Recovery of Xiaomi smartphone after a failed flashing or lock often requires entering mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode: When software login methods, such as button combinations or ADB-teams stop working due to a damaged loader, the only way out is the physical closure of contacts on the motherboard.
Finding Test Point is the first and most important step for any mobile repair wizard, and it is by properly closing those contacts that you can start flashing even on a completely dead device. In this article, we will detail the search methods, tools and security measures you need.
You don't have to be a professional engineer to understand the basic principles, but remember that working with hardware requires care. A mistake can lead to irreversible consequences, so carefully study the theoretical part before you start practical actions.
What is Test Point and Why is it Necessary?
Test Point is a circuit board-based contact designed to diagnose and test a device in the factory stage, and engineers use these points to test circuit integrity, voltage and signaling without having to disassemble the case or connect to complex interfaces.
In the context of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone recovery, these dots serve a critical function: closing a specific pair of contacts (usually earth and signal pin) when powered puts the Qualcomm or MediaTek processor in EDL mode. In this state, the device ignores the damaged operating system and is ready to accept the new firmware directly into memory.
It's important to understand that the location of the dots is unique to each model. Even if you change your smartphone from the Redmi Note 8 to the Redmi Note 9, the circuitry of the board can be radically different. There is no universal circuit location for all the devices of the brand.
💡
Always use a high-quality magnifier or microscope when looking for contacts. Visual inspection without magnification often leads to errors and short circuits of neighboring elements.
There are two main types of points: those that require tweezers and those that need to close to the mass (a metal screen or a special earth contact), a misidentification of the type can lead to the fact that the device simply does not respond to your actions.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Before you start disassembling a smartphone, you need to prepare the workplace. The chaos on the desk is the main enemy of the repairman. You need an antistatic mat that protects sensitive electronics from static discharge, which can kill the power controller.
For the procedure, you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 A set of precision screwdrivers for opening the body and removing protective screens.
- 🔌 USB-High quality cable (preferably original or MFi certified).
- 🔍 Lube with backlight or digital microscope for accurate positioning.
- ⚡ Tweezers with thin dielectric handles or a special probe for closing.
Special attention should be paid to software. The computer must have Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 or MediaTek PreLoader drivers installed, without which the computer will not see the device in deep diagnostic mode, even if you correctly close the contacts.
☑️ Preparations for recovery
It is also recommended to use USB-A hub with a connection indicator or a port monitor program, such as Device Manager on Windows, will allow you to monitor your system's response to tweezers in real time.
Search for Test Point on different Xiaomi models
The process of finding points depends on the architecture of the processor. Qualcomm and MediaTek devices have different logics, and in most cases, the dots are small golden patches on the board, often located next to the processor or memory module.
For popular models, the situation is as follows:
- 📱 Redmi Note 8/9/10: The dots are often located under a metal screen that covers the processor.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9/10/11: Contact groups can be on the back of the board or be hidden by plumes.
- 📱 Poco F3/X3: Often used circuit of closing one contact on the metal frame of the case or shielding.
⚠️ Note: On some current models with Anti-Rollback protection and integrity check, simply closing points may not be enough.The device may require an authorized Mi Account to run firmware in 9008 mode.
If you don't have a specific model schema, look for contacts labeled with the letters TP (Test Point) or J (Jumper). Often, the right pair of contacts on the textolite are marked with a mark, such as GND (ground) and DAT (data), or just two dots next to each other without isolation.
Hidden contacts under shielding
Visually, look for pairs of contacts that look “too simple” or isolated from the main circuits, sometimes just two adjacent contacts on the battery or display connector that need to be closed.
Table of popular circuit schemes
Below is a table with the most common point configurations for popular lines. Remember that board revisions can change, so visual verification is a must.
| Model of the device | Positioning of points | Type of closure | Features | Processor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 (Ginkgo) | Under the CPU screen | Two contacts. | Removal of shielding required | Snapdragon 665 |
| Poco X3 NFC | Next to the memory. | Contact + GND | High risk of plume damage | Snapdragon 732G |
| Xiaomi Mi 9T | At the bottom of the fee | Two contacts. | Access without screen removal | Snapdragon 730 |
| Redmi Note 10 | Under the radiator. | Contact + Metal | We need to disassemble the hull. | Snapdragon 678 |
Use this table as a starting point. If the specified place does not work, try to find alternative pairs of contacts nearby. Sometimes manufacturers duplicate test points for ease of assembly on the conveyor.
💡
The exact location of Test Point depends on the motherboard revision. Always check the current circuitry for your particular version of the device.
Algorithm of actions when firmware through Test Point
The recovery process consists of a clear sequence of actions, and a disruption of order can lead to the fact that the computer does not see the device or the process is interrupted at the initial stage.
Follow the steps in the following order:
- Take apart the smartphone and get access to the motherboard.
- Disconnect the battery from the board. This is a critical step to reset the residual voltage.
- Connect. USB-cable to your computer, but don’t put it in the device port (if an adapter is used) or keep it ready.
- Close the contacts of Test Point with tweezers.
- Without unbreaking the tweezers, connect the power (battery or USB).
- In 1-2 seconds, open the contacts. The computer should make a sound of connecting the new device.
⚠️ Note: Do not keep your contacts closed for longer 5-7 Prolonged circuiting can cause overheating of power chains or damage to the controller.
If you have a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (COM port) device in your Device Manager, you have successfully logged in. You can now run a flashing tool like the Mi Flash Tool or QFIL.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even experienced craftsmen have problems, and the computer may not respond to a circuit, or the device will constantly reboot. One of the most common mistakes is using a bad one. USB-cable USB 3.0 that is not stable in 9008 mode.
Try switching to a USB 2.0 port and replacing the cable, and the problem may be in the drivers, and try manually updating the device driver in the Manager by selecting the qcserial.inf file from the Qualcomm driver package.
Another common situation is a brick with a black screen that doesn't respond to anything, in which case make sure you close the right pair, sometimes you need to close three contacts or use the contact + case method.
The driver problem
If nothing works, check the battery voltage. If the battery is gone into a deep discharge (below 2.5V), the power controller can block the start, in which case you will need to "swing" the battery with the laboratory power supply before trying to enter the EDL.