Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just a means of communication, turning into full-fledged information hubs that should be available to the owner at any moment. For users of the Xiaomi and Redmi ecosystem, the issue of personalization of the interface, in particular, displaying the time and date when the device is in sleep mode. Standard locking often looks boring and does not allow you to quickly glance at the time without unlocking the gadget completely. That is why the Always On Display (AOD) or Always On Screen has become one of the most popular options in the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS.
However, many owners of budget and mid-budget models face a situation where, after updating the firmware or buying a new device, the usual watch disappears on a black background, this may be due to power consumption restrictions, features of the installed version of the software, or simply hidden settings that even experienced users do not know. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate the display of time on a locked screen, what nuances exist for different models of Redmi Note and Xiaomi, and also consider ways to circumvent software restrictions.
It should be noted immediately that the configuration process can differ significantly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the MIUI shell. If in the old versions the settings were scattered on different menus, then in current assemblies the company seeks to unify the interface, hiding key switches in personalization sections. Understanding the logic of the notification and energy saving system will help you not only turn on the watch, but also configure their operation so that they do not discharge the battery in a matter of hours.
Technology Always On Display and features of work Xiaomi
Always On Display technology is based on physical properties OLED and AMOLED The matrices used in most modern Xiaomi smartphones. IPS screens where the lighting is evenly lit throughout the area, each pixel OLED-This allows the system to only light certain points to display the time, date or notification icons, leaving the remaining pixels completely off and black. It is thanks to this that energy consumption remains minimal, and the risk of burn-in is reduced to a technological minimum due to periodic image displacement.
On Redmi and Xiaomi devices, this feature is closely tied to shell optimization. The system analyzes the position of the smartphone in space using an accelerometer and a gyroscope. If the phone is lying screen down in your pocket or bag, the display goes out completely to save charge. As soon as you pick up the device or pick it up, the lock screen with the watch lights up. IPS-screen-screen AOD Technically impossible due to the need to illuminate the entire screen, so it uses the function “Schedule Lock Screen” or tapu activation.
The newer versions of HyperOS have made the algorithms even smarter, so it can now analyze your habits and turn off the clock at night if Do Not Disturb mode is on, or activate a brighter mode when outside in bright sunlight, all of which require the right initial setup, otherwise the user may find that the watch either does not light up at all or goes out too quickly.
For owners of mid-range devices such as the Redmi Note series, it is important to consider that the manufacturer sometimes software restricts the functionality of AOD to differentiate models from the flagship Xiaomi line. However, often these restrictions are only software "crutches" that can be bypassed by standard system tools or through the developer menu, which we will talk about in the next sections.
Search for personalization settings in MIUI and HyperOS
The first thing a user wants to do when they want to return the watch to the lock screen is to locate the correct partition in the settings. The path to the feature may vary, but in current versions of the shell it is standardized. You should open the main settings menu and find the Always-on display & Lock screen section. In some regions of the firmware, this item may be inside the Wallpaper tab and personalization, which often confuses those who are used to the old menu structure.
If you're using a global firmware device, the interface may be different from the Chinese version. MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS global builds often feature separation of lock screen and AOD settings. You should carefully check the lock screen subsection where the lock screen style switch can be located. This is where the various display options, from simple digital watches to complex animated themes with live wallpaper, are hidden. Don't ignore the Theme Store section, as many watch styles are only available there.
⚠️ Note: If you have upgraded to the latest version MIUI If you don’t find the “Always screen on” option, it could mean your smartphone model doesn’t support this feature at the hardware level or the manufacturer has temporarily disabled it for stability testing.
For users who like deep customization, it’s worth checking out the Additional Settings –> Special Features section. Sometimes, depending on the Android version, screen controls can be duplicated. Also, remember that using any theme from Themes store can completely re-write the standard lock screen settings, returning the clock to its place or, conversely, removing it if the theme does not support AOD. So checking the current theme is a must-do step of diagnosis.
Why can the settings disappear after the update?
Step-by-step instructions for activating the clock on a locked screen
The process of turning on the time display function on the off screen requires several steps to be performed in sequence. Despite the apparent simplicity, skipping any step can result in the desired effect not being achieved. Below is a detailed guide that will help you activate the watch on most compatible Xiaomi and Redmi devices.
First, make sure your smartphone is unlocked and you are on your desktop. Open the Settings app (cog icon). Scroll down to Always On and Lock screen. If you don't have one right away, search for settings (a magnifier at the top of the screen) and enter "Always" or "AOD." In the menu that opens, find the Always On screen switch and activate it. The system can alert you to additional battery consumption - confirm the action.
☑️ Activation checklist AOD
Once the basic switch is activated, an additional configuration menu will open, and you will be asked to choose a display style: classic watches, date watches, image watches or personalized options. Choose your favorite style. Next, you need to adjust the mode of operation: Always, 10 seconds after pressing or Scheduled. For maximum comfort, select Scheduled mode, setting a time, for example, from 8:00 to 23:00, so that the phone does not glow in the bedroom at night.
An important step is to check the function. Lock the smartphone screen with the power button and wait until it goes out. Then press the power button once (without holding) or tap the screen if the dual tap activation function is enabled. The screen should show your chosen watch. If the screen lights up fully with a bright saver, not just with a clock, then the lock screen mode is activated, not AOD, and the settings should be adjusted to reduce brightness or change style.
| Setup parameter | Description of function | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of work | Determines when the clock is on. | Scheduled (saves battery) |
| AOD brightness | The intensity of pixel glow | 50-70% (comfortable at night) |
| Style. | Appearance of the dial | Digital or Analog |
| Notifications | Indication of messages on AOD | Included (for convenience) |
Set up styles, schedules and time formats
The flexibility of the time display is what users love about the MIUI shell. You can not just turn on the watch, but make it unique. The style menu has a variety of fonts, color schemes and even animations. Some styles respond to notifications: when a message arrives, the dial can change color or pulsate slightly. To access the extended style library, click on the Online Resources or Theme Store button directly from the AOD settings menu.
Special attention should be paid to setting the schedule. Scheduled allows you to automate the screen. You can set start and end times, for example, from 7:00 am to 23:00 pm. This will save you from excess light at night and save battery power while you sleep. Also, some versions of the firmware offer the option “Smart schedule”, which synchronizes with your alarm: the screen goes out when you go to bed, and lights up when the alarm goes off.
⚠️ Attention: Use of complex animated styles and constant work AOD In the “Always” mode, you can increase the battery consumption to 10-15% On models with less battery capacity 4000 mAh is recommended to use tap or schedule activation mode.
The time format is also adjustable. In the Additional settings -> Date and time section, you can select a 12- or 24-hour format, and you can also turn on the display of seconds, which turns the lock screen into a full-fledged wall clock. Remember that changing the system language or region sometimes resets the time format to the standard for the selected country, so check the settings after changing the geolocation.
💡
Use dark watch styles on AMOLED screens. Black background and white numerals are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also energy efficient, as the black pixels on the OLED arrays are completely off.
Problem Solving: Why You Don't Always On Display
Despite the correct execution of instructions, users often face a situation where the function simply does not work. One of the most common reasons is the installed theme. Third-party themes downloaded from the Themes store may not have AOD support or have conflicts with system files. To check, temporarily switch to a standard theme Classic or Default and check the clock. If the problem is solved, then it was the incompatibility of the the theme.
The second reason could be aggressive energy savings. The Android system on Xiaomi smartphones is known for its strict control of background processes. Go to Settings -> Battery -> Battery Savings and make sure that Ultra mode is not turned on or severe restrictions on system services are not included. Also check whether the background limit for Wallpaper and Carousel service or the Lockscreen system component is worth it.
The third factor is the device model. As mentioned earlier, Redmi's budget IPS-screen models cannot physically display the watch on the off screen in the full sense of the word AOD. In such cases, the system offers an alternative: a lock screen on a schedule or activate the screen when you raise the phone. If you have an IPS matrix, do not look for the "Always on" switch, it cannot be there for technical reasons.
Hidden problem with the proximity sensor
Hidden features and additional lock screen features
The lock screen on Xiaomi is not just a dial, it's a full-fledged dashboard. With AOD, you can set up the display of not only time, but other useful information. In the style settings, you can often activate the pedometer display, the charge level of Bluetooth headphones, the weather or the nearest events from the calendar, all of these widgets are updated in real time, even when the phone is locked.
The wallpaper carousel feature often competes with AOD, but it can work in tandem. The carousel changes the images on the lock screen while the phone is lying down, and when activated (taken in your hands) the AOD with the clock can be activated. Configure this bundle in the Wallpaper and carousel menu by selecting the option "Enable AOD after the carousel." This will create a beautiful visual effect and make unlocking more enjoyable.
Customization is available for advanced users through third-party apps such as Always On AMOLED These apps can bypass system limitations by offering hundreds of free dials, support, and more. GIF-It's important to remember that third-party apps consume more resources and may conflict with the system's energy saving settings.
⚠️ Note: When installing third-party applications for AOD Give them only the permissions they need. Avoid apps that require access to contacts or a microphone to run the dial — a clear sign of spyware.
The impact of Always On Display on smartphone autonomy
The impact of constantly burning pixels on battery life is a concern for every Redmi owner. The reality is that modern AMOLED arrays are extremely efficient. Energy consumption depends on the brightness and number of pixels involved. Simple digital watches consume minimal energy, often no more than 0.5-1% per hour. However, if you choose a bright, colorful style with animation, the consumption can increase by 3-4 times.
To minimize the impact on autonomy, use the following techniques: set the brightness of AOD to a minimum comfortable level (usually 30-40% is enough indoors); use the activation mode "Schedule" or "10 seconds"; choose styles with a minimum number of color elements. Black background is your best friend in saving energy. It is also worth turning off the vibration when touching the lock screen if it is not necessary, since the motor also consumes charge.
In the long run, using AOD doesn't cause significant battery degradation if you're monitoring the temperature of the device. However, if you notice that the phone is running out quickly or warming up in standby mode, try turning it off for a couple of days and track the statistics in the Battery menu, which will help you understand whether AOD was the cause of the problem or if it was a case in another background application.
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The optimal balance between functionality and autonomy is achieved by using the Schedule mode and simple monochrome watch styles on a black background.