The appearance of a bright spot, which users often call a “drop” or “sunbunny”, on the display of a Xiaomi smartphone can be an unpleasant surprise. Usually this phenomenon indicates that one or more pixels stopped working correctly, stuck in the open state and constantly emitting light. Unlike black dots, which mean the death of the pixel, such glowing artifacts are often “hot” or “stuck” pixels, which in some cases can be combated by software methods.
Before you take the device to the service center or change the matrix, it is worth trying to restore the screen to work yourself. There are special utilities and mechanical methods that help to "patch" the subpixels and return the color reproduction to uniformity. However, it is important to understand that the effectiveness of the methods depends on the physical nature of the damage: if the crystal is damaged, software reset will not help.
In this article, we will look at proven ways to fix the defect, ranging from secure software solutions to more risky physical impacts, learn how to use the hidden capabilities of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system, and when to stop self-repair attempts to avoid aggravating the situation.
Diagnostics of the type of screen defect
The first step before any active action is to pinpoint the type of malfunction, and what you see as a "drop" can be a broken, hot, or stuck pixel, and the treatment strategy depends on it. The hot pixel burns white or colored light all the time, without changing color depending on the image, and most often it does not respond to treatment.
A stuck pixel is a subpixel that is locked in a single color (red, green or blue) and doesn't switch, which is the kind of defects most often confused with water droplets under glass. To make a precise diagnosis, you need to run a monochromatic image of different colors on the entire screen.
- 🔴 Include a solid red image and carefully examine the defect area.
- 🟢 Switch to the green background to check the reaction of subpixels.
- 🔵 Use blue as blue subpixels fail more often than others.
- ⚫ Check the black background in total darkness to detect the glow.
⚠️ Attention: If the drop changes shape or position when you press the screen with your finger, this may indicate that the layers of the matrix are dissected or liquid is injected.
To conduct a high-quality diagnosis, you can use online services or download special applications from the Google Play store. It is important to check at maximum brightness of the backlight to see all the nuances of the glow of the damaged area.
⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse software artifact with physical damage to glass. If cracks or chips are visible under the "drop", any pressure can lead to complete destruction of the display.
Software methods of pixel recovery
The safest way to try to remove a drop on Xiaomi is to use specialized software, which works by rapidly cycling colors in the problem area, which causes the transistors that control the pixels to switch intensively, which sometimes helps to remove the electric charge or mechanically proppant the subpixel.
One of the most popular solutions is the JScreenFix app, available as a web service and an Android app. Once the program is launched, you need to move the noise area (square with rapidly changing colors) directly to the defect site.
☑️ Screen treatment algorithm
It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours, and the screen will blink actively, so it's best not to look directly at it so as not to cause an epileptic seizure or headache, and you can also use the Dead Pixel Test and Fix app, which has an automatic treatment regimen.
If standard applications don't work, you can try more aggressive methods, built into some engineering menus or created by enthusiasts, that work on the same principle, but with higher frame rate.
Why does it work?
Using the Xiaomi Engineering Menu
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO have a hidden engineering menu that allows for deep diagnostics of the hardware, and while there is no direct pixel treatment feature, display testing modes can help with diagnostics and sometimes recovery.
To enter the menu, you need to go to the Phone app and type a special code. Depending on the firmware version and device model, the codes may differ, but the main one is # # # #6484#. After entering the code, the CIT menu will open.
##6484##The list that opens will show you a display item, usually called Display or Color. Once you run the test, you can see the images. Some users say that being in cyclical color mode on this menu has been better than third-party apps because of direct work with screen drivers.
| Code. | Function | Probability of success |
|---|---|---|
| ##6484## | The main CIT menu | High (for diagnosis) |
| ##4636## | Phone information | Low (no screen test) |
| ##34971539## | Info on the camera | Not applicable. |
It is worth noting that newer versions of MIUI and HyperOS may have limited access to some features, and if the code doesn’t work, try entering it through the Touch app in the settings if it’s available in your version of the software.
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The engineering menu is a powerful diagnostic tool, but it should be used carefully, without changing unknown parameters, so as not to bring down the calibration of the sensors.
Mechanical method (screen massage)
If the software is powerless, you can use a physical force called screen massage, which is based on direct mechanical action on the area of the stuck pixel to return the liquid crystals to the correct position.
To perform the procedure, you will need a soft, non-flavory fabric (such as microfiber) and a blunt object with a soft tip, such as a pencil eraser or a cotton swab, and it is strictly forbidden to use sharp or hard objects that can scratch an oleophobic coating or break glass.
- Turn off your smartphone completely.
- Fold the fabric in several layers and put on the problem area.
- Carefully, with moderate effort (not to crunch!) press on the area of the "drop".
- Without releasing pressure, turn on the phone.
- Remove the pressure after the image appears.
⚠️ Warning: Excessive pressure can lead to black spots (broken pixels) or cracks in the matrix. Act extremely carefully and gradually increase the force of the press if the first time did not help.
There is also a method of "blinking": on the phone turned on, quickly and rhythmically press the defective area for 10-20 seconds, this creates vibration and pressure drop, which sometimes helps to "curl" the pixel, repeat the procedure no more than 2-3 times with interruptions.
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Before mechanical action, remove the protective glass or film so that the pressure is transmitted evenly and you do not damage the accessory, which will then interfere with the view.
Analysis of the causes of artifacts
Understanding the cause of the droplet helps prevent the defect from spreading further, most often because of factory failure, prolonged static image (burnout, although it manifests differently), or physical exposure.
The most common cause is a device impact or fall, and even if the glass is intact, the internal structure of the matrix may be disrupted, and defects may occur after a firmware update if new screen drivers mismanage voltages.
Temperature also plays a role: overheating of a smartphone as a result of gaming or charging can lead to degradation of liquid crystals. If the "drop" appeared after the phone was lying in the sun or in a hot car, the likelihood of reversibility of the defect decreases.
- 🔥 Overheating: the gradual appearance of luminous points.
If the droplets start to grow or colored bands appear, this is a sure sign that the matrix begins to break down, and in this situation, software treatment will not help, and you will need to replace the module.
When a Replacement of the Display is Necessary
Despite the many methods, there are situations where it is impossible to remove a drop on Xiaomi without replacing the hardware part. If the defect is due to the physical rupture of the chains inside the matrix or the leakage of crystalline matter, the screen is doomed.
Signs indicating the need for replacement:
There's a black blot that gets bigger over time, and that's a sign of the matrix stuff leaking out, there's sensory problems in the defect area (touchscreen doesn't work), there's flickering or ripples all over the screen.
Replacing the display module on modern Xiaomi smartphones is often made along with the frame, which simplifies the process, but increases the cost. Using original parts ensures that the brightness, color reproduction and operation of the fingerprint scanner (if it is built into the screen) are preserved.
Original vs. copy
The cost of repairs varies by model.For budget Redmis, a replacement can cost almost half the price of the device, whereas for flagships it is a necessary investment for comfortable use.
Prevention and care of the matrix
To minimize the risk of new defects, you should follow certain rules of use: do not leave your smartphone on one static image for a long time, especially at maximum brightness. Use dynamic wallpaper and screensavers.
A protective glass or quality film can save the matrix from spot impacts, which often cause stuck pixels. It is also important to avoid overheating the device: remove the case during heavy games or charging in hot weather.
Regularly rebooting your smartphone (once a week) helps to reset the display controller errors and can prevent software-grade pixel sticking.
Temperature compliance is a key factor in Xiaomi’s longevity: Do not leave the gadget in direct sunlight or use it at extremely low temperatures when the crystals in the matrix change their physical properties.
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The best prevention is the careful handling and use of protective accessories, and no software method will restore a physically destroyed crystal.