Xiaomi’s Engineering Menu: A Complete Guide to Hidden Smartphone Settings

Xiaomi smartphones hide a powerful tool for advanced users under the hood: an engineering menu. It is not just a set of technical parameters, but a real β€œcontrol center” where you can test hardware, calibrate sensors or even change the behavior of the network. However, careless actions here can turn the phone into a β€œbrick” – so it is important to understand which parts are safe for experimentation and which are better not to touch without extreme necessity.

In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways to log into the engineering menu on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO (Including models from 2023 to 2026, explain the purpose of key partitions and show how to use hidden functions without risk. 5G β€” Here you will find answers to questions that are not in the standard documentation.

What is Xiaomi Engineering Menu and Why You Need It

Engineering menu (or Engineer Mode) is a service interface built into firmware MIUI It's based on Android. It's designed for you:

  • πŸ”§ Diagnostics of hardware components - checking the operation of the display, battery, speakers, microphones and sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer, compass).
  • πŸ“‘ Network settings – manual switching between communication standards (2G/3G/4G/5G), signal strength testing, frequency band changes.
  • πŸ”„ Sensor calibration – Correcting errors of touchscreen, gyroscope or proximity sensor.
  • πŸ“Š Viewing Hidden Information – CPU, memory, component temperature, and radio module version data.

The manufacturer doesn't advertise this tool because it's designed for service centers and developers, but for power users, the engineering menu offers features that are not available in standard settings, for example, you can manually select your preferred frequency bandwidth for the user. 4G/5G, If the operator's network is unstable.

⚠️ Note: Change settings in Hardware Testing or RF Band Selection without understanding the consequences can lead to loss of communication or sensor failure.Always write down the initial values before editing!

How to open an engineering menu on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO

The method of entry depends on the version MIUI We've collected the latest techniques for devices from 2020 to 2026:

Method 1: Using USSD code (for most models)

The most universal method is to enter the service code in the Phone application:

  1. Open the standard phone application.
  2. Go to the keyboard tab (to dial a number).
  3. Enter the combination: ##4636## or #36446337###.
  4. On the screen will appear menu with sections Information about the phone, Battery use, etc.

If the code doesn’t work, try alternatives for specific lines:

  • πŸ“± For POCO F5/F4/X5 Redmi Note 12/11: ##6484## (test GPS sensory).
  • πŸ“± For Xiaomi. 13/14 Mix Fold 3: ##64663## (diagnostics).

Method 2: Through the Application "TestingΒ» (MIUI 14+)

On new firmware, the engineering menu can be hidden behind the Testing app (CIT):

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Click 5-7 times on the MIUI version until the notification β€œYou became a developer” appears.
  3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional β†’ for developers.
  4. Activate the Developer Mode Switch and find the App in the list CIT.
πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO F5/X5
Xiaomi 13/14
Another model

Method 3: Through ADB (lock-in)

If the manufacturer has blocked access to the engineering menu (relevant for some regional firmware), you can use Android Debug Bridge:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings

After completing the command, the developer menu will appear on the screen, where you can find a link to Engineer Mode.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB requires the activated debugging mode USB. Inappropriate commands can disrupt the system!

Main sections of the engineering menu and their purpose

The interface of the engineering menu varies by model, but most Xiaomi devices have the following key sections:

SectionAppointmentRisk of change
TelephonyNetwork testing, choice of communication standard (2G/3G/4G/5G), check-up IMEIMedium (may disrupt communication)
Hardware TestingChecking sensors, display, camera, speakersLow (data reading only)
BatteryDetailed information about the battery (voltage, temperature, charge cycles)Low.
RF Band SelectionManual selection of frequency bands for mobile networkHigh (risk of loss of communication)
ConnectivityTesting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPSMedium.

Let’s take a closer look at the most popular functions:

1. Testing of hardware components (Hardware Testing)

Here you can check:

  • πŸ”Ή Display: Search for broken pixels, color rendering test (turn on Color Test).
  • πŸ”Š Speakers and microphone: playback of test signals and recording sound for quality control.
  • πŸ“± Touchscreen: Draw lines to check screen responsiveness (Touch Screen section).
  • 🧭 Sensors: gyroscope, accelerometer, compass - here their current readings are displayed.

If in the Sensor Test section any sensor shows FAIL, This may indicate a hardware malfunction, for example, a Proximity Sensor error often causes a screen to be turned off spontaneously during calls.

2. Mobile network setup (Telephony)

This section may include:

  • πŸ“Ά Forced to switch to 4G/5G, If the smartphone is not correctly selecting the network.
  • πŸ”„ Reset network settings (useful for network registration problems).
  • πŸ“‘ View detailed information about the cell: signal level (dBm), base station identifier (Cell) ID), network (LTE/WCDMA/GSM).

For manual selection of frequency range:

  1. Go to Telephony. β†’ BandMode.
  2. Select the communication standard (for example, LTE for 4G).
  3. Check the ranges supported by your operator (for example, check boxes, B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz)).

πŸ’‘

Before you change your network settings, write down the initial values or take a screenshot, which will help you get it back if the connection goes down.

3. Battery check (Battery)

The section shows:

  • πŸ”‹ Real battery capacity (in mAh) - compare with passport data.
  • 🌑️ Temperature (normal: 25-40)Β°C when charging).
  • πŸ”„ Number of charge cycles (more than 500 cycles) – a reason to think about replacing).

If the Battery Health value is below 80%, the battery is severely worn out, in which case it is recommended to reduce the maximum charge level to 80% in the settings. MIUI (Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery settings).

Safe and dangerous activities in the engineering menu

Not all sections of the engineering menu are equally safe, and we divided them into three risk categories:

βœ… Safe activities (can be performed without risk)

  • πŸ” Viewing device information (Version Info, Battery Info).
  • 🎨 Testing of the display and speakers.
  • πŸ“Š Reading sensor data (without changing parameters).

⚠️ Acting with caution (requires knowledge)

  • πŸ“Ά Manual switching of network standards (may disrupt communication).
  • πŸ”„ Calibration of sensors (incorrect values will lead to failures).
  • πŸ“‘ Change in frequency bands (risk of network loss).
  • 🚫 Change of change IMEI Serial number (illegal and blocking the network).
  • 🚫 Flashing a radio module (Modem) without a backup.
  • 🚫 Resetting settings EFS-partition (will result in loss of communication).

Backup of current parameters

Record the initial values of key sections

Ensure the battery’s stability (at least 50%)

Have a handy recovery manual-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) change of parameters in the section RF Band Selection can cause permanent network loss if unsupported bandwidth is selected.

How to reset the settings of the engineering menu to the factory

If after experimenting with the engineering menu there are problems (for example, the network is lost or sensors are not working), you can return everything back in several ways:

Method 1: Program reset

Some sections have the option of Restore Defaults. β†’ BandMode can be pressed Reset to return standard frequency settings.

Method 2: Resetting through settings MIUI

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Reset settings.
  2. Select Network Reset (if communication problems) or Reset all settings (full reset).
  3. Confirm action. The device will restart.

Method 3: Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast

If the smartphone has stopped turning on or lost IMEI, You'll need a full re-flash:

  1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power) + Vol- with the device switched off).
  3. Run the command: fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip
What if the net is lost after the reset?
If after changes in the engineering menu, the smartphone stopped catching the network, check: 1. IMEI: Type *#06# – If you see Null or Invalid, you will need to restore it with tools like Maui. META or SN Write Tool. 2. Settings APN: Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN) and download the operator configuration manually. 3. SIM card check: try inserting the card into another phone to rule out malfunction.

Hidden functions of the engineering menu, which few people know

In addition to standard tests, the engineering menu hides several useful features:

Activation of the "Engineering Charging" mode

If the battery is discharged to 0% and the smartphone does not respond to charging, you can try to activate the forced mode:

  1. Connect the phone to the charger.
  2. In the engineering menu go to Battery β†’ Charging.
  3. Activate the Force Fast Charge option (if available).

2. Testing of the camera at the hardware level

In the Hardware Testing section β†’ Camera can be done:

  • πŸ“Έ Check the operation of all modules (main, wide-angle, macro).
  • πŸ”¦ Manually adjust exposure, white balance and focus (useful for photographers).
  • πŸŽ₯ Test video recording in different resolutions.

3.Amendment MAC-wifi addresses

If your smartphone is blocked on a network MAC, It can be changed:

  1. Go to Connectivity β†’ Wi-Fi.
  2. Find a point. MAC Address and enter a new value (e.g, 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E).
  3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Change MAC-addresses may disrupt some corporate networks or authentication systems (e.g. hotels or airports).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with the engineering menu, we have collected the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Mobile network goes missingIncorrectly selected frequency range in RF Band SelectionReset network settings or flash the radio module
Touchscreen's not working.Failure after calibration in Touch ScreenPerform reset through Settings β†’ Reset
Battery discharges fastForce Fast Charge is activated without needTurn off the option in the Battery section
GPS is not working.Failure after testing in Connectivity β†’ GPSUpdate the data AGPS through Google Maps or GPS Status

If after changes in the engineering menu, the smartphone began to overheat, check:

  • πŸ”₯ Processor load in the section CPU Usage.
  • πŸ“‘ Mobile network activity – it is possible that the device is constantly scanning ranges.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery condition – if the temperature exceeds 45Β°C, turn off the charging.

πŸ’‘

Before any changes to the engineering menu, make sure you have a data backup and access to official firmware for your model.This is the only way to recover the phone in the event of a critical crash.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I open the engineering menu on a locked smartphone (without unlocking the bootloader)?
Yes, the engineering menu is available even on locked devices, as it is part of the standard firmware. MIUI. However, some partitions (such as setting up a radio module) may be limited. Full access requires unlocking the bootloader.
Why does the screen not turn off during calls after calibrating the proximity sensor?
This is a typical problem after incorrect calibration. Return the standard settings in the Hardware Testing section. β†’ Proximity Sensor or perform reset via Settings β†’ If it doesn't work, check the sensor for physical damage (for example, after a phone drops).
How to return the standard network settings if the connection is lost after changes in Telephony?
If the smartphone does not catch the network, try: Enter the code ##4636## In the Phone Information section, select Set preferred network type β†’ LTE/4G. Reset network settings through Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Reset the network settings. If nothing helps, reflash the radio module through Fastboot.
Can the processor be overclocked through the engineering menu or increase productivity?
No, the standard engineering menu Xiaomi does not have tools for overclocking CPU/GPU. This requires root rights and specialized applications like Kernel Adiutor, but it can nullify the warranty and cause overheating.
Why does my Xiaomi 13 Ultra not open the engineering menu with ##4636##?
On flagship models (for example, Xiaomi) 13/14 Or Mix Fold, the manufacturer often blocks standard codes. Try alternatives: ##6484## β€” test GPS sensory. ##64663## β€” Advanced diagnostics. Use the app. CIT (see 2 In the section "How to openΒ»).