How do you enable the blue light filter on a Xiaomi Mi 9 or another Xiaomi smartphone? Find out in a few steps thanks to our step-by-step tutorial.
1) Enable the Xiaomi blue light filter
On Xiaomi, just like on other Android smartphones, it's very simple! Follow these few steps and you'll be all set once and for all!
Go to the phone settings (gear icon).
Click on display settings.
In the display options, look for "blue light filter"
On a Xiaomi Mi 9, the name may vary, so search for: "reading mode," "night light," or "eye comfort."
Click on this option to open a new menu.
Open these settings and choose a customization option that suits you.
You can either:
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Enable the filter directly.
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Schedule the mode's activation manually for specific time slots you define.
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Schedule its automatic activation based on sunrise and sunset times. Your Xiaomi phone will likely ask to enable location services to set the blue light filter activation times correctly.
2) Why use a blue light filter?
Your screen's light alters your body's natural behavior.
More specifically, it contains blue light (among other types of light), which impacts the sleep hormone, melatonin. Therefore, your Xiaomi Mi 9 screen is not exactly a friend!
This hormone is primarily used to help our bodies fall asleep. However, blue light prevents the secretion of melatonin.
While this behavior is completely natural (blue light emitted by the sun in the early morning tells our body to wake up by stopping melatonin secretion), it can unfortunately occur at the least opportune moment—in the evening, when you are scrolling through Insta on your phone under the covers.
It also promotes other visual disturbances.
In addition to this perverse effect on melatonin, it must be added that blue light increases the risk of headaches and contributes to eye strain (dry eyes, concentration issues, twitching eye, etc.).
As you will have understood, protecting yourself from the blue light emitted by your smartphone screen is highly recommended, especially in the evening during the hours leading up to bedtime.
3) Alternatives to the blue light filter
Blue light is actually emitted by all screens in relatively significant quantities.
This includes your smartphone, as well as your television, computer, or tablet.
Some LED bulbs also emit blue light rays with similar impacts.
You must therefore protect yourself from it, not only when you check your smartphone but also during your other digital activities throughout the day.
If you work primarily on a computer, there is no doubt that you have already felt the symptoms mentioned above at the end of the day.
Here are some alternatives to protect yourself as effectively as possible throughout the day.
Use a protective film on your computer
This solution has the advantage of being inexpensive (although some filters flirt with €80) and effectively filtering the blue light emitted by your computer screen.
Be careful, however, as it only covers one device and will not protect you in all circumstances.
Also, for certain professions like graphic designers, for example, it presents a major disadvantage as you will need to regularly remove and replace the filter on the screen to see the "true" colors.
You can consult our article dedicated to PC filters here.
Wear blue light glasses
An ideal option for protecting your eyes all day long and on all media (TV, tablet, smartphone, PC, etc.).
In addition to offering a level of protection often far superior to screen filters or dedicated software, they will also protect you from poor lighting thanks to anti-reflective coatings.
Be careful, however, to carefully check the filtration levels offered by the model that interests you.
Indeed, some frames feature amber-colored lenses while others have clearer lenses.
This is a first indicator, as the more amber the lens, the more it will filter blue light.
To choose well, also consider how you use screens and when you will be wearing them.
If you spend a lot of time in front of screens in the evening, favor amber lenses and a filtration level greater than 80%, such as these pairs of gaming glasses, for example.
If you spend most of your time in front of the computer during the day at the office, or if you want to continue enjoying the colors of your favorite movie, you can opt for glasses with less tinted lenses, such as these blue light glasses which already filter 100% of the most harmful blue light.
Limit your exposure to screens
While spending less time on your phone or in front of the TV is sometimes difficult, it remains the most effective solution to avoid problems related to prolonged exposure to blue light.
So, remember to put down your Xiaomi Mi 9 and turn off the television at least an hour before going to bed, or even two.
This is an opportunity to engage in other activities like reading or a fun board game with the family.
In summary:
To enable the blue light filter on a Xiaomi Mi 9 or another smartphone, follow these steps:
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Go to the phone settings.
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Click on Display.
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In the display menu, look for "blue light filter"
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In this last menu, choose a customization option.
Remember to protect yourself from blue light when using other digital devices (TV, computer, tablet).
To do this, you have the choice between several solutions: screen filter, software, glasses, etc.
