Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but even its owners sometimes face a basic problem: the screen stops automatically turning when the device changes orientation. The reasons can vary from accidentally disabled function to software failures. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn the screen, including hidden settings and alternative methods.
It’s important to understand that autorotating doesn’t work in all apps — some programs (like YouTube or Instagram) block this feature to display content correctly. But if the screen doesn’t respond to rotation even in a standard menu or browser, the problem is precisely the settings or the sensor.
We're going to look at not only the classic way through the Notification Panel, but also the less obvious options: customizing gestures, checking the gyroscope sensor, and also solutions for cases where the autorotor is on but not working. If you've tried standard methods, check out the section on the diagnostics of malfunctions.
1. Quick turn on autoturn through the notification panel
The easiest way is to use a control center (notification curtain), which works on all versions of MIUI, including the latest updates for the Redmi Note 8.
To turn on the auto-turn:
- Swipe your finger down the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the "Current" icon** (usually a phone with arrows in a circle) if it's not on the first page, swipe left to open the additional buttons.
- Tap the icon once. If it lights up (usually blue or green), the function is active.
If the icon isn't there at all, it's hidden in the settings.
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Notification panel and status bar → Management of the notification panel.
- 📱 Find it in the “Turn” list and drag it to the active area.
- 🔄 After that, the button will appear in the curtain.
2. Enabling turn through system settings
If the button in the curtain doesn't work or doesn't, you can activate the function directly in the settings menu, which is suitable for all versions of MIUI, including MIUI 12/13/14 on the Redmi Note 8.
Instructions:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Screen section.
- Find the "Screen Turn" option** and move the slider to the right (should turn blue).
If you don't have a slider, maybe your version of MIUI has a different path.
- 📱 Settings → Additional settings → Special facilities → Crash-turn.
- 🔧 In some firmware, the option is hidden in Settings → System system → Gestures → Crash-turn.
Is the auto-turn on in the notification curtain? |
Is the function activated in the screen settings?|
Is there a turn-block in the current app?|
Reboot your smartphone after the changes?-->
Once activated, check the function in standard applications (such as Gallery or Browser). If the screen is still not rotating, move to the next section.
3. Checking the gyroscope sensor and accelerometer
The autorotation of the screen depends on two sensors: a gyroscope (responsible for angular position) and an accelerometer (records linear movements), if they are faulty or calibrated incorrectly, the rotation will not work.
To check the sensors:
- Install the Sensor Test app** (available on Google Play).
If the sensors are working, but the autoturn does not work, try recalibrating them:
- 📲 Install the app «GPU Test or Sensor Calibration».
What to do if the sensors are not working?
On the Redmi Note 8, the turn sensors often get knocked down after falls or heavy impacts. If the phone has been repaired (for example, changing the screen), make sure that the sensor plumes are not damaged.
4.Gesturals and alternative ways of turning the screen
MIUI has a hidden feature called gesturing the screen, which allows you to flip the screen even if the autorotation is off, which is convenient if the sensors are unstable or you often change orientation manually.
How to turn on:
- Go to Settings → Additional settings → button gestures.
- Find the "Screen Turn" option** and activate it.
- Now, to turn the screen, swipe the home button** (or navigation gesture if the buttons are hidden) left or right.
You can also use quick commands via Google Assistant:
- 🎤 Say, OK, Google, turn on the auto turn».
- 📱 Or create a shortcut on the home screen: press and hold the free space. → Widgets → Google Teams → Labeling → Select "Enable the autoturn».
💡
If the turn gesture doesn’t work, check if it conflicts with other gestures (like calling Google Assistant or screenshots).
5. Autorotation problems in individual applications
Some programs block autorotation by default. For example, on YouTube, the screen only rotates in full screen mode, and on Instagram, only for Stories. If the rotation does not work in a particular application, check:
| Annex | Reason for blocking | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | The autoturn only works in full screen mode. | Deploy the video to the full screen with a double tap |
| Turn is blocked for tape, only allowed for Stories/Reels | Use a turn gesture (see section 4) | |
| Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact) | Play itself controls orientation. | Check the graphics settings in the game itself. |
| Browser (Chrome, Mi Browser) | Some sites block the turn | Update your browser or use the “PK” mode |
If the problem is only in one application:
- 🔄 Restart it (close it in the latest app menu and reopen it).
- 📥 Update the program through Google Play.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → [programme] → Clear the cache.
💡
If autorotation doesn’t work in just one app, the problem is almost always with its settings, not the phone.
6. Resetting settings and extreme measures
If neither of these methods worked, it might be a system failure, and then resetting or flashing it will help.
Resetting screen settings:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Reset All Settings** (does not delete files, only returns settings to factory settings).
- After the reboot, check the autoturn.
Re-flashing (if the reset did not help):
- 📱 Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 8 from the Xiaomi website.
- 🔧 Use the Mi Flash Tool to install (instructions are available on the forums) 4PDA or XDA-Developers).
- ⚠️ Warning: firmware deletes all data! backup via Settings → Additional settings → Backup and reset.
If that didn’t work, it’s a hardware problem. Contact Xiaomi’s service center or check the warranty (on Redmi Note 8, it’s usually 12 months from the date of purchase).
💡
Before you run the firmware, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you already have the latest version, resetting will be more effective.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many users make the same mistakes when setting up a turnaround.
- 🚫 Ignoring blocking in apps, like TikTok or Netflix, turning can be disabled by default.
- 🔄 You don't reboot your phone after a change. Some settings only apply after a reboot.
- 📱 They confuse the auto-turn with the screen fixing. Some firmware has a "Screen Lock" feature** (in the notification curtain) that blocks the rotation.
- 🔧 They don't update the software. MIUI There are sensor bugs. Update through Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
Another common problem is shell conflict (like a Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher). If you're using a third-party launcher, try:
- Return to the standard MIUI launcher.
- Update the launcher to the latest version.
- Check the gesture settings in the launcher itself.
💡
If the autorotor stopped working after installing a new launcher or themes, return the standard MIUI shell and check again.
FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions
Why does the auto-turn only work in some applications?
After the phone fell, the autorotor stopped working.
Can I turn on the autorotor through ADB?
Why did the MIUI update go wrong?
How to turn off autoturn for individual applications?
If your question is not covered in the FAQ, check the official Xiaomi forums or ask it in the comments under the article. Specify the MIUI version and phone model (Redmi Note 8 can have modifications, for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or Redmi Note 8T - they may have nuances).