What is the CIT app on Xiaomi smartphones?
If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed a mysterious CIT on your installed list, which doesn't have a desktop shortcut, doesn't show up in the app menu, but somehow takes up space in the device's memory. What is it? Why is it needed? And most importantly, can it be removed without consequences for the system?
In fact, CIT (Certification & Identification Test) is a utility application that Xiaomi installs on all its devices for internal testing and certification, and is used during the production phase to test the performance of hardware components such as cameras, sensors, communication modules and other elements, but after selling the smartphone to the user, this application remains on the system, although its basic functions are no longer relevant.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what CIT is, what tasks it performs, how it affects the operation of a smartphone and what to do if you want to get rid of it, and we will answer popular questions about the security and possible risks of removing this software.
The main functions of the CIT application on Xiaomi
Although CIT is not designed for everyday use, it performs several important tasks:
- 🔧 Testing of hardware components – checking the operability of the camera, microphone, speakers, sensors (accelometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor) and wireless communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS).
- 📋 Diagnostic information collection – recording device status data for Xiaomi service centers and engineers.
- 🔒 Component authentication – detecting non-original parts (e.g., a replaced camera or battery).
- 📡 Pre-sale certification – confirmation that the device meets Xiaomi quality standards.
It is important to understand that CIT is not a spyware or virus, it is the official tool of the manufacturer, which does not transfer your personal data to third parties, but it can take up to 50-100 MB of memory and sometimes appear on the list of active processes, which raises questions among users.
Where is the CIT application and how to open it?
By default, the CIT is hidden from the user, but it can be found and manually run.
- Open Settings → All applications.
- In the list, find CIT (may be called com.miui.cit or com.xiaomi.cit).
- Click on it to open the app card.
- Slip the Open button (if it is active).
If the Open button is missing or inactive, the application is blocked for ordinary users, in which case it can be run through the ADB (Developer Tool) using the command:
adb shell am start -n com.miui.cit/.MainActivityHowever, without the expertise and access to Xiaomi’s engineering menu, most of the CIT features will not be available, and the average user will not need them, so there is no point in trying to run it.
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If you are not sure about your actions, do not try to run CIT through ADB – this can lead to system failures.
Can I uninstall the CIT app with Xiaomi?
Technically, CIT removal is possible, but it is not recommended to do so without a good reason.
- ⚠️ Without root rights - remove CIT You can't, because it's a system application. The best you can do is turn it off through settings (Settings). → All applications → CIT → Shut down).
- 🔓 Root rights can be removed via Titanium Backup or ADB, This may disrupt some functions (e.g., diagnostics at a service center).
- 📱 On custom firmware - some modified versions MIUI or AOSP remove CIT default.
If you decide to delete CIT, use the ADB command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.citWhat happens if you remove CIT?
⚠️ Attention! Deleting system applications can lead to unstable device operation, errors during the update MIUI or denial of warranty service. Before deletion, back up your data.
Does CIT affect performance and battery?
Many users worry that CIT might be using up battery power or slowing down a smartphone.
| Parameter | CIT's impact | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Battery consumption | Minimum (only with active testing) | Settings → Battery → Battery use |
| A busy place in memory | 50 to 100 MB | Settings → Memory → Applications |
| Processor load | Only during the diagnosis | Through ADB or DevCheck |
| Background activity | Not in normal mode | Settings → Permissions → Autostart |
In everyday use, CIT doesn't consume resources because it doesn't run without a special command, but if you notice that it's actively consuming battery or CPU time, it can be a sign of a failure, and then you can reset or reinstall MIUI.
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CIT does not affect the performance of the smartphone in normal mode. It can be safely disabled, but it should not be removed unnecessarily.
Frequent mistakes and problems with CIT
Sometimes users are confronted with CIT error messages, and let's look at the most common cases:
- 🚨 "CIT Stopped" appears when the system process fails. Solution: Restart the device or clear the application cache (Settings) → All applications → CIT → Memory. → Clear the cache).
- 🔄 Persistent Test Notifications – May occur after a failed update MIUI. Help reset to factory settings.
- 📱 The smartphone does not pass the diagnosis in the service center - if CIT If it's removed or damaged, the machine may not recognize the device.
If errors are repeated, check the integrity of system files using the command:
adb shell dumpsys package com.miui.citOr use the official Mi Flash Tool to flash the device.
Alternatives and analogues of CIT on other smartphones
CIT is not a unique solution for Xiaomi, and other manufacturers have similar tools:
- 📱 Samsung – Samsung Members and Diagnostic (hidden app com.sec.android.app.diagnostic).
- 📱 Huawei – HiSuite and HWTest.
- 📱 Google Pixel — Device Health Services.
- 📱 OnePlus — OnePlus Diagnostics.
All of these applications perform similar functions, such as testing hardware components and gathering diagnostic information, but unlike CIT, some of them (such as Samsung Members) have a user interface and can be useful for self-testing the device.