Always On Display on Xiaomi Mi Band 8: How to turn on, configure and save charge

The feature is Always on Display (AOD) The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 allows you to see the time, steps and notifications on the bracelet screen without having to raise your hand or press a button, an option that has become one of the most popular among smartwatch users, but its activation and setting is often questionable. Unlike the previous models (Mi Band 7 or Mi Band 6), the AOD While limited or absent, the eighth version offers more flexible options, provided the right configuration is available.

But there are nuances: the function can significantly reduce the autonomy of the bracelet, and its availability depends on the firmware version and regional restrictions. AOD, But also alternative ways (for example, through third-party apps), and we also give you recommendations for optimizing battery consumption. If you find that the option is gray or not on the menu, here you will find a solution.

What is Always On Display and Why is it on the Mi Band 8?

Always On Display (AOD) — This is a mode in which the bracelet screen remains active even at rest, displaying a minimum set of information: time, date, number of steps, charge level or notification icons. The Mi Band 8 has a simplified version of this feature compared to smartwatches (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro), but it is still useful for the user:

• ⏱️ Quickly viewing time without unnecessary movements (especially when training or driving).
• 📱 Notification monitoring: Missed calls or messages are visible immediately.
• 🚶 Activity tracking: Current steps and pulse are always in sight.
• 🔋 Charge control: The percentage of the battery is displayed constantly, which helps to avoid sudden discharge.

It is important to understand that AOD The Mi Band 8 works differently than on smartphones or smartwatches. OLED-A screen that only highlights the pixels you need (like clock hands or numbers) rather than the entire display, and yet even in this mode, power consumption increases by 15 to 25 percent compared to when the screen is off.

⚠️ Note: Some Mi Band 8 firmware (especially in Chinese versions) feature AOD It can be hidden or blocked, and you need to update the software or change the region in the bracelet settings.

Preparation of the bracelet: checking the firmware version and compatibility

Before you turn on Always On Display, make sure your Mi Band 8 supports this feature.

1. Open the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for global versions) on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Profile section → Mi Band 8 → The bracelet.
3. Check the firmware version. Current versions (starting with 1.0.12.0 and above) support AOD.

If the version is outdated, update the bracelet through the same menu. AOD You need a minimum version of Mi Fitness 5.6.0 or Zepp Life 6.1.0. APK You can access the official Xiaomi website or Google Play.

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware function AOD missing, try resetting the bracelet settings to factory (Settings) → In-app resets: This often solves the problem of displaying options.

How to turn Always On Display on Mi Band 8

If your bracelet is ready for activation AOD, Follow this instruction. It takes no more than 2-3 minutes:

1. Open the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app on your phone.
2. Select your Mi Band 8 from the device list.
3. Go to the Screen section. → Always On Display (in some versions of the application, the path may differ: Settings) → Display. → AOD).
4. Activate the switch to Always On Display.
5. Select the display style (options available: Digital Watch, Analog Watch, Minimalist).
6. Set up a schedule (if necessary): you can set work intervals AOD (For example, only during the day or weekdays).

Once activated, the bracelet screen will remain on standby. To check the function, just leave the bracelet still for 5-10 seconds - a dim display with the selected watch style should appear.

Updated the firmware to the current version|Activated option in the app|Selected display style|Checked the work on standby|Set up a schedule (if necessary)

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If the Always On Display option is inactive (grey), the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Older Firmware - Update the bracelet.
• 🌍 Inappropriate region – change region to EUR or RUS appliance.
• 🔋 Low battery charge (less than 20%) – recharge the bracelet.
• 📱 Older app – Update Mi Fitness or Zepp Life.

Alternative ways of inclusion AOD (if the standard doesn't work)

If your app doesn’t have the Always On Display option, or if it’s blocked, you can try circumventing the restrictions with one of the following methods:

1. Change of bracelet region

Certain functions including AOD) They can be blocked for certain regions, to change the region:

1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to Profile → Mi Band 8 → Additionally.
2. Find the region and select Europe (EUR) Russia (RUS).
3. Save the changes and reset the bracelet.

After the change of region option AOD should appear on the menu.

2. Use of third-party applications

Apps like Notify & Fitness for Mi Band or Tools & Mi Band let you unlock hidden features, including the ones you can use to unlock the features. AOD. But keep in mind:

• ⚠️ The risk of loss of warranty (unofficial applications may violate Xiaomi’s policy).
• 🔄 Possible bugs (for example, incorrect time display or quick discharge).
• 🔒 Notification and Bluetooth access permission required.

Instructions for Notify & Fitness:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Connect Mi Band 8 through the app menu.
3. Go to Settings → Screen → Always On Display
4. Activate the function and select the style.

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Before using third-party applications, back up the bracelet data through official software. This will help restore the settings in the event of a failure.

Manual incorporation through ADB (for advanced users)

If you know me, ADB-Teams can try to include AOD It's a computer:

1. Install. ADB Tools and drivers for Mi Band 8.
2. Connect the bracelet to the PC via Bluetooth (a pair connection is required).
3. The command is: adb shell am start. -n com.xiaomi.hm.health/com.xiaomi.hm.health.aod.AodSettingsActivity

This method does not work on all firmware and can lead to unstable bracelet operation.

How to Configure Always On Display to Save Your Battery

AOD It increases energy consumption significantly, but it can be optimized:

• ⏳ Limit your work time: turn on AOD only during the day (for example, from 8:00 to 22:00).
• 🌑 Choose a dark style: black background with white numerals consumes less energy than colored dials.
• 🔄 Reduce brightness: set the minimum brightness for the screen settings AOD.
• 🚫 Disable unnecessary items: Hide date, steps, or notifications if they are not critical.

You can also use an adaptive mode where AOD It only activates under certain conditions (e.g. when the bracelet is connected to a charger or when you are asleep:

1. In the app, go to Settings → Screen. → Always On Display → Schedule.
2. Select Adaptive Mode.
3. Set the conditions (for example, only when charging or on weekdays).

⚠️ Attention: If, after activation, AOD The bracelet discharges in 1-2 days, check the background processes in the Mi Fitness application. Sometimes synchronization failures with the phone accelerate the discharge.

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The optimal balance between convenience and autonomy – use AOD with a schedule (for example, only during working hours) and a minimalist display style.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after you set up Always On Display correctly, you may experience failures, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

1. AOD It goes on, but it goes out quickly.

Reasons:

• 🔋 Low battery (less than 15%) – recharge your bracelet.
• 🛠️ Firmware failure – update the software or reset the settings.
• 📱 Phone conflict – reconnect the bracelet in the app.

2.The screen flickeres or is displayed incorrectly

Decisions:

• 🔄 Reset the bracelet (hold the button for 10 seconds).
• 🎨 Change the display style AOD A simpler one (e.g., a digital watch).
• 📲 Update the Mi Fitness app to the latest version.

3.The function disappeared after the update

Action:

• 🌍 Check the bracelet region (should be) EUR or RUS).
• 📥 Install the beta version of the firmware (if available for your model).
• 📧 Contact Xiaomi with the firmware version and bracelet model.

Always On Display on Mi Band 8 and other Xiaomi models

Function AOD Not only is it available on the Mi Band 8, but it is also available on other Xiaomi devices:

Important: Mi Band 8 feature AOD implemented through an energy saving regime OLED, On smart watches (for example, Xiaomi Watch) S3) It uses more advanced technology with adaptive backlighting, which means that the bracelet will have a less bright screen, but also less voracious screen.

If you’re critically important to always have the screen on, consider switching to Xiaomi smartwatches – they offer more flexibility in customization. AOD, including:

• 🎨 Customization of dials (uploading your images).
• ⏱️ Flexible schedule (by day of the week or by event).
• 🔋 Adaptive brightness (automatic adjustment depending on the lighting).

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Always On Display on Mi Band 8