Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which run MIUI and HyperOS shells, have a complex display management system that often baffles beginners. Users often confuse the desire to simply unlock the device with the need to adjust the settings of the screen itself so that it does not go out too early or, conversely, burns constantly. The question of how to turn the screen on Xiaomi has many facets, from the banal setting of the timer to activating advanced features like Always On Display.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of controlling the backlight of your smartphone matrix. Proper setting not only increases the comfort of using the gadget, but also significantly affects battery life. You will learn where hidden menus hide, how to fix situations when the display does not light up when you call, and what features save the battery without sacrificing convenience.
It is worth noting that the location of menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the specific model of the device. However, the logic of the system remains the same for the entire range of the Chinese manufacturer.
Basic setting of the screen lock timer
The first parameter that a user encounters when setting up a new device is the time it takes for the screen to go out in the absence of action. The default system sets a safe interval of 30 seconds, but for many, it is too short or too long.
To access the desired section, go to Settings → Screen and Brightness → Sleep mode. Here is a list of available time slots. The choice of the optimal value depends on your habits: if you often read long articles from your phone, it makes sense to increase the time to 2-5 minutes. If the battery is discharged critically quickly, it is better to leave the minimum values.
Some firmware has an "Increased Timer" feature that allows you to extend the display time to 10 minutes, but it consumes a lot of charge. The system can warn you that these settings are not working well. It's important to find a balance between readability and power consumption, especially if you don't have the ability to recharge the device during the day.
⚠️ Attention: Setting the maximum screen time without interruption can lead to overheating of the matrix and the appearance of a residual image (pixel burnout) with a static picture.
Always on Display and its activation
One of the most popular features in modern smartphones is the Always On Screen (AOD) mode, which allows you to display time, date, notifications and images even when the smartphone is formally locked, and is based on AMOLED arrays, where each pixel burns individually, minimizing energy consumption.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → The screen is always on and lock. Here you will see the main mode switch. The system will offer several options: display information within 10 seconds after touching, on a schedule or constantly. Constant mode is most convenient, but requires battery control.
The widget design is completely customized. You can choose a dial, add a caption, change color, or even set your photo as a background. To access the advanced settings, click on the preview of your chosen style. Some design themes change dynamically depending on the time of day or battery level.
- 🕒 Scheduled: The screen only lights up at specified hours (e.g. 8:00 to 23:00), saving energy at night.
- 👆 Event: The display is activated for 10 seconds when you receive a notification or after you remove the phone from the table.
- 🔋 Smart mode: The feature automatically shuts down if the battery power drops below 20% or if the phone is down screen.
💡
Use dark themes for Always On Display – on AMOLED screens, the black pixels are completely turned off, which practically does not consume the battery.
Solving proximity sensor problems
A common problem faced by Xiaomi owners is that the screen does not light up during an incoming call or, conversely, goes out when you hold the phone to your ear, and this is due to the proximity sensor located at the top of the case.
To diagnose and adjust, go to the engineering menu. In the dial box, type ##6484##. In the test list that opens, find Prox sensor. Close the top of the screen with your hand, the values should change from 5.0 to 0.0 (or vice versa, depending on the test version). If there is no reaction, calibration is required.
In the calibration menu, press the Calibration button and follow the instructions on the screen. You usually need to close and open the sensor several times. Once the procedure is completed successfully, press the Pass and restart the device. Reset calibration often solves blind screen problems during conversations.
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| The screen goes out when you talk. | The security glass override the sensor | Glass replacement or calibration |
| The screen doesn't go out in your pocket. | False touchscreen positives | Enable "Mode in pocket" |
| Black screen on the call | Sensor driver failure | Resetting or resetting settings |
What if calibration doesn’t help?
Screen control of gestures and lifting
The MIUI shell offers convenient alternatives to the mechanical power button. Double-touch allows you to wake your smartphone by simply tapping your finger twice on the black screen. This is especially convenient when the device is lying on the table. You can activate the option in Settings → Screen is always on and locking → Double-touch.
Another useful feature is to turn on the screen when lifting the device. The smartphone uses an accelerometer and a gyroscope to detect the change in position in space. Once you pick up the phone, the display lights up, showing the time and notifications. You can find this setting by going to Settings → Additional features → Raise for activation.
But remember, the constant operation of motion sensors increases energy consumption, and if you notice that the phone is discharged faster than usual, try turning off these functions and use the classic on button, and "Lift to activate" can falsely trigger when walking or shaking in transport.
- 👆 Double tap: Wakes the screen with two quick touches in any area (except the top status bar).
- 📳 Vibration on touch: often paired with a double tap, confirming the successful inclusion of the screen tactile response.
- 🚫 Limitations: Gestures may not work if the phone is down screen or in power saving mode.
Setting up "In the pocket" mode
In your pocket mode is a protective mechanism that prevents accidental taps and switching on of the screen when the smartphone is in a confined space. If this function is not working correctly, the phone can constantly burn in your pocket, heat up and discharge, or vice versa - do not respond to attempts to unlock.
Check the status of the function in the Settings menu → Lock screen. This is the Mode in Your Pocket switch. When it's activated, the system relies on the light and proximity sensor data. If the sensor is closed, the system ignores any touches and does not turn on the backlight.
Sometimes, users are faced with a situation where the phone thinks it's in their pocket, even when on the table, which can be caused by a software error, in which case it helps to clean the cache of the Security app or reset sensor settings through the engineering menu, which is critical for personal data security.
☑️ Diagnostics of the regime in the pocket
Energy saving and display operation
The screen is the main energy consumer in any smartphone. Xiaomi has several energy saving levels that directly affect the display. When activated, the system automatically reduces brightness, reduces the time to go to sleep, and turns off background activity.
There's also an ultra-energy saving mode that puts the interface into monochrome mode, and only basic functions are available, in which the screen is sparing and the brightness is forced to be limited, which allows the phone to run for several days in standby mode.
To manually optimize, use Adaptive Brightness, which learns your habits and automatically adjusts the backlight level to the ambient light, not only saving battery life, but also saving vision, and you can find the switch in the notification curtain or in the Settings menu → Screen and brightness.
⚠️ Attention: The use of high brightness modes (Sunlight mode) at the maximum level for a long time can lead to accelerated wear of backlight and a decrease in resource OLED-matrix.
💡
Optimal screen setting is a balance between reading comfort and battery life; don’t keep the brightness 100% unnecessarily.