How to remove black and white mode on Xiaomi: all working methods

The black and white screen on Xiaomi’s smartphone can come unexpectedly, after a system update, accidentally pressing a button combination, or activating special features for the visually impaired, a mode that, while useful to some users, often confuses those who have encountered it for the first time. Depending on the reason for turning on the monochrome display, the ways to turn it off can vary from simple switching in settings to resetting accessibility settings.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible scenarios why your Redmi, POCO, or Mi displays a colorless image, and provide step-by-step instructions for each situation. We’ll focus on the differences between the MIUI 12/13/14 shell versions and Android One models (e.g., Mi A1/A2/A3), where the path to settings may be different. If standard methods don’t work, at the end of the article you’ll find solutions for complex cases, including reset via ADB.

Why the screen turned black and white: the main reasons

The monochrome mode on Xiaomi is not switched on by chance, most often it happens because:

• 🎛️ Activation of the mode “For the visually impaired”** – a feature in the accessibility settings that simplifies the perception of the screen by removing colors and increasing contrast.
• 🔄 Failure after update MIUI — especially relevant for betta versions of firmware, where you can “fly” display settings.
• 🤳 button combinations on some models (e.g, POCO F1) clampdown + Power can activate hidden modes.
• 🛠️ Third-party apps – programs like Digital Wellbeing or Bedtime Mode sometimes force the screen to gradations in gray.
• 🔋 Savings of charge - in the mode of ultra-savings some versions MIUI limit color reproduction.

Before you start shutting down, check if the change is due to a hardware fault (such as damage to the display plume).If the screen has turned black and white after falling or getting moisture, the problem may be mechanical, in which case a diagnosis is required at the service center.

⚠️ Note: If the monochrome mode appeared after installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the standard methods may not work. In this case, look for settings in the Developer Options section or refer to your firmware documentation.

Method 1: Disconnection through “Special Opportunities” (MIUI 12–14)

The most common option is to randomly activate Black and White in the accessibility settings to remove it:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Special Opportunities section (on some models – Availability).
3. Select Visibility Improvement → Color filter (or Color Correction).
4. Turn off the switch next to Black and White or Gradation Gradations.
5. Confirm the changes by clicking Ready or Apply.

At POCO and some Redmi, the path may be slightly different:

Settings → System → Additional → Special features → Color filter

If there is no Color Filter, try looking for Visually Impaired Mode or Simplified Display – sometimes black and white is hidden there.

Make sure the mode is not enabled via quick settings (swipe down from the top edge of the screen)

Check if the “Night Mode” is activated with the maximum warm temperature.

Disable all third-party applications to save charge (e.g. Battery Doctor)

Restart the device – sometimes the failure disappears after the reboot-->

Method 2: Quickly shut down via notification panel

On devices with MIUI 13/14, gray gradation mode can be turned on/off right from the notification curtain.

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Color filter tile (if not, click on the pencil icon to edit the tiles).
3. Slap the tile once, the screen should return the colors.

If the color filter is not on the list, you can add it:

1. Open the editing of the tiles (pencil in the lower right corner of the curtain).
2. Scroll down to the Unused section.
3. Find the Color Filter and drag it into active tiles.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro) The tile can be called Read Mode or Vision Protection, and try turning it off if the basic method doesn't work.

Redmi Note 10/11/12

POCO F3/F4/F5

Mi 11/12/13

Redmi 9/10/13C

Other-->

Method 3: Reset availability settings (if standard methods don't work)

If the black and white mode does not turn off through the settings, there may have been a failure in the configuration of special features.

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
2. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots (menu) and select Reset Availability Settings.
3. Confirm the action by entering a password or pattern lock (if required).
4. Reset the device.

Once reset, all availability settings will return to factory-based, including color filters, which also helps if the screen becomes monochrome after connecting the device to the TV via Miracast or the other. HDMI-adapter.

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If the screen is black and white after reset, check to see if the Power Saving mode is activated in the battery settings, sometimes limiting color reproduction to save charge.

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If the software methods didn't work, you can use USB debugging and ADB command, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or debugging enabled.

1. Download and install Platform Tools on your computer.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB and enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers).
3. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
5. Execute the color filter disabling command: adb shell settings put secure accessibility_display_daltonizer_enabled 0
6. Reset the device.

If the mode remains after the reboot, try the additional command:

adb shell settings put secure accessibility_display_daltonizer 0

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB The wrong commands can cause the system to fail. If you're not sure what you're doing, call a specialist.

Method 5: Hardware reset (if nothing helps)

In extreme cases, if the software methods do not work, you can perform a hard reset, which will delete all data from the device, so make a backup copy first.

Instructions for most Xiaomi models:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power Button and Volume up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

On Android One devices (such as Mi A1/A2), the path may be different:

Select Wipe data/factory reset → Yes → Reboot system now

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Hard reset is the last option. Try all other methods before you do it, because it deletes all data, including photos, contacts and apps.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to disable black and white, users often face typical problems:

• 🔍 You don't see the color filter, some firmwares have it hidden, and you can search for color or filter».
• 🔄 After turning off, the mode returns** - check if it is enabled through Google Assistant (OK, Google, turn on the gray gradations»).
• 📱 Sensor fails after reset** – connect the device to charge and wait 10-15 minutes, sometimes the system is automatically restored.
• 🔌 ADB Does not recognize the device** – try disabling the antivirus on your PC or using another USB-port.

If you are using Xiaomi Root, check if Magisk modules that affect display (such as App Systemizer or LSposed) are installed.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions