Why Xiaomi TV is loaded in Factory Test Mode and what it means
You turned on the Xiaomi Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV or another model of the brand, but instead of the usual download screen, you saw a strange menu with the words Factory Test Mode, colorful stripes and technical parameters? It's not a breakdown - the TV went to factory test mode, which is used in production to check the matrix, speakers and other components. Under normal conditions, the user should never see it.
The main reasons for entering this regime:
- ๐ง Failure of firmware after a failed update or power outage during software installation.
- ๐ฎ Mistakingly pressing a button combination on the remote (e.g., Menu) + Volume Down when enabled).
- โก A voltage surge that led to a reset of settings BIOS television.
- ๐ Incorrect reset to factory settings through the service menu.
In most cases, leaving Factory Test Mode doesn't require repairs, just the right sequence of steps, but if the TV is stuck in this mode after a failed firmware, you may need to flash it over USB, and then we'll go through all the working methods, starting with the simplest ones.
Method 1: Standard output via remote control (for most models)
If the TV is responsive to the remote and the Factory Test Mode displays a button menu, try this method.It works on Xiaomi Mi TV 4A, Mi TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X and other models based on Android TV or PatchWall.
Step-by-step:
- On the remote, press and hold the Menu (or Settings) button for 5-7 seconds.
- If you have a confirmation request, select Exit Test Mode (or similar).
- Wait for the TV to restart (it can take up to 2 minutes).
On some models (such as the Mi TV 5 Pro), the combination is different:
Press the Menu + Volume Up buttons at the same time and hold for 10 seconds.
2. Release the buttons when the Xiaomi logo appears on the screen.โ๏ธ Preparation for the exit from Factory Test Mode
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the TV is loaded back into the test mode after it leaves the test mode, it is a sign of firmware damage. USB (see method 4).
Method 2: Hard reset through buttons on the TV body
If the remote is not working or the TV is not responding to commands, use physical buttons on the back.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi TV models, including Mi TV 4X, Mi TV Q1 and Redmi Smart TV A.
How to perform the reset:
- Turn off the TV and wait 30 seconds.
- Find the Power button (or Joystick on new models) on the back.
- Hold it and, without letting go, connect the TV to the power.
- Hold the button for another 15-20 seconds until the Xiaomi logo or recovery menu appears.
The Android Recovery menu should appear on the screen. Select here:
1. Click Volume Down to select Wipe data/factory reset.
2. Confirm the selection with the Power button.
3. After reset, select Reboot system now.| Model Xiaomi TV | Type of reset button | Retention time |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4A/4S | Power button (round) | 10-15 sec. |
| Mi TV 5/5X/5 Pro | Joystick Joystick (center) | 15-20 sec. |
| Redmi Smart TV X | Power + Touch button | 20 seconds |
| Mi TV Q1/Q2 | Lighted joystick | before the logo appeared |
โ ๏ธ Warning: Hard reset removes all installed apps, accounts and settings. If the TV was tied to a Xiaomi account, you will need to re-enter your username/password after the reboot.
๐ก
If the reset button doesnโt respond, try using a paper clip or toothpick to press โ sometimes the contacts get dirty and donโt work well.
Method 3: Exit through the service menu (for advanced users)
If standard methods donโt work, you can try leaving Factory Test Mode via a hidden service menu, which requires caution, as doing the wrong thing can cause your TV to break.
Instructions:
- Turn on the TV and wait for the Factory Test Mode to load.
- On the remote control, quickly press the sequence: Menu โ 1 โ 3 โ 9 โ Menu (some models run Menu โ 1 โ 1 โ 4 โ 7).
- If the combination is correct, the Factory Menu service menu will open.
- Go to the System โ Exit Test Mode and confirm the exit.
On the new models (Mi TV 6, Redmi Smart TV X2022) the path may be different:
- ๐ Advanced Settings โ Test Mode Control โ Disable
- ๐ง Engineer Mode โ Factory Reset (if exit is not possible)
What to do if the menu is in Chinese?
On models with an Amlogic processor (such as the Mi TV Stick or older versions of the Mi Box), the service menu may not be available, in which case only the flashing will help.
Method 4: Flashing over USB (if the TV is getting stuck in test mode)
If the TV is constantly loaded into Factory Test Mode and does not respond to other methods, the firmware is likely damaged. USB-This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models TV, but requires preparation.
What you need:
- ๐พ USB-storage device FAT32, volume).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer for downloading firmware.
- ๐ Cable USB-A โ USB-A (for some).
Step-by-step:
- Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi support site.The file name must contain the TV model (e.g., the model, mibox3_ota_update_20260315.zip).
- Unpack the archive and copy the file update.zip root USB-storage device (not in the folder!).
- Disconnect the TV from the network, insert the flash drive into the USB port (usually USB 2.0 on the back).
- Press the Power button on the case and, without letting go, connect the power.
- Hold the button until the update screen appears (usually 10-15 seconds).
- Wait until the process is complete (the TV will restart automatically).
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never use firmware from third-party sources - this can lead to a blink (completely inoperable) of the TV. download files only from the official Xiaomi site or trusted forums (for example, download files from the official Xiaomi site or trusted forums, 4PDA).
| Model | Firmware reference (official) | File size |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4A (32/43/55") | bigota.miui.com | ~1.2 GB |
| Mi TV 5 Pro | Support page | ~1.8 GB |
| Redmi Smart TV X | Firmware archive | ~1.5 GB |
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If the TV is loaded back into Factory Test Mode after flashing, it means that the bootloader is damaged, in which case repairs are required at the service center.
Method 5: Update via OTA (if you have access to the network)
If the TV in Factory Test Mode is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or cable), try updating the firmware over the air (OTA), which works if the failure was caused by a temporary software conflict.
How to update:
- In the Factory Test Mode menu, find the Network or Wi-Fi section and connect to the network.
- Go back to the main menu and select System Update (or Check for Updates).
- If an update is found, confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.
On some models (Mi TV Q2, Redmi Smart TV X2023) the path to upgrade may look like this:
Settings โ Device Preferences โ About โ System UpdateIf the update is not available, try:
- ๐ Reboot the router and TV.
- ๐ Connect via Ethernet cable (if Wi-Fi is not working).
- โณ Wait 10-15 minutes โ sometimes Xiaomi servers are slow to respond.
What to do if nothing helps: diagnosis and repair
If all of these things don't work, the problem may be hardware, and here are some signs that the TV needs repairs:
- ๐ The TV does not respond to buttons and remote control, the screen remains black or flashes.
- ๐ When switched on, clicks or squeaks are heard (damaged motherboard).
- ๐ฅ There is a smell of burning or heated elements on the back panel.
- ๐ต The screen displays artifacts (stripes, broken pixels) even in Factory Test Mode.
In these cases, self-repair is not recommended. Contact an authorized Xiaomi service center or a trusted master. The average cost of diagnosis is from 1000 to 2500 rubles, repair of the motherboard costs 3000-8000 rubles depending on the model.
What to check before visiting the service:
- ๐ Keep a check or a warranty card (if the TV is guaranteed).
- ๐ฆ Pack the TV in the original box or use bubble film.
- ๐ก Write down the serial number (located on the sticker at the back) โ it will be needed to search for spare parts.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the TV was purchased on AliExpress, Gearbest or other foreign sites, the warranty may not be valid in Russia.