Black and white mode on the screen of Xiaomi smartphone can appear suddenly - after updating the system, accidentally pressing a key combination or activating hidden functions. 90% The problem is solved programmatically for 2-3 In this article, we will look at all possible reasons for switching to monochrome mode and give step-by-step instructions for disabling it for different versions. MIUI.
It's important to understand that a black and white screen isn't always associated with hardware malfunctions, most often because of a color inversion feature, a reading mode, or experimental settings to save charge. We'll look at both standard color return techniques and little-known tricks for complex cases -- when conventional methods don't work.
Why Xiaomi Phone Turned Black and White: The Main Reasons
Before we start fixing, we need to understand what caused the transition to monochrome mode, and here are the most common scenarios:
- π Randomly enable color inversion function through Settings β Special features or hot keys
- π Activate Reading Mode, which uses gray gamut by default to reduce eye strain
- π Enabling ultra-battery saving mode that limits the color palette
- π€ Experimental functions in Developer Settings, such as Imitation of color blindness
- π± Failures after update MIUI, When the graphical settings are reset
- π οΈ Hardware problems (damage to the plume of the display or matrix) - the rarest case
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4 and flagships Xiaomi 12/13 The key combinations that most often work are color inversion keys, on older models (e.g. Redmi). 4X or Mi A2) The problem could be with outdated firmware, and if the screen turns black and white after falling or getting moisture, it's almost certainly a hardware malfunction.
β οΈ Warning: If you drop your phone or get wet before the black and white screen comes on, don't try to solve the problem programmatically. In this case, a diagnosis is required in a service center - self-manipulation can aggravate damage to the matrix.
Method 1: Turning off color inversion in settings
The most common cause of a monochrome screen is an activated color inversion function, which can be activated randomly by:
- π Triple pressing of the Home button (if gesture activation is configured)
- π Keyboard combination Volume up + Loudness down + Nutrition (on some models)
- π Automatic Enablement through Settings β Special facilities
To turn off the inversion:
- Open the settings (cog icon)
- Go to Special Features (on some firmware β Additional Features)
- Choose Color Inversion or Color Correction
- Transfer the slider to the off position. or uncheck the tick.
- Confirm the changes if a request is made
If the screen is completely black and white and you don't see color prompts, focus on the location of the elements: the Special Opportunities section is usually at the bottom of the main settings menu. MIUI 14 Ways May Look Like This: Settings β System system β Special facilities β Color filter.
Make sure that the color inversion is turned off in the settings
Check if the inversion is activated through the Quick Settings Panel
Restart the phone after disabling the function
Try turning on/off mode again (sometimes reset helps)
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Method 2: Deactivation of Reading Mode
Reading Mode automatically turns the screen into shades of gray to reduce eye fatigue. MIUI it may be activated:
- π± Automatically scheduled (for example, from 22:00 to 7:00)
- π Through the notification center (quick panel)
- π When you open certain applications (e.g., Xiaomi Reader or Google Books)
To turn off reading mode:
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar
- Find the reading mode icon (book with a magnifying glass) and tap it.
- If there is no icon, go to Settings. β Display. β Reading mode
- Turn off the slider or set up a schedule
In some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) Read mode can be hidden in additional screen settings. If the colors are not returned after turning off, check if Dark Theme is activated in combination with Read mode, which can have a double dimming effect".
| Model phone | The Way to Reading Mode Settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Settings β Display β Reading Mode | There is a separate setting of color temperature |
| Redmi Note 11/12 | Settings β Screen β Reading Mode | It can be activated automatically at low charge |
| POCO X4/X5 | Settings β Display. β Eye Comfort β Reading Mode | Integrated with the vision protection function |
| Mi 11 Lite | Settings β System β Additional β Reading Mode | May be in conflict with nighttime regime |
Never turn it on.
I use it sometimes (daytime)
I only play at night.
Always on.
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Method 3: Checking the battery saving mode
Xiaomiβs ultra-power saving mode can limit not only the background activity of apps, but also graphical effects, including color rendering.
- π Automatically, with battery charge below 5%
- π Manually through the notification panel
- βοΈ Through battery settings (Settings) β Battery. β Savings regime)
To bring back the colors:
- Connect your phone to charge (if the charge is below 15%, some features may be blocked)
- Open the Settings. β Battery and performance
- Choose Saving Mode or Ultra Mode
- Turn off the mode or switch to Balanced
- Reset the device
Nana MIUI 13/14 In ultra-saving mode, a notification may appear: "Performance and graphic effects are limited." If the colors are not returned after the mode is turned off, check if color inversion is activated simultaneously - these functions can overlap with each other.
β οΈ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Ultra-saving mode blocks access to graphics settings, in which case, first turn off the savings, then check the color settings.
Method 4: Resetting special features settings
If standard methods fail, the problem may be that the special features settings fail, and this method works when:
- π Color inversion is disabled, but the screen remains black and white.
- π± Color settings are not available or are unstable
- π§ After updating MIUI Some graphical options are missing.
Resetting instructions:
- Open Settings β Special Opportunities
- Scroll down and select Reset (or Restore Default Values)
- Confirm the action (a password may be required)
- Reboot the phone.
On Xiaomi MIUI 12 and later resetting special features does not affect the basic settings of the system, but will return to factory parameters:
- π Color filters and inversion
- π Font size and contrast
- π Special opportunity gestures
If the problem persists after the reset, it may indicate:
- π± Damage to system files (reflashing required)
- π οΈ Hardware malfunction of the display
What if the reset didn't help?
Method 5: Checking developer settings and hidden features
Xiaomi with unlocked developer mode can activate experimental features that affect color reproduction.
- π¨ Imitation of the space of flowers (can translate into monochrome)
- ποΈ Simulation of color blindness (includes color filters)
- π§ Debugging by USB β Hardware acceleration of visualization (can disrupt graphics)
To check these settings:
- Activate Developer Mode: Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers
- Scroll down to the Hardware Acceleration Visualization section
- Disable options: Simulate the space of colors Simulate visual anomalies Disable hardware overlays
- Reset the device
Nana POCO F4 GT Black Shark can have additional graphical settings in the Settings section. β Display. β Color mode: If you have previously changed your color profile (e.g. to sRGB or sRGB) DCI-P3), Try to return the standard or car.
β οΈ Warning: Changing the settings in developer mode can lead to unstable system operation. If you are not sure about the purpose of the option, you should not touch it.
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If you use developer modes frequently, back up your settings through Settings. β Additionally. β Backup and reset β Local backup, which will help you quickly restore your operating parameters after a failure.
Method 6: Hardware diagnostics and service center
If all software methods have been tried, but the screen is black and white, the problem is probably hardware.
- π Display plume damage (often after falls or disassembly of the phone)
- π± Matrix failure (artifacts, stripes or flickering appear)
- π Problems with the power controller (the screen is unstable at low charge)
Signs of hardware malfunction:
- π Black and white screens appear only at a certain angle.
- π± Colors return after lightly pressing the display
- π The problem is aggravated when connecting charging
- π οΈ Physical damage (cracks, stains) is visible on the screen)
What to do in this case:
- Backup data via Settings β About phone β Backup
- Try connecting your phone to the TV through HDMI-Adapter β if the external screen colors are normal, the problem is in the matrix
- Contact the authorized Xiaomi service center (list on the official website)
The cost of repairing the display on popular models:
| Model phone | Cost of replacement of the display (original) | Duration of repairs |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Pro | 12 000 β 18 000 β½ | 1-3 days |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 7 000 β 10 000 β½ | 1 day |
| POCO X5 Pro | 6 000 β 9 000 β½ | 1-2 days |
| Redmi 10C | 4 000 β 6 000 β½ | 1 day |
Important: If the phone is warranty, do not open it yourself - this will void warranty obligations. In the service center Xiaomi screen diagnosis is usually free, even if the repair will be paid.