How to check the camera on a Xiaomi smartphone: from basic diagnostics to professional tests

The camera in Xiaomi smartphones is one of the key elements that determine the quality of photos, videos and even the work of some applications (for example, scanners). QR-However, over time, the module may fail: artifacts appear in the images, focusing deteriorates, or the camera stops turning on altogether. In this article, we will analyze 7 proven ways to test your camera on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — standard-tool MIUI to hidden engineering modes.

It is important to understand that camera problems can be both software (software failures, incorrect settings) and hardware (damage to the lens, matrix or plume). For example, if the camera is not focused on just one application, it is the software that is to blame; if the defect is everywhere, it is the hardware. USSD allow you to run the camera diagnostics without third-party programs, and how to interpret the results of tests.

This article is relevant for all Xiaomi models released after the 2018 year, including Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5 Some of the methods work on older devices, but if your smartphone fails to turn on or your camera is physically damaged (e.g., a cracked lens glass), some of the instructions may not apply, in which case repairs at a service center will be required.

1. Quick check through the standard application "Camera"

Start with a basic test: run a regular Camera app and check each module individually, which will help identify obvious problems, such as a black screen, lack of focus, or artifacts in the pictures.

Here's what we need to do:

• 📷 Switch between all available cameras: main, front, wide-angle (if any), macro and telephoto (for models with zoom, for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
• 🔍 Check autofocus: point the camera at an object 20 to 30 cm away and wait until it is clear. If the focus is floating or not getting stuck at all, it is a sign of malfunction.
• 🌈 Take test shots in different lighting conditions (bright light, shade, indoors) and pay attention to noise, blur or spots in the photos.
• 🎥 Record a short video (10-15 seconds) and check it for twitching, artifacts or hangings.

If problems are detected at this stage, try restarting your smartphone – sometimes camera failures are associated with temporary errors. MIUI. If the defect remains, proceed to the next method.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), the main camera may not work in third-party apps (e.g. Instagram or Snapchat) due to limitations MIUI. This does not always indicate a malfunction – check the camera in the regular app.

2. Diagnostics through the engineering menu (hidden codes)

Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering menu that allows you to test hardware components, including the camera. USSD-This method is suitable for deep diagnosis and detection of hidden problems that are not visible in standard mode.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and go to the dial tab.
2. Enter one of the codes (depending on the model): ##4636## is universal code for testing (works on most devices). ##6484## is direct access to the camera test (on some Redmi models). ##36446337## is advanced diagnostics (for Xiaomi flagships).

Camera

Hardware Testing

Start Test

Check Camera

As a result of the test, you will see the status of the camera:

• ✅ PASS — camera works correctly.
• ❌ FAIL — Discovered malfunctions (repair required).
• ⚠️ UNKNOWN — The test failed (try repeating or using another code).

⚠️ Note: Not all codes run on customized firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience). If nothing happens after you enter the code, your model may not support this method. USSD-commands - this can lead to resetting of settings.

Battery charge of at least 30%|Close all background applications|Use the original firmware MIUI|Do not interrupt the test until it is completed.-->

3. Checking the camera through the application "Equipment Test» (CIT)

In the firmware MIUI It has an embedded application CIT (The Certification Test Tool, which is designed for complex hardware testing, is more reliable than the hardware. USSD-It works on some customized firmware, and it can test not only the camera, but also other components (display, sensors, speakers).

How to launch CIT:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the item Version. MIUI and tap it 7 times in a row (this will turn on the developer mode).
3. Go back to the basic settings and open the section Additional → For developers.
4. Activate the switch. CIT (This may be called a hardware test).
5. Launch the application CIT from the application menu (the icon with the Xiaomi logo and the inscription Test).
6. Select the Camera section and follow the instructions on the screen.

In the testing process CIT check:

• 📸 The performance of all modules (main, front, wide-angle camera).
• 🔧 Correct focusing (autofocus, macro mode).
• 🎛️ Color reproduction and white balance (comparison with reference values).
• 📶 Image processing speed (delays in shooting).

If the camera fails, you will receive a report labeled Pass (successful) or Fail (failure), and if the camera fails to check, the app will specify a specific module (for example, Rear Camera 2 (Telephoto) - Fail), which will help to more accurately diagnose the problem.

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If the application CIT is not in the menu, try to find it through a search system (swipe down on the home screen and enter the request "CIT"). On some firmware it is hidden from the ordinary user.

4. Testing through third-party applications

If standard methods do not reveal problems, but you suspect that the camera is not working at full power, use third-party utilities. MIUI, For example, real resolution of the matrix, autofocus speed or low-light noise level.

Top.-3 Apps for camera diagnostics on Xiaomi:

• 📱 Camera Test (by Keuwlsoft) - analyzes the quality of images, checks focus, exposure and color reproduction.
• 🔍 Phone Doctor Plus is a comprehensive test of all hardware components, including the camera, and shows the real resolution of the matrix (sometimes it is lower than the manufacturer's stated resolution!).
• 📊 Manual Camera Compatibility – checks for manual settings (suspension, ISO, If the camera does not support manual mode, this may indicate driver problems.

Example of testing in Phone Doctor Plus:

1. Install the app from Google Play and launch it.
2. Select the Camera Test section.
3. Press the Start Test and wait for the check to be completed.
4. Note the parameters: Resolution must match the requested permission (e.g., 50). MP Focus – if the value of Not Working, autofocus is faulty. Flash – checks the flash (relevant to the main camera).

If the application shows that the camera resolution is lower than the stated one (for example, instead of 48). MP display 12 MP), It could mean:

• The pixel binning mode is activated (normal for most smartphones).
• Damaged matrix or plume (required repair).
• Installed customized firmware with incorrect drivers.

5. Checking the camera through ADB (for advanced users)

If you know me, ADB (Android Debug Bridge, which can be used to diagnose the camera in depth using the command line, is suitable for detecting software failures when the camera is unstable (for example, periodically shuts down or issues errors).

Instructions:

1. Install. ADB-Drivers on the computer and enable debugging USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taps → For developers → Debugging by USB).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the list of cameras: adb shell dumpsys media.camera In the answer you will see all available modules (for example, camera).@0.0, camera@1.0 etc.).
4. To test a particular camera, use: adb shell am start -a android.media.action.VIDEO_CAMERA --ei android.intent.extras.CAMERA_FACING 0 where 0 — rear-camera, 1 — frontal.
5. To check for errors in logs, enter: adb logcat | grep Camera If there are lines with the logs ERROR or FAILED, This indicates a programmatic problem.

Examples of errors and their significance:

• CameraService: connect X (PID X) rejected – Camera access conflict (close all applications using the camera).
• Camera X: Open failed - hardware malfunction (damaged module or plume).
• setParameters failed - failure of camera settings (will help reset to factory or flashing).

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They can cause the system to malfunction if you type them in the wrong way. Don't use this method unless you're sure you're doing it. ADB Turn off the screen lock (PIN, pattern lock to avoid access problems.

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ADB-This test is useful if the camera is unstable (it turns on, it doesn't) or if it shows errors in certain applications.

Visual examination and physical injury verification

If software tests show no problems but the quality of the images has deteriorated, examine the camera for physical damage. Even a small scratch on the lens or dust can significantly damage the photos.

What to check:

• 🔎 Lens: Light a flashlight on the camera glass. If you see scratches, chips or slices, you need to change the glass.
• 🕳️ Dust and dirt: Turn on the flashlight and look at it from an angle – if dust is visible inside the lens, it can be the cause of blurred pictures or dark spots in the photo.
• 🔧 Camera plume: If the camera stopped working after a fall or impact, the plume may have gone away, signs: the camera does not turn on at all or gives a black screen with an error.
• 💧 Moisture: If the smartphone fell into the water, the matrix could be left with divorces or oxidation of contacts, in which case the camera can work intermittently or give out green / purple spots in the photo.

How to clean the lens:

1. Turn off your smartphone and gently wipe the camera glass with soft lilac-free cloth (such as microfiber for glasses).
2. If there is dirt inside the lens, don't try to disassemble the module yourself, which can lead to permanent failure.
3. To remove dust from the outside, use a can of compressed air (keep at a distance of 10-15 cm so as not to damage the lens).

If the image quality has not improved after cleaning and there is no visual damage, the problem may lie in software calibration, in which case resetting the camera settings or flashing the firmware will help.

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To check if moisture has entered the chamber, take a picture of a bright light source (such as a lamp) if you see rainbow swelling or a nebula, it is a sign of condensation inside the module.

7. Reset camera and firmware settings

If all previous methods didn’t work, but you’re sure the problem is software, try resetting the camera settings or reinstalling the firmware.

• The camera is unstable (it turns on, then not).
• Artifacts appeared after the update MIUI.
• Third-party apps cannot access the camera.

Resetting methods:

1. Resetting the Camera app settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Press the vault. → Clear the data and clear the cache. Reboot the smartphone.
2. Reset all settings (without data loss): Open Settings → System system → Settings reset. Select App Reset (this won’t delete your files, but will return the camera settings to factory settings).
3. Fastboot Flashback (advanced method): Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi. connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Power when your phone is off. Use the Mi Flash Tool for firmware.

After resetting or flashing:

• Check the camera in the regular application.
• Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (sometimes camera bugs are fixed in new builds).
• If the problem persists, it may indicate a hardware malfunction.

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot Flashing removes all data from the device. Before the procedure, back up through Settings → System system → Backup or Mi Cloud. Also make sure you download the firmware for your model - an error when choosing a file can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the smartphone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi camera inspection