Modern Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI They provide users with detailed statistics on device usage, from screen time to activity in individual applications, and they help not only control digital addiction, but also identify programs that are stealthily eating away battery power or traffic. However, not all device owners know where these settings are hidden and how to interpret them correctly.
In this article, we will discuss all available ways to view time spent in applications on Xiaomi โ from standard tools. MIUI to third-party utilities with advanced functionality, special attention will be paid to the nuances of the function on different versions of the firmware (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), and we'll also show you how to get around the limitations of the system if the statistics suddenly stop showing. For those who want to analyze their digital habits in more depth, we've prepared a comparison of embedded tools and popular alternatives like Digital Wellbeing or ActionDash.
We warn you in advance: some methods may differ depending on the smartphone model (for example, Redmi Note 11 vs Xiaomi 13 Pro) and regional firmware. MIUI In Settings โ About the phone and if necessary update the system.
Standard statistics on the use of MIUI: Where to look and how to read
The easiest way to find out how much time youโve spent in apps is to use the built-in โTime of Useโ (or โDigital Well-Beingโ feature in newer versions). MIUI). This option is available on all Xiaomi devices, starting with the MIUI 10, but its layout and interface have changed over time.
To find the statistics:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the section Time of Use (in) MIUI 14 This may be called Digital Well-Being and Parental Control).
- Click on the graph at the top of the screen โ this shows the total time the device is used per day.
- Scroll down to the Frequently Used Apps block โ here you will see a list of programs indicating the activity time.
This section is also available:
- ๐ Hours of activity โ shows peak usage periods.
- ๐ Battery consumption by application (crosses with data from the Battery section).
- ๐ Number of notifications received from each application.
- ๐๏ธ Time without distractions โ if you have turned on concentration mode.
Please note: by default MIUI It resets the statistics at midnight, and if you want to save the data from the past day, take a screenshot or export the report. MIUI 13).
2. Difference between MIUI 12, 13 and 14: where the settings were hidden
Xiaomi regularly updates the interface MIUI, And the location of the usage statistics function has changed a lot:
| MIUI version | The path to statistics | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 | Settings โ Time of use | Simple interface with no detail by day. No data export. |
| MIUI 13 | Settings โ Digital well-being | Added weekly reports and the ability to limit time for individual applications. |
| MIUI 14 (global) | Settings โ Digital Well-Being and Parental Control | Google Digital Wellbeing integration, and synchronization of data between devices on the same Mi Account. |
| MIUI 14 (Chinese) | Settings โ Battery and productivity โ Time of use | More detailed statistics, but without integration with Google services. |
Important for smartphone owners with Chinese firmware: if you have a version installed MIUI For the Chinese market, the path to settings may differ, and some features (such as the time limit for apps) may be blocked without being linked to a Chinese Mi Account.
If you do not find the Time of Use section in the indicated ways, try:
- ๐ Use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner of Settings).
- ๐ Update the firmware to the latest version (in) MIUI 14 interface becomes more intuitive).
- ๐ฑ Check if the section is hidden due to child or corporate policies (relevant to work phones).
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If the statistics suddenly reset or stop collecting, try rebooting your phone, sometimes helping to restore the monitoring service.
3. How to include detailed statistics if it is not in the settings
On some Xiaomi devices (especially with custom firmware or stripped-down versions) MIUI) There may be no "Time of Use" section, in which case there are two ways out:
Method 1: Activate the hidden function through ADB
This is a method that's suitable for advanced users, and you'll need to:
- A computer with ADB drivers installed.
- Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI โ Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings โ For developers).
- USB Type C cable (preferably original)
Instructions:
adb shell settings put global usage_stats_enabled 1After you execute the command, restart the phone. The Time of Use section should appear in the settings.
Method 2: Install a third-party application
If you work with ADB It seems difficult, use alternative utilities:
- ๐ฑ Digital Wellbeing (from Google) โ available on the Play Market but requires Android 9+.
Why can't statistics be collected?
4. How to save and export time data
By default. MIUI It does not allow you to export statistics to a file, but there are workarounds:
For MIUI 13 and newer:
- Discover Digital Well-Being โ Cog sign (settings) โ Export of data.
- Select the period (day/week) and format (CSV or PDF).
- The file will be saved in the folder. Download/Wellbeing.
For older versions of MIUI:
Use the App Usage Export app (available in the Play Market) that reads data from the system and stores it in an Excel-compatible format, and you will need permission to access usage statistics manually in the application settings when you first run it.
If you need to automatically track time in apps for a long period, set up:
- ๐ Weekly reports in Digital Wellbeing (reminders come on Mondays).
Enable the display of hidden folders in the file manager|Check the free space on the device (export takes up) ~1-5 MB)|Install a reading app CSV/PDF (for example, WPS Office)|Disable battery optimization for exporter app-->
5.Data Analysis: How to Know Which Apps Are โStealingโ Your Time
It's not enough to look at the numbers, you have to be able to interpret them.
Alert signals:
- โฐ More than 4 hours a day on social media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook) โ a sign of digital addiction.
- ๐ฎ Out-of-hours games (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile after 23:00 - disrupt sleep.
- ๐ฑ Frequent short sessions (on the basis of 1-2 minutely 10 They say about the habit of โchecking the phone out of habit".
- ๐ Apps with high battery consumption but low usage time (like WeChat or Mi Video) โ run in the background and drain the battery.
How to optimize time:
- Set limits for problematic applications (Digital Well-Being) โ Application timer).
- Use focus mode (Settings) โ Special facilities โ Focus Mode to block distracting notifications.
- Set up the grey icons (in) MIUI 14) for applications that you want to use less often.
- Replace social networks with web-based browsers โ they are less โtighteningโ due to the lack of push notifications.
To visualize progress, keep a weekly diary:
| Annex | Time (week 1) | Time (week 2) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18.30m | 14 hours 10 m | <10 smack | |
| YouTube | 12 p. 45 m | 9 hours 20 m | <8 smack |
| Telegram | 8 p.m. 15 m | 6 hours 50 m | <5 smack |
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If you notice that you are spending more on your phone 6-7 The best time to watch a screen, not counting work tasks, is to rethink your digital habits โ 3-4 day-day.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Xiaomi users often encounter errors when trying to look at usage statistics, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
Problem 1: No section "Time of use"
โ ๏ธ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro with custom firmware, this partition can be disabled. ADB Adb shell settings list global | grep usage_stats If the result usage_stats_enabled=0, Enable the function as described in the section 3.
Problem 2: Statistics are reset at random times
By default. MIUI It drops data at midnight, but sometimes it's resetting in the afternoon:
- ๐ Changing the time zone (for example, when flying).
- ๐ต Cleaning the cache of system applications.
- ๐ Deep battery discharge (below 5%).
Solution: Install an application for automatic statistics backup (e.g. App Usage Tracker).
Problem 3: Time is not taken into account in games
Some games (especially those with high graphics requirements) may not be displayed in the statistics due to the peculiarities of working with UsageStats. API. To fix it:
- Close the game through the latest app menu (swipe up).
- Reboot the phone.
- Start the game again and check the statistics through 10-15 minute.
Problem 4: Data is not updated in real time
Systemic statistics in MIUI Update up to 1 hour late. Use third-party apps like StayFree or QualityTime for instant tracking.
How to manually reset statistics?
7.Alternative methods: Digital Wellbeing and third-party applications
If embedded tools MIUI You don't like it, you can consider alternatives, they offer advanced analytics, cross-platform synchronization, and additional features like family control.
Comparison of popular applications:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Wellbeing | Android integration, family control, app timers | Requires Android 9+, No exports to Excel | Free of charge. |
| ActionDash | Detailed graphs, comparisons with other users, widgets | Advertising in the free version | Free of charge / $4.99 |
| StayFree | Minimalist design, notices of exceeding limits | Limited Customization of Reports | Free of charge. |
| App Usage | It works without the Internet, a lightweight app | No synchronization between devices | Free of charge. |
To install Digital Wellbeing on Xiaomi:
- Download the upload file from the official Google website (if the app does not appear in the Play Market).
- Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings โ Applications โ Special Access โ Install Unknown Applications).
- Install the file and provide all the permissions requested.
If you use multiple devices (such as a Xiaomi smartphone and tablet), Digital Wellbeing will allow you to synchronize statistics through your Google account, which is convenient for family monitoring or analyzing the use of gadgets in different contexts (work / home).