How to set up a smart case for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: full instructions for the application

Why does the Redmi Note 9 smart case require a separate setup?

Smart cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is not just screen protection, but full-fledged accessories with additional features: automatic unlock, notifications on the lid, control gestures and even a mini-display on some models. However, many users are faced with the fact that after buying the case works half-heartedly β€” does not respond to closing, does not show time or quickly discharges the battery.

Unlike conventional cases, smart versions communicate with the phone via a phone. NFC-chips or magnetic sensors, and their advanced features (such as displaying notifications or controlling music) require synchronization with proprietary software. Without the right setup, you will get an expensive "cover" without all the stated features. This article will help you avoid typical errors and unlock the full potential of a smart case, including hidden features that are not written about in the official instructions.

It is important to understand: even if the case is physically compatible with the Redmi Note 9 (models Redmi Note 9 Pro, Note). 9S note 9T), For example, cases with an E-Ink display require a separate Mi Smart Cover application, and models with a different software. LED-Panel - Xiaomi Smart LED We'll take both options apart.

What app do you need for a smart case Redmi Note 9?

The first mistake of users is trying to configure the case through standard settings β†’ Lock screen. This path only gives access to basic functions (automatic unlock), but deprives you of 70% of the possibilities. Full operation requires an official application from Xiaomi, the choice of which depends on the type of case:

  • πŸ“± Mi Smart Cover – for non-display cases (with magnetic sensors and basic notifications) download on Google Play or AppGallery.
  • πŸ–₯️ Xiaomi Smart LED Cover - for covers with LED-panel (displays time, battery, notifications) Available only for Mi series cases LED Smart Cover.
  • πŸ“– E-Ink Smart Cover for e-ink covers (shows pictures, quotes, weather) MIUI 12+ higher.

How do you determine the type of your case?

  • πŸ” Display: If there is a screen on the cover (even a small one) you need to LED or E-Ink appendix.
  • 🧲 Magnetic tags: if the case just opens / closes the screen without additional functions – enough Mi Smart Cover.
  • πŸ“¦ Box/instructions: Original Xiaomi cases are always type-marked (e.g., "Mi Smart Cover with") LED").

⚠️ Note: Some third-party cases (such as Spigen or Ringke) mimic smart features but don’t have their own software. They will only work like regular auto-unlock cases. Check compatibility on the manufacturer’s website before buying.

πŸ“Š What a case you got?
The original Xiaomi with LED
Original without display
Third-party manufacturer
I haven't bought it yet.
Other

Step-by-step setting up the Mi Smart Cover app

If your case does not have a display but supports notifications and gestures, follow this instruction.

  • πŸ“± There's a firmware on the phone. MIUI 11 or later (check in Settings) β†’ The phone).
  • πŸ”‹ The case fits tightly to the phone (magnets should be triggered when closing).
  • πŸ“² Mi Smart Cover app downloaded and installed.

Next, follow the steps:

  1. Open the app and provide all the permissions you request (access to notifications, weather location, contact for calls).
  2. Hold the case to the phone, the app should automatically recognize it. If this does not happen, click Add device. β†’ Cover.
  3. Set up the basic functions: πŸ”„ Automatic Unlock: Enable the Unlock option when you open. πŸ”” Notifications: Select the apps whose alerts will be displayed on the case (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram). 🎡 Music control: activate gestures to rewind tracks (double touch on the cover).

Check the work.

Install the latest version MIUI|Download Mi Smart Cover from the official store|Check the density of the cover|Insert permissions for the annex|Restart the phone after installation-->

If the cover is not recognized:

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone and try again.
  • πŸ“Œ Make sure the case magnets match the phone’s sensors (on the Redmi Note 9, they are located at the top of the back panel).
  • πŸ”§ Update the app to the latest version (older versions have bugs with Redmi Note 9 recognition).

πŸ’‘

If the case drains the battery after setting up, turn off the option of Constant search of the device in the application settings. This will reduce background activity.

Setting up the covers with LED or E-Ink display

The display cases require more in-depth customization, as they allow you to display dynamic information: time, weather, notifications, even photos. Two models are suitable for the Redmi Note 9:

  • πŸ“± Mi LED Smart Cover - with color LED-screen (shows animations, emojis, charge level).
  • πŸ“– Mi E-Ink Smart Cover – with black and white screen on electronic ink (saves battery, shows quotes).

Instructions for LED-cover:

  1. Install the Xiaomi Smart app LED Cover.
  2. In the Display section, select the display style: ⏰ Watches: Analog or digital, with or without a date. πŸ”” Notifications: application icons or notification text. 🎨 Topics: Download additional styles from the theme store MIUI.

Battery settings

For the E-Ink case:

  • πŸ“š Use the built-in E-Ink Smart Cover app (installs automatically when you first connect).
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Upload your own pictures through the Gallery β†’ Select for the cover (permission no more) 800Γ—600).
  • ⚑ Turn on the option to Update when opened so that the screen is updated each time the case is closed.
FunctionLED-caseE-Ink case
Time-representationβœ… (animation)βœ… (static)
Notificationsβœ… (icons + text)❌ (pin-only)
Managing musicβœ… (gesture)❌
Weather.βœ…βœ… (temperature)
Own picturesβŒβœ…

⚠️ Note: E-Ink covers consume a minimum battery (about 1% per day) but require MIUI 12.5+ For the right work. On older versions of firmware, the screen may not be updated.

Hidden features of smart cases for Redmi Note 9

Even after a basic setup, the case may be bigger than you think, here are 5 little-known features that aren't mentioned in the official documentation:

  • πŸ“ž Quick calls: assign a contact to double touch the cover (in Settings) β†’ For example, a double tap is a call to your mother.
  • πŸ”¦ Flashlight: triple touch on the case includes a flashlight (works even on a locked screen).
  • πŸ“΅ Do Not Disturb: Turn your phone down on the case and the notifications will turn off.
  • πŸ”„ Auto-respond to calls: in the case settings, you can turn on the option to Raise to the ear for a response - the phone will automatically accept an incoming call when opening the case.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery savings: in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimize add the cover app to exceptions so that the screen doesn’t go out during the conversation.

To activate these functions:

  1. Open the Mi Smart Cover (or Xiaomi Smart) LED Cover).
  2. Go to the Supplementary β†’ Laboratory (or Experimental Functions).
  3. Turn on the necessary options and save the settings.
How to turn on the secret mode "Night Screen"
In the Xiaomi Smart app LED Cover Go to Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Night mode and activate the option. Now, when you close the case in the dark, the screen will only show the time in red (spares vision).

Another life hack: if your cover supports NFC, It can be used for contactless payments:

  1. Link your bank card to Google Pay or Mi Pay.
  2. In the case settings, turn on the option NFC-touch-payment.
  3. Now it is enough to attach the phone in the case to the terminal (you do not need to open the lid).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after you set it up properly, users are still getting bugs. TOP-5 problems and ways to correct them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The case won't unlock the phoneWeak magnets or downed sensor settingsRecalibrate the sensor in Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Approximation sensor
The cover screen is not updatedBattery Optimization or Old SoftwareDisable optimization for the cover app and update it
The battery goes down fast.Constant search for a Bluetooth caseIn the application settings, turn off Background Search
Notices not shownNo permissions or conflict with other applicationsCheck the permissions in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Smart Cover β†’ Notifications
The case is warmingBattery defect or overloading of functionsTurn off unnecessary options (such as animations on the LED-screen)

If the cover stopped working after the update MIUI:

  1. Remove the application case and install it again.
  2. Reset the cover settings in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Smart Cover β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.
  3. Check the compatibility of your model with the current version MIUI on the official website of Xiaomi.

⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, the case still does not work, check it on another Xiaomi phone (for example, a friend). If the problem persists, the case is defective. Contact the service center with a check (Xiaomi accessories warranty - 6 months).

How to update the firmware of a smart case?

Many people don’t know that Xiaomi smart cases have their own firmware that can be updated.This fixes bugs, adds new features (such as support for additional gestures), and improves compatibility with new versions. MIUI.

Instructions for updating:

  1. Open the cover app and go to Settings β†’ About the device.
  2. Click Update Checker. If the update is available, download it.
  3. Connect your phone to charging (the process of updating the case takes 5-10 minutes and requires stable power).
  4. Once completed, restart the phone.

If the update is not available:

  • 🌐 Check your internet connection (updates are downloaded from Xiaomi servers).
  • πŸ“₯ Download the latest version of the firmware manually from the site MIUI (section).
  • πŸ”§ Install firmware through Settings β†’ About the device β†’ Local Update.

πŸ’‘

Update the firmware cover at least 1 time every 3 months. this prevents conflicts with new versions MIUI and adds support for fresh functions (e.g. gestures for MIUI 14).

Alternative applications for smart cases

If official Xiaomi software doesn’t suit you (for example, due to limited settings or bugs), you can use the app side. They offer advanced features, but require root rights or ADB-commands for some options.

Best alternatives:

  • πŸ› οΈ Smart Cover Pro – supports customization of gestures, notifications and even adding widgets to the screen of the case.
  • 🎨 Cover Customizer – allows you to change fonts, colors and animations to LED-He wants to. MIUI 12+.
  • πŸ”„ Tasker + AutoNotification is for advanced users, allowing you to create your own scenarios for the operation of the case (for example, launching the camera when opening the case).

How to install Smart Cover Pro:

1. Download APK from the official website (if not in Google Play).


2. Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Security.




3. Launch the application and grant permissions.




4. In the settings, select the model of the case (for example, Mi LED Smart Cover).




5.Tune gestures and notifications to your liking.

⚠️ Note: App side may conflict with official Xiaomi software. Before installing, back up the case settings in Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note smart cases 9

πŸ” The case stopped working after the phone fell?
It's probably a magnetic sensor or a case connector that's damaged. Check if the auto-unlock works when you close/open. If there's any visible cracks on the case or phone. If you can, try the case on another phone. If the sensor is damaged, the case is to be replaced. Contact Xiaomi's service center with a warranty card.
πŸ“΅ Can you turn off the vibration when closing the cover?
Yeah, go to the settings. β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Vibration when locked and disable the option. For cases with display, also check the settings in the Mi Smart Cover app (Section Sounds and Vibration).
πŸ”‹ How much battery does a smart case consume?
Depending on the model: Cases without display: 0.5-1% per day (minimum consumption). LED-Cases: 2-5% per day (depending on the frequency of screen refresh). E-Ink cases: 0.1-0.3% per day (most economical). To reduce consumption: Reduce brightness LED-Turn off unnecessary notifications. Turn on battery saving in the case settings.
πŸ› οΈ Can you use a smart case with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)?
Partially. The basic functions (aut-unlock) will work, but advanced features (notifications, gestures) require: Installed Mi Smart Cover application (may not be updated on custom firmware). Correctly configured Magisk modules for the user. MIUI-Manual setting of permissions through ADB. Best compatibility with firmware on the base MIUI (For example, xiaomi.eu).
πŸ”„ How to reset the settings of the case to the factory?
Resetting methods: Through the application: Settings β†’ Resetting. Through phone settings: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Smart Cover β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data. Hardware reset (for display cases): press the button on the case (if any) for 10 seconds. After resetting the case, you have to reconfigure it.