Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, turning into powerful tools for work and entertainment. However, it is precisely this versatility that often leads us to lose track of time, aimlessly scrolling through social media feeds or watching videos. Built-in system tools Android and add-ons MIUI make it easy to track digital activity.
Controlling the use of the gadget helps not only save battery power, but also increase personal productivity. In this article, we will look in detail at where to find usage statistics on different firmware versions, how to interpret the data and set restrictions for the most “gluttonous” apps.
The digital well-being function is available on all modern devices of the brand, from models of the series Redmi Note to flagships Xiaomi 14. You do not need to install third-party software, since all the necessary metrics are already integrated into the shell.
Access to statistics through the system settings
The most reliable and detailed way to learn how much time you spent on specific tasks is to use the system menu Digital well-being. This section collects data from all running apps and creates a visual graph of daily activity.
To get to the desired section, open the standard application Settings on your device. In the list of parameters you need to find the item Digital well-being and parental controls. On some firmware versions, it may be located in the subsection Password and security or Accessibility.
After logging in, you will see a pie chart showing the distribution of time between different categories of applications. By clicking on any segment of the chart or button View all applications, you will receive a detailed list with the exact time of use for the current day.
⚠️ Attention: Statistics are reset daily at 00:00 local time. If you go into settings in the evening, the data will reflect activity only from the beginning of the current day, and not for the last 24 hours from the moment you turned on the phone.
The interface may differ slightly depending on whether you are using the classic MIUI 14 or the new system HyperOS. In the updated shell, the design has become more minimalistic, but the functionality of data collection remains the same and has even been expanded with new analytical tools.
If you cannot find the item in the settings, use the search bar at the top of the settings menu and enter the query "Time of use" or "Digital Wellbeing".
Using the widget on the desktop
For those who want to control their habits in real time without constantly going into deep settings menus, the developers have provided a special widget. It allows you to see an overall summary right on your home screen, which serves as a great visual reminder.
The widget only takes a few seconds to activate. Tap and hold on an empty space on your desktop until the edit menu appears. At the bottom of the screen, select the icon Widgetsto open the library of available elements.
In the list, find the category associated with Digital Wellbeing. Typically, there is a widget in the form of a pie chart or a simple digital display of the total time. Drag it to an empty space on the screen to pin it.
- 📊 Pie chart: shows the proportions of use of different categories of applications.
- ⏱️ Digital timer: displays the total number of hours and minutes spent on the phone today.
- 🔔 Notifications: Some widgets allow you to quickly jump to setting limits when pressed.
Having such information in sight helps you quickly realize the fact of excessive smartphone use. The psychological effect of constantly monitoring growing numbers is often more effective than any strict prohibitions.
Setting application usage limits
Simply viewing statistics is often not enough to change habits. The Xiaomi system allows you to set strict time limits for specific apps. When the limit is reached, the application will be blocked until the next day.
To configure, return to the menu Digital well-being and select the desired application from the list. Click on the hourglass icon next to the app name. Here you can set the desired time limit, for example, 30 minutes for social networks or 1 hour for games.
When the set time comes to an end, the system will send you a notification. After the limit has expired, the application icon on the desktop will turn gray, and when you try to launch it, a message will appear stating that the time has expired. You can ignore the limitation by pressing the button Additional, but the system will warn you about the consequences.
| Application type | Recommended limit | Impact on battery | Notification frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social networks | 30-45 min | High | Constant |
| Messengers | No limit | Average | Rarely |
| Games | 1-2 hours | Critical | At startup |
| Video services | 1 hour | High | Every 15 minutes |
It is important to understand that restrictions do not apply to system processes and calls. This is to ensure that you can always contact emergency services or use basic phone functions even when entertainment content is completely blocked.
☑️ Plan to reduce screen time
Focus mode for deep work
In addition to simple limits, Xiaomi users have a powerful one a tool called Focus mode. It allows you to temporarily turn off all distractions, leaving access only to selected important applications.
This mode is ideal for study, work, or activities that require concentration. You can activate it through the quick settings panel or in the digital well-being menu. You yourself choose the list of allowed apps, for example, only Calculator, Notes and Phone.
During the mode, all other applications will be hidden or blocked, and notifications from them will stop appearing on the screen and vibrating. This helps create the information vacuum necessary to complete complex tasks without constantly shifting attention.
⚠️ Attention: In Focus mode, incoming calls from contacts not added to exceptions may be muted. Be sure to set up a list of allowed contacts if you are waiting for an important call from a courier or employer.
You can set up a schedule for automatically turning on the focus mode. For example, the phone can itself switch to this mode every weekday from 9:00 to 18:00, helping to maintain a working rhythm without any extra effort on your part.
What happens if you urgently turn off the focusing mode?
You can interrupt the mode ahead of schedule through the settings, but the system will record this event in statistics. Frequent interruptions can reduce the effectiveness of the method of combating procrastination.
Analysis of the number of unlocks and notifications
Screen time is not the only indicator of digital addiction. Statistics also show how many times you picked up your phone and how many notifications you received. These numbers often shock users with their magnitude.
In the section Digital well-being scroll the screen down to the block Device unlocking. A graph showing activity peaks throughout the day is displayed here. You can see at what time you are most often distracted by your phone.
A high number of unlocks (more than 100-150 times a day) indicates a developed habit of checking the phone reflexively. Even if the total time of use is small, such frequent context switches seriously reduce concentration and increase stress levels.
Analyzing notifications allows you to understand which applications most often disturb your peace. If you see that a certain game or news aggregator is sending dozens of push notifications per day, it makes sense to go into the notification settings of this application and turn off unnecessary notifications.
Reducing the number of unlocks often has a greater effect on productivity than simply reducing the overall time of use. Try deliberately leaving your phone in another room or with the screen facing down during important tasks.
Reducing the frequency of device unlocking is often more effective in restoring concentration than reducing overall screen time.
Parental controls and child monitoring
Digital well-being features on Xiaomi are indispensable for parents who want to control their children's gadgets. Using the service Family Link or built-in restrictions, you can remotely control the time your child uses a smartphone.
You can set the total time of use of the device per day, and also set a “curfew”, after which the phone is blocked completely, except for emergency calls. This ensures that your child won't be using their smartphone at night instead of sleeping.
To set up parental controls, you need to link your child's Google account to your parent account. After synchronization, you will be able to see usage statistics on your device and change limit settings remotely at any time.
The function of approving or blocking the installation of new applications is also available. If your child wants to download a new game, you will receive a request on your phone, and only after your consent the download will begin. This helps filter content and control costs.
⚠️ Attention: A child may try to bypass restrictions by resetting settings or deleting an account. Make sure that your child's device has a strong screen unlock password that only you know.
Remember that technical control must be complemented by confidential conversations. Explain to your child why these restrictions are needed so that he perceives them as health care, and not as a total ban.
Use the “Bedtime” function in the screen settings so that the phone automatically switches to black and white mode in the evening. This makes using the gadget less attractive and helps you fall asleep faster.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why are the usage time statistics not updated or showing zeros?
Make sure that the “Device usage” feature is turned on in your privacy settings. Sometimes, after a firmware update, access to usage data may be reset. Also check if statistics for specific applications are disabled in the accessibility section.
Is it possible to view usage statistics for past weeks or months?
Unfortunately, the standard Xiaomi and Android interface only shows detailed statistics for the current day. Data for previous days is not publicly available in the form of graphs, although some system logs can store this information, but access to them is difficult for the average user.
Does the background operation of applications affect screen time statistics?
No, the “Use Time” statistics only includes the period when the application is actively displayed on the screen or is in user-visible mode. Downloading music in the background or navigating while the screen is off usually doesn't count towards this particular counter, although it does drain the battery.
How to turn off reminders that your app's time is up?
Go to the specific app's settings in the "Digital Wellbeing" section. There you can not only change the time limit, but also completely disable the timer for this app by unchecking the box or setting the limit to “No limits.”