Xiaomi Smart Cover: A Complete Guide to Features, Setup, and Selection

Xiaomi’s smartphone cover is not just an accessory to protect the case, but a full-fledged smart device that extends the functionality of your phone. Many users mistakenly think of it as a regular case with a notification window, but in fact the possibilities are much broader: from automatically locking the screen to controlling music and the camera without opening the lid. If you ever wondered why some owners of Redmi or POCO are so actively using these covers, the answer lies in the convenience and additional chips they provide.

In this article, we'll look at all the key aspects, from how it works and model compatibility to step-by-step customization and comparisons with other brands. You'll learn how the smart cover interacts with MIUI, what hidden features it has, and whether to overpay for this option. And if you're already a lucky accessory owner, here are tips for optimizing its operation and fixing typical problems.

Next, a detailed analysis that will help you make an informed choice and use a smart cover 100%.

What is Xiaomi Smart Cover and How Does It Work?

A smart cover is a protective case with a built-in magnetic sensor that interacts with the sensors of a smartphone. Unlike conventional cases, it is equipped with a microchip that allows the phone to recognize its opening/closing and perform pre-programmed actions, for example, when the cover is opened, the screen automatically unlocks, and when closed, it locks and goes out.

Technically, it's based on a magnetometer that responds to the magnetic field of a magnet embedded in the cover. When you open the lid, the sensor detects the change in field and sends a signal to the MIUI system, which triggers a given scenario, which allows for features that are not available for standard cases: for example, double-tapping on the cover can activate the camera even on a locked phone, a unique feature that competitors like Samsung or Apple don't have.

It’s important to understand that a smart cover is not a standalone device, but an accessory that depends on software support. Without properly configured software (usually a proprietary Mi Smart Cover app or built-in MIUI options), it will work like a regular case. So check compatibility with your phone model before buying – more on this in the next section.

Not all smart covers are the same, by the way: there are options with a transparent notification window, wireless charging, and models with additional control buttons (like running a voice assistant).

Compatibility: Which Xiaomi phones support smart covers

Not every Xiaomi smartphone can work with a smart cover, but the main requirement is a magnetometer and support for the feature in firmware, usually flagship and mid-budget models released after 2018. Here is the current list of compatible series (for 2026):

• 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mi 11, Mi 10, Mi Mix 4
• 📱 Redmi: Redmi Note 11/12/13 Pro, Redmi K50/K60, Redmi 10/11 5G
• 📱 POCO: POCO F4/F5, POCO X5 Pro, POCO M6 Pro
• 📱 Foldable models: Xiaomi MIX Fold 2/3 (They are issued special covers with adaptation to the flexible screen)

To find out exactly if your phone supports a smart cover, check out:

1. Hall Sensor: Download the AIDA64 or CPU-Z app and find the Sensors section – there should be a Magnetic field sensor item.
2. Support in MIUI: Go to Settings → Additional Features → Smart Cover. If there is no partition, your model is incompatible.

⚠️ Note: Some Chinese versions of phones (for example, for the market) CN) They may not support smart covers even if they have a sensor, because of the limitations of the firmware, and then the firmware reflashing to the global version will help. MIUI.

If your model is not on the list but you want to try it out, you can buy a universal smart cover with NFC support – it works on a different principle (via a contactless chip), but the functionality will be limited (for example, only unlock the screen).

The main functions of a smart cover: what can and how it works

The functionality of the smart cover depends on the phone model and the MIUI version, but the basic set of features usually includes:

The most useful feature for many users is a quick start of the camera, which works even when the phone is locked: you just touch the cover twice, and the camera will open in 1-2 seconds. This is convenient for spontaneous shots when there is no time to unlock the screen, and it works with the rear camera (main module), not the selfie camera.

Another hidden feature is the voice assistant activation, which on some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), you can set up a triple cover tap to call Google Assistant or Xiao AI, which works even if the screen is off, but the phone is not locked.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14 and later, the cover window notification function may conflict with the Always on Screen mode" (AOD). If notifications are not shown, turn off AOD display-setting.

For foldable smartphone owners (such as Xiaomi MIX Fold 3), the smart cover offers additional scenarios:

• 🔄 Automatic switching between internal and external screens when opening/closing.
• 📸 Using an external screen as a viewfinder for selfies (camera activates with double touch).
• 🔋 Optimizing energy consumption: when the cover is closed, the internal screen is completely turned off.

Make sure the smart cover is properly installed on the phone|Open the Settings. → Additional functions → Smart cover|Activate the option "Double touch for camera"|Check the work on the locked screen-->

How to set up a smart cover on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

If your phone supports a smart cover, it will take no more than 5 minutes to set up. Here is the universal guide for MIUI 12-14:

1. Cover installation: Carefully attach the case to the phone, making sure that the magnetic sensor (usually located at the top) matches the phone's hall sensor. Some models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) have a special tag on the case.
2. Activate the function: Go to Settings → Additional Features → Smart Cover and turn on the master switch. If there is no partition, upgrade MIUI to the latest version.
3. Setting up actions: Here you can configure: 🔓 Automatic Unlocking (Switching Off) PIN/graphical key when opening the cover). 📸 Quick camera start (double touch). 🎵 Music management (swipes for switching tracks).

Verification of notifications:

Settings → Lock screen → Notifications on the smart cover

If the functions do not work after setting up:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Check if the cover is properly installed (the magnet should be near the top of the phone).
3. Update the Mi Smart Cover app to Google Play.
4. Reset your smart cover settings to Settings → Additional features → Smart cover → Reset.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your smart cover settings (spoiler instructions above) or contact your service center. In rare cases, the problem may be a faulty phone hall sensor — it’s already a hardware breakdown, and fixing it will require repair.

Another common complaint is false positives (e.g., the screen turns on in the bag) because of a sensor that is too sensitive or a weak magnet in the cover.

1. Adjust the strength of the magnet: if the cover is easily opened, put a thin layer of insulation under the magnet to strengthen the field.
2. Turn off automatic unlock and use only double tap for the camera.
3. Activate the Pocket mode in the smart cover settings (if available).

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14 and later, there is a bug where the smart cover stops working after the update. Solution: roll back to the previous firmware version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

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If the smart cover stopped working after the phone fell, the hall sensor was likely damaged, and only replacing the sensor in the service center would help.

How to choose a smart cover for Xiaomi: original vs analogues

When choosing a smart cover, the main thing is compatibility with the model of the phone. Even if the case fits externally, the magnet may not be located correctly, and the sensor will not work.

• 🔍 Original covers: ✅ Guaranteed compatibility with your model. ✅ Quality materials (usually leather substitute or polycarbonate). ✅ Full support for all functions MIUI. ❌ High price (from 2000) ₽).
• 🛒 Analogues (e.g., from Baseus, Spigen, Nillkin): ✅ Cheaper than the original (from 800) ₽). ✅ Often have additional chips (such as slot for cards). ❌ It may not support all functions (e.g. music management). ❌ Risk of a bad landing or weak magnet.

Where to buy:

• 🛡️ Original: Official Xiaomi store, Mi Store, trusted retailers (for example, Svyaznoy, M. Video).
• 🌍 Analogues: AliExpress (with reviews 4.8)+), Wildberries, Ozon (look for highly rated sellers).

When buying an analogue, be sure to check:

1. Compatible with your model (should be specified in the description).
2. Magnet (sometimes sell ordinary covers under the guise of smart covers).
3. Material: Cheap plastic can crack when it falls.
4. Reviews of the quality of the magnet (must securely fix the cover in a closed state).

For foldable smartphones (MIX Fold, MIX Flip) choose only original covers - analogues often do not take into account the design features and can damage the folding mechanism.

⚠️ Note: AliExpress often sells “universal” smart covers that supposedly fit all phones, and in practice only works with models that have a hall sensor in a standard location (usually at the top of the speaker). Before buying, specify the location of the sensor for your model.

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If you are buying a cover for POCO or Redmi, make sure the description has a note about MIUI support.Some cases only work with pure Android.

The future of smart covers: what to expect from Xiaomi in 2026-2026

Xiaomi is actively developing the ecosystem of smart accessories, and smart covers are no exception.

• 🔋 Wireless charging: Some models (like the Xiaomi 13 Pro) already support cover charging, but this feature will become standard in the future.
• 📱 Interactive displays: Instead of a simple notification window, covers can appear with flexible E-Ink screens showing the time, weather and notifications in color.
• 🔒 Biometric protection: Embedding a fingerprint scanner directly into the cover for unlocking without opening the lid.
• 🎮 Game features: For gaming smartphones (such as Black Shark) can appear covers with additional control buttons.
• 🌐 IoT integration: Managing Xiaomi’s smart home straight from the cover (e.g., turning on lights with double touch).

It is also expected to increase compatibility, with smart covers likely to support more budget models (Redmi and POCO), making them more affordable.

Another promising area is green materials, and Xiaomi has already announced recycled plastic and biodegradable polymer covers, so that smart covers will not only be smarter, but also greener in the future.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Xiaomi smart covers