You've turned on a Xiaomi smartphone or a Mi TV, but instead of your desktop, you only see an empty black screen? A situation that many users know is that the device can "hang" on the boot, do not respond to buttons or show the MI logo with a subsequent shutdown. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved independently, without going to the service center.
In this article, we will examine all possible causes of black screen, from a simple battery discharge to a firmware failure, and give step-by-step instructions for smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi) and Xiaomi TVs. We will focus on the ways that your data will be saved. If the screen is not just black, but also flashes backlights or makes sounds when you press buttons, this is a key indicator for diagnosis.
Why the Black Screen is Coming: 5 Reasons
Before you start resuscitation, it is important to understand what triggered the problem, and most often the fault is:
- 🔋 Battery discharged – even if the indicator showed 10-20%, Power controller could shut down the device due to a critical voltage drop.
- 📱 Firmware failure - a failed update MIUI or interrupted installation of the application can "break" the system.
- 💥 Hardware failure – damage to the screen plume, motherboard, or battery contacts (often after falling or getting moisture).
- 🔄 Application conflict – some programs (especially those with root rights) are able to block the GUI.
- 🔌 Charger malfunction – cheap cables or adapters can cause voltage surges leading to “hangover».
On Xiaomi Mi TVs, the black screen is often associated with matrix damage (as seen when illuminated with a flashlight) or a failure in the power module. If you were updating software through OTA before the problem, the software is most likely to blame.
What to do if the screen turns black
Don't panic! Follow this algorithm in order, from simple to complex.
- Check charging. Connect the device to the original charger for 30-60 minutes. If the charging indicator is not on, try another cable and socket. For Xiaomi smartphones with Quick Charge support, use an adapter with at least 18W power.
- Perform a forced reset: 📱 For smartphones: pinch the power + Volume up on 10-15 A few seconds before the logo appears. MI. 📺 For TVs: Hold the Power button on the remote 20-30 seconds.
Check for physical damage.
If the screen is black after this manipulation, but the device vibrates when you press the buttons or makes sounds (such as a charging signal), the problem is likely software.
☑️ Checklist before deep diagnosis
Method 1: Hard Reset without data loss
If Xiaomi’s smartphone responds to taps (vibrates, sounds), but the screen remains black, try a soft reset via Recovery. This method does not delete user data, but resets the system settings.
Instructions for smartphones:
- Turn off the device (hold power for 10 seconds).
- Press Power + Volume Up until the Recovery menu (Mi logo with android robot) appears.
- Use volume buttons to navigate and select Wipe data → Wipe All Data (DON'T confirm!).
- Instead, choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.
For Mi TVs, the procedure is different:
- Turn off the TV for 2 minutes.
- Press the remote sequentially: Menu → Settings → All Settings → General → Reset (if the screen is not visible, focus on the audio signals).
- Confirm the reset with the OK button.
Step-by-step:
1. Turn off the smartphone.
2.Put Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (.tgz) and press Refresh.
5. Your smartphone will appear in the list of devices - select it and press Flash.
6. wait until the end of the process (10-15 minutes).Warning: Fastboot removes all data unless you select Save user data (not available for all models) and make sure the firmware is right for your device — for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro has versions for global and Chinese markets.
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Before you run the firmware, check the bootloader version with the fastboot getvar anti command in the terminal. If locked, unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool app (Mi Account binding is required).
Method 3: Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions
If none of the software methods worked, the problem is probably the hardware. Consider typical hardware breakdowns and their signs:
| Malfunction | Signs. | Is it possible to fix it yourself? |
|---|---|---|
| Damage to the screen plume | The screen flashes when pressed, stripes are visible, the image is, but with artifacts | Yes (removal and replacement of the plume required) |
| Bloating/discharge of the battery | The device does not turn on, the body is swollen, the charging indicator does not burn | Yeah (battery replacement) |
| Failure of the power controller | The phone vibrates, but does not turn on, charging is jerking. | No (needs a soldering machine) |
| Damage to the matrix | The backlight works (visible with a flashlight), but no image | Yes (replacement matrix) |
| Short circuit on board | The device is warm, the smell of burning, does not respond to charging | No (professional diagnosis required) |
For self-diagnosis of the smartphone:
- Disassemble the case (you will need plastic blades and a T3/T4 screwdriver).
- Check the screen plume for the integrity and density of the connection to the connector.
- Inspect the battery – if it is swollen, do not turn on the device before replacing!
- Check the contacts of the charging connector for oxidation (clean with alcohol).
⚠️ Warning: If you are unsure of your skills, don't disassemble the device yourself.Incorrect assembly can damage flexible plumes (especially relevant for Xiaomi Mi 11 and Redmi). K40 brittle-connector).
Method 4: Restore the Mi TV
Xiaomi TVs have their own black screen elimination specifics. If the TV doesn't respond to the remote and buttons, try:
- 🔌 Power Reset: Turn off the TV from the socket for 5 minutes, then hold the Power button on the case for 30 seconds.
- 📺 Flip-through USB: Download the firmware for your model from the official website. Unpack the archive and copy the file. update.zip flash drive (format) FAT32). Insert the flash drive into the TV turned off, press Menu + Power on the remote and turn on the TV.
- 🔧 Backlight check: illuminate the flashlight on the screen - if you see a dim image, faulty LED-lighting (replacement required).