Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro smartphones often face the desire to improve the ergonomics of the device by purchasing branded or third-party accessories. One of the most popular additions is the so-called smart case, which automatically locks the screen when closed and unlocks it when opened. However, many users, when they first encounter this accessory, can not understand why it does not work immediately after installation.
The fact is that in most cases, the question "how to turn on a smart case" does not have a direct answer in the form of a button, since this function is often activated automatically or depends on the physical properties of the accessory itself. The key element here is the Hall sensor built into the smartphone and the magnet located in the cover of the case. If the interaction between them is broken or software disabled, the automatic locking of the screen will not work.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the mechanics of the accessory, how to activate it software through hidden menus and standard MIUI settings. You will learn how to check the health of the magnetic sensor, what to do if the screen goes out on its own, and whether to use third-party applications to control the cover. Understanding these nuances will allow you to fully use all the possibilities of protecting your device.
The principle of operation of the Hall sensor and magnetic latch
The fundamental element that makes smart functions work is the Hall sensor, which is a microelectronic device that responds to changes in the magnetic field. In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro design, this sensor is located at the top of the body, next to the front camera. When you close the case, the magnet built into the front cover approaches the sensor, causing a change in the magnetic flux, which is recorded by the system as a signal to lock the screen.
It's important to understand that not all cases are the same. There are models with a magnetic latch on the side and models with a magnet in the lid itself. The former often do not have a magnet above the screen and, accordingly, can not control the display on and off, performing only a protective function. The latter are usually labeled as "Smart Cover" or "Smart Cover" and contain the necessary magnetic element to interact with the sensor.
⚠️ Note: Using cases with powerful neodymium magnets in close proximity to cameras or other sensitive modules can theoretically affect the operation of the compass or optical stabilization, although in modern smartphones protection against this is quite high.
The signal recording process is instantaneous and does not require a Bluetooth or NFC connection. It is a passive technology that works even on a phone that is turned off (in terms of shutdown response), but only activates program scenarios when the device is in working order. If your case has a transparent window, it is the Hall sensor that tells the system that you need to display information in this window, not including the entire screen.
Activation of the function through standard MIUI settings
In the Android operating system with the MIUI shell installed on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the smart case is controlled in a separate settings menu. Often users search for this option in the sections about batteries or screens, but it has its own category. To check the status of the feature, you need to go to the Settings menu, then select Lock and Protection (or “Screen Lock” depending on the firmware version).
In the list that opens, you'll find Case Mode or Smart Case. If the switch is off, the system ignores the signals from the Hall sensor, and the screen will only go out on the timer or power button. When you put the slider into active state, you let the phone respond to the accessory cover closing by locking the display.
☑️ Checking the cover settings
It is worth noting that on some global firmware versions this option may be hidden or missing if the system does not recognize the accessory as original. In such cases, activation through the standard menu may not be possible, and you will need to use engineering methods or third-party software. However, first of all, make sure that you have the latest version of MIUI installed, as updates often fix peripheral compatibility errors.
Hidden features of the engineering menu and codes
If the standard path doesn't work, you can go to deeper system settings. Xiaomi's engineering menu allows you to test various components, including sensors. To enter diagnostic mode, often use the code ##6484##, which opens the CIT (Customer Integration Test) menu, where you can check the performance of the Hall sensor by closing and opening the case and watching the change in values in the corresponding test.
In some cases, activating a smart case requires changing system parameters through the Settings app -> The phone -> push-over MIUI It's a very rare way to turn on the developer mode, although a direct command for the case is rare. ADB-teams to change global settings if you have the right skills.
Command to activate via ADB
Be careful when using the engineering menu. Changing unknown parameters can lead to unstable system operation. Your goal is to diagnose whether the phone sees a magnet. If the CIT test values Hall Sensor changes when the case is closed, then the hardware is good, and the problem lies in the software settings or the accessory itself.
Solving problems with spontaneous blocking
One of the frequent complaints of users is that the screen of the Redmi Note 8 Pro goes out on its own, even when the case is open. This happens if the magnet in the cover is too powerful or is not located well, creating a field sufficient to trigger the sensor at a distance.
To fix this problem, try turning the case over or changing the angle of opening it. If that doesn't work and the "Coverage Mode" feature is on in the settings, the only solution may be to force it to turn off, in which case the phone will stop responding to the lid closing, and you will have to lock the screen with the power button, which will eliminate false positives.
⚠️ Attention: If the screen goes out without a cover, the problem may not be in the magnet, but in the proximity sensor, which is often located nearby.Contamination of the protective glass or thick film can cause false positives, simulating the holding of the phone to the ear.
Sometimes sensor calibration helps. The CIT menu, which I mentioned earlier, has tests to calibrate different sensors, and by calibrating the proximity sensor and, if available, the Hall sensor, you can reset the sensitivity to factory values, which often solves the problem of hypersensitivity.
Third-party applications for cap management
When MIUI's built-in tools fail or the functionality of the regular case is limited, Google Play apps come to the rescue. Programs like Smart Cover Lock Screen or C - Smart Cover allow you to expand the accessory's capabilities. They can adjust various actions when you close the lid, such as setting an alarm clock, turning on Do Not Disturb mode or changing wallpaper.
These applications are based on the principle of continuous monitoring of the status of the Hall sensor, which intercepts the system signal to close the lid and execute a user-defined scenario, which gives flexibility that standard settings do not have, allowing, for example, to leave Wi-Fi or mobile network on only at a certain time with the case closed.
However, it is worth remembering the resource consumption: constantly polling sensors with a third-party application can slightly increase battery consumption, and such programs require special permissions, including right over other windows and access to system events, which should be considered from a data security perspective.
Comparison of original and third-party accessories
The choice of a case for Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often confronts the user: buy an expensive original or an affordable analog. The difference between them often lies in the quality of implementation of “smart” functions. The original Xiaomi cases have a precisely positioned magnet and, in the case of models with a window, support native themes for displaying time and notifications without installing additional software.
Third-party manufacturers often copy only the look, and the magnet in such cases can be weaker or too strong, and its location may not coincide with the sensor in the phone, resulting in the automatic lock function may not work stable or not work at all, turning a smart case into a regular booklet.
💡
Original cases guarantee full compatibility with MIUI firmware and the correct operation of all sensors, while analogues require individual verification.
Below is a table to help compare the characteristics of different types of covers:
| Characteristics | The original Xiaomi case | Quality analogue | Cheap analogue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presence of a magnet | Precisely positioned. | Often | Often absent |
| Hall sensor work | 100% compatibility | Failures are possible | It's not working. |
| Materials | Polycarbonate, eco-skin | Polyurethane, kojzam | Thin plastic |
| Support for window themes | Complete. | Partial/Not present | No. |
When buying, be sure to check with the seller the presence of a magnetic fastener or magnet in the lid if the automatic lock function is critical for you. Visually determining the presence of a magnet in a closed package is difficult, so it is better to focus on the description of the "Smart Cover" or the presence of the corresponding icon on the box.