You picked up your Xiaomi, but the screen suddenly stopped responding to touch? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones brand — from budget Redmi to flagship Mi or POCO. The causes can be hidden in software failures and hardware malfunctions, 70% of the time the problem can be fixed by yourself without resorting to the services of the service center.
It is important to immediately determine the nature of the problem: is the screen completely frozen and does not respond to any action, or the sensor is partially working (for example, does not respond to touch in certain areas)? The answer to this question will narrow the range of possible causes. Also note whether the failure preceded the fall of the phone, moisture or installation of new software. These details will help to more accurately diagnose the malfunction.
In this article, we will look at all possible causes, from a simple system freeze to damage to the touchscreen plume, and give step-by-step instructions for restoring operability. If your Xiaomi is still under warranty, some methods (such as disassembling the case) can cancel it — consider this before starting repairs.
1. Software failures: when firmware is to blame
Most often, the screen stops responding to touches due to operating system errors, which can happen after a MIUI update, an unofficial firmware installation, or an application conflict, and it's easy to recognize a software failure: the phone turns on, displays a picture, but does not respond to touch, even though the volume and power buttons work.
The first thing to try is a forced reboot, so press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the device shuts down and starts to boot again, and if the sensor is running after the reboot, the problem was temporary. If not, move on to the next steps.
- 🔄 Resetting to factory settings (without deleting data): go to Settings → The phone. → Resetting: This method helps in 40% of software failures.
- 📱 Safe Mode: Press the power button, then hold your finger on the "Switch off" option, and you'll be prompted to go to Safe Mode. If it's running, one of the apps installed is to blame.
- 🔧 Update MIUI: Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → System update. Sometimes bugs get fixed in new firmware versions.
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The screen stopped responding, and the phone does not load beyond the logo - this is a sign of a "brick", in which case you will need to flash through Fastboot or EDL-regime.
2.System freeze: how to "wake up" the phone
Sometimes the Xiaomi screen freezes due to CPU overload or RAM shortage, which often happens when you run heavy games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) or multiple applications simultaneously, and on the surface, the image on the screen is frozen, but the backlight is on, and the phone does not respond to touches or buttons.
In such cases, hard reset helps, and for most Xiaomi models, the algorithm is as follows:
- Press the Power + Volume button for 10-20 seconds.
- Wait for the vibration or the appearance of the Mi logo.
- Release the buttons and the phone needs to restart.
If the problem recurs after restarting, check the system load:
- 📊 Open the Settings. → The phone. → System status and look at the boot CPU/RAM.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
- 🚫 Remove unused applications, especially those that work in the background (messengers, optimizers).
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If the phone is getting stuck while playing, try lowering the graphics settings in the game or disabling background processes through Settings → Battery → Performance Mode.
Damage to the sensor layer: mechanical malfunctions
If Xiaomi’s screen does not respond to touch after falling, hitting or getting moisture, it is likely that the touchscreen or its plume is damaged.
- 💥 There were cracks or chips on the screen.
- 🌧️ Under the display are visible traces of oxidation (spots, divorces).
- 🔍 The sensor is partially functional (for example, does not respond to touches in the corner of the screen).
- 🔌 The phone is not charging or discharges quickly (may indicate damage to the plume).
In such cases, self-repair is possible only with the experience and tools, if you are not confident in your abilities, you should contact the service center, but you can conduct an initial diagnosis:
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Can I correct myself? |
|---|---|---|
| The screen is not fully responsive, but the image is | Touchscreen plume damaged. | ❌ Requires dismantling and replacement of the plume |
| The sensor only works in part of the screen. | Damaged sensory layer (cracks, detachment) | ❌ We need a touchscreen replacement. |
| The screen flashes, spontaneously presses the buttons | Moisture exposure under the display | ⚠️ It can be dried, but there is no guarantee of recovery. |
| The phone vibrates, but the screen is black. | Display module or plume damaged | ❌ Replacement of screen required |
⚠️ Warning: If the Xiaomi screen doesn't respond to touches after getting moisture, don't turn on the phone or plug in to charge! SIM-Turn off the device and put it in a bag of silica gel (or rice) for 24 to 48 hours!
4.Steam problems: diagnosis and temporary solutions
The touchscreen plume is a thin, flexible cable that connects the touch layer to the motherboard, and can wear, oxidize, or move away from the connector over time, a common problem with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8/9, POCO X3, and other removable battery (or imitation) devices.
If you suspect a problem with the plume, follow the following steps:
- Carefully remove the back cover (if the model is collapsible). This will require a plastic shoulder blade and a hair dryer (to soften the glue).
- Disconnect the battery (if possible) and find the touchscreen plume – it is usually located next to the display connector.
- Check if the plume is sitting tightly in the connector. If it's gone, gently insert it back in.
- Examine the plume for damage: ruptures, oxidation, traces of burns.
If the plume is damaged, it will have to be replaced, and the cost of a new part is between 300 and 1500 rubles depending on the model, and a temporary solution may be to fix the plume with tape (if it just moved away), but this does not guarantee long-term results.
☑️ Diagnosis of the touchscreen plume
5. Effect of protective glass and covers
Sometimes the reason for a broken sensor is a poor security glass or case, and cheap, low-broadcast glass can block touchscreen signals, especially if they are thicker than 0.3 mm, the same applies to cases with metal inserts or magnets.
To check out this version:
- 🔍 Remove the protective glass and check the screen response to touch.
- 🧲 Remove the cover – sometimes the magnets in it cause interference.
- 🧹 Clean the screen of dirt and fat (use microfiber and alcohol).
If the sensor is working after removing the accessories, the problem is solved. Otherwise, look deeper. Note: on some Xiaomi models (for example, the Mi 11 or Redmi K40), curved screens are especially sensitive to pressure - tight cases can warp the display and cause false touches.
Which glass is most often causing problems?
6.Firmware problems: when only firmware helps
If Xiaomi’s screen doesn’t respond to touch after a failed update, rooting or custom firmware installation, it’s likely that the touchscreen driver or system files are damaged, and in such cases, you need to flash through Fastboot or Recovery.
Here is a step-by-step guide to flashing through Fastboot (suitable for most Xiaomi models):
- Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Download website.
- Unpack the archive in a folder with fastboot files.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume Reduction when turned on).
- Launch the file. flash_all.bat (For Windows, or type the command in the terminal: fastboot flash all
- Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).
If the flashing sensor doesn't work after you've done it, maybe the problem is that the firmware is not compatible with your model. Try the MIUI version one build older or newer.
⚠️ Warning: Fastboot flashing erases all data from your phone! pre-backup via Mi Cloud or ADB, If the phone is still responding to the commands.
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If after flashing the screen still does not work, but the phone turns on - the problem is precisely hardware (a touchscreen or a plume is damaged).
7. when you can not do without a service center
If you’ve tried all the techniques, but Xiaomi’s screen still doesn’t respond to touch, it’s time to contact the service.
- 🔧 Physical damage to the screen (cracks, chips, broken display).
- 💧 Corrosion traces on board or plume after moisture hits.
- 🔌 The phone does not turn on at all (no vibration, no charging indicator is lit).
- 🔄 The sensor works chaoticly (spontaneous pressing, “ghost” touches).
The cost of repair depends on the model and type of malfunction:
| Type of repair | Cost (₽) | Time (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement of touchscreen (without display) | 1 500 – 4 000 | 1–2 |
| Replacement of the touchscreen plume | 800 – 2 500 | 1 |
| Replacement of the display module (screen + touchscreen) | 3 000 – 12 000 | 1–3 |
| Cleaning from oxidation after moisture | 1 000 – 3 000 | 2–5 |
Before you bring your phone to the service, check if it is not covered by the warranty. If so, contact the official service center Xiaomi, otherwise the warranty will be canceled. Also check whether the service uses original parts: non-original touchscreens are often worse sensitivity.