Xiaomi’s Smart Cover: Full Discussion of Features, Models and Hidden Features

Have you ever wondered why Xiaomi smartphones with smart covers discharge more slowly than without them? or how one thin patch on the screen can automatically lock the phone when it closes, turn on the camera when it opens and even show notifications through a translucent window?

In this article, we’ll look at what the smart cover on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones is, how it works at the physical and software level, what models are supported, and most importantly, how to make the most of it. You’ll learn about hidden features that aren’t in standard instructions, compare covers with Samsung and Apple, and answer the question: whether to overpay for a smart case or can you do with a regular one. Spoiler: After reading, you’ll definitely want to test at least one of the chips on your device.

What is Xiaomi’s Smart Cover and How It Is Structured

The smart cover is a Xiaomi smartphone case that has a built-in magnetic sensor and chip that communicates with the phone via NFC or hall-sensor, and unlike conventional cases, it not only protects the screen from scratches, but also:

• 🔋 Saves battery power due to automatic switching off of the screen when closing.
• 🔒 Locks/unlocks the phone without pressing buttons (Smart Lock function).
• 📸 Starts the camera when opening the cover in a horizontal position.
• 🔔 Shows notifications through a transparent window (on some models).

Technically, the cover works on the principle of wireless identification: when you close the case, the magnet in it activates the Hall sensor in the phone, sending a signal to the system to lock the screen. When you open it happens in reverse order. Importantly, it does not require a Bluetooth connection or additional applications, it works at the level of the MIUI firmware.

Interesting fact: Xiaomi’s first smart covers were introduced for the Mi 5 and Mi Note 2 flagships in 2016, back then supporting only basic screen locking. Today, for example, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra cover can show time, charge level, and even control music through gestures – all thanks to the built-in E-Ink display.

What Xiaomi models support smart covers

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are compatible with smart covers, and to work, the phone must have:

1. Hall Sensor (or NFC support for some models)
2. MIUI 8 and higher (on older versions, the functions may not work correctly)
3. The official cover from Xiaomi – third-party cases often don’t have the right magnets.

Below is the table of compatibility of popular models (relevant for 2026):

⚠️ Note: If you buy a cover separately from your phone, make sure it’s designed for your model. For example, a Xiaomi 13 case won’t work for the Xiaomi 13 Lite – the difference in the location of magnets and sensors can lead to malfunctioning.

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To check if your phone has a Hall sensor, download the Sensor Test app from Google Play and run a magnetic field test. If the sensor is missing, the smart cover won't work.

How to set up a smart cover on Xiaomi

In most cases, the smart cover starts working immediately after installation on the phone - no additional settings are required. However, some functions (such as starting the camera or displaying notifications) need to be activated manually.

1. Set the cover on your phone and make sure the magnets match the sensor (usually they are located at the top of the case).
2. Open Settings → Display → Smart Cover (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Smart Features).
3. Activate switches for the desired options: 🔄 Automatic lock/unlocking 📷 Quick camera start (when opened horizontally) 🔔 Display of notifications (if supported)

E-Ink display

Xiaomi 13 Ultra

Smart Cover

MIUI App Store

If the functions are not working:

• Check if the cover is properly installed (magnets should be near the top of the phone).
• Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI.
• Reset the settings in the Settings section → Smart cover → Reset.

Hidden features of smart covers that you didn’t know about

Most users use the smart cover only to lock the screen, but in fact it does a lot more. Here are 5 little-known chips that will make your interaction with your phone more convenient:

1. Gesture music control (on models with E-Ink): On the covers for Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3, you can switch tracks and adjust the volume by swiping your finger across the display of the case - even when the phone is locked.
2. Pocket Lantern Mode: If you open the cover in a dark room, the screen will turn on at a minimum brightness – convenient for night use.
3. Automatically turn on silent mode: In the smart cover settings (Settings → Sound), you can set up an automatic sound shutdown when you close the cover.
4. Quick App Access: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12S Ultra), double-tapping on the cover opens the selected app (configured in Settings → Smart Cover → Quick Launch).
5. Weather and calendar display: E-Ink cases can show weather forecasts, calendar events, and even currency rates – you need to synchronize data in the Smart Cover app.

⚠️ Note: Some functions (e.g. gesture control) only work on flagship models with MIUI 14+. If your settings do not have the appropriate items, then your phone does not support them.

Comparison of Xiaomi smart covers with analogues from Samsung and Apple

Smart covers are not only Xiaomi – Samsung (S View Cover series) and Apple (MagSafe cases) offer similar solutions.

Xiaomi beats competitors in price/functionality, especially on flagship models with E-Ink. Samsung offers a more premium design, but for a significantly higher cost. Apple lags behind in functionality — their MagSafe cases are mainly focused on wireless charging, not smart chips.

The main advantage of Xiaomi covers is the flexibility of the settings, for example, only in MIUI you can assign different actions to open the case in the vertical and horizontal position (camera or application), Samsung and Apple have either no such options or are very limited.

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Xiaomi’s smart covers are the best choice for those who want the most features for the lowest price. If you care about premium materials and brand, look at Samsung. Apple is still behind in this segment.

Frequent Problems and How to Solve Them

Even though it’s simple to design, Xiaomi’s smart covers sometimes don’t work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Phone not locked/unlocked when the cover is opened Causes: The cover magnets do not match the Hall sensor (check location). Sensor is contaminated or damaged (wipe the top of the phone with an alcohol wipe). → Smart cover).
• 📵 Not working notifications on the E-Ink display Solution: Update the Smart Cover app in MIUI App Store. Check permissions for the app in Settings → Annexes → Smart Cover → Permits, reboot the phone.
• 🔋 Cover discharges quickly (for models with E-Ink) Tip: Turn off the permanent display of time in the case settings. Reduce the frequency of data updates (weather, notifications). Charge the cover from the wireless charger (if supported).

⚠️ Note: If after all the manipulations, the cover did not work, check it on another compatible phone. It may be the case itself (for example, a damaged magnet or chip.

Should you buy a smart cover Xiaomi: pros and cons

Smart cover is not cheap (price ranges from 1,500 to 5,000). ₽ Let's weigh the pros and cons to see if the game is worth the candle.

Pros:

• ✅ Battery savings – the phone uses up to 15% less charge thanks to automatic screen locking.
• ✅ Convenience – you don’t need to press the power button to unlock the device.
• ✅ Additional protection - the case protects the screen from scratches and impacts.
• ✅ Unique chips – gesture control, notification display, quick camera start.

Cons:

• ❌ Price – original covers are more expensive than ordinary covers 2-3 times.
• ❌ Limited compatibility – only works with certain models.
• ❌ Magnet wear – over time, the Hall sensor may be worse off.
• ❌ Not all features are available – for example, the E-Ink display is only on flagships.

Conclusion: If you own Xiaomi’s flagship model (like the 13/14 series or Mix Fold) and are actively using your phone, the smart cover is definitely worth the money. For budget smartphones (like the Redmi 12 or POCO M6), buying it is less justified – most of the smart features are not supported there.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions