Why Xiaomiโs screen flickers and when it becomes a problem
Screen flickering on Xiaomi devices is one of the most common user complaints that can manifest as on smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi, and on TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi TV). In most cases, this is not a critical malfunction, but you should not ignore it: the constant shaking of the picture tires the eyes, reduces comfort when watching video or working with text, and in some cases signals serious hardware problems.
The causes of flickering can be divided into software (related to settings, firmware or software) and hardware (problems with the matrix, plumes, power supply). TV 4S or Redmi Smart TV X flickering often occurs due to incorrect refresh rate (Hz) settings, whereas on smartphones (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Pro) adaptive brightness mode or shell conflict may be to blame MIUI. It is important to understand that there is no universal solution - the elimination method depends on the model, firmware version and even operating conditions.
In this article, we will discuss 7 main ways to combat flickering, compare their effectiveness for different Xiaomi devices and help you choose the best option โ from simple settings to radical measures like changing the screen. You will also learn where flickering is the norm (for example, when working with technology). PWM-Brightness adjustments, and when it requires immediate intervention.
1. Checking the basic settings: where to start the diagnosis
Before you sin on hardware malfunctions, you should eliminate trivial software failures. Letโs start with the universal settings that are available on all Xiaomi devices โ from the budget Redmi. 10A to the flagship Mi 13 Ultra.
The first thing you need to do is turn off the adaptive brightness, which automatically adjusts the backlight of the screen depending on the lighting, but often works incorrectly, causing sharp spikes in brightness.
- ๐ฑ On smartphones: Settings โ Display. โ Adaptive brightness (turn off the slider).
- ๐บ On TVs: Settings โ Picture โ Light sensor (set the value off.).
The second is to check the refresh rate of the screen. On many Xiaomi models (e.g., the X-rays, POCO F4 GT or Mi 11T Pro) supports 60 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz and 144 Hz. Unstable high-frequency operation can cause flickering. Try manually setting 60 Hz:
- ๐ On smartphones: Settings โ Display. โ Screen refresh rate.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ On TVs: Settings โ Picture โ Additionally. โ Frequency of update.
The third step is to reset the display settings to factory settings, which will help if the flickering appears after updating the firmware or changing the settings manually. On smartphones, path: Settings โ Display. โ Reset the display settings. On TVs: Settings โ System system โ Resetting and remediation โ Resetting image settings.
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If the flicker only appears at low brightness, try to increase it to 30-40%. AMOLED-The screens (e.g. Mi 12 Pro) are used PWM-adjustment, which can cause the picture to shake on minimal illumination.
2. firmware update: when it helps and when it doesn't
Display failures are often associated with firmware bugs. Xiaomi regularly releases updates for its devices to fix flicker problems, especially on new models.+ post-exit MIUI 14 Many users complained of screen jitters while scrolling - the issue was fixed in the patch V14.0.3.0.TKCCNXM.
To update the firmware:
- On your smartphone, go to Settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system.
- On TV: Settings โ On TV. โ Update of the PO.
- If you have an update, download it and install it. Importantly, connect the device to charge and use a stable Internet connection.
If automatic updates don't work, you can try manual firmware through Fastboot or Recovery, but this method is risky - if you make a mistake, the device can turn into a brick. For Xiaomi TVs, the latest firmware can be found on the official website in the support section by selecting a model (for example, Mi). TV Q2 55").
How do I find out the current version of the firmware?
Critical: If the flicker appears immediately after the firmware update, try rolling back to the previous version. This will require unlocking the bootloader and using the Mi Flash Tool (for power users only).
3. Hardware causes of flickering: when without repair can not do
If the software methods didn't work, the problem is probably hardware. Consider typical hardware malfunctions and their signs:
| Reason. | Signs. | Xiaomi models at risk |
|---|---|---|
| Display plume problems | Flickering when pressed on the screen, "waves" when changing the angle of inclination | Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 10T |
| Failure of the lighting unit (LED-driver) | Uniform flickering at all brightnesses, vertical stripes are possible | Mi TV 4A, Redmi Smart TV X55 |
| Matrix defect (pixel burnout, stratification) | Local flickering spots, color distortion | Mi 11 Ultra (AMOLED), Mi TV Q1 (QLED) |
| Problems with the power supply (on TVs) | Flickering when switched on, changing volume or brightness | Mi TV 4S 50", Redmi TV 70" |
The most common problem on smartphones is plume damage, which can occur after a fall, moisture or even after a battery change (if the wizard has sloppyly plugged in the display), and the backlights on TVs are more likely to fail, especially if the device has been operated under voltage surges.
Diagnosing a hardware fault is difficult on your own, but there are several tests:
- ๐ฆ Check the screen for pressure: press carefully on different parts of the display. If the flicker increases, it's the plume.
- ๐ Connect the TV to another power source (for example, through a stabilizer) If the flicker is gone, the network is a problem.
- ๐ฑ On your smartphone, run the display test through the engineering menu (code ##6484## to check the sensor and backlights).
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If the flickering is accompanied by artifacts (colored stripes, distortions), it is likely that a matrix or backlight unit will need to be replaced. In Xiaomi service centers, the cost of such repairs for TVs starts from 8 000 thousand thousand. โฝ, for smartphones, from 5,000 โฝ.
4. PWM-Flickering: When it is normal and when a defect
Many modern Xiaomi smartphones (especially with the AMOLED-screens) use technology PWM (pulse-width modulation to adjust brightness, unlike traditional backlights, where brightness changes smoothly, PWM It turns the LEDs on and off quickly, giving the illusion of a changed brightness, which is noticeable and uncomfortable to some users.
How to understand that the flicker is associated with PWM:
- ๐๏ธ Trembling is only visible at low brightness (less than 30%).
- ๐ When you shoot a screen on the camera of another phone, you can see the stripes.
- ๐ Flickering uniformly, without "waves" or local distortion.
On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Lite or Redmi) K40) reduce the effect PWM, switch on DC Dimming (smooth brightness control) The way to adjust:
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings โ About Phone).
- Back to Settings โ Additionally. โ For developers.
- Find the option. DC Dimming and turn it on.
But DC Dimming has disadvantages:
- โ ๏ธ A greenish tint may appear at low brightness.
- โ ๏ธ Not supported on all models (for example, not available on the POCO F3).
- โ ๏ธ Increases energy consumption (battery goes down faster).
Set the brightness to not lower than 30%|Use dark themes of design|Turn it on. DC Dimming (if available)|Reduce the time of automatic screen shutdown
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5.Flickering on Xiaomi TVs: Specifics and Solutions
Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi TV) They're more likely to flicker than smartphones because of their design:
- ๐ Unstable voltage in the network (especially relevant for models with a diagonal of 55" and above).
- ๐ถ Interference from other devices (routers, microwaves, wireless headphones).
- ๐ฎ Conflict with external devices (prefixes, sound panels).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Wrong settings HDMI-inputs (e.g., Game Mode enabled when watching video).
The first thing you need to do is check the cables and connectors. Often flickering is caused by poor contact in the air. HDMI-port or damaged cable:
- Connect the TV to another signal source (for example, instead of a console โ a laptop).
- Replace HDMI-Cable certified (for example, High Speed) HDMI 2.1).
- Disable all external devices and check if flickering persists.
Second, adjust the image settings. On Xiaomi TVs, the flickering can cause:
- ๐ Dynamic contrast enabled (Settings) โ Picture โ Additionally).
- ๐ญ Mode of the movie or sports (switch to Standard mode).
- ๐ Frequency of update 120 Hz when viewing content from 24/30 personnel (set up) 60 Hz).
If the flicker only appears when you view specific channels or streaming services (such as Netflix or YouTube), the problem may be codecs or other content. DRM-- You can try it:
- Update the app (e.g. YouTube to the latest version).
- Reset your Google Play Services settings (Settings) โ Annexes โ All applications โ Google Play Services โ Warehouse โ Clear the cache).
- Disable hardware acceleration in the application settings (if available).
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On Xiaomi TVs with QLED-matrix (e.g. Mi) TV Q2) This flicker may be associated with zoned backlighting. Try turning off Local Dimming in the image settings.
6.When to contact the service: signs of serious malfunctions
Not all flicker problems can be solved on their own, but there are a number of symptoms for which you need to contact a service center:
โ ๏ธ Warning: If flickering is accompanied by the smell of burning, crackling or automatic shutdown of the device, immediately turn it off the network! this may indicate short circuit or overheating of power supplies.
Other warning signs:
- ๐ฅ The screen flickers and heats up (especially in one area).
- ๐ฅ The flicker appeared after falling, hitting or hitting liquid.
- ๐ Screen shaking is accompanied by self-rebooting of the device.
- ๐ On the TV, flicker increases with increasing volume (possible problems with the power supply).
The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi service centers depends on the diagnosis:
- ๐ง Replacement of the display plume on a smartphone: 3000-6000 โฝ.
- ๐ก Replacement of the backlight on the TV: 8000-15,000 โฝ.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Replacement of the matrix: from 10 000 โฝ (on AMOLED-screens).
- โก Repair of the power supply: 5,000โ12000 โฝ.
If your device is warranty, do not try to repair it yourself - this will void warranty obligations. mi.com/ru/service.
7. Alternative methods: if nothing helps
If standard methods don't work and you can't use the service, you can try alternative solutions, which may not always eliminate the cause, but they can help reduce the discomfort.
- ๐ Use dark themes and night mode (reduces lighting load).
- ๐ Reduce the time of automatic screen shutdown (to see the flicker less often).
- ๐ต Turn off automatic color temperature adjustment (Settings) โ Display. โ Color mode).
- ๐ ๏ธ For TVs: Connect the external LED-screen-light (smooths contrast).
On smartphones with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Mi 12 Pro or Redmi) K50 Pro) you can try calibrating the display through the engineering menu:
- Enter the code ##36446337## (opens the display test).
- Select Display Test and follow the instructions.
- If you have a Color Calibration option, do it.
For Xiaomi TVs, there's an unobvious trick: resetting to factory settings via a service menu, which helps if the flicker is caused by deep software failures that aren't fixed by a normal reset.
- Turn off the TV.
- Press the Menu button on the remote and the Power button on the case.
- Hold for 10-15 seconds until the service menu appears.
- Select Factory Reset (use volume buttons for navigation).
โ ๏ธ Attention: Service menus are for professionals. Do not change the settings if you are not sure about their purpose - this can lead to a breakdown of the TV!
Comparative table of methods: what way to choose
To make the choice easier, we have compiled all the methods into one table with an assessment of effectiveness and complexity:
| Method | Efficiency | Difficulty | Suitable for | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabling adaptive brightness | โญโญโญโญโ | โญโโโโ | Smartphones, TVs | No. |
| Firmware update | โญโญโญโโ | โญโญโโโ | All devices. | Risk of "bricking" with manual firmware |
| Inclusion DC Dimming | โญโญโญโโ | โญโญโโโ | Smartphones with AMOLED | Color distortion at low brightness |
| Replacement of the plume/lighting unit | โญโญโญโญโญ | โญโญโญโญโ | Smartphones, TVs | High cost, risk of damage to the matrix |
| Reset to factory settings | โญโญโญโโ | โญโญโโโ | All devices. | Data loss (on smartphones) |
Which way to choose?
- If the flicker has appeared recently and is not accompanied by other symptoms โ Start with software methods (settings, updates).
- If the problem occurs when you press the screen or after a fall โ Most likely, the plume or matrix is to blame (repair is needed).
- If the flicker is noticeable only at low brightness โ try DC Dimming or increase the brightness.
- If nothing helps โ Go to the service center.