitless screen → Curtain gestures).
• 📱 Add the notification widget to the desktop.

Problem 3: Apps do not support full screen mode

Some programs (e.g., banking or old games) may not work in unlimited mode.

• 🔄 Add the application to exceptions in the settings of the limitless screen.
• 🔄 Try to force the mode through ADB (see section above).
• 🔄 Update the application to the latest version.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition: Some of the limitless screen settings can be hidden.To see them, switch to Advanced Mode in the upper right corner of the screen settings menu.

The difference between the work of the limitless screen on different models Xiaomi

The functionality of the limitless screen may vary depending on the model of the smartphone, the type of display and the version of MIUI. Let’s consider the key features for popular devices:

1. Devices with AMOLED-screens (Mi 10, Mi 11, Redmi) K40)

Devices with IPS-screens (Redmi Note 9, Poco) M3)

• ✅ Stable work without artifacts while hiding panels.
• ❌ There is no support for hiding the cutout (if there is one).
• ⚠️ Possible delays when swipes in full screen mode.

Devices with mechanical front camera (Mi 9T, Mi A3)

• ✅ Fully concealing the camera mechanism in full screen mode.
• ❌ Possible conflicts with camera opening gestures.
• ⚠️ Forced concealment of panels can block access to camera.

4. Physical button devices (Mi A2, Mi Max 3)

• ✅ The limitless screen only works for the top panel.
• ❌ The bottom panel with the buttons is not hidden.
• ⚠️ Possible problems with displaying the keyboard in full screen mode.

To check for unlimited screen support on your model, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If there is a Full Screen Display option in the list of functions, then the mode is officially supported.

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On devices with MIUI 12.5 and later, the limitless screen is more stable thanks to optimizing gestures and interfaces. If your smartphone supports the update, we recommend you upgrade.

How to turn off the limitless screen and return the standard view

If the limitless screen mode causes inconvenience or conflicts with applications, it can be turned off at any time.

Method 1: Through settings

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Limitless screen.
2. Turn off the switch at the top of the screen.
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Method 2: Through the notification panel

Some devices have a fast tile in the notification curtain to control the limitless screen, and you can use it:

1. Swipe down to open the notification panel.
2. Find the Limitless Screen Tile (you may need to swipe left to show all the tiles).
3. Slap the tile to turn off the mode.

Method 3: Resetting screen settings

If after the mode is turned off, artifacts remain (for example, the navigation panel does not appear), reset:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → More.
2. Select Reset screen settings.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On some custom firmware, turning off the limitless screen can cause navigation gestures to reset. After turning off the mode, check the swipes in the Settings menu → System system → Gestures.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the limitless screen in MIUI 12