Previous articleEngineering menu Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: full access to hidden features

Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 often face the need for deep diagnostics of the device, which goes beyond standard settings. The engineering menu is a hidden section of the MIUI operating system, designed to test the hardware components of the smartphone in the factory. Access to this interface allows you to conduct detailed checks of the microphone, speakers, screen matrix and communication modules without the use of third-party software.

The need to enter the service mode may arise if a hardware failure is suspected, for example, if it stopped working. GPS-It's also a tool that's really useful for enthusiasts who want to check the actual state of the battery or calibrate the touch layer after changing the glass.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to activate hidden functions on the Redmi Note 5. You will learn about the differences between the regular CIT menu and the full-fledged engineering mode, and get step-by-step instructions for entering special codes. Code ##64663## is the main and most secure way to enter the hardware testing mode on MIUI.

Differences between CIT and Full-Scale Engineering Mode

Many users confuse the two, although functionally they do similar things. The CIT (Customer Integration Test) menu is a standard diagnostic tool built into the MIUI shell. It is available on all Xiaomi smartphones and allows you to run automatic component tests. Unlike it, the classic engineering mode is more often associated with MediaTek chips and provides access to the settings of the radio module at a lower level.

The Snapdragon 625 processor that's installed in the Redmi Note 5 has a different interface, and you can't change the CPU frequencies or the voltage in real time through standard codes, like you did with the old MediaTek. CIT fully covers the requirements for the check of the serviceability of the "iron".

It is worth noting that attempts to install third-party applications to log into the "real" engineering mode on modern versions of Android often lead to errors. MIUI security system blocks unauthorized access to critical partitions.

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Before testing, make sure that the battery is at least 30% so that the device does not turn off during the screen or camera check.

The main method of entry through USSD-code

The fastest and most reliable way to activate the diagnostic interface is to use a combination of characters in the Phone application, which does not require root rights, unlocking the bootloader or connecting to a computer.

There are several combinations for the Redmi Note 5, but there is usually only one main one.

##64663##

Once you enter the last character, the screen will change and the test menu will open. If that doesn't happen, check if the dialing theme or the third-party call is blocking access, in which case, try going back to the standard MIUI app.

Open a standard Xiaomi call

Make sure you're available. SIM-cards (for some tests)

Close background annexes

Enter the code ##64663##-->

It is important to know that code ##4636##, popular on pure Android, on Xiaomi devices often redirects the user to the usage statistics menu or does not work at all. CIT.

Alternative ways to activate through settings

If for some reason the code input fails (for example, the sensor in the digit area is damaged), you can use the system settings menu, which is especially relevant if you have a global firmware installed with a modified menu structure.

The path to diagnosis may vary depending on the version of MIUI. Try following the following algorithm:

  • πŸ“± Open the Settings app.
  • πŸ” Scroll down to the "About the phone" item".
  • ⚑ Find the line "Kernel Version" or "Version" MIUI".
  • πŸ‘† Quickly click on this line. 5-7 successively.

In some firmware modifications, after repeatedly pressing, a hidden menu will open, where there will be a test login button. However, on Redmi Note 5, the most common direct transition through the Advanced Settings menu is used" β†’ "For developers" where sometimes there is a paragraph "Device testing".

What to do if the menu does not open?
If none of the methods work, you may have custom ROM installed, which cuts out the CIT system component. In this case, only flashing to stock MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool will help.

There is also a method through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), but it requires a connection to a PC. Adb shell am start -n com.miui.cit/com.miui.cit.CITActivity commands the required component to be forced to run, an option for advanced users.

Review of the main tests and diagnostics of components

Once you log in, you'll see a list of dozens of items, each one of which is responsible for checking a particular node on your smartphone, and use the "Next" and "Pass" or "Fail" buttons to navigate.

Below is a table of the main tests available in the CIT menu for the Redmi Note 5:

Name of the testFunctionHow to check
Green (RGB)Checking the displayThe screen is filled with color, look for broken pixels
ReceiverSpeaking speakerHold the phone to your ear, it should sound.
VibratorVibromotorThe device must vibrate when pressed
TouchpanelTouch screenSwipe your finger, lines should be drawn without tearing.
GPSNavigationVerification of satellite coordinates

Pay special attention to the Touchpanel test. On the Redmi Note 5, you sometimes experience a "phantom press" or failure in the corners of the screen. If you swipe across the surface in test mode, you will immediately see where the sensor is not responding.

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If the test shows Fail, it doesn't always mean that you're broken. Try restarting the device and running the test again, because there may be a temporary software failure.

GPS testing is also important. If you're looking for satellites for a long time, you can see the number of satellites you can see and the signal strength on this menu. If you're looking for satellites 0, even outdoors, you might have a problem with the antenna module.

Checking and calibrating of the proximity sensor

One of the most common problems with the Redmi Note 5 is the incorrect operation of the proximity sensor, which may not go out during a conversation, leading to accidental pressing of the cheek, or, conversely, to go out immediately when you bring it to the ear.

There's a special section in the engineering menu for calibration, usually called the "Proximity sensor."

  • πŸ‘ Close the top of the screen with your palm (imitation of a touch to your ear).
  • πŸ‘€ Remove your hand and press the β€œGet Value” button).
  • πŸ“Š The system will record the sensor readings in open and closed state.
  • πŸ’Ύ Press "Pass" to save results.

After calibration, be sure to restart the smartphone. If the problem persists, the sensor may be contaminated or physically damaged (for example, after replacing the display or glass).

πŸ“Š What problem of the proximity sensor you have encountered?
The screen doesn't go out when you ring.
The screen goes out immediately.
It's working fine.
I don't use calls.

It is worth mentioning that on some MIUI builds, the calibration can be reset after the system update, in which case the procedure will have to be repeated again through the same interface.

Diagnostics of battery and charger

Although the CIT menu does not have a detailed cell wear schedule, as some utilities do, you can check the basic parameters here. The Battery section shows the current charge, voltage and charging connection status.

This is useful if the smartphone is acting strangely: it turns off 15% or charges for a long time. In the Charger test, you can see whether the power controller recognizes the connected RAM. If the cable does not change its status to "USB plugged", the problem may be in the Micro-USB connector or the plume.

For a deeper analysis of the battery status (recharge cycles), it is better to use the command in the dial menu:

##6485##

This command opens an information window where the parameter MB_06 The health of the battery (Good/Bad), MF_02 β€” full-cycle.

How to interpret the battery data?
If the status field says "Bad" or "Replace", the battery is physically worn out and needs to be replaced. Cycles above 500 also indicate significant wear of the capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to change the settings in the engineering menu?
It is strongly advised not to change the values in the Band Mode or frequency sections unless you understand what they are responsible for, which can lead to loss of communication or unstable network operation (Pass/Fail) securely.
Why is #4636### not working on Redmi Note 5?
This code is for stock Android. It's often locked or redirected in the MIUI shell. Use the code ##64663## to access hardware diagnostics.
Can I unlock the bootloader through this menu?
No. The CIT is used only for hardware diagnostics. Unlock Bootloader is unlocked through the official Mi Unlock utility on a computer with a Mi Account binding.
What to do if the microphone test fails?
First, check to see if the microphone hole is covered with a cover or dirt. If the Mic (Main Mic and Sub Mic) test is silent or loud, you may need to replace the microphone plume or charging module, where the bottom microphone is often located.