Why Reading Mode May Get Intruded, and When to Turn It Off
Reading mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that reduces eye strain by filtering blue light and changing the color temperature of the screen. However, sometimes it is activated automatically or remains on after use, leading to color distortion, dim image and discomfort when viewing photos / videos, especially on Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13 models, where the screen adaptation algorithm works more aggressively.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn off reading mode, including hidden MIUI settings, quick combinations and solutions for cases when the function is βhanged.β Also explain why the mode can spontaneously turn on and how to avoid this. If your screen suddenly becomes yellow or dull, it is likely that he is to blame.
Warning: Some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5) may have different paths to settings. If you don't find the specified items, check the software version in Settings β About Phone β MIUI version.
Method 1: Disconnect via the notification panel (fast method)
The easiest way to turn off reading mode is to use the notification curtain, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices unless the function is blocked by the device administrator.
Instructions:
- π± Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- π Find the βRead Modeβ icon (usually looks like an open book or an eye with waves).
- π Slap it once - the mode will turn off, and the screen color will return to the standard.
If the icon is not in the main curtain:
- Open the panel completely (swipe down twice).
- Click on the icon Β«βοΈ Editβ (pencil).
- Find Read Mode in the list and drag it to the active area.
π‘
On some models (e.g. POCO F4), the read mode may be called Eye Comfort or Reading Mode.
Method 2: Through screen settings (complete shutdown)
If you don't have fast access or if you don't have a mode, you'll have to go into deep screen settings, and this is guaranteed to work on all versions of MIUI 12 to 14.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Settings β Screen.
- Select Read Mode (or Eye Comfort on English firmware).
- Move the slider to the off position.
- Turn off the Automatic Scheduled Turn on option if it is active.
On some devices (such as Xiaomi 12T), the path may be different:
Settings β Display β Color and brightness β Reading modeIs the notification panel open?|Is there a reading mode icon in the curtain?|Checked screen settings?|Is the automatic schedule disabled?-->
Method 3: Reset screen settings (if the mode is βhangβ)
Sometimes the read mode continues to work even after the settings are turned off, this is due to a graphics driver failure or conflict with the MIUI shell, in which case the screen reset helps.
How to reset:
- Go to Settings β System and device β More
- Select "Settings Reset."
- Tap βReset Screen Settingsβ (not to be confused with a full reset!).
- Confirm the action.
Once the screen is rebooted, it's back to factory color, and this method doesn't delete personal data, but it resets brightness, color temperature, and Always-On Display settings.
What if the reset didn't help?
Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods do not work, you can use ADB debugging. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires a connection to a computer.
Instructions:
- Turn on the developer mode on your phone: Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (shap 7 times).
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings β Additional β For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux).
- Enter the command: adb shell settings put global night_display_activated 0
To turn off automatic activation on a schedule, use:
adb shell settings put global night_display_auto_mode 0Yeah, often.|Yes, but only according to the instructions.|No, but I want to learn.|No, I don't plan on.-->
Method 5: Update the firmware (if the mode is glitchy)
On some versions of MIUI (especially 13.0.4-13.0.8), the read mode may not work properly due to firmware bugs, in which case the system update will help.
How to update:
- π± Go to Settings. β The phone. β Updating the system.
- π Click "Check UpdatesΒ».
- π₯ If a new version is available, download and install it.
If the update doesnβt work, try to roll back to the stable version via the Mi Flash Tool (the instructions are available on the XDA Developers forum).
| MIUI version | Famous Bugs with Reading Mode | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 12.5β12.6 | Spontaneous initiation at night | Turn off the schedule in the screen settings |
| 13.0.4β13.0.8 | Mode "hangs" after rebooting | Update to 13.0.9+ or reset your screen settings |
| 14.0.1β14.0.3 | Colors are distorted even when the mode is off. | Reset via ADB or reset by 13.0.9 |
Why does the reading process turn on on itself?
If you notice that the reading mode is activated without your involvement, the reasons may be as follows:
- β° Automatic Schedule: A schedule may be included in screen settings (e.g., 22:00 to 7:00).
- π± Adaptive brightness: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the reading mode communicates with the light sensor.
- π Energy saving mode: with low battery charge MIUI may be forced to include a blue light filter.
- π€ Third-party apps: Programs like Twilight or Night Shift can conflict with system mode.
To avoid spontaneous inclusion:
- Turn off the schedule in Settings β Screen β Reading Mode.
- Check permissions for third-party applications in Settings β Apps β Permissions β Change system settings.
- Turn off adaptive brightness in Settings β Screen β Adaptive brightness.
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If the read mode is turned on when connecting to charging, check the energy saving settings in Settings β Battery β Power modes.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you turn off the read mode, users often make the following mistakes:
β οΈ Warning: Don't confuse Read Mode with Dark Theme! These are different functions. Reading Mode changes color temperature, and dark theme is just the interface design.
- π Incomplete shutdown: Forgetting to turn off schedule or adaptive brightness.
- π§ Reset all settings: Instead of βReset screen settingsβ choose βFull resetβ, which leads to data loss.
- π΄ Ignoring updates: Bugs in older versions MIUI They can make reading uncontrollable.
To avoid problems:
- Always check all tabs in the screen settings.
- Before reset, back up through Settings β Additional β Backup.
- If you use custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu), check the error logs in Mi Community.
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On the POCO F3 and Redmi K40, the read mode may conflict with the "Super Wallpapers" function. Try changing the wallpaper to static.