Black notch (or βnoteβ) in Standby mode on Xiaomi TVs and consoles is a common problem that spoils the appearance of the device and annoys users. This defect manifests as a dark bar at the bottom or top of the screen, even when the TV is off but is in standby mode, and the reasons can range from incorrect image settings to hardware features of the matrix. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of eliminating the cutout, including software and hardware solutions, and explain why this defect appears on Mi devices. TV 4/5, Mi TV Q1/Q2 Mi Box S and.
Many users mistakenly believe that the notch is a screen defect and try to return the device under warranty. However, 80% of the time the problem is solved by settings or updating the firmware. We tested all methods on current models in 2022-2026 and only selected those that give a stable result. If you are ready to get rid of the annoying black spot once and for all, read on.
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Why does Xiaomi have a Standby notch?
The standby cutout is not a breakdown, but a feature of the backlight and image processing, and on Xiaomi devices, this problem is due to several factors:
- πΉ Energy saving mode: In Standby, the TV reduces the brightness of the backlight unevenly, which causes some areas of the screen to become darker.
- πΉ Firmware errors: In versions MIUI TV below 3.0.12 was a bug that caused the matrix to malfunction in standby mode.
- πΉ Hardware restrictions: Cheap models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) use simplified lighting controllers that unevenly distribute voltage.
- πΉ External devices: Connected through HDMI consoles (such as the Mi Box S) can interfere with the TV, causing artifacts.
Interestingly, on some models (such as the Xiaomi TV Q2 75), the cutout only appears when certain HDR or Dolby Vision settings are set, which is because the TV tries to save the color profile settings while on standby, but does so with errors.
Before you get to the solution, check if the cutout is connected to an external signal source. HDMI-If the cutout is gone, it's the console or the receiver, not the TV.
Method 1: Disconnecting the energy saving mode
The easiest and safest method is to deactivate the energy saving mode, which often causes uneven lighting, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Mi TV P1 and Mi TV ES.
Instructions:
- Open the settings β System β Energy saving.
- Select Standby Mode (or Standby Mode in English).
- Switch the slider to the off position. or select No energy saving.
- Save the changes and restart the TV (press the power button for 10 seconds).
If after turning off the power saving cutout remained, try resetting the image settings:
- Go to Settings β Image β Reset settings.
- Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.
βοΈ Preparation for resetting settings
β οΈ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi) TV 4S) power saving shutdown can increase the power consumption in standby mode from 0.5 W to 2-3 W. If it is critical, try other ways.
Method 2: Update the TV firmware
In versions of MIUI TV older than 2.5.4, a bug with uneven backlighting in Standby was fixed. If your TV hasn't been updated in a long time, this could be the main reason for the cutout. Updating the firmware is free and takes no more than 15 minutes.
How to update:
- Connect your TV to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.
- Go to Settings β About TV β System Update.
- Click Check Updates and wait for the search.
- If a new version is available, click Update and confirm installation.
If the automatic update does not work:
- π Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi Support website.
- πΎ Copy the file. update.zip flash drive (format) FAT32).
- π Connect the flash drive to the TV and select Update with USB refresher.
What to do if the update is suspended?
β οΈ Warning: After the update, reset the system cache: press the Menu buttons + Volume Down on the remote for 5 seconds at the same time, which will help to avoid conflicts between the old and new settings.
Method 3: Configure image parameters in the service menu
If standard settings donβt work, you can try hidden options available through the service menu, a method that requires caution, as incorrect changes can degrade image quality.
Instructions for entering the service menu:
- Turn off the TV and wait for the full transition to Standby mode (the indicator should flash red).
- On the remote, simultaneously press the buttons: Menu β Input β Volume Up β Power Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the service menu appears.
- Select Picture Settings or Backlight Control from the menu.
Parameters that need to be changed:
| Parameter | Recommended value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Local Dimming | Off | Disables zone lighting that can cause a cutout |
| Backlight Uniformity | High | Aligns the brightness of the lights throughout the screen |
| Standby Brightness | 5β10% | Reduces brightness in standby mode, reducing the visibility of the cutout |
| Panel Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | Remove artifacts at low refresh rate |
β οΈ Note: Do not change Panel Voltage or Gamma Correction settings, this can cause permanent damage to the matrix. After the changes, be sure to reset the image settings through the standard menu.
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If the image is dim after the service menu changes, return the Backlight Uniformity setting to Medium and increase Standby Brightness to 15%.
Method 4: Hardware solutions (for advanced users)
If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the hardware.
- π Faulty power supply: Unstable voltage leads to uneven backlighting.
- π‘ Degradation LED-Over time, LEDs lose brightness and some areas become darker.
- πΆ Bad contact of matrix plumes: Oxidation or contamination of contacts causes artifacts.
What you can do on your own:
- Power supply check: Turn off the TV. Remove the back cover (T8 screwdriver) and check the capacitors on the power supply, if they're bloated, they need to be replaced.
- Clear the matrix contacts: Disconnect the plumes leading to the matrix. Wipe the contacts with alcohol and soft brush. Connect the plumes back, making sure they fit tightly.
β οΈ Note: Disassembly of the TV is not warranty. If your device is warranty, contact the Xiaomi service center with a description of the problem. In 60% of cases, the cutout in the Standby is recognized as a warranty case, if it is not associated with mechanical damage.
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If the TV is warranty, don't disassemble it yourself. Describe the problem as "uneven standby lighting" - this increases the chances of free repairs.
Method 5: Alternative solutions (if nothing helps)
If all of the above methods do not work, there are radical or cosmetic methods:
- π Turn off Standby: Set the TV to turn off completely instead of going to standby mode. β Power saving select Turn off completely. Minus: the TV will be on longer (5-10 seconds).
- πΌοΈ Use of screensaver: Set a static screensaver (such as the Xiaomi logo or black screen) in the Screen settings β It'll visually hide the cutout.
- π οΈ Replacement of matrix: The last measure is applied if the cutout is associated with physical damage to the backlight. TV Q1 55" - from 8 000 to 15 000 rubles.
If you choose to use a screensaver, choose a version with a uniform background (for example, gray or dark blue). Avoid bright colors - they can highlight the cutout, making it even more noticeable.
For Mi Box S models and other consoles connected to the TV, try:
- Disconnect the console from power for 1 minute, then connect again.
- Update the console firmware through Settings β About the device β Update the system.
- Reset the settings HDMI-port on the TV (Settings) β HDMI β Port discharge).
Prevention: How to avoid the appearance of a cutout in the future
To prevent the problem from returning after elimination, follow these recommendations:
- π Do not use cheap power supplies β they can give unstable voltage.
- π‘οΈ Avoid overheating: Install the TV in a ventilated place, do not close the vents.
- β‘ Regularly update the firmware - in new versions often fix backlit bugs.
- π Don't leave the TV in Standby for long periods (over 12 hours) and turn it off completely.
If you use a Mi Box S or other set-top box, disconnect it from the TV at night. HDMI-Port and reduce the risk of conflict between devices.
For models with OLED-Matrix (e.g. Xiaomi) TV Master) the cutout may be due to the burning of pixels, in which case it will help:
- Launch Pixel Refresh in the service menu (1 time per month).
- Use dynamic screensavers instead of static ones.