Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO equipped with energy-saving algorithms that by default turn off the display after a short time of inactivity. This saves battery power, but often gets in the way when reading long articles, viewing recipes in the kitchen, or using the phone as a navigator.
Users are often looking for a way to completely disable screen offso that the device remains active indefinitely. In the shell MIUI and the new HyperOS this function is implemented flexibly, but is hidden in different sections of the settings depending on the model and firmware version.
In this article we will analyze in detail all available methods for managing the sleep timer, including standard system settings, special modes for developers and third-party utilities that will help keep the display on exactly when needed.
Standard sleep timer settings in MIUI and HyperOS
The most obvious and safest way to change the behavior of the display is to use the built-in settings menu. Here you can choose a fixed amount of time after which the screen will go dark if you don't touch it.
To access these options, open the application Settings and find the section Screen and brightness. In the list of options, select Sleep mode. This is where the inactivity interval is set.
Please note that in the standard menu It is impossible to set the value to "Never" for normal operation mode. The maximum available time is usually 10 minutes. This limitation was introduced by manufacturers to prevent matrix burnout and save energy.
- 📱 Go to
Settings→Screen and brightness. - ⏱️ Find the item
Sleep modeorScreen timeout. - 🔢 Select the maximum available value (usually 10 minutes).
If you you need to keep the screen on for more than 10 minutes in normal mode, standard system tools will not be enough, and you will have to resort to other methods described below.
Using the "Keep the screen on" mode for developers
For those for whom it is critical that the display never turns off by itself, there is a hidden option in the menu for developers. This feature forces the screen to remain active while the phone is connected to the charger.
First you need to activate the developer mode itself. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item MIUI version or OS version. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, return to the main settings menu.
Go to section Additional settings and select For developers. Find the switch Do not turn off the screen (or Stay awake) and activate it. Now, while the smartphone is charging, it will not fall asleep.
⚠️ Attention: Using this mode without connecting to the charger will quickly drain the battery. The function only works when the power cable is connected.
This method is ideal for using a smartphone as a stationary clock, a smart home panel, or when debugging applications. However, it is not suitable for mobile use due to the connection to the power source.
☑️ Activating developer mode
The "Advanced reading mode" function for books and documents
The company Xiaomi has provided a special use case for those who like to read from their phone. Reading mode not only adapts the color temperature to the paper, but also allows you to disable auto-locking for the duration of the session.
To use this function, go to Settings → Screen and brightness and select Reading mode. Turn on the activation toggle switch and go to the mode settings.
Here you will find the option Do not turn off the screen. When activated, the display will not go dark while an application added to the exception list is open, or until you turn off the mode manually through the notification shade.
| Option | Normal mode | Reading mode | For developers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work without charging | Yes (up to 10 minutes) | Yes (indefinitely) | No |
| Color rendition | Standard | Monochrome/Warm | Standard |
| Application | Everywhere | Only in selected applications | Everywhere (while charging) |
This is the most convenient way for reading e-books, since it does not require a constant connection to the network and automatically turns off when you exit the application.
Why is reading mode better for the eyes?
In this mode, the system reduces the amount of blue light and increases text contrast, simulating electronic paper (E-Ink), which significantly reduces eye fatigue during long-term reading.
Third-party applications for holding the screen
If the built-in functions do not cover your needs, for example, you need to turn off the screen on a schedule or in certain geofences, applications from Google Play. They use system APIs to prevent sleep mode.
A popular solution is an application Keep Screen On or analogs. After installation, you get a simple toggle in the notification shade. Clicking on it blocks the sleep timer until the next click.
Many of these utilities allow you to create profiles. For example, you can set the function to automatically turn on when you start YouTube or Google Maps, and turn it off when you exit them.
- 📥 Download an application like "Keep Screen On" from the store.
- 🔋 Grant the necessary permissions to overlay on top of other windows.
- ⚙️ Set up profiles for specific applications or scenarios.
Using third-party software gives maximum flexibility, but you should remember about resource consumption. A background service that constantly checks the screen status may slightly increase battery consumption.
⚠️ Attention: Download only trusted apps with high ratings. Avoid apps that require suspicious permissions not related to power management.
For one-time tasks, use the built-in timer in the Clock application. Start the countdown, and the screen often remains active while the timer is running, which is convenient in the kitchen. Features of the Always On Display on Xiaomi While this doesn't keep the main interface on, it does display important information (time, notifications) on a black background without completely waking up the device.
Features of Always On Display on Xiaomi
Owners of smartphones with AMOLED matrices can use the function Always On Display (AOD). While it doesn't keep the main interface on, it does display important information (time, notifications) on a black background without completely waking up the device.
Settings are in the menu Screen and Brightness → Always On Display. You can choose Always On, Scheduled, or 10 Seconds After Touch mode.
AOD mode consumes minimal power thanks to the features of OLED technology, where black pixels are actually turned off. This is a great alternative to disabling the lock completely if your goal is simply to see the time.
However, if you need access to the desktop or applications without swiping, AOD will not be suitable. In this case, return to methods with a timer or developer mode.
Problems with pixel burn-in and safety
Long-term operation of the screen at maximum brightness without changing the picture carries a risk pixel burnout (burn-in). This is an irreversible process when traces of static interface elements remain on the matrix.
This is especially true for navigation maps, where the controls remain in place for hours. If you use your phone as a navigator, try to periodically change the map scale or turn on a dark theme.
Also remember about overheating. The processor and screen running at full power at the same time generate a lot of heat. In hot weather or in direct sunlight, this may lead to an emergency shutdown of the device by the protection system.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the phone with the screen on in direct sunlight. Overheating can damage the battery and the adhesive layer of the matrix.
Balance between convenience and safety of the device: use the maximum timer for short-term tasks and the developer mode only if there is cooling and power.
Why is there no “Never” option in the settings on my Xiaomi sleep?
Manufacturers deliberately remove this option from the regular menu in order to protect the battery and screen matrix from damage if the user forgets. To get the "Never" function, use developer mode or special applications.
Does turning off the screen affect the discharge rate?
Yes, the display is the most energy-consuming component of a smartphone. Disabling auto-lock can increase battery consumption by 3-5 times depending on the brightness and type of content displayed.
Is it possible to turn off the screen programmatically via ADB?
Yes, advanced users can use the command adb shell settings put system screen_off_timeout 2147483647to set the maximum timer value, but this requires connecting to a PC and enabling debugging USB.
Are screen settings reset after a system update?
Usually user settings, including the sleep timer, are saved after an update MIUI or HyperOS. However, the developer mode settings may be reset to factory settings in the event of a major Android update.