Why it’s important to check broken pixels on Xiaomi Mi TV
Broken pixels are one of the most common LCD problems that can occur on both new and used Xiaomi Mi TVs. Even one or two broken pixels can ruin the viewing experience, especially if they are located in the center of the screen. At the same time, manufacturers often attribute a small number of broken pixels to the “normal” – according to ISO 13406-2 standards, up to 5 defective dots per million pixels is not considered a marriage.
Complicating the problem, broken pixels come in many different types: hot (constantly glowing red, green or blue), dead (always black) and stuck (changing color depending on the picture). On Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1 or Mi TV A2, matrix defects can occur due to factory defects, mechanical damage or overheating. You can check them with built-in tools and third-party utilities - this will be discussed further.
This is especially true before buying used equipment or after screen repairs. For example, if you buy a Xiaomi Mi TV P1 from hand, the seller can hide defects by showing only dynamic scenes where broken pixels are less noticeable, but when watching monochromatic screensavers or text, they will appear immediately.
Preparing the TV for inspection: what to do in advance
Before you start testing, make sure that the Xiaomi Mi TV is ready for diagnosis.
- 🔌 Turn off all external devices, consoles, sound bars, USB- drives, which can interfere with the correct display of test images.
- 📺 Set the factory brightness and contrast settings. A screen that's too dark or too bright will distort the results. Optimal values: 50% brightness, 60% contrast.
- 🕒 Let the matrix warm up for 15 to 20 minutes, and the cold screen can temporarily hide some defects.
- 👁️ Check the lighting in the room. Perfectly, dimmed lights with no glare on the screen.
It is also worth considering that on some models of Xiaomi Mi TV (for example, Mi TV 5 Pro), the built-in tests can be blocked by firmware, in which case you will have to use external devices (laptop, smartphone) or specialized applications.
⚠️ Warning: If the TV has been repaired, broken pixels may appear a few days after turning on, due to degradation of plumes or poor soldering, in which case defects often progress.
Method 1: Built-in screen tests on Xiaomi Mi TV
The easiest way is to use built-in diagnostic tools, and most Xiaomi Mi TVs (except for the budget models) have a hidden menu to check the matrix.
- Turn on the TV and go to Settings → Device → About TV.
- Find the line Model and quickly click on it 5 times in a row (with an interval of no more than 1 second).
- You'll see a Service Menu menu. Select Panel Test or Screen Test.
- In the open window will be available monochromatic screensavers: white, black, red, green, blue.
Switch between colors and carefully examine the screen from a distance of 30–50 cm, the broken pixels will stand out as contrasting points, for example, on a black background, you can see the hot pixels, and on a white one - the dead ones.
Check the firmware version (update to the latest one)|Try another remote (sometimes glitching infrared port)|Reset the TV to factory settings|Use alternative methods (see below)-->
On some firmware, the path to the test may be different, such as the Mi TV A2 43, where you press the Menu button on the remote and type in the 1969 code (without display on the screen), and then you have a service menu with the Color Test option.
Method 2: Using USB- flash drive with test pictures
If the built-in tests are not available or are not working properly, you can upload a set of monochrome images to your flash drive and play them on your TV, a method that is suitable for all Xiaomi Mi TV models, including older versions without a service menu.
Here's how to do it:
- Download the archive with test images (you can find dead pixel test images 4K by request). It is important that the resolution is the same as your TV (for example, 3840×2160 for 4K- models).
- Unpack files on a FAT32 formatted flash drive. File names should be short (e.g. white.jpg, black.jpg).
- Connect the flash drive to the TV and open the images through the built-in viewer or file manager.
For convenience, you can create a PixelTest folder and put all test files in there. When browsing, use zoom 1:1 (without stretching) to avoid distortion.
| Background color | What defects are visible | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black. | Hot pixels (red, green, blue) | Better to check in a dark room. |
| White | Dead pixels (black dots) | May show dust on the matrix |
| Red/Green/Blue | Stuck subpixels | Useful for diagnosing color reproduction problems |
| Gradient gray | Broken pixels and uneven backlighting | Use it to check the banding effect |
⚠️ Warning: If you see not only broken pixels but also vertical or horizontal bands when you look at the test images, it may indicate damage to the matrix plume, which requires professional repair.
Method 3: Online services for checking pixels
If you have a laptop or PC, you can use online screen testing services, which is suitable for Xiaomi Mi TV with HDMI or Miracast support.
- 🌐 JScreenFix – allows you to test pixels in full screen mode with different colors and patterns.
- 🌐 Lagom LCD Test is a set of tests to check not only broken pixels, but also color reproduction, contrast.
- 🌐 TestUFO is useful for detecting artifacts in dynamic scenes (e.g., in games).
To take advantage of these services:
- Connect your laptop to your TV via HDMI (select the appropriate signal source on the remote).
- Open your browser and go to one of these sites.
- Run the test in full screen mode (F11 or button in the service interface).
- Turn on the monochromatic screensavers and examine the screen.
On Xiaomi Mi TVs with Miracast support, you can stream a smartphone screen (Android/iOS) and run tests directly from your mobile browser. However, note that wireless transmission can cause compression artifacts that can be confused with broken pixels.
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If the broken pixels are only detected when connected via HDMI, but are not present in the built-in tests, the problem may be in the cable or port.Try another HDMI- input or cable standard 2.0/2.1.
Method 4: Specialized Android TV apps
Xiaomi Mi TVs are based on Android TV, so you can install screen diagnostics apps on them.
- 📱 Screen Test is a simple tool with a set of monochromatic screensavers and tests for broken pixels.
- 📱 Dead Pixels Test and Fix – In addition to testing, it offers an attempt to unlock stuck pixels (efficiency is controversial).
- 📱 Display Tester is a professional tool with color calibration and backlight uniformity check.
Installation:
- Open the Google Play Store on your TV.
- Find one of these apps and install it.
- Run the test and follow the instructions on the screen.
Applications usually offer additional features, such as burn-in testing or matrix response tests. However, note that some programs may contain advertising or request unnecessary permissions – give preference to trusted developers with high ratings.
Can broken pixels be repaired software?
Method 5: Professional tools (for advanced users)
If you suspect serious problems with the matrix (for example, clusters of broken pixels or artifacts when heated), you can use professional tools, one of them is the utility DDC/CI, which allows you to control screen parameters through HDMI.
This will require:
- 🖥️ A computer with Windows and Custom Resolution Utility (CRU).
- 🔌 High quality HDMI cable (preferably with HDMI 2.0 support).
- 📄 Knowledge of your TV's matrix model (can be found in the service menu or by labeling on the back).
Algorithm of action:
- Connect the TV to your PC and install the CRU.
- In the program, select your monitor (TV) and go to the Detailed Resolutions tab.
- Create a new profile with test resolutions (e.g. 1920×1080@60Hz with non-standard timings).
- Apply the settings and check the screen for artifacts.
This method will help to identify not only broken pixels, but also problems with scaling, delayed response or incorrect color reproduction, but it requires caution: incorrect settings can lead to unstable TV performance.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the matrix parameters through DDC/CI can reset the factory color calibration. If you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better contact Xiaomi's service center.
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Broken pixels on the warranty TV Xiaomi Mi - an excuse to replace or repair under warranty. However, the manufacturer can refuse if the number of defects does not exceed the ISO 13406-2 standard (up to 5 pixels per million).
What to do if you find broken pixels
You find defective pixels? What you do next depends on the situation.
| Situation | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| TV on guarantee | Contact Xiaomi Service Center with a photo of the defect, indicate that the number of pixels exceeds the ISO standard. |
| TV bought by a used | Try to return it to the seller (if it hasn't been 14 days) or negotiate a discount. Broken pixels are a good argument. |
| Pixels appeared after repairs | Demand repairs at the expense of the workshop, which is a clear sign of poor performance. |
| Pixels don't interfere with viewing | You can leave it as it is, but keep track of whether new defects appear. |
If the Xiaomi Mi TV is still under warranty, do not try to repair it yourself - this will void warranty obligations.
- 🔧 Replace the matrix (if there are many defects).
- 🔄 Reflash the TV (sometimes helps with software artifacts).
- 📊 Calibrate the color (if the problem is uneven backlighting).
The cost of replacing the matrix with Xiaomi Mi TV varies from 10 000 to 30 000 rubles depending on the model and diagonal. If the TV is older than 3-4 years, sometimes it is more profitable to buy a new one.