How to check the screen of Xiaomi smartphone for broken pixels: from test images to service codes

Broken pixels on Xiaomi’s screen are a problem that can manifest on both new and used devices. One or two defective pixels often go unnoticed, but their clustering spoils the picture, especially on the Internet. AMOLED-In this article, we will discuss how to identify broken pixels on Redmi smartphones, POCO Mi – from simple tests with color screensavers to professional instruments.

Many users mistakenly confuse broken pixels with dirt on the screen or artifacts from protective film. Remember: a broken pixel is constantly burning (white, red, blue or green) or, conversely, a dead dot (black) that does not change color when you change the picture. If you are planning to buy a used Xiaomi or notice suspicious dots on your device, the check will take no more than 5 minutes.

1.What are broken pixels and why do they appear

A broken pixel is a faulty element in the screen matrix that has lost its ability to correctly display colors. AMOLED-screens (installed in Xiaomi 12 Pro, 13 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro) defects are more noticeable due to organic LEDs, which degrade over time. IPS-In matrices (for example, in Redmi Note 12) broken pixels are less common, but also possible.

Reasons for this:

• 🔨 Mechanical damage: falls, heavy pressure on the screen (for example, if the smartphone was in the pocket with the keys).
• ⚡ Production defects: Matrix defects that manifest over time (especially in the first batches of new models).
• 🕒 Natural wear: y AMOLED-pixels burn out after 2-3 years of heavy use.
• 🌡️ Overheating or moisture: if the smartphone was under direct sunlight or in high humidity conditions.

It's important to distinguish broken pixels from stick pixels, which get stuck in one color but can recover over time. For example, a green dot on a black background is a classic sign of a stuck pixel, whereas a completely black dot (on any background) is a dead pixel that can't be fixed.

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If a broken pixel appears after a smartphone crash, check the touch layer as well - not only the matrix, but also the touchscreen may be damaged. Use the ##6484##* test (works on most Xiaomi) to do this.

2. Preparation of the smartphone for verification

Before testing the screen, follow a few simple steps to ensure the results are accurate:

1. Clean the screen of dirt and fingerprints with a microfibre wipe.Dust or greasy spots can mimic broken pixels.
2. Remove the protective film or glass – they sometimes create optical distortion, especially on curved screens (like the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra).
3. Set the screen brightness to maximum (in Settings → Display → Brightness).
4. Turn off automatic color temperature and night mode so that colors are displayed without distortion.

If you check a used smartphone before you buy, ask the seller to reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Reset) this will eliminate the impact of user themes or wallpaper on the test result.

Remove cover and film | Clean screen with a napkin | Set brightness to 100% | Turn off night mode and autocorrect colors |Close all applications-->

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) at maximum brightness, automatically adjust contrast. Turn it off in Settings → Display. → Additionally. → Adaptive brightness, otherwise test colors will be distorted.

Method 1: Test pictures for manual inspection

The simplest method is to alternately open the screensavers of the main colors: black, white, red, green, blue. Broken pixels will be visible as contrast points. For Xiaomi, the following options are suitable:

How to run the test:

1. Download the archive with test images (e.g., from here) or search Google for “Xiaomi dead pixel test images”.
2. Transfer the images to your smartphone (via Mi Drop, Bluetooth or the Mi Cloud).
3. Open each image in the gallery to a full screen and inspect the display carefully.

Examples of what you can see:

For AMOLED-screens (for example, in Xiaomi) 13T Pro) add a gradient test – a smooth transition from black to white will help identify burnt out areas that appear as blurred spots.

AMOLED|IPS LCD| I don't know | The other-->

Method 2: Special Android Apps

If manual verification seems inconvenient, use apps from Google Play.They automate the process and often include additional tests (such as checking the sensor or backlight).

• 📱 Screen Test (from Screen Test) GSM Hosting – Supports tests for AMOLED and IPS, There is a burn-in check-in mode (burnout).
• 🔍 Dead Pixels Test and Fix – in addition to detection, offers to “accelerate” stuck pixels with flashing colors (does not work on all models).
• 🛠️ Phone Check and Test is a comprehensive tester that checks not only the screen, but also the camera, speakers and the phone, GPS.

How to use:

1. Install an application (such as Screen Test).
2. Start the screen test (Display Test or Dead Pixel Test).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen – you usually need to press the button to change colors.
4. Pay special attention to the edges of the screen (there are often accumulated defects, especially after falls).

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Dead Pixels Test and Fix) offer to “fix” broken pixels with a quick flash of colors.This method works only for stuck pixels and can exacerbate the problem on the pixels. AMOLED-It's a little bit more burnout on the screen. IPS-The risk is lower, but there are no guarantees of recovery.

5. Method 3: Xiaomi Service Codes and Hidden Menus

Xiaomi, like other manufacturers, hides hardware diagnostic service menus in the firmware, which allow testing to run without third-party applications, and importantly, the codes may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI.

Basic codes for screen check:

• #6484## is a sensor and display test (works on most Redmi/POCOs).
• #4636## → Display Test – color rendering check (not available on all devices)
• #28346## – Touchscreen test (helps to identify response problems that sometimes accompany broken pixels).

How to use:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter one of the codes (as if you were dialing a number).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen, for example, after you type ##6484##, a menu with the Display Test button will appear, press it and examine the screen for defects.

If the code doesn’t work, try an alternative method:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone.


2.Tap 5-7 times on the item MIUI version (the notification will appear "You became a developer").




3. Go back to Settings → Additional → For developers.




4. Find the option Equipment Test or Diagnostics.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) 10T Pro) service codes disabled by the manufacturer, in which case use Google Play apps or test pictures.

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Service codes are the quickest way to verify, but they are not always available on new Xiaomi models due to MIUI limitations.If the code doesn't work, move on to other methods.

Method 4: Verification via PC (for advanced users)

If you suspect that broken pixels only appear under certain conditions (such as watching videos or playing games), connect your smartphone to your computer and use specialized software.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows or macOS.
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (original to avoid connection issues).
• 🛠️ Programme ADB (Android Debug Bridge or Scrcpy for screen duplication.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on your smartphone Debugging by USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 5 taps → For developers → Debugging by USB).
2. Connect Xiaomi to your PC and confirm access to the data.
3. Download and install ADB.
4. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.DisplaySettings This will open the display settings directly.
5. Use Scrcpy to duplicate the screen on your PC and run test pictures in full screen mode.

The advantage of this method is that you can record the screen and analyze defects in slow motion, for example, if broken pixels only appear when you are under high load (in games), you can record this.

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If you have Xiaomi at 1440p (like Mi 11 Ultra), check the screen in native resolution. When you lower the resolution (like 1080p), broken pixels may become less noticeable due to upscale.

7 What to do if you find broken pixels

You find defective pixels?

Xiaomi Service Center may refuse warranty repairs if:

• 📱 On the smartphone there are traces of falls or autopsies.
• 🔧 The device was stitched with unofficial software (for example, custom). ROM).
• 💧 There are signs of moisture intrusion (the Liquid Damage Indicator was triggered).

If the warranty is over and the broken pixels are ruining the experience, consider replacing the screen. For the Xiaomi Redmi Note, it will cost 4,000 to 7,000. ₽, for flagships (Mi 13 Pro) – 12 000–20,000 ₽.

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Don’t try to disassemble your smartphone to replace the screen! In Xiaomi, the display is glued with a frame, and if you sloppy dismantling, you can damage the plumes or battery.

8.Frequent questions about broken pixels on Xiaomi