Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer several ways to put the device into silent mode, from classic to hidden features. But many users are faced with confusion: where to look for this setting in new versions of the interface? Why does the silent mode icon sometimes disappear from the notification panel? And how quickly to turn off the sound without unlocking the screen?
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for activating silent mode on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi models, including devices with MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS. You will learn not only the basic methods, but also little-known chips - for example, how to set up an automatic turn off of sound on a schedule or gesture.
Important: The instructions are suitable for most of the brand’s current smartphones, but on older models (released before 2019), the location of menu items may differ.If your Xiaomi runs Android One (such as the Mi A1/A2), use standard Android methods – they are described in the last section of the article.
1. Quick activation through the notification panel
The most obvious and versatile way is to use a notification curtain, which works on all versions of MIUI and doesn't require unlocking the screen.
Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar. Find the sound profile icon (usually a wave speaker icon or a crossed bell) and tap it once, the device will switch to silent mode. Pressing it again will return the sound.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Or Redmi Note 12, the sound icon can be hidden under the "More" button (three dots). If the icon is not, swipe the panel to the left to reveal all the quick settings.
Also, pay attention to the color of the indicator:
- 🔊 Blue – sound on (normal mode)
- 🔔 Grey with cross-out - silent mode
- 📳 Orange - "Do Not Disturb" mode" (DND)
2. Use of volume buttons
If the notification panel is not available (for example, when the screen is locked), you can control the sound with hardware buttons. Press the volume button on the side of the smartphone and hold it for 1-2 seconds. A pop-up window with a profile selection will appear - tap the bell icon with cross-out.
On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5), this method works differently: one short press on the volume button completely turns off the sound, and the repeated one returns it, depending on the system settings.
Secret Lifehack: If you have MIUI 14+, try double-pressing the volume button – this will instantly activate silent mode without additional confirmations.
Make sure the buttons are not locked with a cover|Try holding the button. 1-2 seconds|Check the gesture settings in Settings → Screen. → Buttons|Update the firmware if the buttons do not respond-->
3. Customization via the Sound and Vibration menu
For those who prefer manual tuning, there's a classic way through system settings. Open Settings → Sound and vibration. Here you'll see three main modes:
- 🔊 Sound – all notifications and melodies are active
- 🔔 No sound - vibration remains, sound is turned off
- 🚫 Do not disturb – completely disabling notifications (including vibrations)
Choose No Sound and confirm the action. In the same menu, you can configure exceptions, such as allowing the sound to alarm clocks or select contacts even in silent mode.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 15 and HyperOS may have different paths to audio settings. If you can't find Sound and Vibration, try Settings. → Notifications and status bar → Sound modes.
| MIUI version | The path to sound settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12-13 | Settings → Sound and vibration | Three standard modes, without additional options |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound modes | There was a setup of exceptions for contacts |
| HyperOS | Settings → Notifications → Sound modes | Integration with sleep and schedule |
4.Voice assistant and gestures
Modern Xiaomi smartphones support voice and gesture control, to enable silent voice mode:
- Activate Google Assistant or XiaoAI (for China) with the “OK, Google” command or hold the Home button.
- Say, "Silent mode" or "Switch off the phone."
To control gestures, go to Settings → Additional Features → Gestures and activate the option “Silent Mode When Turning Over.” Now just flip the smartphone down on a flat surface – the sound will turn off automatically.
💡 Useful tip: If the voice assistant does not recognize the command, check the system language (must be Russian) and the permissions for the microphone in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
How to disable XiaoAI on global firmware?
5. Automation: Schedule and Triggers
If you need to turn off the sound on a schedule (for example, during sleep or work meetings), use the built-in Do Not Disturb Mode. Open Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb and configure:
- ⏰ Schedule – Specify the days and hours of automatic switching on
- 📱 Exceptions – Allow sound for important contacts or alarm clocks
- 🔄 Repetitive rules – for example, “No sound on weekdays from 22:00 to 7:00"
For advanced users, Automate or MacroDroid (available on Google Play) can be used to create triggers based on:
- 📍 Geolocations (turn off sound at work)
- 📅 Calendar (silent mode during meetings)
- 🔋 Charge level (for example, at 15% of the battery)
MIUI 15 has a Smart Sound Mode feature that automatically switches profiles based on your habits (analyzes sleep time, activity in apps, etc.) to enable it, go to Settings → Sound → Smart Sound Mode.
💡
Automating silent mode saves time and prevents accidental calls at the wrong time. Set up a schedule once and the phone will be silent exactly when you need it.
6. Special cases: Android One and older models
If your Xiaomi runs Android One (e.g. Mi A1/A2/A3), then MIUI is not here.
- Open Settings → Sound.
- Select No Sound in the "Sound Modes" section.
- For quick access, add the sound profile button to the notification panel: swipe the curtain down → Edit → drag the "Sound" icon to the active area.
On very old models (before 2018, for example, the Redmi 4X or Mi Max 2) there may be no separate silent mode.
- Set a minimum volume for all notifications.
- Use Do Not Disturb mode with vibration off.
- Update the firmware to the latest available version – this will add missing features.
⚠️ Note: On Android 8.0 Oreo and below, a bug may trigger that resets silent mode after rebooting. To avoid this, turn off automatic battery optimization for system applications in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.