How to check broken pixels on a Xiaomi phone: step-by-step methods for all models

Broken pixels on a smartphone screen are a problem that even new device owners face. On Xiaomi (including the Redmi, Poco and Mi series), matrix defects can manifest as constantly burning dots, black specks or colored artifacts. But how do you tell a real broken pixel from dust under glass, software artifacts, or plume damage? In this article, we'll look at 5 reliable diagnostic methods, including built-in tests, third-party applications, and manual methods, all with specific features in mind. AMOLED- and IPS-screen.

It is important to understand that one or two broken pixels on millions of screen points is not always a reason to replace the display (manufacturers allow up to 3 defective pixels according to ISO 13406-2 standards). However, if there are many defects or they interfere with work - this is a warranty case. We will also tell you how to fix the problem to contact the Xiaomi service center.

What are broken pixels and how do they look on Xiaomi?

A broken pixel is a faulty element of the matrix that has stopped correctly displaying color. On Xiaomi screens (especially with AMOLED in Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Poco F5), defects manifest as follows:

• 🔴 Burning pixels are constantly glowing red, green or blue dots (most often on the surface). AMOLED).
• ⚫ Dead pixels are black dots that do not react to changes in the image (characteristically, the pixels are not affected by the changes in the image). IPS Redmi 10 or Poco X3).
• 🟣 Sticky pixels – dots that get stuck on one color when you change the image.

A simple test to distinguish a broken pixel from other problems would be to change the background of the screen to pure black, white, red and green. If the dot is visible in all the backgrounds, it's a matrix defect. If it disappears on a black background, it's probably dust under the glass or protective film.

⚠️ Attention: AMOLED-screens (for example, in Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) Broken pixels are often confused with matrix burnout, where static interface elements (navigation panels, icons) leave "shadows." That's another problem, and it's not treated by replacing pixels.

Another nuance: on some Xiaomi models (like the Poco M4 Pro), broken pixels can appear after a fall or heavy heating, in which case there are usually many defects, and they are grouped in one corner of the screen - this is a sign of damage to the plume, not individual pixels.

Method 1: Integrated screen test in MIUI

The manufacturer has provided a hidden tool to check the display, which runs on most Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and Poco).

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (some models run ##225##).
3. Select Display Test or Screen Test.

The system will consistently display monochromatic screensavers of different colors: black, white, red, green, blue. Your task is to carefully examine the screen at each stage. The broken pixels will be visible as contrasting points. For example, on a black background - light, on a white - dark.

Turn on the maximum brightness of the screen

Check the screen from different angles (sometimes defects are only visible when tilted)

Take a picture of the screen in each color to fix the defects

Repeat the test in a dark room (bright light can mask defects)

-->

If the built-in test doesn't run, try the alternative code: ##36446337## (powered by Xiaomi 11T and later). On some MIUI firmware, these commands may be blocked - in this case, use third-party apps (see next section).

⚠️ Note: On models with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after firmware custom Recovery), the built-in tests may not work. In this case, use the applications from Google Play.

Method 2: Applications for pixel verification

If standard MIUI tools are not available, install one of the specialized applications. We tested 5 popular utilities and selected the best ones for Xiaomi:

How to use: Launch the app, select Pixel Test mode, and consistently check the screen in all colors. AMOLED Test has an optional Burn-in Test that will help distinguish broken pixels from matrix burnout.

Built-in MIUI test

Dead Pixels Test

Screen Test

AMOLED Test

Other/Not checked

-->

On Xiaomi models with a high refresh rate of the screen (120/144 Hz), defects may be less noticeable due to the rapid change of frames. To detect them, force 60 Hz in the display settings before the test.

Method 3: Manual inspection by means of images

If you don't want to install apps, you can do with standard tools: download test images to check the pixels on your phone (they are easy to find by asking for "dead pixel test images"), or create them yourself:

• 📱 Take screenshots of pure monochromatic backgrounds (black, white, RGB-colours) with maximum resolution.
• 🖼️ Use online generators like JScreenFix (upload images to your phone).
• 🔍 Increase the scale of the image with your fingers – it is easier to notice small defects.

The verification algorithm:

1. Set the screen brightness to 100%.
2. Open the gallery and alternately view the test images.
3. Pay special attention to the corners of the screen – there are often accumulated broken pixels.
4. Repeat the check in a dark room (in bright light the contrast of defects decreases).

💡

If you have a Xiaomi with a curved screen (such as the Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro), check the edges especially carefully - there are more defects due to the mechanical stress of the matrix.

For accuracy, you can use a magnification (or zoom in the MIUI settings), the broken pixels under the magnifying glass look like clear points, while dust or scratches on the glass will be blurred.

Method 4: Verification via PC (for advanced users)

If you want to check the Xiaomi screen with maximum accuracy (for example, before buying a used phone), connect it to your computer and use professional tools.

• 🖥️ PC Windows/macOS;
• 📱 Cable USB (Preferably original from Xiaomi);
• 🛠️ Programme ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Instructions:

1. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in the About Phone settings).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in the Developer Menu.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the command: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.DisplaySettings This will open the screen settings where you can run hidden tests.
4. Or use Scrcpy to mirror your screen on your PC and check the pixels on a large monitor.

The advantage of this method is that on a PC monitor, defects are more clearly visible, especially on models with a small screen (for example, Redmi 9A or Poco C31), and you can take screenshots of the screen through ADB and zoom in for detailed analysis.

⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB Do not disconnect the cable or block the Xiaomi screen during the test, this can interrupt the connection and cause errors in the system.

Method 5: Diagnostics in the Xiaomi service center

If you find broken pixels and plan to apply to the warranty, you need to fix the problem correctly. Xiaomi service centers accept devices with defective screens, subject to the following conditions:

• 📄 Warranty phone (usually 12 months, for Mi and Redmi premium series - up to 18 months).
• 🔧 No trace of self-repair or autopsy.
• 📸 Have photos of defects (take pictures on different backgrounds).
• 📋 Checks and boxes saved (to confirm purchase date).

How is the diagnosis in the service:

1. The wizard checks the screen on special equipment (microscope + test patterns).
2. Verifies the number of broken pixels with ISO 13406-2 standards (up to 3 defects of class 1 per million pixels are allowed).
3. If the defects are more than normal, the screen will be replaced under warranty (on Xiaomi it takes 3-7 days).

The cost of screen replacement without warranty:

Frequent errors when checking broken pixels

Many Xiaomi users confuse broken pixels with other defects.

• 🌫️ Dust under the glass -- it looks like blurry gray dots, disappears when you press the screen, and the broken pixel stays sharp.
• 🔄 Artifacts after update MIUI — They disappear after rebooting or resetting.
• 💥 Train damage – manifests as vertical stripes or half-screen flickering (often after a fall).
• 🔥 Burnout AMOLED — «shadows from static elements (navigation panels, icons) rather than individual points.

Another mistake is to test the screen at low brightness, and broken pixels can be invisible at a brightness below 50%, and always test the screen at maximum brightness in a dark room.

💡

If after checking you found 1-2 bit pixels, but they do not interfere with the use of the phone - do not rush to carry it to the service. Replacing the screen can lead to new defects (for example, detachment of the touch screen or the appearance of air bubbles under the glass).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions