How to open a menu on Xiaomi: all the ways for smartphones and TVs

Have you just purchased a Xiaomi device — whether it’s a MIUI smartphone or an Android TV — and faced the need to go into hidden settings? Or maybe the standard menu does not open after the update? In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to access the main and service sections on Xiaomi devices, including secret codes, button combinations and alternative methods.

The manufacturer often hides advanced features behind obscure combinations or layered paths in settings, such as the engineering menu on smartphones that allows you to test hardware, and the service menu on TVs that allows you to calibrate the screen without going to the service center. But how do you get there if there is no word about it in the official documentation? We have compiled current methods for 2026, tested on the latest versions of firmware.

Important: Some methods require developer rights or root access. If you are a beginner, read the warnings carefully - wrong actions can lead to resetting or even locking the bootloader on the new Xiaomi 14 and Redmi Note 13 models.

1. How to open the main menu on Xiaomi smartphones

On MIUI-powered smartphones (including POCO and Redmi), the main app menu is called by standard gestures or buttons. But what if the screen doesn't respond or you're using custom firmware?

Discovery methods:

  • 📱 Swipe up from the bottom edge - a standard gesture for MIUI 12-14. works on all models, including Xiaomi 13T Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
  • 🔘 Menu button – on older models (until 2018) with physical buttons, hold the center key for 2 seconds.
  • 🔧 Through the notification panel: swipe down from the top edge and tap the All Apps icon (if the option is enabled in the settings).
  • 🖥️ Voice Assistant: Say “OK Google, open the app menu” (Google Assistant required).

If the screen is not responsive to touch, try connecting the device to your PC and using control via Mi PC Suite or ADB:

adb shell input keyevent 82 # Opens the app menu


adb shell am start -n com.miui.home/.launcher.Launcher

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14 and later, swipe up gestures can conflict with app navigation. To return the classic menu, go to Settings → Display. → Navigate the system and select "Navigation buttons".

📊 What Xiaomi model do you use?
Xiaomi 13/14
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO F5/X5
Old model (until 2020)
other

2. Secret codes to access hidden menus on Xiaomi

The manufacturer hides the diagnostic and engineering menus behind special codes that are entered as a phone number, which work on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, but some can be blocked in the latest versions of MIUI.

Here is the complete list of codes tested (2026):

Code.AppointmentWorks on
##4636##Menu of testing and statisticsAll models on Android
##6484##Touch screen testMIUI 12–14
##64663##Information about modules (GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)Models with Qualcomm
##232338##Wi-Fi test and MAC-addressAll models.
##06##IMEI devicesAll models.

How to enter codes:

  1. Open the phone app.
  2. Enter the code as a number for dialing (without spaces).
  3. Press the call button and the menu will open automatically.

⚠️ Attention: Codes ##7780## (settings reset) and *2767*3855# (Full reset will delete all data from the device. 14 Ultra) these codes can be blocked – use Settings instead → The phone. → Resetting settings.

What to do if the code doesn't work?
If nothing happens after entering the code, check: 1. MIUI version (on new firmware some codes are disabled). 2. Superuser rights (for the engineering menu, root may be required). 3. Firmware region (on global versions, fewer codes are available than on Chinese ones).

3. How to open the engineering menu on Xiaomi (MTK and Qualcomm)

The Engineering Mode allows you to test hardware components like the camera, speakers, battery and sensors, and access depends on the device's processor.

For MediaTek (MTK) chips:

  • 📱 Enter the code ##36446337# or #364463##.
  • 🔧 Alternative: Install the application MTK Engineering Mode from Google Play.

For Qualcomm processors:

  • 📱 Enter ##4636## → Select "Phone Information".
  • 🔧 For extended access, use Qualcomm Service Menu (root required).

In the engineering menu you can:

  • 🔋 Check the status of the battery (Battery tab).
  • 📡 Testing the network (Network tab).
  • 🎤 Check microphone and speakers (Audio tab).

💡

If the engineering menu opens but some features are blocked, try switching to Chinese firmware via the Mi Flash Tool.This will unlock additional options, but may violate the warranty.

4. How to open a service menu on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV)

On Xiaomi Mi TVs (including Mi TV Q2, Mi TV A2 and Mi TV P1), the service menu is hidden from the user, needed to calibrate the screen, reset settings or diagnose malfunctions. Here are 3 working ways to get there:

Method 1: The combination of buttons on the remote

  1. Turn off the TV with the Power button on the remote.
  2. Press Menu + Volume Down at the same time.
  3. Holding the buttons, press Power and hold all three 5-7 seconds.
  4. Let go – the TV will turn on in service mode.

Method 2: Through Android TV settings

  • 📺 Go to Settings. → The device → On TV.
  • 🔘 Quickly press 5 times on the line "Model TV".
  • 🔧 There will be a menu for developers where you can turn on debugging USB and access to hidden options.

Method 3: Through ADB (for Advanced)

If the remote is not working, connect the TV to the PC and do:

adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.device.devicesettings.DeviceSettingsActivity


adb shell input keyevent 19 # Up button (for navigation)




adb shell input keyevent 23 # Enter button

⚠️ Note: In the service menu of Xiaomi TVs there is an option Factory Reset, which resets all settings to factory, including tied accounts. Do not change settings with unfamiliar names - this can lead to loss of warranty or inoperability of the screen.

Take a picture of the current screen settings|Turn off the TV for 1 minute.|Use the original remote (not universal)|Do not change the settings with the mark "Only for factory"-->

5. How to open the recovery menu (Recovery Mode) on Xiaomi

Recovery Mode is a recovery mode that allows you to reset, flash your device or fix boot errors. Xiaomi has two types of recovery: standard (MIUI Recovery) and custom (TWRP).

Method 1: Through a combination of buttons

  1. Turn off your smartphone.
  2. Press Power + Volume Up (volume up).
  3. Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  4. Release the buttons and you will be taken to MIUI Recovery.

Method 2: ADB (if the buttons don't work)

adb reboot recovery

In MIUI Recovery, options are available:

  • 🔄 Reboot - reboot.
  • 🗑️ Wipe Data – reset to factory settings.
  • 📦 Install Update – Install firmware with SD-map.

Custom firmware (TWRP) installation requires an unlocked bootloader. On the newer models (Xiaomi 13/14), unlocking takes up to 7 days due to Xiaomi's security policy.

💡

If the smartphone hangs on the Mi logo after logging into Recovery Mode, it means that the firmware is damaged. Restore it through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode (an authorized developer account is required).

6. How to open a developer menu on Xiaomi

The developer menu is hidden by default, but it can be activated in a few steps. This menu allows you to enable debugging over USB, change the animation of the system, simulate a secondary display and much more.

Instructions for activation:

  1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
  2. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row.
  3. The message will be “You are a developer!”
  4. Return to the main settings menu – there will be a new section Additional → For developers.

Useful options in the developer menu:

  • 🔌 Debugging by USB — work-in ADB.
  • 📱 Do not turn off the screen – useful when firmware.
  • 🔄 Background processes – a limitation to save battery.
  • 🎮 Secondary display imitation – for streaming games.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14 and later, some developer options may be blocked, for example, OEM unlock is not available on global firmware - it can only be enabled after linking the Mi Account to the device for 7 days.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Sometimes the menu on Xiaomi doesn't open even after the right actions. Let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Codes are not working

  • 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version.
  • 📱 Check the firmware region (more codes are available on Chinese versions).
  • 🔧 Install Secret Codes from Google Play.

Problem 2: The TV service menu is not open

  • 📺 Use the original remote (universal may not work).
  • 🔋 Turn off the TV for 1 minute before trying.
  • 📡 Check if access is blocked through parental control.

Problem 3: Recovery Mode is not running

  • 🔋 Charge the device to at least 30%.
  • 🔌 Try another charger (sometimes the original cable helps).
  • 📱 If the screen is black, but the device vibrates, connect via ADB and perform adb reboot recovery.

💡

If after resetting the settings through Recovery Mode smartphone requires an old account Mi, and you do not remember it, use the official unlock tool: account.xiaomi.com. You will need proof of ownership (checks, box).

❓ How to open a menu on Xiaomi if the sensor is not working?
If the screen is not responsive, connect the device to the PC and use ADB to control. Basic commands: adb shell input tap x y # Emulation touch (x and y coordinates) adb shell input keyevent 3 # Home button adb shell input keyevent 4 # Back button For TVs use remote or connect keyboard over Bluetooth.
❓ Can I open an engineering menu without root?
Yes, on most models, the engineering menu is opened through codes (e.g. ##4636##), but some sections (e.g., the Qualcomm camera tests) require superuser rights.
❓ What to do if after entering the service menu, the TV stops turning on?
Most likely, critical settings have been changed (e.g. Backlight or Panel Voltage) Solution: Turn off the TV for 5 minutes, press Power + Volume Down on the remote and turn on the TV. If it doesn't work, contact the service center - you will need to flash it over UART.
❓ How to return the standard menu to Xiaomi after custom firmware?
If the standard menu is lost after installing TWRP or custom ROM, do: Install the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Reset the settings in Recovery Mode. If the menu is still missing, check the integrity of the framework-res.apk file (may be corrupted by firmware).
❓ Where to find hidden sound settings on Xiaomi?
For advanced audio customization: Enter the code ##36446337## (for MediaTek). Go to Audio → Normal Mode. Or install the Equalizer & Bass Booster app from Google Play. On Mi TVs, hidden audio settings are available in the service menu (Social Sound).