Owners of modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face the desire to see time on a locked screen without touching the device. It is not just an aesthetic pleasure, but also a practical feature that allows you to instantly evaluate the current time and notifications. However, the standard power saving settings MIUI and HyperOS sometimes hide this option or offer it in non-obvious sections of the menu.
Many users mistakenly believe that constantly displaying elements on the screen will quickly drain the battery. In fact, modern AMOLED-matrixes work on the principle of highlighting individual pixels, which makes the "always on screen" mode safe for the battery when properly set up. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the activation methods available for different versions of the firmware.
Before you make any changes, make sure your device technically supports this feature, usually mid-range and flagship models with high-quality displays, and if you're ready to optimize the interface for your needs, let's move on to the specific steps of system customization.
Compatibility check and device preparation
The first step is to verify your gadget's capabilities. A feature known as Always On Display (AOD), It is not available on all models of the budget segment, most often it is present in the Mi, Xiaomi and Redmi Note series, where the type matrix is installed. OLED or AMOLED. On devices with IPS-screens to implement a full sleep mode with clocks standard means is impossible because of the features of the backlight.
To get started, you need to update your operating system to the current version. Xiaomi developers regularly migrate features from proprietary themes to standard MIUI settings. Go to the update menu and check for new packages. Also make sure you have the latest version of the Themes app installed, as it is through which visual elements are often loaded.
It’s important to understand the difference between software emulation and hardware support. If your device doesn’t have an option built in, third-party apps can mimic this effect, but with significantly higher power consumption. Below is a table to help you determine your device’s potential.
| Screen type | Support for AOD | Energy consumption | Examples of series |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMOLED | Full (staff) | Low (~1% per hour) | Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro |
| OLED | Full (staff) | Low (~1% per hour) | Mi 11, Xiaomi 12 |
| IPS / LCD | Absent (emulation only) | High (not recommended) | Redmi Note 11 (base), Redmi 10C |
| Super AMOLED | Expanded | Optimal. | Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ |
The matrix type is checked through specialized applications like Device Info HW or on the manufacturer’s official website in the model specifications. If your screen is IPS type, further instructions on activating the regular AOD will not be available to you and you will have to look for alternative solutions.
Activation through standard MIUI and HyperOS settings
The main method of turning the watch on in sleep mode is hidden in the system settings menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the partition responsible for the lock screen. In new versions of HyperOS, this path has been slightly modified to improve ergonomics.
Go to the main settings menu and select Lock Screen. In some builds, this option may be called Wallpaper and Personalization, and then Lock Screen. This is where all the options regarding the appearance of the device are concentrated in the off state. Find the Always On Display switch or Lock Indicator and Screen.
☑️ Pre-activation check
Once the slider is activated, the system will suggest you choose a display style, which can be a simple digital watch, an analog dial or animated figures. The function is activated only when the screen is locked with the backlight turned off. Don't be afraid if you don't see anything immediately after you turn on - unlock the phone and lock it again so that the changes take effect.
There's an important nuance for users who value every percentage of charge. The Always On Display settings menu often features the "Show within 10 seconds of touch" option. If you choose this option, the watch will only light up when you tap on the screen lightly or notify, which is a hybrid mode of operation.
Use of the "Themes" application for extended dials
The standard set of dials can seem boring, and here comes the built-in Themes app. Xiaomi Theme Store offers thousands of lock screen design options, many of which include sophisticated animations and useful widgets, which allows you to personalize the device beyond recognition.
To find the right design, open the app and go to the profile section or search. Type in the search bar a request for AOD or Always On. The system will give a list of compatible themes. Pay attention to the ranking and number of downloads – popular themes are usually better optimized and contain fewer errors.
- 🎨 Choose themes marked “Free” or “Free” to avoid hidden subscriptions.
- ⚙️ Check the compatibility of the theme with your model in the description before downloading.
- 🔋 Prefer static images if you want to minimize battery consumption.
After you apply the theme, remember to activate it in the lock screen settings as described in the previous section. Sometimes, using a new theme resets the Always On Display settings and you need to re-enable them manually. This is standard security behavior.
Where are the downloaded themes stored?
Scheduling and automation of work
Constant nighttime screen operation can interfere with sleep even if the brightness is minimal. Xiaomi provides flexible tools to automate this process. You can set your schedule so that the clocks are only turned on at certain hours of the day, such as 8:00 to 23:00.
To set up, go to the Settings menu → Lock screen → Always On Display. Find the Schedule or "Operation Time." There are two main modes available here: "Always On" and "Schedule On." Choose the second option and set time slots that are comfortable for your daytime mode.
There's also a smart feature that turns off AOD when the phone is in your pocket or bag, thanks to the proximity sensor. However, sometimes the sensor may not work properly because of the protective glass or case. If you notice that the screen is not going out in your pocket, try cleaning the top of the screen or changing the accessory.
Automation not only saves energy, but it also extends the life of the matrix by preventing pixel burnout. Although modern technology has significantly reduced the risk of burnout, prevention still does not hurt, especially on devices that you plan to use for several years.
Problem Solving: Why the clock doesn't work
It's not uncommon for a feature to be turned on in settings but the screen to remain black, and most often the problem is an aggressive energy saving system that forces the processes that are responsible for displaying to be shut down, and conflicts with the themes that are set can also be the cause.
The first thing you need to do is check if the Ultra-Energy Saving mode is activated, and in this mode, all background processes, including a beautiful watch, are turned off for maximum autonomy, switch to normal mode, and also try to temporarily change the theme to standard to eliminate software conflict.
⚠️ Warning: If the problem persists after resetting the screen settings, check for system updates. AOD Often patched with security patches.
Another reason could be low battery power: The system automatically turns off Always On Display if the charge drops below 15% or 10% so that the phone doesn't turn off at the most inopportune moment. Connect the device to charging and check the function again.
The impact of Always On Display on battery life
The issue of autonomy remains the most pressing one for many users. AOD "It eats half the charge in a day. AMOLED-In the screens, black means the pixel is off. Only the dots that form numbers and icons burn, so energy consumption is minimal.
On average, an active Always On Display consumes between 0.5% and 1% charge per hour, depending on the brightness and complexity of the animation. Simple white digits on a black background consume less energy than color animated wallpaper. By comparison, waiting in 4G mode without AOD consumes a comparable amount of energy.
- 🔋 Static dials consume less energy than animated dials.
- 🌙 Using a dark interface theme reduces the overall battery load.
- ⏱️ Touch mode saves up to 60% energy compared to constant display.
If you plan a long trip without charging, it makes sense to switch to schedule or touch mode, which will keep the visibility of time, but significantly increase the smartphone’s life from a single charge.
💡
Use dark wallpaper and minimalistic dials - it not only looks stylish, but also really saves battery power on AMOLED screens.
Alternative solutions for devices without AOD support
Owners of devices with IPS-And because you can't do that with the standard tools (the background will glow gray rather than black, consuming a lot of energy), you have to use third-party solutions that mimic the effect, but require fine-tuning.
There are a lot of apps in the Google Play store, like "Always On AMOLED" or "Screen Always On," which create a layer on top of the system that darkens the screen and shows the clock, but these apps can't turn off the backlight completely, so battery consumption will be higher than on native AOD.
To install this solution, download the application, provide the necessary permissions to display on top of other windows and set a shutdown timer. It is recommended to set a timeout of 10-15 seconds to the screen itself after activation, mimicking the behavior of a real Always On Display.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party applications may conflict with security MIUI. Allow all the rights requested during installation, otherwise the application will not be able to work correctly.
Keep in mind that the screen can heat the case at full brightness (even when dimmed), and use this method with caution and monitor the temperature of the device, especially in hot weather or in direct sunlight.
💡
Native AOD is only available on AMOLED/OLED screens; for IPS-matrixes, there are only emulators with increased battery consumption.