Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming full-fledged information centers that we check dozens of times a day. Always On Display (or AOD) has become the hallmark of flagship devices, allowing you to see the time, date and notifications without touching the screen and unlocking the gadget. On Xiaomi devices, the implementation of this technology has its own features, depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, as well as the type of display matrix.
Enabling the mode of constant display of information requires an understanding of the principles of operation OLED-So you can actually get a static image from a screen where each pixel burns independently, and you can get a static image without the risk of a matrix burnout, and you can use minimal energy than you would. LCD-However, even with hardware support, software constraints can hide this option from the user, requiring manual activation through hidden menus or special applications.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how AOD is enabled across models, how styles and schedules are customized, and how energy efficiency is addressed. You will learn why it works differently on some models than on others, and how to get around system limitations without getting root rights. A deep understanding of the display settings will allow you to personalize the device, making it more comfortable and informative.
Technological Features and Screen Compatibility
The fundamental condition of the Always On Display function is the use of a matrix built on technology. OLED or variations of it, such as AMOLED Super AMOLED. Unlike in the IPS-In screens where backlights are turned on throughout the display area, organic LEDs can glow point-by-point. It's this physical feature that allows you to display time and notifications on a black background without actually affecting millions of other pixels, which ensures the economy of the mode.
Xiaomi model range support AOD It is present in the Mi series, Xiaomi (digital flagships), as well as in the Redmi Note Pro and Poco lines. F/X, from certain generations. budgetary devices from IPS-The matrices are technically unable to implement a full-fledged AOD without seriously affecting autonomy, as they would have to keep the backlight of the entire screen on, so if you don't find the appropriate settings, the first thing to do is to specify the type of screen your particular device has.
Global firmware versions often have limitations related to regional power standards, whereas in Chinese versions of MIUI or HyperOS, functionality can be extended. Sometimes activation requires changing the region in settings or using special activation methods, which we will talk about later.
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Check the specifications of your model on the official website: if the screen specifies the type of IPS or LCD, the regular AOD will not work, and you will have to look for alternative solutions through third-party software.
It is important to understand the difference between static and animated Always On Display. Static mode consumes minimal energy, updating information once per minute or when notified. Animated styles, which include complex graphic elements, require a higher refresh rate and, accordingly, plant the battery faster. Choosing the optimal balance between aesthetics and autonomy is the task of the user.
Activation algorithm through system settings
On most modern Xiaomi smartphones with the current version of MIUI or HyperOS, the path to enabling the feature is standardized and available through the settings menu. However, the location of the items may vary slightly depending on the version of the android and the regional binding of the device. The basic algorithm of actions involves sequential execution of steps, which we will describe below.
To start, you need to go to the main menu of device settings and find the section responsible for the visual design of the interface, depending on the location, it can be called Wallpaper and Personalization or just Personalization, and this is where the main customization tools, including lock screen control and sleep mode, are concentrated.
☑️ Incorporation algorithm AOD
Once you log in to the Always On Display menu, you'll see the master switch that you want to activate. The system may suggest you choose a display style from the built-in gallery or upload your own image. At this point, it's important to pay attention to the schedule settings so that the screen doesn't burn all night while you sleep, which would be a waste of charge.
If the standard Settings path → Wallpaper and personalization → Always On Display does not lead to the desired result or the item is missing, try searching by settings. Type in the search bar the query “AOD” or “Always on”, and the system will redirect you to the desired section if it is hidden in the depth of the menu.
⚠️ Note: On some global firmware versions, the menu item may be hidden until the first manual activation is made via the Themes app. If you don't see the switch in the settings, try selecting and applying any one first. AOD-Style through the theme store, after which the settings will be available in the main menu.
Set up styles, schedules and personalization
Once the feature is successfully activated, a wide range of customization options open up for the user. Xiaomi’s built-in gallery offers dozens of preset styles, from minimalistic digital watches to complex graphic compositions with animations. Style selection is not only a matter of taste, but also a way to express the individuality of the device.
The best way to do this is to set schedules, limiting AOD to 8:00 to 23:00, which will prevent battery drain at night when you're not likely to be looking at the screen, and also eliminate light pollution in the bedroom. Alternatively, "Turn on for 10 seconds when you touch" is the most energy efficient.
For those who lack standard options, there is a way to create their own style. You can upload any photo, crop it to the screen format, and add time, date or pedometer widgets. Recent versions of HyperOS have introduced support for live wallpaper in AOD mode, which respond to user actions, although this increases energy consumption.
Remember to change styles regularly to avoid the effect of "washing" the eye. The human brain quickly gets used to a static picture, and after a week you will stop noticing the time on the screen until you change the design to a more contrasting or noticeable one. Experiment with fonts and the color of the notification indicators.
Solving the problem of lack of function on the global versions
Quite often, users are faced with a situation where a technically working device with a AMOLED-Always On Display is not on the menu, a common practice for global firmware versions where a manufacturer artificially restricts functionality to segment a market or to meet the energy standards of certain regions.
There is a proven method of activating hidden capabilities through the MIUI Themes app. Even if there is no switch in the settings, logging into the Themes app, going to profile and selecting an AOD partition often allows you to activate the function. After applying any style from this section, the system settings can be unlocked and the item will appear in the personalization menu.
In more complex cases, especially older versions of MIUI, you may need to change the region of the device, switching the region to “India”, “China” or “Singapore” in the settings “Additional” → “Region” sometimes forcibly opens access to the functions available in these locations, however, this method has its risks associated with the appearance of advertising and changes in the operation of some system applications.
Risks of regional change
If software techniques don’t help, you might consider using third-party apps from the Google Play Store, such as Always On AMOLED.They emulate the operation of system AOD using black background and bright colors, but require permanent permissions to work on top of other apps and can consume more power than a native implementation.
The Impact of Always On Display on Device Autonomy
One of the most common questions users have is, “How much does AOD put down the battery?” The answer depends on a variety of factors: screen brightness, style, number of notifications and, of course, the battery capacity of your Xiaomi. On average, active AOD mode consumes 0.5% to 1.5% of charge per hour.
OLED technology is again a key factor here, because the black pixels on these screens are physically turned off, the black background consumes no power. The energy is only used on those pixels that form the time, date and notification icons. The fewer elements on the screen and the darker they are, the more economical the system is.
To compare the effect of different parameters on energy consumption, you can refer to the following table:
| Setup parameter | Energy consumption | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Style: Digital (minimalism) | Low (~5-8% per day) | Perfect for daily use |
| Style: Animated/Live | High (~15-20% per day) | Use only when fully charged |
| Mode: Always on | Medium/High | Requires a powerful battery (4500+ mAh) |
| Mode: Scheduled (12 hours) | Moderate (~5-7% per day) | Optimal balance of function and charge |
It’s worth noting that on devices with a high refresh rate of 120 Hz in AOD mode, the frequency can be forced to drop to 1 Hz or 10 Hz (LTPO technology) to save. This means that the picture is updated less often, which also positively affects battery life. However, if you use the old style with frequent animation, this mechanism may not work effectively.
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The “On 10 seconds with touch” mode saves up to 80% of power compared to the constant display, while maintaining the functionality of viewing time.