Why Xiaomi Touch Screen Fails and When to Change It
Xiaomiβs smartphone screen is not only a display, but also a complex multi-layered design where the touchscreen (the touch layer) is responsible for recording touches. Over time, it can stop responding to touch, floating or refusing at the edges of the screen, causing damage ranging from mechanical damage (hit, fall) to factory defects or wear of plume contacts. For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO X3 Pro models often have a problem with dead zones at the edges of the screen due to deformation of the touch film.
Before you start replacing, make sure that the problem is the touchscreen, not the software failure. Run the sensor test through an engineering menu (code ##6484## on most Xiaomi) or an application like Touch Screen Test. If the screen does not respond to touch at all, but the image is displayed, it is 100% hardware fault. In the case of partial operation (for example, only the top part does not work), either the plume or damage to the touch layer is to blame.
Should you change the touchscreen yourself? Yes, if you have experience with small electronics and you are willing to take a risk. In the service center, you will take from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles for a replacement (depending on the model), whereas the original touchscreen for the Xiaomi 11T Pro will cost 2 500 to 4,000 rubles when you buy on AliExpress or in specialized stores. However, remember: errors during disassembly can lead to damage to the matrix, flexible plumes or even the motherboard.
What tools and materials will be needed
To replace the touchscreen with Xiaomi, you'll need a specialized set of tools, and without them, the risk of damaging your phone increases dramatically.
- π§ Plastic mediators or shoulder blades (2-3 pieces) - for careful tweaking of the screen!
- π₯ Hair dryer or thermo-air station for softening the glue. Optimal temperature: 60-80Β°C (not higher, otherwise damage the display).
- π§² Suction cups (2 pcs) - help to raise the screen after warming up. It is better to take with metal rings for reliability.
- βοΈ Screwdrivers: cross-haired (PH00) pentalon (Y00) β Xiaomi screws (especially relevant for Mi 11 and newer models).
- π Double-sided tape or glue B-7000 β The original Xiaomi adhesive is hard to buy, so use analogues.
- π§΄ Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) β for cleaning glue residues and degreasing surfaces.
- π Loop or microscope β to check the contacts of the plume (optional but useful).
Also, prepare your workspace: a table with good lighting, an antistatic mat (or at least an earthed surface) and screw containers (so you don't confuse them when you build them). If you're working with a POCO F3 or Redmi K40, you'll notice that they have a touchscreen plume integrated with the display into one module β you'll have to change everything together, which is more expensive, but easier to install.
β οΈ Attention: Do not use a household hair dryer to heat the screen! The air flow must be uniform, otherwise you will overheat the matrix.
Step-by-step: how to remove the old touchscreen
Xiaomi's disassembly begins with a power outage.Switch off the phone, pull out SIM-- cards and memory card (if any) - then proceed with the algorithm:
- Warm up the case. Heat the perimeter edge of the screen with a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes, holding the nozzle at a distance of 5-7 cm. Do not stay in one place for longer than 10 seconds.
- Screen tampering. Suction cups gently pull the display up while simultaneously putting the mediator in the place where the glue has already softened (usually the bottom, next to the charging connector).
- Disconnect the plumes. Once the screen is 1 to 2 mm up, put the suction cups down and slowly move the mediator along the body, separating the display. Don't pull too much - there are still plumes inside!
When the screen separates, place it on a safe surface (such as soft tissue) and disconnect the battery.
- Unscrew the screws that fix the metal plate of the battery (usually 4-6 screws).
- Carefully tuck the battery plume with a plastic spatula and disconnect it from the motherboard.
- You can now turn off the display and touchscreen plumes (they are usually located nearby, but may differ in color).
On Xiaomi 12 and newer models, the plumes can be fixed with latches β you need to carefully lift them with a screwdriver. If you feel resistance, do not use force: you probably missed the screw or didnβt completely warm up the glue.
Battery's off.
The location of the plumes is photographed
The tools do not have metal barbs.
The working surface is clean and dry-->
Installation of a new touchscreen: nuances and errors
Before installing a new touchscreen, make sure to clean the phone's frame of the residue of old glue. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lilac-free wipe. Don't rub too hard - you can leave scratches on aluminum cases (for example, the Mi 11 Ultra). If the glue doesn't go away well, warm it up with a hair dryer again.
Then proceed as follows:
- Check the new touchscreen. Connect it to the motherboard (without fixing!) and turn on the phone. Make sure the sensor responds to touch, there are no artifacts on the screen. If something is wrong, return the module to the seller.
- Apply glue. If you use double-sided tape, cut it in strips around the edge of the frame. For liquid glue (e.g., B-7000), apply a thin layer around the perimeter, receding 1-2 mm from the edges.
- Install the screen. Carefully combine the touchscreen with the body, starting at the top. Press it evenly, avoiding bubbles. Don't push too hard, you can damage the matrix!
Once you lock in, plug in the battery and check the phone. If the screen doesn't respond, there are two possible problems:
- π Bad contact plume - check if it is fully inserted.
- π οΈ Damage to flexible cable - inspect it under a magnifier for microcracks.
β οΈ Attention: On models POCO F4 GT redmi K50 Gaming touchscreen has an additional layer for high polling frequency (up to 480 Hz).When replacing, use only the original modules - analogues may not support all functions!
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If the touchscreen works after replacing, but the image is distorted (for example, stripes appear), try reconnecting the display plume or checking if the screen is skewed when installing.
Calibration of the touch screen after replacement
Even if the new touchscreen is functional, it can work incorrectly without calibration, and Xiaomi does it through an engineering menu or third-party apps.
- Install the Touchscreen Calibration app from Google Play.
- Follow the instructions on the screen by clicking on the dots that appear.
- After calibration, restart the phone.
For models on MIUI 13/14, there is an alternative method through a hidden menu:
- Enter the number ##6484##.
- Select the Touch Screen Test.
- Take the test to make sure all clicks are recorded correctly.
If the touchscreen still floats after calibration (for example, the cursor is shifted relative to the finger), the problem may be:
- π± Incorrectly installing the screen β check if it is glued smoothly.
- π§ A damaged plume β try replacing it separately.
- π€ Software Failure β Make a Settings Reset via Settings β The phone. β Resetting settings.
Comparison of methods of fixing touchscreen: which is better
The choice of how to attach the new touchscreen depends on the Xiaomi model and your experience. Below is a comparison of the most popular options:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-sided scotch | Easy installation, you can re-adjust | Less strength, may recede with time | Redmi 9, POCO M3 |
| Liquid glue (B-7000, LOCA) | Reliable fixation, water resistance | Difficult to remove during re-repair | Mi 11, Xiaomi 12 Pro |
| The original Xiaomi glue | Perfect fit, durability | Hard to find on sale, darling. | All models. |
| Ultrasonic welding | Maximum strength, factory quality | It requires special equipment. | Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold |
For most users, the best option is a liquid glue B-7000. It is cheap (about 200 rubles per tube), securely fixes the screen and allows you to dismantle it if necessary. If you repair a flagship model (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro), it is better to spend on the original glue β it guarantees tightness and protection from dust.
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For models with waterproofing (IP53 and above), use only original glue or LOCA - double-sided tape will not provide the desired tightness.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing touchscreen, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- π Undisconnected battery. If you forget to disconnect the battery, a short circuit can burn the motherboard. Always check the voltage with a multimeter before working with the plumes!
- π‘οΈ Screen overheating. Hair dryer temperature above 90.Β°C deforms the polarization film, causing rainbow spots on the display. Use the thermometer to monitor the image.
- π§© Mixed plumes. On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Civi), the touchscreen and display plumes look the same, but have different numbers of contacts!
- π§ The glue hits the contacts. B-7000 or LOCA slug on the plume, clean it with alcohol until drying - then it is impossible to do.
Another common problem is the uneven fit of the screen, which causes waves when pressed, so to avoid this, after installing the touchscreen, put the phone under the press (for example, between two heavy books) for 1-2 hours, which will help the glue evenly distribute.