Introduction: Why users confuse working mode with factory mode
The term “working mode” in Xiaomi devices is often a source of confusion, and many people mistaken it for factory reset or recovery mode, but in fact it is a separate feature designed to diagnose and optimize the operation of equipment. Depending on the type of device — whether it is a Mi TV, a Redmi smartphone or even a smart speaker — working mode can mean different things, but its essence is always related to testing hardware components and checking the stability of the system.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what the working mode is on different Xiaomi devices, how to turn it on (and off), as well as reveal the hidden features of this mode, which the manufacturer does not mention in the official documentation. TV and smartphones, as they have a working mode implemented in different ways.
What is the working mode on Xiaomi TVs
On Xiaomi Mi TVs (A2, P1, Q2, S Pro, etc.), the operating mode is the service state into which the device goes to check the matrix, speakers, HDMI ports and other components. It is often confused with Factory Mode (factory mode), but the key difference is that the working mode does not reset or delete user data.
The main objectives of the regime are:
- 🔍 Diagnostics of hardware faults (e.g. broken pixels, backlight problems).
- 🔊 Testing of sound at all frequencies and channels.
- 📺 Color rendering check and screen calibration.
- 🔌 Port analysis (HDMI, USB, Ethernet).
Important: the Mi TV mode is activated only through the service menu or a combination of buttons on the remote, and the usual PatchWall or Google TV interface does not.
How to enter the operating mode on Mi TV: step-by-step instructions
To enter the working mode on Xiaomi TVs, you will need the original remote control (or compatible with the Menu function).
- Turn off the TV with the Power button on the remote.
- Press and hold the Menu + Volume Down (-) buttons.
- Without releasing the buttons, press the Power once.
- Hold Menu + Volume Down for another 5-7 seconds until the service menu appears on the screen.
If the combination does not work, try an alternative method:
1. Turn on the TV.
2. On the remote, press sequentially: Menu → 1 → 1 → 4 → 7.
3. Confirm the entry with the OK button.Disable all external devices (configures, sound panels)
Record the current screen settings (brightness, contrast)
Connect the TV to 220V network without filters/extensioners
Have a flashlight on hand to check the lights-->
⚠️ Note: Not all Mi models TV It supports the remote mode entry on some TVs (e.g. Mi). TV 4S 55′′ 2020) requires a service cable or Mi Service Tool software.
Working mode on Xiaomi smartphones: myths and reality
Unlike TVs, Xiaomi smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi) do not officially use the term “working mode” but are sometimes referred to as:
- 🛠️ Developer Mode – for debugging and testing.
- 🔧 Safe Mode – Starting a system without third-party applications.
- 📱 Test menu (#4636##) – check sensors and network.
For example, if your Redmi Note 12 is starting to slow down, going to Safe Mode will help determine if a third-party app is to blame.
- Press the power button before the turn off menu appears.
- Hold your finger at the switch off point.
- Confirm the transition to Safe Mode.
What to do if the smartphone is getting stuck in working mode?
⚠️ Attention: Signing into Developer Mode on Xiaomi smartphones requires unlocking the bootloader, which can lead to loss of warranty and data reset.Do not activate this mode unnecessarily!
Hidden functions of working mode on Xiaomi
The manufacturer does not advertise all the features of the working mode, but experienced users have found several useful features:
| The device | Hidden function | How to activate |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV | Calibration of color according to DCIP3 standard | Picture → Advanced → Color Space → DCIP3 |
| Redmi Note 11/12 | Battery test (real capacity) | Enter ##4636## → Battery Information |
| Mi Box S | Reset HDMI-port | In the working mode: HDMI Reset → Confirm |
| Mi Band 7 | Vibration motor test | Through the Mi Fit app (Section Lab Features) |
For example, on Xiaomi TVs, you can manually calibrate your white balance in working mode, which is useful for designers or moviegoers.
- Enter the operating mode (see the instructions above).
- Go to Picture → White Balance → Custom.
- Use color patterns to adjust R/G/B Gain.
💡
If artifacts appear on the screen after color calibration, reset to factory settings via Settings → Picture → Reset.
Frequent errors in the use of the working mode
Many users make critical errors that can lead to data loss or device failure, and these are the most common:
- Interrupting the testing process (e.g. pulling the power cord on the Mi TV while checking the matrix) can cause firmware damage.
- Changing unknown parameters in the service menu, for example, setting up Panel Aging on TVs without understanding the consequences, leads to accelerated wear and tear of the screen.
- Using unofficial firmware to log in to mode, it's unwarranted and can lock the device.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (2022 and later) working mode can block access to Netflix and YouTube before rebooting. DRM.
💡
Before entering the operating mode, always record the current settings (photo screen or menu screenshots) to help return the device to its original state if something goes wrong.
How to get out of the working mode: universal ways
Out of operating mode depends on the type of device:
- 📺 Mi TV: Press Exit on the remote or press the Power for 10 seconds.
- 📱 Smartphone: Reboot the device or disable Developer Mode in the settings.
- 🎧 Headphones/columns: Hold the power button for 15-20 seconds.
If the device is in operating mode:
- For Mi TV: disconnect from the network for 1 minute, then turn it on again.
- For smartphones: Use the Power + Volume Up combination to force a reboot.
On some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi TV Q1 75), the exit from the operating mode requires the input of a service code. Usually it is 0000 or 1234, but on new devices the code may differ.