Xiaomi firmware through TestPoint: a complete guide with diagrams and nuances

TestPoint is an emergency method of unlocking the bootloader when standard methods fail, used in a brick after a failed upgrade, a Mi Account reset, or if the device is blocked by the operator. It requires physical access to the phone card and exact adherence to the algorithm, but allows you to restore performance even in the most difficult cases.

Many users are afraid to resort to this method because of the risk of damaging the device, but with the right preparation and use of proven tools (for example, MiFlash or MiFlash). EDL Tool) success is achieved in 95% The key is to understand that TestPoint is not universal: for every model. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO have their own connection points and nuances of firmware.

In this article, you will find the current point diagrams for popular models of 2020-2026, a list of equipment required and step-by-step instructions with a photo, SLA Auth Error or Firehose mismatch and how to fix them: If your Xiaomi doesn’t turn on, hangs on the logo or requires authorization Mi Account – this guide will help bring it back to life.

What is TestPoint and When is it Needed?

TestPoint (or EDL Point) – these are special contacts on the smartphone motherboard, which, when closed, transfer the device to Emergency Download Mode (EDL). In this mode, the phone becomes "visible" for firmware utilities (MiFlash, QFil) even without the unlocked bootloader.

The method is relevant in the following cases:

• 🔒 Phone locked by Mi Account after reset (requires original password)
• 🧱 The device "burst" after an unsuccessful firmware through fastboot or TWRP
• 🔄 Smartphone hangs on the logo Xiaomi/Redmi or cyclically reboot
• 📱 The operator has blocked the firmware (for example, on models for the Indian or Chinese market)
• 🔧 You need to flash the device with a locked boot loader (OEM Lock)

It is important to distinguish TestPoint from other unlock methods:

Critical feature of TestPoint: after successful firmware in EDL-The bootloader remains unlocked, but the anti-rollback can increase, which means that it can return to the older version. MIUI It will not be possible without the risk of a repeat brick".

Preparation for firmware: tools and files

Before you start, you can collect everything you need, and if you don't have one element, you can fail.

Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website

Install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for Windows)

Prepare the cable. USB-A → USB-A (or USB-C → USB-C data-supported)

Download the MiFlash 2020 utility+ or EDL Tool (to bypass authorization)

Have tweezers, multimeter (optional) and a mediator for disassembling the body

Backup data (if the phone is still turned on)

Charge the battery by at least 50% (to avoid shutting down during firmware)

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Pay special attention to firmware selection. TestPoint only works on Fastboot (not Recovery!) and the file must have a.tgz or.zip extension and match:

• 📱 The exact model of your device (e.g., Redmi Note 10 Pro is sweet, not sweetin for the Indian version)
• 🔄 Region versions (Global, China, EEA). China’s firmware on Global Device Could Lead to Google Services Problems
• 📅 Up-to-date build date (not older than 6 months, otherwise anti-rollback errors are possible)

Note: if your device is in a series POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro, check the model code name in documents or through a command:

adb shell getprop ro.product.device

For models on a Mediatek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A) TestPoint is not suitable – they need firmware through SP Flash Tool or Auth Bypass.

Step-by-step: how to find and close TestPoint

The algorithm is the same for most Xiaomi models, but the location of the points and the way you disassemble them may differ. Below is a universal nuanced instruction.

Step 1: Disassembling the phone

• ⚠️ Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-memory-card.
• 🔧 Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (temperature 60–80)°C) or use a mediator to gently tuck it around the perimeter. On models with a metal body (for example, Mi 11) you will need a screwdriver. T3 or T5.
• 📸 Take a picture of the plumes before you disconnect! Typical mounting points: battery, speaker, camera.

Step 2. Search TestPoint

The points are usually located next to:

• 🔋 Battery connector (for example, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro - two dots under the battery)
• 📶 Antenna module (on POCO F3 — near SIM-tray)
• 🖥️ Qualcomm processor (see the labeling) TP, EDL or MSM)

Below are the schemes for popular models (relevant for revisions of 2023-2026):

Step 3: Close points and connect to PC

1. Connect the phone off to the PC via cable (port) USB 2.0 is preferable).
2. Close TestPoint with tweezers or screwdrivers for 5-10 seconds. Hold the circuit until Qualcomm appears in Device Manager. HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. 🔌 If the device is not detected: Check the cable (must support data transfer). Reinstall the drivers manually through Driver Update → Search on this computer. Try another one. USB-port (better on the back of the PC).

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If the phone doesn't go to the EDL-Mode, try to close the points when the cable is connected, and then press and hold the Volume up button. + Power for 10 seconds.

Firmware through MiFlash: settings and typical errors

After successful transfer of the phone EDL You can start with firmware. We use MiFlash (version 2020 or later):

Step 1. Set up MiFlash

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\ROM\sweet_global).
2. Run MiFlash on behalf of the administrator.
3. In the Select field, specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Select firmware mode at the bottom: clean all – clean all – clean all and lock + Loader lock (only if you are sure of firmware stability!) save user data - saving user data (risky when crashes)

Step 2. Starting the firmware

• 🖱️ Press Refresh – your phone should appear in the list (port) COMX).
• ⚡ Press Flash and wait until the end (usually 3-10 minutes).
• 📱 Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: if after firmware the phone hangs on the Xiaomi logo, try resetting via Recovery (Wipe Data). If this does not help, re-sweep with the choice of clean all.

Bypassing Mi Account authorization after firmware

If the phone is blocked by your Mi Account, the firmware through TestPoint will only reset that lock in 50% of cases.

Method 1. Delete the account through ADB (if the phone is turned on)

1. Activate Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in the settings).
2. Turn on USB debugging and connect the phone to the PC.
3. Execute commands: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.account reboot

Method 2. Modified persist firmware (for experienced users)

• Download the modified file persist.img For your model (see for your model) 4PDA or XDA).
• Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Continue persist.img fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: After deleting your Mi Account, some features (such as Find Device or Mi Cloud) may not work properly, and there is a risk of being blocked again when the next update is completed. MIUI.

Alternative methods: EDL TestPoint

If you don’t want to take your phone apart, there are ways to transfer it to your phone. EDL They don't work on all models, but they try to do it:

Method 1. via fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)

fastboot oem edl

If the team doesn’t work, try:

fastboot oem select-display-panel

(on some models POCO This causes a transition. EDL).

Method 2. Through a button combination

• Turn off the phone.
• Press Volume up + Volume down + Power for 10-15 seconds.
• If the screen is unresponsive, but the PC defines the device as QDLoader 9008, you will be in the game. EDL.

Method 3. Through short circuit of the battery (risky!)

1. Disconnect the battery from the board.
2. Connect the phone to the PC.
3. Quickly (for 1 second) connect the battery back.
4. If the device is defined as QDLoader - immediately start the firmware.

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Programmatic methods of transition to EDL work only on devices with Qualcomm processors and unblocked OEM Unlock. for Mediatek and blocked bootloaders disassembly is mandatory.

Frequent Questions and Myths About TestPoint