Flickering, ripples or waves on the screen of Xiaomi devices is one of the most annoying problems that users face. Symptoms can manifest themselves in various ways, from a barely noticeable jitter of the picture to aggressive blinking at 1-2 Hz, making it impossible to use the gadget. In 80% of cases, software failures are to blame, but ignoring hardware malfunctions is dangerous - they can lead to a complete failure of the display.
In this article, we will analyze all possible causes of ripples on the screens of Xiaomi smartphones, tablets and TVs, from banal application conflict to critical damage to the matrix. You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, which settings to check first, and when exactly to carry the device in the service. AMOLED-screens (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T), where the ripples are often associated with the features of the control of lighting.
1. Software failures: firmware, drivers, and application conflicts
To start with, the most innocuous, software problems, which account for up to 60 percent of Xiaomi screen ripples, can be fixed without disassembling the device.
- 📱 Unstable version MIUI — especially relevant for beta firmware or fresh global updates (e.g., switching from MIUI 13 on 14).
- 🔄 Conflict of graphics drivers – often manifests itself after updating through OTA, When new drivers are incompatible with old settings.
- 🎮 Applications with Aggressive Optimization FPS — Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile games can break the refresh rate of the screen.
- 🔍 Failures in Google Play services are rare, but occur on devices with custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience on the Internet). POCO X3).
How do you check? Run your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) If the ripples are gone, it's the third-party app's fault, if it's left, it's a problem in the system or hardware.
After updating MIUI|When launching a specific application|Constantly, regardless of the actions|Only when connected to charging|Other-->
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12S Ultra and Redmi K50 Gaming ripples may appear due to a bug in the technology LTPO (dynamic update rate change. Check if the flicker frequency matches the switch between 1-120 Hz in the screen settings.
2.Screen settings: refresh rate, adaptive brightness and color profiles
Often users activate features that trigger ripples, such as adaptive refresh rates. AMOLED-The screens may conflict with the energy saving settings:
- Screen refresh rate: Go to Settings → Display → Update rate. Try to lock in at 60Hz or 120Hz (if available).
- Adaptive brightness: Turn it off in Settings → Display → Brightness. Sometimes the light sensor doesn't work properly.
- Color profile: Set “Standard” instead of “Saturated” or “Smooth” in Settings → Display → Color mode.
- Read Mode: Deactivate it if ripples appear when a dark topic is turned on.
On Xiaomi Mi TVs (e.g. Mi TV Q2 75), ripples may be associated with the MEMC (engine compensation) enabled. Turn it off in Settings → Image → Engine compensation.
Turn off adaptive brightness |Click 60 Hz refresh rate |Reset color profile to standard |Check MEMC mode (for TV) |Change read-->
3. Hardware problems: plume, matrix and display controller
If the software methods didn't work, it's time to look at the hardware malfunctions, and they can be divided into three categories:
| Component | Symptoms | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display plume | Ribbons when pressed on the screen, "waves" when bending the body | Oxidation of contacts, mechanical damage | Replacement of the plume (cost 500-1500) ₽) |
| Matrix | Permanent ripples with artifacts (strips, dots) | Burning of pixels, damage to backlight | Replacement of the matrix (from 3000) ₽) |
| Display controller | Rifle + non-working touchscreen or backlight | Overheating, short circuit. | Replacement of the controller or repair of the controller |
| Battery | Ribbons with low charge (<15%) | Power drawdown due to battery wear | Battery replacement |
The simplest test for hardware problems is to tap the screen in different places, and if the ripples get worse when you press the top or bottom, it's almost certainly the plume. On the Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO X4 Pro, this is a common problem because of the thin body.
How to check the plume without disassembly?
4.Power problems: charging, battery and power supply
Unstable power is one of the most insidious causes of ripples, and symptoms can only occur when you plug in a charge or when your battery is below 20 percent.
- 🔌 Power supply: Use the original adapter (e.g. for Xiaomi) 11T Pro needs a block on 120W). Cheap charging can give unstable voltage.
- 🔋 Battery: If the phone turns off at 30-40% charge, the battery is worn out.
- ⚡ Cable: Damaged USB-C cables often cause voltage drawdowns. Try another cable (preferably with support) USB 3.1).
- 🔄 Wireless charging: on models with support for Qi (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) ripples may appear due to incompatibility with the charging station.
A critical sign of power problems is that the ripples are synchronized with the charging indicator (e.g., flicker increases when a cable is connected/disconnected). In this case, first check the contacts of the USB-C connector for oxidation or debris.
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If the ripples only appear when charging, try to turn on the aircraft mode and connect the charge. If the problem disappears, the conflict between the communication module and the power controller (often found on the Redmi 9A and POCO M3) is to blame.
5. Features AMOLED-screen: PWM-burnout
Devices with AMOLED-matrices (Xiaomi) 12S, Black Shark 5, Redmi K60) technology PWM-It's a lighting fixture, and it's a low-brightness fixture. <50%) screen starts to flicker with frequency 200–250 Hz, which is perceived as ripples. It's not a breakdown, it's a feature of the technology, but it can be reduced:
- 🌓 Set the brightness level. >60% - for the most part AMOLED-Xiaomi screens PWM shut down.
- 🔄 Turn it on. DC-Mode (if available) in developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → Developer parameters → DC-regime).
- 🎨 Use dark themes on a black background PWM less visible.
Another problem with AMOLED is pixel burnout, and if there's a constant ripple from icons or navigation bars, the matrix has degraded, and that's incorrigible, but you can slow down the process.
- Turn off static interface elements (such as navigation bar).
- Reduce the screen fade time to 15 seconds.
- Use apps like Screen Balance to cycle colors.
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On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and MIX Fold 3, ripples on AMOLED can be associated with a bug in the LTPO 3.0 driver. Updating to MIUI 15.0.4+ solves the problem 90% of the time.
External factors: magnetic fields, temperatures and humidity
Screen ripples can be caused by external conditions that users often overlook:
- 🧲 Magnetic fields: If the phone is lying next to a speaker, wireless charging or microwave, the screen can flicker).
- ❄️ Low temperatures: at <0°C liquid crystal matrixes (e.g., in Redmi) A2+) They lose their responsiveness, which manifests as ripples.
- 💦 Humidity: Condensation inside the enclosure (for example, after a bath) can cause short circuits in the plume.
- ☀️ Direct sunlight: on some Xiaomi TVs (e.g. Mi) TV P1) The ripples appear due to overheating of the matrix.
Checking for external factors is simple: move the device to another place. If the ripples are gone, look for the source of interference. For example, Xiaomi 50W wireless charging sometimes causes interference if the phone is lying on them at an angle.
7.Diagnostics and repair: when to contact the service
If you've exhausted all the software methods and the ripples are left, it's time to get ready for repairs.
Backup data (ripples may be a sign of the imminent death of the matrix)|Record a video showing the problem (helps the master)|Check warranty (on models up to 2023 can operate extended warranty on the display)|Clarify the cost of spare parts (for example, the matrix for Xiaomi 13 Lite is worth it). ~8000 ₽)|Find reviews about the service center (especially if it’s not the official Xiaomi)
The cost of repair depends on the model and type of malfunction:
- Replacement of plume: 500–2000 ₽.
- Replacement of the matrix: 3000–15000 ₽ (Xiaomi MIX 4 with a subscreen camera – up to 20,000 ₽).
- Board repair (display controller): 2000–10000 ₽.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs (e.g. Mi) TV A2 43) The ripples are often due to a malfunction of the power supply, not the matrix. The wizards often suggest replacing the screen, although the problem is solved by replacing the capacitors in the PD (cost). ~1500 ₽). Always require a detailed diagnosis!