Broken pixel on the Xiaomi smartphone: how to remove yourself without the risk of damaging the screen

You notice a little color dot on Xiaomi's screen that doesn't disappear when you scrolle or change the image? It's probably a broken pixel, a matrix defect that manifests as a constantly burning dot of red, green, blue or black. Unlike dust or dirt under the glass, the broken pixel is not removed by rubbing and remains visible on any background.

The causes of this defect are diverse, from factory defects to mechanical damage or overheating. In most cases, broken pixels do not affect the performance of the smartphone, but can be annoying, especially if they are in the center of the screen. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to fix the problem, from software methods to mechanical methods, and also explain when to contact the service center.

Importantly, not all methods are equally safe. Some of them can lead to loss of warranty or deterioration of the screen.

1.Diagnostics: How to distinguish a broken pixel from other defects

Before trying to "cure" the screen, make sure that the problem is in the bit pixel, which is often confused with:

• 🔍 Dust or dirt under glass - visible only at a certain angle, can shift when pressed.
• 💥 Matrix cracking – manifests as a grid or stripe rather than a single point.
• 🖥️ GPU artifacts – flickering dots that disappear after a reboot.
• 🌡️ Overheating of the screen – temporary spots disappearing after cooling.

To confirm the diagnosis:

1. Change the background to black, white, red, green and blue (you can use apps like Screen Test). The broken pixel will be visible on all backgrounds except the one that matches its color.
2. Check if the dot is touch-responsive. The broken pixel is a physical defect of the matrix, so it doesn't change color when pressed.
3. Take a screenshot of the screen and zoom in on the computer, and if the dot is visible in the screenshot, it's not a broken pixel, it's a software artifact.

If you're diagnosed, you can move on to the elimination methods. Start with the safest ones, the software ones.

2. Software Methods: “heating” the pixel

Sometimes broken pixels can be woken up with utilities that change the color of the screen quickly, and this method only works for stuck pixels, not dead pixels, the difference being that the stuck pixel burns in one color, and the dead pixel is always black.

The most effective programmes:

• 📱 JScreenFix (online service) - works through the browser, does not require installation.
• 🖥️ UDPixel (Windows) - suitable for testing and recovering pixels. You need to connect your smartphone to your PC via a computer. HDMI mirroring.
• 🤖 Dead Pixel Test and Fix (Android) – an application with a set of tests and a mode of “treatment” of pixels.

Instructions for JScreenFix:

1. Open https://www.jscreenfix.com/ on your smartphone.
2. Press Launch JScreenFix.
3. Drag the flashing square onto the broken pixel.
4. Leave it to work for 10 to 30 minutes. If the pixel is still there, repeat the procedure later.

Turn off autobrightness

Charge your smartphone by at least 50%

Set maximum brightness

Close all background applications-->

The method is ~30-40% effective. If the pixel is still around after 3-4 attempts, move on to other methods.

3. Mechanical impact: screen massage

This is only suitable for stuck pixels and requires caution, and the essence of the method is to gently press the problem area to wake up the pixel.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone to avoid accidental touch.
2. Take a soft cloth (such as a microfiber) or a plastic blade to remove latches (not metal!).
3. Carefully press the area with the broken pixel and hold the pressure for 5-10 seconds.
4. Turn on your smartphone and check the result. If the pixel is left, repeat the procedure no more than 2-3 times.

⚠️ Note: Do not use this method on smartphones with OLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi) K50 Their matrices are thinner and more sensitive to mechanical stress. OLED Only software methods are suitable.

If the massage didn’t work, try combining it with the software method: first press the pixel, then run JScreenFix.

4. Flashing and resetting settings

In rare cases, broken pixels are caused by a graphics driver or firmware failure. If a defect occurs after a system update, try:

• 🔄 Remove the firmware to the previous version (if available).
• 📲 Reset the settings to factory (without deleting data or with complete cleaning).
• 🛠️ Refuse your smartphone via Fastboot or Recovery.

Instructions for resetting settings (without data loss):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Delete All Data!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

If you decide to reflash the device, use the official firmware from the Xiaomi website. Inept firmware can lead to a breeze (complete inoperability) of the smartphone.

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Before resetting or firmware, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save contacts, messages, and application settings.

5. when only the service center helps

If neither method worked, the pixel is likely to be physically damaged (for example, due to a fall or a manufacturing defect), leaving two options:

Before you carry your smartphone for repair, check:

• 📄 Warranty card – if the smartphone is warranty, contact the official service Xiaomi.
• 🔍 Warranty conditions – some service centers refuse to repair broken pixels if they are less than 3-5 pieces.
• 💰 Cost of repair – sometimes it is cheaper to sell a smartphone “as is” and buy a new one.

⚠️ Warning: If you're going to replace the screen yourself, buy a matrix with the original plume. Cheap Chinese counterparts often have color and sensor problems. POCO F3, Redmi Note 10 Pro and the like it is better to take the screen assembled with a frame - so it is easier to avoid problems with backlighting.

6.How to prevent the appearance of broken pixels

It is impossible to fully protect yourself from broken pixels, but you can reduce the risks of:

• 🛡️ Use a cover and protective glass – they will not save from factory defects, but will reduce the risk of damage in a fall.
• 🔥 Avoid overheating – do not leave your smartphone in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• 🔋 Do not discharge the battery to zero – sudden surges of voltage can damage the matrix.
• 🖥️ Don’t press the screen – even when cleaning, use soft wipes without pressing.

Also avoid:

• 🎮 Long gaming sessions with maximum brightness – this increases the load on the matrix.
• 🔄 Frequent change of wallpaper with sharp colors (for example, alternation of black and white backgrounds).
• 💧 Moisture intrusion - even after drying, screen defects may appear.

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Broken pixels are more likely to appear on smartphones older than 2-3 years. If your Xiaomi released before 2020, the risk of their occurrence is 40% higher due to wear of the matrix.

7. Myths and misconceptions about broken pixels

There are a lot of tips on the Internet to eliminate broken pixels, but not all of them work.

Myth 1: “Broken pixels can be removed by tapping on the screen.”

❌ Reality: Mechanical strikes will only make things worse.The most you can do is push gently (as described in Section 3), but not knock.

Myth 2: “If a broken pixel appears, it will disappear over time.”

❌ Reality: Stuck pixels sometimes thaw after a program impact, but dead (black) pixels remain forever.

Myth 3: “All broken pixels are covered by warranty.”

❌ Reality: Most manufacturers (including Xiaomi) consider 1-2 bit pixels the norm and do not repair them under warranty).

Myth 4: “Firmware on custom software will remove broken pixels.”

❌ Reality: The firmware does not affect the physical state of the matrix. Castom cores can only hide the pixel by reassigning the screen zone (but this will lower the resolution).

If you’ve encountered another “miracle method,” check it out on a trusted source, such as the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.

FAQ: Frequent questions about broken pixels on Xiaomi