How to turn off the autoturn on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern smartphones, including popular Xiaomi models, feature smart sensors that automatically change the orientation of the screen depending on the device’s position in space, a feature known as the G-sensor or accelerometer that is incredibly convenient when watching videos or reading books horizontally. However, there are times when this “smart” ability becomes annoying: you lie on the couch, the phone lies at a strange angle, and the picture suddenly flips, knocking all the comfort of use.

Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have a simple and fast way to control this setting, and most often, just swipe your finger across the screen to access the notification curtain, but what if the standard switch is missing, is not working correctly, or is the autorotation function only for specific applications?

Sensor malfunctions can be caused by software failure and physical impact on the body. Understanding how your gadget calibrates will help avoid a lot of inconvenience in the future. We will look not only at basic methods of disconnection, but also at advanced settings for those who want complete control of their device.

Basic method of disconnection through the notification curtain

The most obvious and quick way to stop the screen from rotating is to use the control center. On most current Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, this interface element is prominently displayed. You don't have to go into the deep menu settings of the system, just swipe down from the top edge of the display.

In the icon list that opens, find a symbol that looks like a phone surrounded by arrows, or just the words "Spring" -- clicking on that button changes its status. If the icon is illuminated in blue or green, the function is active. To block the orientation, you just tap it again, making the icon grey.

⚠️ Note: On some versions of the shell MIUI The switch's logic is inverted, instead of "Switch" it might have a "Oriental Lock" button with the lock image, and then the active state means that the screen is not rotating.

If you don't see the right switch in the first line of icons, try pushing the curtain down or pressing the edit button (usually a pencil or three dots). Often users accidentally remove this important shortcut from quick access and have to manually return it through the tile editing menu.

Configure the autoturn through the system menu

If for some reason the notification curtain is not available or you prefer the classic approach through settings, the system provides an alternative path.This method is especially useful if the interface is frozen or the touch layer is intermittent. The path to setting up may vary slightly depending on the version of Android.

To start, open the main app menu and select the Settings icon (cogs). Then scroll down to the "Additional Features" or "Screen and Brightness" section. This is where the subtle display options of the content are hidden. Find "Switch Screen" and turn the switch to the "Off" position.

• 📱 Go to your device settings.
• 🔍 Find the Additional Features or Advanced Settings section.
• 🔄 Turn off the switchboard Autoturn screen.
• ✅ Check the result by turning the phone sideways.

Importantly, new versions of HyperOS have improved the sensor algorithms, and now the system can ignore random tilts if you hold the phone horizontally with one hand, but don't flip it completely, and this is a software-based false positive filter that works even when the function is on.

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If the standard switch in the curtain is gone after the system update, try restarting the device, often restoring the standard set of quick access widgets.

Application-specific orientation management

Many users are unaware that some apps have their own orientation settings that are prioritized over system ones, such as video players or browsers that can force horizontal mode to be enabled, ignoring Xiaomi's general settings, which is made for ease of content consumption, but can get in the way.

The popular Mi Video player or third-party video player like VLC often has a separate lock button right in the play interface. If you tap on the screen while you're watching, a lock icon may appear in the corner, and activating it will prevent the video from turning over even when you turn the phone, which is convenient when you're lying down.

⚠️ Attention: Video calling apps like Zoom or Telegram can force the camera to change orientation when the device is turned, even if the system autorotates is turned off.

For browsers, the situation is similar. In Chrome or MIUI, the Browser orientation lock can be hidden in the page settings menu. If you need to lock the page in a vertical position to read long articles, check the settings of a particular browser, since the global setting of the phone may not block the application's internal request to change orientation.

Sensor problems and G-sensor calibration

There are times when the autorotation function is not working correctly: the screen does not respond to turns or, conversely, twitches for no reason. Often the problem lies in the calibration of the accelerometer, this can happen after a smartphone drop, a strong impact or even after a long downtime in a static position.

To diagnose and correct the situation, MIUI has a hidden engineering menu, so to get there, open the Phone app and enter a special code, and after you enter the combination, you will open a hardware testing menu where you can check the operation of all the sensors.

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In the CIT menu that opens, find the "G-sensor" or "Accelerometer." Put your phone on a flat horizontal surface and press the "Calibrate" button. The system will determine the zero point and write down the new values. After successful calibration, restart the device.

Comparison of screen control methods

The different ways of controlling orientation have their pros and cons. Notification curtains are fast, but not always available (for example, in full-screen games); system settings are reliable, but they take time to log in; the engineering menu is only needed for repairs.

Below is a table that will help you choose the best method for your situation, comparing access speed, reliability and battery impact (although the effect on the battery is minimal, the constant operation of the sensor in calibration mode can be resource-intensive).

When you choose a method, you should start from your current tasks. If you just want to watch videos in bed, you'll have enough curtains. If the screen is acting strange all the time, you'll need to have a deep diagnosis through an engineering menu or a reset.

Additional tips and hidden functions

Xiaomi smartphone owners often overlook the ability to adjust the rotation sensitivity. While there is no explicit sensitivity slider in the standard menu, there are third-party apps from Google Play that allow you to fine-tune the accelerometer threshold. This can be useful for models with tight button mechanics or specific cases.

Also worth mentioning is the Smart Window feature, or similar multitasking chips. In some split screen scenarios, the system can block autorotation to keep the proportions of the two open windows in place, which is a standard behavior, and you can only shut down one of the applications.

⚠️ Note: Using third-party root-access sensor management applications can cause system instability.

Remember that regular MIUI or HyperOS updates often include patches for sensor drivers. If you have a long-standing problem with the screen, check for updates in the About Phone section.

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Timely firmware updates are the best way to fix accelerometer software errors without having to reset data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)