Xiaomi Redmi smartphone screen has become black and white – what to do?

You turned on Xiaomi Redmi and found that the screen only shows black and white hues instead of the usual bright colors? This problem occurs on models from Redmi Note 10 to Redmi 12, and the causes can be either software (failure in settings, firmware error) or hardware (damage to the plume or matrix). 80% of the time the fault is solved independently without going to the service center.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible causes of color loss on the Redmi screen, from accidental daltonism to physical display damage. You’ll learn how to diagnose a problem, which settings to check first, and when exactly repairs will be needed. For convenience, we’ve compiled step-by-step instructions with screenshots, a method compatibility table with different models, and answers to frequent user questions.

If the screen turns black and white after a fall, a MIUI update, or a TV connection, these are fundamentally different situations that require different solutions.

1. Check the color correction modes in the settings

The most common reason is the accidental activation of colorblind or graphics filter mode in the special features settings, which in MIUI can be activated through:

• 🔄 Settings → Special facilities → Color and movement → Color correction
• 🎨 Settings → Screen. → Color mode → Monochrome (on some firmware)
• 👁️ Settings → Display. → Reading mode (can give a gray tint)

To disable the correction:

1. Open Settings (cog icon)
2. Go to the Special Opportunities section
3. Choose Color and Motion → Color Correction
4. Set the slider to the Off position. or select No in the list of modes
5. Restart your phone to apply changes

Turn off color blind correction | Check screen color profile | Turn off reading mode |Reboot device-->

Important: Some MIUI 13/14 firmware may call it Color Filter or Color Adaptation. If you don't find a section, search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).

2. Reset screen settings to factory

If manually turning off modes didn't help, the system display settings may have gone wrong, in which case resetting the screen settings without losing data will help:

Instructions for MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings → Display
2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Reset settings
3. Confirm the action (a password may be required)
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take ~30 seconds)

For older versions (MIUI 11 and below):

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Reset screen settings

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If the screen is black and white after the reset, but the settings are all correct — the problem may be the firmware. Try updating the system (section 4).

Critical note: On some Redmi 9/9A models, the automatic brightness calibration may go off after the screen is reset. To return the light sensor to normal operation, go to Settings → Display → Auto Brightness and calibrate again.

3. Diagnostics of hardware problems

If the software methods have failed, you need to check the physical condition of the display.

• 🔌 Damaged plume (often after falls or disassembly)
• 💥 Separation of the matrix (vertical stripes appear along with color loss)
• 🔋 Display controller malfunction (usually accompanied by flickering)

Do a quick diagnosis:

To check the plume, you can gently press the back of the phone in the area above the display (where the plumes are usually located), if the color returns temporarily when pressed, it is the contacts that are the problem.

⚠️ Please note: Do not try to disassemble Redmi by yourself. OLED-screens (note 11 pro models)+, K50 And newer than that, the matrix is very fragile, and if you disassemble it in a careless way, it can crack.

4. Update or roll back firmware

Bugs in the firmware MIUI Sometimes they lead to graphic artifacts, including loss of color:

• 📱 Betta versions MIUI (The build number ends in.beta)
• 🔄 Unofficial firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience)
• 🆕 Recent Global Updates (First Editions) 2-3 weeks after release)

How to update the firmware correctly:

1. Backup data via Settings → About phone → Backup
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update
3. Click Check Updates and wait for the latest version to download.
4. Install the update (the phone will reboot automatically)

If the problem occurs after the update, you can try to roll back:

1. Download the old firmware version from Xiaomi’s official website (choose Stable, not Developer)
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the phone’s memory
3. Press Volume Up + Power to Enter Recovery
4. Select Install update.zip and confirm the installation

Update MIUI|Phone hit/fall|Connecting to another device|On his own.|Another option-->

For Redmi Note 10S and newer models with a locked bootloader, a recoil through Recovery may not work, in which case you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool and firmware through Fastboot.

5. Verification of connected devices

Sometimes the screen turns black and white due to a conflict with connected accessories:

• 🎮 gamepads with HDMI-Exit (e.g. Xiaomi Game Controller)
• 📺 Wireless monitors (Mi Wireless Display)
• 🔌 Type-C hubs with video output
• 🎧 Headphones with their own DSP (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro)

To diagnose the problem:

1. Turn off all accessories from your phone
2. Reset the device
3. Connect devices one by one, checking the screen after each

Especially often, the problem occurs when using Miracast (wireless screen transfer). If you connected to the TV through Settings → Connection and Sharing → Transfer to the screen, try:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points → Show System → Find “Wireless Display” → Clear Data

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi models K40 and K50 When you connect to some Samsung TVs, you automatically activate Grayscale mode for compatibility. HDMI TV-wise.

6. Hard Reset (Hard Reset)

If all previous methods failed, you will have a complete reset, which will delete all data from the phone, so first:

• 📱 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup
• 🔐 Remember your Mi Account details (required to unlock after resetting)
• 📝 Keep the important ones. SMS/Calling through apps like SMS Backup & Restore

Instructions for Redmi with MIUI:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Press 5-7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode
3. Return to the main settings menu → Additional → Recovery and Reset
4. Select Resetting → Delete all data
5. Enter your password and confirm the action

For phones that don’t turn on or freeze:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds)
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot

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After the hardware reset, the phone will be like new — all apps, photos, and settings will be deleted. Use this method only if other methods have not worked.

7.When repairs are required

If the screen is black and white after all the manipulations, the problem is probably hardware.

• 🔍 Stripes or artifacts together with black and white image
• 💡 The backlight works, but there is no color (the image is visible, but gray)
• 🔊 The sound and sensor work, but the screen doesn’t.
• 🔌 The problem arose after a fall/hit

The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi services (for 2026):

For warranty phones, repairs will be free if:

• 📅 Less than 12 months have passed since the purchase
• 🛠️ No trace of self-repair
• 💦 No damage from moisture (indicators are not reddened)

Before the service visit:

1. Take a screenshot of warranty information in Settings → About Phone → Warranty Status
2. Make sure there are no root rights or custom firmware on the phone
3. Bring a check or an electronic copy of the warranty card.

FAQ: Frequent questions