Why itโs important to check the screen for broken pixels and when to do it
The broken pixels on Xiaomiโs screen are not just a cosmetic defect; they can signal hidden matrix problems, improper transportation of the device, or even factory defects, and it is especially critical to check the display before buying a used smartphone, after a drop or repair of the screen. Even one pixel that is not working on AMOLED-The matrix may eventually spread the defect to neighboring areas.
Owners of Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Or Xiaomi 13 is often faced with the question: how to distinguish a broken pixel from a regular dirt or scratch? Broken pixel is always static โ it does not disappear when you wipe the screen and is visible against any background. Black (off), red, green, blue or white (hanging in one state). OLED-The broken pixels are often shown as bright points, and on the screen IPS โ dark.
When should you sound the alarm? If you notice a defect in the first 14 days after buying it is a warranty exchange. Manufacturers (including Xiaomi) usually allow up to 3 bit pixels per million as normal, but this does not apply to cluster defects or pixels in the center of the screen.
Method 1: Xiaomiโs built-in diagnostic tests (without apps)
Many Xiaomi smartphones have hidden service menus to check the display, which requires no third-party software and works even without the Internet.
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##6484## (for some models, ##284## is appropriate).
- Choose Display Test or Touch Test.
In the diagnostics menu you will see several check modes:
- ๐ด Color tests are alternate red, green, blue and black screens, and broken pixels will contrast with the background.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Gradient test โ smooth transition of colors, which clearly visible defects OLED-matrix.
- โช White screen โ check for dark (dead) pixels.
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If the service menu does not open, try entering the code through the standard Calculator application: dial the sequence of numbers and press =.
Note that some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T) may have different codes. If the combination does not work, check the current codes for your firmware on the official Mi Community forum. Also note that the service menu may reset brightness settings - remember the current value before the test.
Method 2: Online tests to check broken pixels
If embedded tools are not available, use online services that work directly in the browser and do not require installation.
- ๐ JScreenFix โ Supports tests for AMOLED and IPS, There is a mode of checking for "stuck" pixels.
- ๐ Lagom LCD Test โ detailed tests with gradients and patterns to detect even mild defects.
- ๐ E-Tests โ Russian interface, optimized for mobile devices.
How to run the test:
- Open your website in Chrome or Mi Browser.
- Transfer the smartphone to full-screen viewing (hide the navigation panel).
- Turn on tests in turn: homogeneous colors, gradients, hatching.
- Look at the screen from different angles โ some defects are only visible when tilted.
Set brightness to 100% |Close all background applications |Clean the screen from dust |Put on glasses (if you use) |Check in a dark room-->
Important: Online tests may not display correctly in the browser UC Browser or Opera Mini because of traffic optimization. If colors get distorted, try another browser or turn off data saving mode. OLED-Xiaomi screens (such as the Mix 4) have a natural uneven backlighting โ it should not be confused with broken pixels.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If after the online test the screen started to flicker or artifacts appeared, reboot the device.Some JavaScript tests may conflict with Xiaomi display drivers.
Method 3: Applications for deep screen diagnostics
Use specialized applications to verify the accuracy of your screening, which offer advanced tests, including subpixel grid testing and backlight uniformity analysis.
| Annex | Features | Suitable for | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Test | 15+ tests, sensor check, no ads | All Xiaomi models | Google Play |
| Dead Pixels Test | Simple interface, tests for OLED/IPS | Redmi, POCO | Google Play |
| Display Tester | Checking color coverage, gradients | Flagships (Xiaomi 13/14) | Google Play |
| AMOLED Test | Specialized for OLED-matrixes | Xiaomi with AMOLED (Note 11 Pro, 12S) | Google Play |
When using applications, pay attention to:
- ๐ Burn-in Test mode โ helps to identify burnt out areas on the OLED-screens (relevant to Xiaomi Black Shark or POCO F4 GT).
- ๐ Color histogram shows the distribution of broken pixels by color.
- ๐ Dynamic tests โ animations that show the โstuckโ pixels better.
Warning: Some apps (like Screen Test Pro) ask permissions to access files or the camera. This is not necessary to check the screen - deny unnecessary permissions to avoid data leaks.
What to do if the application does not start?
Method 4: Manually checking with photos
If you don't have access to the Internet or you don't want to install software, you can manually check the screen with photos, which is a good way to detect gross defects, but it's not a substitute for full diagnostics.
Instructions:
- Download to your smartphone archive with test images (white, black, colored fields).
- Open each image in the gallery to a full screen.
- Close the screen to your eyes (at a distance of 20-30 cm) and examine for abnormalities.
- Repeat the test at different brightnesses (50% and 100%).
What to look for in photos:
- โซ Black dots on a white background are dead pixels.
- ๐ข๐ด๐ต Colored dots on a black background - stuck pixels.
- ๐ณ Vertical/horizontal lines โ damage to the matrix or plume.
- ๐ Blurred areas - possible problems with illumination (relevant to the IPS-screens in Redmi 10).
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use low-resolution photos from the Internet to check for them; compressed images (e.g., from Telegram or social media) can create artifacts that are mistaken for broken pixels โ PNG with the resolution corresponding to your screen (for example, 2400ร1080 for POCO X3 Pro).
Method 5: Computer Verification (for advanced users)
If you connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-C or HDMI (on supported models), you can check the screen with specialized software, which is suitable for in-depth diagnostics, for example, before selling the device.
Tools required:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Nokia Monitor Test or PassMark MonitorTest (works with external displays).
- ๐ Cable USB-C to HDMI (For models with Miracast or DeX support, for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
- ๐ Debugging mode by USB (included in the settings โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI โ tap 7 times).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Run PassMark MonitorTest on your computer.
- Select the option of External Display Test.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, paying attention to the Color Uniformity and Pixel Persistence tests.
Advantages of this method:
- ๐ More accurate color calibration compared to mobile tests.
- ๐ The possibility of checking for burn-in OLED-screen.
- ๐น Record the results in a log file for further analysis.
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Connection via HDMI gives the most objective results, as it eliminates the influence of the smartphone graphics processor on the display.
Limitations:
- Not all Xiaomi models support HDMI image output (check your deviceโs specifications).
- PassMark MonitorTest may require you to disable MIUI Optimization in the developer settings to work.
What to do if you find broken pixels
What you do depends on the situation.
| Situation | Recommendations | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| New device (up to 14 days) | Warranty exchange (broken pixels are factory defects) | 1-2 weeks |
| Guarantee period (up to 1 year) | Contact the service center (if pixels >3 or grouped) | 1-4 weeks |
| Fall/blow | Diagnostics in the service (matrix or plume may be damaged) | 3-7 days |
| B/d | Negotiations with the seller or repairs at your own expense (~3-8 thousand rubles). | Depends on the contract. |
If the pixels are few (1-2) and they are not in the center of the screen, you can try to wake them up:
- ๐ Eaping method: gently tap on the defect area with the blunt side of the pencil (do not make any effort!).
- ๐ก Color Stimulation: Use the JScreenFix app in Fix Stuck Pixels mode (10-15 minute).
- โณ Time: Sometimes pixels heal themselves after a few days.
โ ๏ธ Note: Do not use the pressure method (press the screen with force) advised in some forums. This can damage the polarization layer or touch panel, especially on models with Gorilla Glass. OLED-Any physical contact with the matrix can make the situation worse.
If the pixels appeared after the MIUI update, try:
- Roll back the firmware through Fastboot (instructions for 4PDA).
- Reset the settings to factory (Settings โ Additional โ Recovery and Reset).
- Contact Xiaomi with error logs (Settings โ About Phone โ Error Report).