Xiaomi’s ITO: The Hidden Technology That Determines the Quality of Your Screen

Have you ever wondered why Xiaomi smartphone screens or Mi TVs? TV So, you know, they're touch-sensitive, but they're still strong, or after a year of use, why doesn't a grid of microcracks appear on the display, despite the use of the technology — ITO-covering.

Despite its invisible presence, this technology plays a key role in touch screens, electromagnetic interference protection, and even energy efficiency. In this article, we will look at what Xiaomi ITO is, how it works, what problems it can solve (and create), and provide practical tips for diagnosing faults associated with this coating. If you have ever encountered sensor glitches, screen flickering, or sudden loss of sensitivity, this information will help you understand the cause.

Spoiler: ITO-The coverage in Xiaomi devices after 2021 is often combined with the technology AG Neo (anti-glare), which improves anti-glare properties, but requires a special approach when repairing the screen.

What is ITO and why is Xiaomi using it?

ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is an indium tin oxide, a transparent conductive material that is applied to a glass or plastic screen base.

• 🔹 Transparency: Transmits up to 90% of light without distorting color AMOLED-Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 screens).
• 🔹 Electrical conductivity: allows the sensor to record touches with an accuracy of 1 mm.
• 🔹 Corrosion Resistance: Protects the interior layers of the screen from oxidation (relevant for wet climates).
• 🔹 Flexibility: Used even in foldable smartphones (Xiaomi) MIX Fold 3).

In the devices Xiaomi ITO performs several critical functions:

1. It forms a touch matrix in resistive and capacitive screens (for example, in the POCO X5 Pro).
2. It serves as an electromagnetic shield, reducing interference from the operation of the processor or 5G module.
3. On Mi TVs TV Q2 mi TV A2 ITO-coating integrated into the anti-reflective layer, improving contrast in bright lighting.

Interesting fact: thickness ITO-Xiaomi smartphones are only 10 to 30 nm (nanometers) thinner than a human hair, and can withstand up to 100,000 cycles of touch without degradation.

Where exactly is ITO applied in Xiaomi devices

ITO technology is not just used in screens, but in the table below, the key components where you'll find this coating are:

On Xiaomi TVs ITO It is also used to create invisible speakers, such as the Mi model. TV LUX Transparent Edition sound comes directly from the screen thanks to vibration ITO-This allows you to make the body thinner by 40% compared to traditional TV.

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If your Xiaomi smartphone has stopped responding to touches on the edges of the screen, the problem may be damage. ITO-Try to test the sensor using the engineering menu: type ##6484## and select Touch Test.

ITO Problems: How to Recognize and Resolve

Despite the strength, ITO-The coating can degrade over time. These are typical signs of malfunction:

• ⚡ "Dead zones on the screen where the sensor does not respond (often in corners).
• ⚡ Spontaneous touches (for example, the screen clicks on itself).
• ⚡ Flickering or “waves” in bright light (defect of anti-reflective layer).
• ⚡ Loss of sensitivity after falling or getting moisture.

The main causes of damage:

⚠️ Attention: ITO It's extremely sensitive to static electricity. If you're repairing your screen yourself, make sure you use an antistatic bracelet and work on a grounded surface. ITO-layerless!

If the problem is software (such as a sensor calibration failure), try resetting:

Settings → System → Additional → Resetting settings → Resetting all settings

Check the screen for cracks (even microscopic ones)|Turn off the protective film/glass – sometimes they interfere with the sensor|Test the sensor in the engineering menu (#6484##)|Try connecting another charger (charging problems can affect your car) ITO)|Update the firmware to the latest version-->

ITO vs. Alternatives: Why Xiaomi chose this material

There are other conductive coatings on the market, but Xiaomi prefers ITO for several reasons:

• 🔬 Cost: ITO cheaper than graphene or silver nanowires at comparable conductivity.
• 🔬 Compatibility: easily integrated into existing production lines (important for mass production).
• 🔬 Stability: Not oxidized in air, unlike copper or aluminum.

However, the ITO has drawbacks:

⚠️ Note: In devices with flexible screens (e.g. Xiaomi) MIX Fold 3) ITO It can crack over time because of the constant bending, and the manufacturer compensates for this by adding a polyimide substrate, but the resource is still limited. ~3-5 years.

For comparison, the table below shows the characteristics of the ITO and its main competitors:

The latest Xiaomi models (such as Xiaomi 14) use hybrid coating: ITO + Graphene additives, which reduces resistance to 5 ohms/□ lack of transparency.

How to prolong life ITO-The coverage in your Xiaomi device

Although ITO is designed for a long life, a few simple rules will help to avoid premature wear:

1. Avoid pressure on the screen. Even if you put your smartphone in your pocket with your keys, micro-strains accumulate. Use airbag cases at corners (e.g., Xiaomi Original Protective Case).
2. Don't use alcohol for cleaning. It destroys the antioleophobic coating that protects ITO from fat and moisture. It's better to use distilled water + microfiber.
3. Control humidity. If you live in a region with humidity above 70%, keep a device with silica gel bags (they are included in some models, such as the Xiaomi 13T Pro).
4. Update your firmware. Newer versions of MIUI often optimize touch processing algorithms to reduce the ITO load. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

For Xiaomi TVs with ITO-covering:

• 📺 Do not wipe the screen with a dry cloth – this creates static electricity.
• 📺 Avoid placing near microwaves or routers – their radiation can disrupt the operation of touch buttons.
• 📺 If the TV supports voice control (e.g., Mi). TV Q2), Use it more often – it reduces mechanical wear ITO.

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ITO-The coating in Xiaomi devices does not require special care, but is sensitive to extreme conditions: temperature changes, humidity above 80% and mechanical stress%.

ITO in future Xiaomi devices: what to expect

According to Xiaomi’s patents, the company is actively working to replace ITO with more advanced materials, and this is what we’ll see in the coming years:

• 🚀 Graphene hybrids: in 2026, it is expected to release a smartphone with a screen, where ITO It's going to be replaced with a graphene-silver composite, which will reduce power consumption by 15%.
• 🚀 Self-healing coatings: in the patent CN114356789A described polymer that "cures" microcracks in ITO heat-up to 60°C.
• 🚀 ITO for batteries: in Xiaomi SU7 (electric vehicle is planned to be used ITO-battery coating to improve heat sink.

Xiaomi laboratories are already testing screens with a transparency of 99% (versus 90% for ITO), but their serial production will begin no earlier than 2026 due to the high cost.

Interesting fact: in Xiaomi Civi 4 (expected in 2026) may appear dynamic ITO-So this is a coating that will change the conductivity depending on the light, and this will automatically adjust the sensitivity of the sensor in the sun.

Frequent questions about ITO in Xiaomi (FAQ)