Xiaomi Redmi 9 series smartphones offer users a wide range of personalization functionality, but owners often face a misunderstanding of how to activate time display on a switched-off screen.This feature, known as Always On Display (AOD), allows you to see the time, date and notifications without touching the device. However, in the basic MIUI firmware, this option can be hidden or work differently than users expect, requiring manual adjustment.
There are several reasons why watches may not light up: from the banal energy saving to the features of a particular version of the MIUI shell. Understanding these nuances will help you to properly configure the gadget so that it informs you about the time at any time. In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible ways to activate and troubleshoot.
Support for the Always On Display feature
The first step is to clarify the technical capabilities of your device. Not all Xiaomi models support a full-fledged Always On Display mode at the hardware level. In the case of Redmi 9, the situation depends on the type of display installed (IPS or AMOLED) and the version of the software. If the IPS screen, then constant pixel illumination is impossible due to the risk of burnout and high power consumption.
Owners of IPS-matrix models should not be upset, because the system offers alternative solutions, instead of constant glow, using tap or lifting, a compromise that saves battery power while maintaining functionality.
To check the screen type and available features, you need to go to the display settings, where you will find information about the current resolution and refresh rate, as well as options related to locking. If the option "Always on screen" is missing, then your model is limited by software activation methods.
- 📱 Open the Settings menu on the main screen.
- 🖥️ Go to Lock Screen or Wallpaper and Personalization.
- 🔍 Look for Always On Screen or Always On Display.
Why is there no constant glow on Redmi 9?
It is important to understand the difference between permanent display and event activation. Redmi 9 uses dual tap or lift technology to simulate AOD. This is standard behavior for devices in this price segment, providing a balance between convenience and autonomy.
Adjust activation by double tap
The most common way to see the time on a locked Xiaomi Redmi 9 is to use the double-touch function. This action wakes the screen by showing the clock and widgets, after which the device goes back to sleep at a given interval.
Go to the lock screen settings and find the wake-up item, often called "Double tap to turn on screen" or "Wake up with double tap." Make sure the slider is green. If the function is on but the screen is not responding, try changing the tapping rhythm.
☑️ Checking tapa settings
Sometimes users complain that the double tap is unstable.This may be due to poor quality protective glass or surface contamination.Wash the screen with a soft cloth and make sure you touch the center of the display, not the edges where the touchscreen sensitivity may be lower.
- 👆 Touch the screen twice quickly and rhythmically.
- ⏱️ Wait for the dial to appear during 1-2 seconds.
- 🔒 The screen will be automatically turned off through 5-10 second-of-action.
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For better sensor responsiveness, remove the thick protective glass if installed and check the double tap on a clean screen.
Using lift to activate the screen
An alternative to manual touching is automatic activation when lifting your smartphone, which uses an accelerometer and a gyroscope to determine the position of the device in space. When you pick up a Redmi 9, the screen lights up, showing the time and notifications.
To enable this option, go to the lock screen settings and activate "Activate when lifting." Note that this mode consumes more power than a dual tap, as the motion sensors work in the background constantly. If saving charge is a priority for you, it is better to use manual switching on.
Sensor sensitivity can vary. If the screen lights up too often in your pocket or bag, try changing the angle of inclination in the settings or turning off the function altogether. It is also worth remembering that sudden movements can falsely activate the screen.
⚠️ Attention: Continuous operation of motion sensors for the "Lift" function can increase battery consumption to 10-15% daily, especially when using a smartphone.
The combination of lifting and double taping gives the best result. You can set the system to respond to both actions, which will provide maximum convenience: the phone will tell you when you take it, or let you wake it by tapping if it is on the table.
Installation of third-party dials and themes
The standard look of the watch on the MIUI lock screen may seem boring. Fortunately, the system allows you to change the design through the Themes app. There are thousands of different dials available in the catalog, many of which have unique animations and time display styles.
To install a new theme, open the app of the same name, go to the "Dials" or "Wallpaper" section "AOD", to find ways to mimic the constant operation of the screen, even if you have a IPS-matrix, many themes have beautiful animations of appearing upon awakening.
Once you download and apply the theme, the style of the clock on the locked screen will change. Some themes require additional permission to display on top of other applications. If the theme does not apply, check the theme settings in the Profile -> Topics menu.
- 🎨 Download the theme from the official Mi Themes store.
- ⬇️ Click the "Download" button and then "Apply".
- 🔄 Lock the screen to see the new design of the watch.
Be careful with topics from unknown authors, they may contain ads or poorly optimized code that will slow down the interface, choose topics with high ratings and a lot of downloads to ensure quality.
Comparison of screen activation methods
Different screen-only methods have their pros and cons. The best choice depends on your smartphone usage habits. Below is a table comparing the main ways to activate time display on the Xiaomi Redmi 9.
| Method | Battery consumption | Convenience | Response speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double tap. | Minimum | High. | Instant. |
| Raising | Medium. | Very high. | 0.5 sec delay |
| Power button | Absent. | Average. | Instant. |
| Permanent AOD | High (not available) | Maximum. | Constantly. |
As you can see from the table, the Redmi 9 is best suited for a dual tap or power button, and the constant AOD mode in this model is software limited or absent, so as not to overload the processor and battery.
If it is critical to see time without touching, consider buying an external accessory, such as a smart Mi Band bracelet that syncs with your phone, which will solve the problem of constantly monitoring time without discharging the main device.
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The best strategy for the Redmi 9 is to use dual taps in combination with energy-saving themes, which gives a better balance of functionality and autonomy.
Solving proximity sensor problems
A common problem that interferes with the correct operation of the lock screen is the malfunction or contamination of the proximity sensor, which is located at the top of the screen, often hidden under the speaker frame, and if the sensor is contaminated, the screen may not light up when you bring it to your face or, conversely, burn in your pocket.
To diagnose the problem, you can use an engineering menu or a special application from the Play Market, check if you cover the top of the screen with your hand, if you do not react, gently wipe the area above the speaker, and the cause may be a poor-quality protective glass that covers the sensor.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemicals to clean the sensor area, this may damage the oleophobic coating or the sensor layer itself.
In some cases, calibration of the sensor helps. To do this, in the engineering menu (code # # #6484###), select the Proximity Sensor test and follow the instructions on the screen. Close the top with your hand and remove it so that the system fixes the sensitivity limits.
- 🧹 Wipe the top of the screen with a soft cloth.
- 📱 Remove the protective film if it closes the sensor.
- 🛠️ Calibrate through the Engineering Menu.
If software methods don't work, there may be a physical breakdown of the sensor or plume, and you should contact the service center, especially if the phone is warranty, and self-repair can lead to loss of water protection.
Optimization of energy consumption
Active use of lock screen functions inevitably affects battery life. To maximize the autonomy of the Redmi 9, it is recommended to adjust the screen shutdown timer. The standard value of 10-15 seconds is optimal for most users.
Also, limit the background activity of apps that can wake the screen. In the battery settings, check the list of high-consumption apps. If you see Wallpaper or Themes there, try resetting them or removing newly installed packages.
⚠️ Warning: Installing live wallpaper with high detail on the lock screen can increase the power consumption in standby mode up to 20%.
Use the power saving mode if you plan to stay off charge for a long time, it will automatically turn off animations and limit the frequency of sensor surveys, which will prolong the life of the device, but make the activation of the screen a little less instantaneous.