Replacing the screen on Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: cost, difficulties and step-by-step repair

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is one of the most popular smartphones of 2023, but it AMOLED screen with refresh rate 120 Hz vulnerable to mechanical damage. A fall on asphalt, a hit against a hard surface, or even strong pressure can cause cracks, broken pixels, or complete failure of the display. Unlike budget models, replacing the screen here is more expensive due to complex module design (display + sensor + frame are glued into a single block).

In this article we will analyze all about screen replacement: from diagnosing a malfunction to choosing between self-repair and contacting service. You will find out how much the original display costs, how to distinguish it from a fake, and why problems may arise after replacement. Always-On Display or a fingerprint scanner. And if you decide to do the repairs yourself, you will find step-by-step instructions with photos and a checklist of tools.

How to determine that the screen needs to be changed: symptoms and diagnosis

Not every crack or artifact on the screen requires a complete module replacement. Sometimes the problem lies in the cable, controller or software glitch. Before ordering a new display, check:

• 🔍 Physical damage: cracks, chips, stains under the glass. If only the upper part (protective glass) is damaged, you can get by by replacing it (3-5 times cheaper).
• 🖥️ Image Artifacts: vertical/horizontal stripes, flickering, dead pixels. This may indicate damage to the matrix or cable.
• 👆 The sensor does not work: Part of the screen does not respond to touches or turns on spontaneously. Often a loose cable is to blame, but sometimes it’s a damaged sensor film.
• 🔋 Screen won't turn on, but the phone vibrates/there are sounds. The reason could be either the display or the motherboard.

For accurate diagnostics, connect your smartphone to PC via USB and check whether the picture is displayed on the external monitor (via the Miracast or USB-C → HDMI). If there is an image, the problem is definitely in the screen. If not, the board or graphics chip may be damaged.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi Note 12 (models Pro/Pro+) is used built-in fingerprint scanner under the screen. If the sensor stops working after a fall, the display module is most likely damaged and will have to be completely replaced.

How much does it cost to replace a screen: 2026 prices

The cost of repairs depends on three factors: smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, Note 12 Pro or Note 12 Pro+), screen type (original, OEM or copy) and region (prices in Moscow and regions may differ by 20–30%). Below are the current prices:

Model	Original screen	OEM (quality copy)	Budget copy	Work (service)
Redmi Note 12 (6.67", FHD+, 120 Hz)	8 500 – 11 000 ₽	5 000 – 6 500 ₽	2 500 – 3 500 ₽	1 500 – 2 500 ₽
Redmi Note 12 Pro (6.67", AMOLED, 120 Hz)	10 000 – 13 000 ₽	6 000 – 8 000 ₽	3 000 – 4 500 ₽	1 800 – 3 000 ₽
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (6.67", AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2K)	12 000 – 15 000 ₽	7 500 – 9 500 ₽	4 000 – 5 500 ₽	2 000 – 3 500 ₽

Important: On Redmi Note 12 Pro+ using a screen with support Dolby Vision And HDR10+. Cheap copies do not reproduce these standards, and color rendition will be 30–40% worse than the original.

Where is it cheaper to replace the screen:

• 🏢 Xiaomi official service: 6–12 month warranty, but prices are 20–30% higher than market prices. But they use only original spare parts.
• 🔧 Local service centers: 30–50% cheaper, but there is a risk of running into a fake. Always ask for a certificate for the display.
• 🛠️ Self-replacement: will cost the price of the screen (from 2,500 ₽), but will require skills and tools (see the next section).

Original vs copy: how not to run into a fake

Spare parts market for Xiaomi is flooded with fakes, and displays are no exception. There are three types of copies:

1. Premium copies (OEM): Made in the same factories as the originals, but without the logo Xiaomi. The quality is 90–95% of the original.
2. Medium copies: color rendering is worse, brightness is lower, there may be problems with Always-On Display.
3. Budget copies: dim screen, poor viewing angles, sensor often falls off after 2-3 months.

How to distinguish the original screen:

• 📦 Packaging: the original comes in a branded box with a hologram Xiaomi and serial number, which can be checked on the manufacturer’s website.
• 🔍 Marking: There should be a sticker with a code on the back of the module TFT-LCD or AMOLED + serial number
• 🎨 Color test: the original has clear gradient transitions, no streaks. Check on a test image (eg Lagom LCD test).
• 👆 Sensor sensitivity: Multi-touch often doesn't work well on copies (try touching with 5 fingers at the same time).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi Note 12 Pro/Pro+ The built-in fingerprint scanner is linked to the original screen. If you install a copy, the sensor may not work or require re-configuration after each reboot.

Where to buy screens for Redmi Note 12?

The most reliable sites for purchasing original and OEM screens:

1. AliExpress (sellers with a 98%+ rating and originality verification reviews).

2. eBay (filter by "Original Xiaomi Display").

3. Russian stores: "Mobilshchik", "GSMMoscow", "Fix-Market" (there is a 1-3 month warranty).

4. Telegram groups (for example, @xiaomirepair) - they often sell used originals after replacement under warranty.

Avoid Avito and Ozone without checking reviews - there are many fakes there under the guise of OEM.

Step-by-step instructions: how to replace the screen yourself

If you decide to repair it yourself, be prepared: the process is more complicated than with the old ones. Redmi, due to adhesive screen mount and fragile trains. Working time: 1.5–2 hours for beginners, 40–60 minutes for experienced ones.

Required tools:

Suction cup for removing the display (∅ 5-7 cm)|Plastic picks (2-3 pcs.)|T3 and T5 screwdriver (for screws)|Tweezers with curved ends|Hair dryer or hot air station (to soften the glue)|New display module|Double-sided tape or B-7000 glue|Alcohol and cleaning wipes-->

Replacement steps:

1. Turn off your phone and remove the SIM card. It is not necessary to disconnect the battery, but be careful with the cables.
2. Heat the screen hairdryer (temperature 60–70°C) along the edges for 2–3 minutes to soften the glue.
3. Use a suction cup to pry up the display and carefully insert the plastic pick between the screen and frame. Do not press too hard - you may damage the cable!
4. Disconnect the cables batteries (black connector) and display (white connector). Use tweezers to avoid bending the contacts.
5. Remove the old screen and clean the frame from any glue residue with alcohol. Do not use acetone - it corrodes plastic!
6. Install a new display, connect the cables and check operation until final gluing.
7. Cover the screen double-sided tape or B-7000 glue. Press for 10–15 minutes under a weight (such as a book).

After assembly, check:

• 🔄 Does it work? Always-On Display (setting in Settings → Screen).
• 👆Sensor sensitivity (test in the app Touch Screen Test).
• 🔋 Charging and data transfer via USB-C (sometimes the battery cable interferes with the connector).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing a screen with Redmi Note 12. Here are the most common:

• 🔥 Hairdryer overheating the screen: If the temperature is above 80°C, the OLED matrix may be damaged (yellow spots will appear). Use thermocouples for monitoring.
• ⚡ Damage to the battery cable: If you touch it with a pick, the phone will stop turning on. Always disconnect the battery first!
• 🧲 Poor frame cleaning: Old adhesive residue will cause the new screen to fit unevenly and cause air bubbles.
• 🔄 Incorrect assembly: you forgot to connect the fingerprint scanner cable or light sensor - the screen will work, but some of the functions will be lost.

How to avoid problems:

• 📸 Take photos of every step disassembly so as not to confuse the location of screws and cables.
• 🔧 Use a magnetic backing for screws - they are tiny and easily lost.
• 🧪 Test the screen before final gluing. If something doesn't work, it's easier to fix it at this stage.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi Note 12 Pro+ When replacing the screen, the calibration may be reset TrueColor (in Settings → Display → Color Mode). After repair, re-adjust the white balance.

What to do if the screen does not work after replacement

If the new display does not turn on or malfunctions, there may be different reasons:

Problem	Possible reason	Solution
The screen is black, but the phone vibrates	The display cable is not connected or the controller is damaged	Check the tightness of the cable connection. If that doesn't help, diagnostics the board.
There is an image, but there is no sensor	The touchscreen cable is damaged or the screen is installed incorrectly	Reconnect the cable. If that doesn't help, replace the display module.
Flickering or streaking	Poor cable contact or defective matrix	Try reconnecting the cable. If that doesn't help, replace the screen.
The fingerprint scanner does not work	Non-original screen or settings are lost	Re-register your fingerprints to Settings → Passwords and security.

If you are sure that everything is connected correctly, but the screen does not work:

1. Try it reset settings through Recovery (press Power + Volume Up when the phone is turned off).
2. Flash your phone via Fastboot (instructions on xiaomiflash.com).
3. Contact the service to diagnose the board - it may be damaged display controller (chip DDI).

Where to replace the screen: top service centers in 2026

If you don’t want to take risks and prefer professional repairs, choose services from:

• 🛡️ Warranty for labor and spare parts (from 6 months).
• 🔧 Original or certified OEM screens.
• ⭐ Rating above 4.7 on Yandex.Maps or Google Maps.

Recommended services:

• 🏆 Xiaomi Service Center (official) - 1 year warranty, but prices are high. Addresses: mi.com/ru/service.
• 🔧 "FixPrice" — network throughout Russia, fixed prices, 180-day guarantee.
• 📱 "Re:Stor" - specialize in Xiaomi, there is free diagnostics.
• 🛠️ Local workshops (for example, “Mobile Doctor” in Moscow, “TelefonMaster” in St. Petersburg) - 20–30% cheaper, but check the reviews.

Before visiting the service:

• 📋 Do it data backup (even if the screen does not work, you can connect via ADB).
• 🔄 Check if they will save phone warranty after repair (in the official service - yes, in the unofficial service - no).
• 💰 Compare prices: sometimes it is more profitable to buy a used original screen and give it to a specialist for installation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about screen replacement

Is it possible to replace only the glass and not the entire display?

On Redmi Note 12 glass is glued to the matrix, so Separate glass replacement is not possible without specialized equipment (lamination). In 99% of cases, the entire module is replaced. The exception is if the crack is only on the protective glass (not on the screen itself), but even here it is cheaper to install a new display.

Why did the screen become dimmer after the replacement?

This is a typical problem when installing budget copies. They use a matrix with lower brightness (300–400 nits versus 500–700 nits in the original). Solutions:

• Check the brightness settings in Settings → Display → Auto Brightness.
• If the screen is OEM, try calibrating the colors to Settings → Display → Color Mode.
• If a copy is only a replacement for the original or premium-OEM.

How long does a replacement service take?

In the official service Xiaomi — 1–3 days (depending on the availability of spare parts). In local workshops - 1–2 hours (if the screen is available). When replacing it yourself, it takes beginners 2–3 hours, and experienced ones — 30–60 minutes.

Can I use a phone with a cracked screen?

Technically yes, but there are risks:

• 🩹 Hand cut by glass shards.
• 🔋 Moisture getting under the screen and corrosion of the cables.
• 📉 Sensor sensitivity deteriorates over time.

If the crack is small and does not interfere, you can temporarily seal it clear tape (For example, 3M Scotch). But it is better to replace the display as soon as possible.

Why doesn't Always-On Display work after replacement?

This function is tied to original display module. On copies (even premium) AOD can:

• Don't turn on at all.
• Work with artifacts (flickering, incorrect colors).
• Turn off after 10–20 seconds.

Solutions:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in patches).
2. Disable and enable again AOD in the settings.
3. If all else fails, just replace it with the original screen.