Smart case Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure Flip Cover

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face the challenge of protecting a device that not only keeps the body from scratches, but also adds functionality. That's why smart cases were created that can automatically control the screen when the lid is opened. However, many users buy an accessory hoping for "magic," and are frustrated when the screen does not light up on its own, the fact that the MIUI or HyperOS system requires manual activation of this feature or, in rare cases, the installation of special software.

The way these accessories work is by using a magnetic Hall sensor built into the front cover of the case and a response sensor in the smartphone itself, so when you open the lid, the magnet is removed, and the phone receives a state change signal, and if that doesn't happen, the screen keeps burning in your pocket, consuming battery power, or, conversely, goes out when you look at the time through the window. Understanding the physics of the process helps you find the cause of the failure faster.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithms for enabling smart mode for different versions of firmware, consider the settings of special windows (Flip Cover) and touch on the topic of third-party applications. You will learn why a case purchased on the marketplace may not work out of the box and how to fix the situation using software methods without flashing the device.

Principle of operation and types of smart covers

Before you get into the settings, you need to clearly understand what kind of accessory you have in your hands. The market is full of copies that only superficially resemble the original Smart Case. the smart case contains a built-in magnet in its front cover that interacts with the Hall sensor at the top of the smartphone. Without this physical component, no software settings will force the case to “understand” the phone.

There are two main types of accessories for the Xiaomi ecosystem: the first type is a classic flip with a transparent or cut window through which you can see the time and notifications. The second type is a bookcase with no window, where the entire screen is closed with an opaque cover. Each of these types has its own reaction algorithms. The first one often uses a special mode of display of widgets, the second one is simple on and off the display.

It is important to note that not all smartphone models support native work with smart cases. the flagship Mi and Xiaomi series usually have full support, while in the budget Redmi series, the Hall sensor can be physically absent or be software disabled by the manufacturer for the sake of savings.

• 🧲 Magnetic sensor: key element without which the case will remain just a piece of plastic and leather.
• 💻 Software shell: MIUI HyperOS and have built-in drivers for processing signals from the case.
• 📱 Smartphone model: the presence of hardware support for the Hall sensor in a particular device.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap copies of AliExpress cases often lack a magnet in the lid, opening and closing, but the screen does not respond because the physical signal to the motherboard does not arrive.

If you're sure there's a magnet, but you don't have a reaction, you should check the integrity of the sensor in the phone, and sometimes a drop in the device or a smudge will cause the Hall sensor to fail, even if the touchscreen and the matrix are working properly, and in such cases, software activation of the function in the menu will not give results.

Activation of the smart mode in standard settings

Most modern Xiaomi smartphones with current MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS versions do not require additional software installation. All the necessary switches are already built into the system, but they are often hidden in non-obvious menu places. The standard on-board procedure looks like finding the function “Pocket Mode” or “Smart Case”.

To find the right option, open your device's Settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. In classic MIUI, you need to go to Lock and Protect (or Lock Screen) where you should look for Mode in your pocket. In some builds, this feature is brought to Additional -> Mode in your pocket. It is this switch that causes the screen to go out when the case is closed.

Separately, you can also mention settings for window cases. There's a Flip Cover feature for them. It's activated in the Settings menu -> Screen Lock -> Flip Cover. Here you can not only turn on the mode, but also select the appearance of the widget, adjust the display of the pedometer, weather or calendar on the external screen. Without activating this item, the window case will work just like a normal cover, closing the screen completely.

If you upgraded to HyperOS, the logic of the menu might have changed. Look for Special Features or Lock Screen. The interface has become more minimalist, and some features have been renamed. For example, managing a smart case may be in the Accessories Interaction subsection.

It’s important to understand the difference between “Mode in your pocket” and “Smart case.” The mode in your pocket uses a proximity sensor to prevent accidental taps in your bag, and the smart case relies on a lid magnet. However, on Xiaomi menus, these features are often combined or interchangeable depending on the model.

Flip Cover and the appearance of the window

Flip Cover is the hallmark of Xiaomi smart cases, which turns a small window into a full-fledged information center. Once the basic smart case mode is activated, you need to configure what will be displayed. It's not just a watch, it's an interactive widget.

In the Flip Cover settings menu, you can choose from several styles. Some styles only show the time, others show the date and battery level, others animated wallpaper or a list of recent calls. The style choice depends on your preferences and the type of case (horizontal or vertical window).

It also adjusts the behavior of the screen when you receive notifications, so you can allow the caller's name or text to be displayed directly on the locked screen through the window of the case, which increases usability by not opening the phone to check important contacts, but keep in mind the privacy of the phone: if the phone is on the desk in the office, the text of the message can be seen by others.

• ⏰ Watch and Date: Basic functionality available in all design styles.
• 🔋 Battery Charging: A Useful Option to Control Power Without Opening the Cover.
• 📞 Notifications: the ability to see missed and messages on the external screen.

⚠️ Note: Using bright and animated Flip Cover styles significantly increases battery consumption, as the pixels under the window are constantly active or updated frequently.

For users who value minimalism, monochrome themes are available, they consume less energy and look stricter. If your case has a window that is non-standard shaped (for example, in the form of a heart or droplet), standard themes may not fit, and the screen will look unaesthetic, in which case it is better to choose a minimalist dial.

Use of third-party applications for activation

When you don't have a smart case or a flip Cover, it's not uncommon, especially on global firmware or older models, and Google Play apps come to the rescue, emulating the system driver by reading data from the Hall sensor and forcefully locking the screen.

One of the most popular and proven solutions is the Flip Cover app (Yujin developer or analogues), which, once installed, requests device administrator permissions, so that the app can lock the screen and prevent accidental taps when the case is closed, and without administrator rights, the functionality will be severely restricted.

The process of setting up third-party software is usually simple: start an application, press the power button, provide requested permissions. Many of these programs can automatically start when the system starts, which eliminates the need to turn them on manually after each restart, but be prepared for the fact that the battery can discharge a little faster due to constant background activity of the sensors.

There are more advanced utilities like MacroDroid or Tasker, which can create your own script: "If the Hall sensor is closed -> Enable flight mode and turn the brightness down," which gives you flexibility that is not available in standard settings, but takes time to master.

Third-party solutions can cause conflicts with system energy saving functions. MIUI is known for aggressive optimization of background processes. In order for an application to work consistently, it must be added to the battery exception list (“No restrictions”) and fixed in memory (lock in the open application menu).

Hall sensor problems and their solution

Even with the original case and settings on, the device may not behave properly. The screen may not go out when the lid is closed or, conversely, go out during a conversation. Most often, the problem lies in the Hall sensor or its calibration. The Hall sensor is a magnetosensitive element, and it can "glutch" due to magnetic fields or software failures.

The first thing you should do if you suspect a failure is to calibrate the sensors. To do this, the Xiaomi engineering menu (available by code ##6484## or through the Service and Feedback app) has a Hardware Version test. Find the Hall Sensor test. When you lift the magnet (cover), the values should change. If there is no reaction, the hardware problem is.

The second option is software failure of the driver, which will help reset sensor settings. In some models, it helps to turn on and off flight mode, which reboots the radio modules and associated sensors. It is also worth checking whether you have a custom launcher or a design theme that conflicts with the system lock interface. Standard MIUI themes are most stable in working with smart cases.

If the screen goes out while talking, even though the case is open, the proximity sensor (which is often combined with a light sensor) confuses the hand or case with the object in front of the face, in which case calibrating the proximity sensor through the same engineering menu or using a protective glass with a black frame covering the top of the screen helps.

You also need to consider the effects of metal objects, and if you carry your phone next to keys, powerful speakers, or other magnets, the sensor can stick in the closed state, and demagnetizing the service center, or simply removing the field source, solves the problem.

Comparison of cover models and compatibility

Not all cases are equally useful. There are many options on the market, and it's important to understand what you're buying. Xiaomi's original (Mi Smart Flip Cover) cases guarantee 100% compatibility, the right strength magnet and the perfect fit. They often have a perfect fit. NFC-a label that when opening a case can run certain scenarios, although in global firmware this feature is often cropped off.

Chinese versions of cases may differ in labeling. For example, cases for the Chinese market Mi 11 may not work correctly with the global version of the Mi 11 due to differences in the positioning of sensors inside the case. Always check the model of the case and the model of the phone. The match must be accurate to the letter of the region (Global, CN, EEA).

Branded third-party cases (Nillkin, Baseus, Spigen) often have their own characteristics: some use more powerful magnets, which improves response, but can interfere with compass or navigation. Others, on the contrary, make the magnet too weak, and the case only works when pressed tightly.

⚠️ Warning: Powerful magnets in cases can negatively affect the operation of optical camera stabilization (OIS) Don't put a magnetic phone close to a credit card with a chip.

When choosing an accessory, pay attention to reviews where users specifically mention the operation of the sensor. The phrase "screen does not go out" in the comments is a red flag. It is better to pay over for a proven brand than to fight glitches daily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

The key to a smart case is that it has a magnet in the lid and the Hall sensor in the phone is working, and without this physical pair, no menu settings will help.

To sum up, activating a smart case on Xiaomi is a simple process if you have a compatible accessory. Check your purchases carefully, use the regular MIUI and HyperOS system tools, and your smartphone will become even more convenient in daily use. If the standard methods do not work, there is always an option with proven applications from the market.