How to check the pixels on your Xiaomi TV: dead, stuck and hot spots

Xiaomi TVs are popular for their value for money, but even they are not immune to matrix defects. Broken pixels (dead, stuck or hot) can appear on new devices out of the box or after years of use. The problem is that these defects are not always noticeable in normal viewing: they only appear on monochromatic backgrounds or in specific lighting.

In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to check the pixels on Xiaomi Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV and other models of the brand – from built-in tests to professional tools. You will learn how to distinguish a dead pixel from a stuck one, when a defect can be fixed software, and when a matrix replacement is required, and we will give recommendations for prevention and explain in which cases warranty repairs can be required.

What are broken pixels and why do they appear?

A pixel is the minimum point of a screen, consisting of three subpixels (red, green and blue) and broken pixels are divided into three types:

• 🔴 Dead pixels -- they don't glow at all (black dot) -- cause: physical damage to the transistor that controls the pixel.
• 🟢 A stuck pixel is lit in the same color (red, green or blue) Cause: error in signal transmission, often software-corrected.
• ⚪ The hot pixel is always white. It's less common, usually on the surface. OLED-Matrices (in Xiaomi are used mainly) LED-panel).

The main causes of defects:

• 📦 Marriage of the manufacturer - defects that are not noticed at the factory (especially relevant for budget models Redmi Smart). TV).
• 💥 Mechanical damage – impacts, falls, pressure on the screen (for example, during transportation).
• ⚡ Voltage differences – power surges can damage the matrix controller.
• 🕒 Natural wear – cheap matrices have a limited pixel life (especially with prolonged work at high brightness).

According to statistics, up to 3-5 bit pixels per million is considered acceptable for most manufacturers (including Xiaomi), but if there are more defects or they are located in the center of the screen – this is a good reason to contact the service center.

Method 1: Built-in screen test in Xiaomi TV

The fastest method is to use the built-in diagnostics available on most Mi TV and Redmi Smart TV models, which allows you to check the screen in monochromatic colors, which immediately reveals defects.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the TV and take the remote.
2. Go to Settings → Device → Service → Screen Test (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → System → Diagnostics → Display Test).
3. Choose alternately all colors: red, green, blue, black, white and gray.
4. Carefully examine the screen from a distance of 30–50 cm, paying attention to black or colored dots.

If the menu does not include the "Screen Test" option, use an alternative method:

1. Connect to the TV flash drive with a JPEG-image of monochromatic color (you can download here).
2. Open the image through the built-in viewer.
3. Look at all the colors in turn.

Make sure there is enough light in the room | Turn off Dynamic Contrast or Autobrightness |Ride the screen with a dry microfiber | Check from a distance of 30–50 cm

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⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with Local Dimming, some dark areas may be mistaken for broken pixels.

Method 2: Online services for checking pixels

If the built-in test isn't enough, use web services that display monochromatic screensavers in full screen mode, a method that is suitable for TVs with Internet access.

Best services:

• 🌐 JScreenFix – allows you to test pixels and try to “unlock” stuck ones.
• 🎨 Lagom LCD Test – a set of tests to check contrast, gradients and broken pixels.
• 🖥️ Monitor Test – includes tests for broken pixels, blur and color reproduction.

How to use:

1. Open your browser on your TV (such as Mi Browser or Google Chrome).
2. Go to one of the services above.
3. Choose the Dead Pixel Test or Screen Test.
4. Start the full screen mode (button) F11 on the keyboard, if connected, or an icon □ browser-wise).
5. Watch the screen in each color for at least 10 seconds.

The advantage of online services is the ability to test gradients and smooth transitions that reveal defects that are invisible in monochromatic backgrounds, for example, stuck pixels often appear on a gray gradient.

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If you don’t have a TV keyboard, use the remote: press and hold the OK (or Menu) button to call the browser’s context menu and select “Fullscreen Mode.”

Method 3: Apps for Android TV

Xiaomi TVs run on Android TV, so you can install specialized screen diagnostics apps.

How to determine:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your TV.
2. Enter the name of the application in the search.
3. Set it up and run it.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you just need to press the buttons on the remote to change the tests).

The applications are convenient because they do not require a PC or Internet connection (after installation), some of which, such as Screen Test, allow you to save screenshots of defects for access to the service center.

Method 4: Checking with a computer or laptop

If the TV is connected to a PC (via HDMI, USB-C, or Wi-Fi via Miracast), you can use desktop software to diagnose, a method that is more accurate because it allows you to control the tests from the keyboard and mouse.

Popular programmes:

• 💻 NCH Dead Pixel Buddy is a free utility with a set of color tests.
• 🖥️ PassMark MonitorTest - a professional tool for testing monitors and TV (paid version).
• 🎯 EIZO Monitor Test - free program with advanced settings.

Instructions:

1. Connect your TV to your computer via HDMI (it is recommended to use an HDMI 2.0 or higher port for 4K support).
2. Install one of the programs above on the PC.
3. Run a broken pixel test (usually called the Dead Pixel Test or Screen Uniformity).
4. Switch colors with keys or mouse while looking at the TV screen.

For accurate diagnosis:

• 🔍 Use a magnifying glass (can be used in a smartphone) to check for minor defects.
• 📏 Check the screen by sector – divide it mentally into 9 parts and examine each separately.
• 📸 Take a photo of the defects on the smartphone camera in Macro mode (macro) for fixation.

⚠️ Note: When connecting through HDMI Make sure that the settings of the TV are selected mode PC or in the game (in the settings) → Image: → Screen mode. This will turn off post-processing, which may hide defects.

Method 5: Manually Checking with Video

If you're uncomfortable with using programs or services, you can use YouTube videos that automatically switch colors, which is convenient for quick checks without installing software.

Recommended videos:

• 🎥 4K Dead Pixel Test – alternates colors every 5 seconds (optimum for Xiaomi Mi) TV 4K).
• 🎥 OLED/LCD Screen Test – includes tests for broken pixels, gradients and latency.
• 🎥 Stuck Pixel Fixer – video for “unlocking” stuck pixels (does not help with dead ones!).

How to use:

1. Open YouTube on your TV.
2. Search for dead pixel test 4K (or 1080p if you have a Full HD model).
3. Choose a video with a high rating (4.5+ stars).
4. Run it in full screen mode and carefully examine the screen.

The advantage of this method is automation: you don't have to manually switch colors, but note that YouTube videos can have compression, which will make some defects less noticeable than with a local test.

What to do if you find broken pixels

What you do depends on the type and number of defects you find.

If the TV is guaranteed:

1. Take pictures of the defects on monochromatic backgrounds (as proof).
2. Contact the official service center or the seller.
3. Please indicate that defects interfere with operation (even if they are few, but they are in the center of the screen).

For self-treatment of stuck pixels:

• 🔄 Use JScreenFix – run the test for 10–30 minutes.
• 🎮 Run a video with fast-changing colors for 1-2 hours.
• 🔧 Carefully massage the defect area with a microfiber wipe (without pressing!).

⚠️ Note: Do not use programs like UDPixel or Bad Crystal on Xiaomi TVs – they are designed for monitors and can cause artifacts due to differences in matrix technology.

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The warranty on Xiaomi TVs in Russia and the CIS is 12-24 months. Broken pixels are a warranty case if their number exceeds the norm (usually 3-5 pieces) or they are located in the center of the screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about broken pixels on Xiaomi TV