Why to track time in applications and what does this statistic give
Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the most popular budget phones, but even it can turn into a “time eater” if you do not control the use of applications. Social networks, messengers, games and streaming services steal hours of your life, and built-in MIUI tools allow you to track this. Time data in applications helps not only to understand digital habits, but also to optimize the performance of the phone.
For example, if you notice that TikTok or Instagram take 4-5 hours a day, it’s a good idea to think about digital detox. Statistics analysis is also useful for parents who want to control their children’s screen time, or for those who want to improve productivity. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to check the time in apps, from standard MIUI 10/11/12 features to third-party utilities with advanced analytics.
It is important to understand that data is only collected when the screen is actively used. If the application is running in the background (for example, a music player), this time may not be counted or displayed separately, and statistics are reset after resetting settings or updating the firmware.
Method 1: Built-in statistics in MIUI (without third-party programs)
The easiest method is to use the built-in Time of Use tool, which is available on all versions of the Redmi Note 7 (including global and Chinese firmware), which not only shows the total screen time, but also details it for each application, and allows you to set limits.
To open up the statistics:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Time of use (on some versions) MIUI The path may be called Digital Well-Being or Screen Time).
- 📊 On the home screen, you'll see a usage chart for today, yesterday or week.
- 🔍 Scroll down to the Frequently Used Applications block – here the top programs by time are displayed, indicating the number of launches.
- ⏱️ To see detailed statistics on a particular app (like YouTube or WhatsApp), tap on its name.
Note that if you've never been to this section, the system can request permission to collect data, without which the statistics will not be recorded, and you can set parental controls or usage limits for individual applications.
Open the weekly schedule|Look at the top-5 time-extension|Check the number of launches of messengers|Set up notifications of exceeding the limit-->
Method 2: Detailed analytics through Security (for MIUI 12 and later)
Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has moved some of its digital well-being features to the Security app, where the statistics are more detailed: you can see not only the time in the apps, but also the categorization (social media, games, work), and compare your performance with the national average.
Instructions:
- Open the Security app (the shield icon on the desktop).
- Go to the Optimization or Digital Well-Being tab (depending on the firmware version).
- Select the Time of Use → Details.
- Here's available: 📅 Daily/weekly/monthly reports; 🎮 Category breakdown (games, communication, entertainment); 🔔 Notifications of exceeding limits; 📵 Do not disturb the schedule.
The key to this method is that it can export data in.csv format for further analysis on a PC, which is useful if you're a productivity diary or want to visualize data in Excel.
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If the Security app doesn’t have a Digital Wellbeing tab, update it via Google Play or the MIUI App Store. Older versions may not support this feature.
Method 3: Third-party applications for advanced analysis
Xiaomi’s built-in tools provide basic information, but if you need deep analytics (like comparing to past months, tracking habits, or blocking distractions), you should look at third-party utilities.
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Wellbeing (Google) | Integration with Android, limits on applications, “Sleep Time” mode | It doesn’t work on Chinese firmware without Google Services. | Play Market |
| ActionDash | Data visualization, comparisons with other users, weekly reports | Paid premium version for advanced features | Play Market |
| StayFree | Detailed statistics by days, weeks, months; blocking applications | Advertising in the free version | Play Market |
| QualityTime | Productivity analysis, time reduction goals, family control | A complex interface for beginners | Play Market |
Before installing, check compatibility with your version of MIUI. Some applications (e.g. Digital Wellbeing) require Google Play Services, which can be removed on Chinese firmware. Also note that third-party utilities consume additional battery due to background monitoring.
Digital Wellbeing|ActionDash|StayFree|QualityTime|For now, I'll get by with the built-in tools-->
How to Reset or Disable Statistics Collection
If you don’t want the Redmi Note 7 to track your activity, data collection can be disabled or reset.
- 🔄 Want to start tracking “from scratch»;
- 🛡️ Worry about confidentiality;
- 📉 I noticed that the phone began to brake due to background monitoring.
To reset the statistics:
- Go to Settings. → Time of use.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu).
- Choose Reset Data or Turn off Monitoring.
On some firmware, this item might be called Clear History. Once reset, all the graphs will reset, and collection will start again. If you turn off the monitoring completely, the data will stop being recorded until it's turned on again.
What happens if you turn off the “Time of Use”?
Frequent problems and their solutions
Redmi Note 7 users sometimes find that the statistics are not displayed or work incorrectly.
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The "Usetime" section has disappeared, this may be due to the switch to a new firmware version, where the feature is moved to the Security app.
Problem 1: Statistics are not updated or show zeros.
- 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes background processes “hang over».
- 📥 Update the Security app through Play Market.
- 🔧 Reset your monitoring settings (see previous section).
Problem 2: There is no “Time of Use” section in the settings.
- 🌍 Make sure you have global firmware (the Chinese versions may not have a feature).
- 🔍 Check for the Security app – it may be hidden or removed.
- 📲 Install a third-party monitoring application (see Method 3).
Problem 3: Data is reset after rebooting.
It could be due to a cache error.
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Find “Security” → Clear the cacheHow to Use Data to Increase Productivity
Just knowing how much time you spend on Telegram or PUBG Mobile is not enough, but turning that data into useful habits.
- Set limits: Under the Time to Use section, you can set daily limits for distracting apps, such as 1 hour a day for Instagram.
- Use Do Not Disturb: Set up automatic disabling of social media notifications during business hours.
- Analyze peak hours: If you notice that you spend the most time in the evening, try replacing your smartphone with a book or sport.
- Compare weeks: Many apps (like ActionDash) show dynamics. If time in games has increased by 30%, that's a signal.
For maximum effect, combine digital detox with other methods:
- 📵 Remove your phone from your bedroom before going to bed;
- ⏰ Use an alarm clock instead of a smartphone;
- 🎯 Set specific goals (for example, “read a book instead of scrolling the tape»).
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Even reducing social media time by 30 minutes a day can be a good thing. +3.5 hours of productivity a week. Start with small changes!