Smart case for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: full instructions for setting up and using

What is a smart case and why you need it with your Redmi Note 9 Pro

Smart cases for smartphones Xiaomi has long ceased to be just a protective accessory β€” they have become a full extension of the functionality of the device. NFC And it's not only that you can save the case from scratches, but you can also make it easier to use your phone every day, for example, you can answer calls, check notifications, or even control music without opening the whole case.

But many users are facing a problem: they bought a case and it doesn't work as promised, because it requires the right configuration of both the case and the smartphone software to work properly, and in this article, we'll look at everything from basic activation to hidden features that aren't mentioned in the manual.

The Redmi Note 9 Pro features several types of smart cases, from official Xiaomi Smart Covers to third-party magnetic lock accessories. The functionality may differ, but the settings remain similar. If your case does not respond to the opening or does not show notifications, do not rush to blame the manufacturer: 90% of the time the problem is solved by adjusting the settings.

πŸ“Š What a smart case you're using?
Xiaomi Smart Cover Officially
side-case NFC
Magnetic lock bumper case
I haven't bought it yet.

Types of smart cases for Redmi Note 9 Pro: which one to choose

Before you set up your case, it’s important to understand what type of accessory you’re holding, and what features and configuration methods you can use depend on it. The Redmi Note 9 Pro has three main options:

  • πŸ”Ή Xiaomi Smart Cover – a case with NFC-It's a chip and a magnetic lock, supports automatic screen awakening, notification display and control gestures. It only works with original software. MIUI.
  • πŸ”Ή Magnetic lock cases (without magnetic lock) NFC) β€” They're cheap ones that can only lock/unlock the screen when you open/close.
  • πŸ”Ή Bookcases with optional modules, such as a built-in battery or cardholder, require separate settings for each module.

How do you determine the type of your case? First, check for the presence of NFC-tags -- usually on the inside of the magnetic lock case. Second, try opening the case when the screen is off, because if the phone wakes up, the magnetic sensor is working. Third, look at the settings on your smartphone. If a new item Smart case appears in the section Lock screen, then your accessory is supported at the system level.

It is worth noting that the official Xiaomi cases for the Redmi Note 9 Pro have a unique identifier that the smartphone recognizes automatically. NFC Tools or Smart Cover Enabler.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a cover with NFC, But the phone doesn't recognize it, so check if it's on. NFC in settings (Settings) β†’ Connection and sharing β†’ NFC). Also make sure the case fits tightly to the back panel - weak contact can interfere with the sensor's operation.

The smart sleeves of the smart box in MIUI

If your case is supported by the system (usually official Xiaomi accessories), the setup will take no more than 5 minutes.

  1. Place the case on your phone and make sure the magnetic lock is secure. If the case is removable, make sure it is correctly oriented (usually there is a label on the inside). TOP or UP).
  2. Open your smartphone settings and go to the Lock Screen section (Settings) β†’ Lock screen).
  3. Find the item "Smart Case" (or Smart Cover in the English version) MIUI). If it is not, your case is not supported at the system level (see section on third-party cases).
  4. Activate the option "Automatic wake up" - now the screen will turn on when you open the case.
  5. Configure notifications to display in the lock screen style. Select Notification option on the smart case to see incoming calls and messages.

After activation, check the operation of the cover:

  • πŸ“ž Close the case and call the phone from another device – the screen should turn on with the option of answer / decline.
  • πŸ“© Send yourself a message (for example, via Telegram) – a notification should appear on a closed case.
  • 🎡 Start the music and close the case - the player controls should be displayed on the screen.

β˜‘οΈ Checking the operation of a smart case

Done: 0 / 5

If some features don’t work, try restarting your phone or resetting your lock screen settings (Settings) β†’ Lock screen β†’ Reset settings. In rare cases, firmware updates may be required MIUI last-minute.

Configure third-party smart cases (without support) MIUI)

If you bought a non-original case, the system may not recognize it, and then you'll have to use third-party applications.

  • πŸ“± Smart Cover Enabler β€” the application emulates the official case, supports automatic wake-up and lock screen. ADB full-time.
  • πŸ”„ NFC Tools - if there is in the cover NFC-tag, this application will help to program it to perform certain actions (for example, start the application when closing the case).
  • πŸ› οΈ MacroDroid – allows you to create automatic scripts, for example, lock the screen when a magnetic sensor is triggered.

Let’s look at the Smart Cover Enabler:

  1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open the Smart Cover Enabler and provide all the necessary permissions (including Special Features and Device Administrator).
  3. Enable the Enable Smart Cover option.
  4. If the case doesn’t respond, go to Advanced Settings and select Use Magnetic Sensor (for magnet cases) or Use Proximity Sensor (for magnetless cases).
  5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Smart Cover Enabler may conflict with energy-saving modes MIUI. If the case stopped working after optimizing the battery, add the application to the exceptions (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ All applications β†’ Smart Cover Enabler β†’ Not optimize).

For the covers with NFC-tagged NFC Tools:

  1. Open the application and select Record.
  2. Put the phone to it. NFC-spot-mark.
  3. Select an action, such as Launch an app or Change your sound profile.
  4. Save the task.

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If the case with NFC If it doesn’t work, try sticking the tag closer to the antenna. NFC phone (usually located at the top of the back panel).

Hidden features of a smart case: what does your Redmi Note 9 Pro

Many users don’t even realize that a smart case can do much more than just show notifications. Here are some hidden features worth activating:

  • 🎨 Customization of the lock screen: B MIUI You can change the style of the notifications on the case. Go to Settings. β†’ Lock screen β†’ Lock screen style β†’ Smart case and choose one of the options: Classic, Color or Dark.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery savings: The case can be configured to automatically put the phone into power saving mode when closed. Use MacroDroid with Magic Field Detected trigger.
  • πŸ“Έ Quick camera start: Twice tap the screen through a closed case to open the camera immediately (setting in Settings) β†’ Lock screen β†’ Quick camera launch).
  • πŸ”’ Additional protection: Enable the Lock option when closing the case so that the phone automatically locks as soon as you close the case (even if the screen has been unlocked).

Another thing that's really useful is to gesture on a closed case, and you can set it up.

  • πŸ‘† Swipe up - unlocking the screen.
  • πŸ‘‰ Swipe to the right - skip the track in the player.
  • πŸ‘ˆ Swipe left - return to the previous track.

To activate the gestures:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Lock screen β†’ Smart case. β†’ Gestures.
  2. Turn on the option to Allow gestures.
  3. Set up the action for each gesture.
How to turn on the weather display on the cover?
To do this, you need to activate the weather widget in the lock screen settings (Settings) β†’ Lock screen β†’ Widgets β†’ After that, the temperature and forecast information will be displayed on the closed case together with the notifications.

Problem Solving: Case does not work, glitch or not recognized

If the smart case has ceased to function or is not working correctly, use this table for diagnosis:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Case doesn't wake up screenWeak magnet contact or Hall sensor disabledCheck the density of the case. Turn on the settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Hall sensor (if any).
Notifications not shownDisabled display on the lock screenGo to Settings. β†’ Notifications β†’ On the lock screen and turn on the option.
NFC-tag doesn't workNFC disabled or the mark damagedTurn it on. NFC Check the label with the help of NFC Tools.
The cover spontaneously opens/closes the screenInterference from other magnets (such as in a bag)Remove the foreign magnetic objects. Calibrate the Hall sensor.
Gestures don't workDisabled in settings or conflict with other applicationsCheck the Settings. β†’ Lock screen β†’ Disable conflicting applications (e.g. Nova Launcher).

If nothing helps, try resetting the lock screen settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen.
  2. Select Settings Reset.
  3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

For third-party covers NFC-Labels may require reflashing the tag. NFC Tools Pro:

  1. Open the application and select Record.
  2. Select the type of record URI/URL.
  3. Enter the command to unlock the screen: intent:#Intent;action=com.android.server.lockscreen.SMART_COVER;end.
  4. Put the phone on the tag and save it.

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the smart case may not work due to the lack of drivers for the Hall sensor).

How to prolong the life of a smart case: care and tips

Smart covers, especially with NFC And with magnetic locks, you need to be careful, and here are some tips to help you avoid breakdowns:

  • 🧲 Avoid strong magnetic fields: Do not put your phone with a case next to powerful magnets (such as speakers or magnetically fastened chargers). NFC-marker.
  • πŸ’§ Protect from moisture: Even if the cover is positioned as moisture resistant, do not expose it to direct water intake. NFC-Labels and magnets can oxidize.
  • β˜€οΈ Do not overheat: Do not leave the phone with the case in direct sunlight (for example, on a torpedo in the car.
  • 🧼 Clean contacts: Once a month, wipe the inside of your case and back of your phone with a dry wipe.Dust and dirt can interfere with sensors.

If the case begins to fix poorly, check the magnetic lock:

  • Put another magnet on the lock (like a refrigerator) and if the attraction is weak, the magnet has demagnetized.
  • Try to put a thin layer of foil under the magnet of the cover - this can strengthen the grip.
  • If nothing works, replace the magnet (they are sold in radio parts stores).

For the covers with NFC-It's important to avoid mechanical damage with a tag, and the tag is a thin film that can crack when it's bending, and if the case starts to "glutch" after falling, it's probably damaged, so you just have to replace the cover.

πŸ’‘

Regular cleaning of the magnetic lock and NFC-dust labels extend the life of the cover 30-40%.

Alternatives to a smart case: what to choose if there are not enough functions

If the capabilities of a standard smart case do not suit you, consider alternative accessories:

  • πŸ“± Display cases (such as Xiaomi Smart Back Cover) – have an integrated E-Ink screen to display time, notifications and even control music.
  • πŸ”’ Fingerprint cases – have a built-in scanner that unlocks the phone when touched. Compatible with only some Xiaomi models.

If you want the best functionality, pay attention to the Xiaomi Smart Back Cover:

  • πŸ“Š Displays time, date, weather and notifications on the E-Ink screen.
  • 🎡 Music management (pause, next track).
  • πŸ“ž Call reception (there are response/deflection buttons).
  • πŸ”‹ It lasts up to 30 days without recharging.

The only drawback is the high price tag (around $50-$70), but it completely replaces the smart case and adds new features.

πŸ’‘

Before buying an alternative case, check its compatibility with the Redmi Note 9 Pro on the manufacturer’s website. Some models only work with flagship Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Mi 11 or Black Shark).

FAQ: Frequent questions about smart cases for Redmi Note 9 Pro

My case stopped waking up the screen after the update MIUI. What do you do?
After major updates MIUI (For example, from version 12 to version 13, the Hall sensor may be affected. β†’ Lock screen β†’ Reset settings. Reverse to the previous version MIUI (Install Smart Cover Enabler and activate forced support for the case. If nothing works, contact Xiaomi for support, perhaps in a new firmware bug that will be fixed in the next patch.
Can I use a smart case with custom firmware?
Yes, but with reservations: On firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, the case won't work out of the box - you'll need to install a Magisk module (such as Smart Cover Enabler for Custom ROMs). Some custom cores turn off the Hall sensor to save charge. Check the kernel settings in an app like Kernel Adiutor. NFC-The tags will work regardless of the firmware, but you will need to configure them NFC Tools.
How to turn off a smart case if it interferes?
If the case starts to irritate (for example, constantly turns on the screen in the bag), it can be turned off: Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Smart case. Turn off Auto-Wake-up. If the case continues to interfere, remove it or replace it with a regular one. To completely disable the Hall sensor, you will need root rights and file editing. /system/build.prop (line ro.config.hall_sensor=false).
The case started opening the screen spontaneously.
This problem is usually related to: interference from other magnets (such as in a bag or phone case); malfunction of the Hall sensor (often after a phone falls); conflict with applications (such as Tasker or MacroDroid); Solutions: Remove foreign magnetic objects. Calibrate the Hall sensor through the engineering menu (#6484## β†’ Magnetic Sensor β†’ Calibration. disable automation in third-party apps.
Can you make the cover show only the time and not all the notifications?
Yes for this: Go to Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ On the lock screen. Select Hide the contents of notifications. Turn on the display of time and date in the case settings (Settings) β†’ Lock screen β†’ Smart case. β†’ If your case supports an E-Ink display (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Back Cover), set up the information displayed in its companion app.