Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which are powered by MIUI and HyperOS shells, are complex devices with layered controls. A standard interface is enough for the average user, but enthusiasts and technicians often need access to deeper configuration levels. Understanding how to enter Xiaomi’s menu properly opens up access to diagnostics, hardware testing, and fine-tuning parameters that are hidden from view in standard mode.
There are many different types of system partitions, from the usual engineering menu to Recovery mode and developer debugging menus, each of which solves problems, whether it is checking the display matrix, resetting the settings or calibrating the sensor. Incorrect interference with these parts can lead to system instability, so it is important to clearly distinguish between their purpose and activation methods before starting any manipulation of the software.
In this article, we will take a look at how to log into different system partitions of Xiaomi devices, learn about secure methods for activating hidden functions, understand the differences between boot modes, and get answers to frequently asked questions. We will look at both software methods for entering commands and physical button combinations that are relevant for most modern models, including Redmi and Poco.
The standard main menu and its hidden features
The basic level of interaction with the device is the main screen and the standard settings menu. However, even here there are hidden functions that are available through special actions. For example, repeatedly clicking on the build number in the About Phone section is a classic way to activate the developer menu. This section is necessary to enable debugging over USB, create backups through ADB and manage interface animations.
To access the basic settings, just swipe down to call the notification curtain and click on the gear icon. This is where the basic controls of the device are concentrated, from setting up Wi-Fi to managing application permissions. It's important to note that in new versions of HyperOS, the menu structure has been redesigned to improve ergonomics, but the logic has remained the same.
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Remember the build number of your firmware: this will help you quickly understand whether you updated the device or rolled back to an earlier version after reset.
Many users do not know that in the standard menu "Phone" (calling) can also enter special USSD-These codes allow you to quickly go into test modes without having to search for them in the depth of settings. For example, entering code ##64663## instantly opens the engineering menu for testing hardware components.
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The developer menu is activated after 7-10 Quickly click on the item "Version" MIUI» or “OS version».
CIT Engineering Menu and Equipment Diagnostics
The engineering menu, often called the CIT (Customer Inspection Test), is a powerful tool for checking the health of all components of a smartphone, which is where devices enter the service centers for initial diagnostics, and this section is logged in through the Phone app by typing special code or through the settings menu, if the item is not hidden by the manufacturer in your area.
Inside this section, you'll find a list of all the device modules: accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, vibrator, speakers and microphones. Each component is tested interactively: the system will ask you to shake the phone, tape the sensor or press the screen. Test results are marked with green when successful and red when a malfunction is detected.
- 📱 Display: checking broken pixels and responsiveness of the touchscreen.
- 🔊 Audio: test of lower and upper speakers, as well as main and secondary microphones.
- 📡 Communication: performance review GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Cellular Modules.
- 🔋 Power: monitoring battery voltage and charging controller operation.
⚠️ Warning: Do not change the parameters in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. resetting the sensor calibration can lead to incorrect operation of autobrightness or battery discharge.
The touch screen test, which can detect dead zones or false touches that can interfere with normal operation, is a first step to understanding the need to replace the display module if your phone does not respond to touch in certain areas.
Developer menu: fine-tuning Android
The developer menu is a hidden Android settings section designed primarily for app creators, but also useful for advanced users. Here you can control the speed of the interface, limit background processes and enable debugging mode. To log in, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI version.
Once activated, a new option will appear in the settings menu, "Additional" or "Extended settings", where the menu is located. One of the most useful functions for ordinary users is to zoom in and change the minimum screen width (DPI), which allows you to make the font larger or, conversely, fit more information on the display.
It also has the important “Don’t Turn Off Screen” feature when charging, which is convenient when using a smartphone as a navigator or dashboard, and you can see running services and forcefully stop processes that consume resources in the background, although the system itself manages memory quite efficiently in modern versions of Android.
It’s important to remember the Background Process Limit feature. Setting a restriction can speed up work on older devices with low RAM, but on high-powered flagships, it can lead to constant reboot of applications and loss of their state. Use this option with caution.
Recovery and Fastboot Mode: Recovery and Firmware
Recovery and Fastboot modes are lower than the operating system, which are loaded before Android launch and used to restore the device after critical crashes, reset to factory (Wipe Data) or flash, and are entered by a combination of physical buttons when the device is turned off.
To log in to Recovery, you usually need to press the volume button and the power button at the same time. In the menu that appears, the navigation is done with the volume button, and the choice is with the power button. Here you can perform a cache cleaning or a full reset, which often helps solve problems with the system freeze or endless boot (bootloop).
☑️ Preparation for the entrance to Recovery
Fastboot is activated by pressing the volume and power button, and this mode displays the Fastboot logo with a rabbit fixing an android, a state required to connect the phone to your computer and use the Mi Flash Tool for deep software recovery.
| Regime. | Button combination | Principal appointment |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery | Volume Up + Nutrition | Data reset, cache cleanup |
| Fastboot | Volume Down + Nutrition | Firmware through PC, unlock |
| Safe regime | Volume Down (after inclusion) | Diagnostics of third-party applications |
These modes require caution, and in particular, the “Wipe All Data” command in the Recovery menu permanently deletes all user data, including photos, contacts and messages. Before doing this, always try to back up important information if the device is still showing signs of life.
Xiaomi TV system menu and remote
Owners of Xiaomi Mi TVs and Mi Box consoles may also need access to hidden features. On PatchWall or Android TVs, the engineering menu is often logged in via the TV Manager app or by entering code into the Wi-Fi input field, which allows you to see the technical information about the panel, the software version and customize the image settings.
One of the popular ways to log into the developer menu on Android TV — install «TV App Repo or use ADB-This allows you to install applications from third-party sources (APK-files that are not available in the official Google Play store for TVs.
Secret code for TV
Accessing the About TV menu on the remote often requires pressing the Menu button (three bars) or a combination of the Back and Up buttons. MAC-Network interface addresses, serial number and Android version are required when contacting technical support or setting up static IP-router.
If the remote stops responding, there is a pairing mode that is activated by simultaneously clamping the Home and Back buttons (or a special combination for Bluetooth remotes). The indicator on the remote will flash, signaling readiness for connection. This is not exactly a menu, but an important system feature worth remembering.
Frequent problems when entering system partitions
Users often experience a situation where button combinations don't work, most often because the device wasn't completely turned off before trying to log in. While asleep or locked, clamping the buttons may just unlock the phone or take a screenshot, but not start booting mode.
Another common problem is releasing the buttons too early or too late, holding them until the Mi logo appears or vibrations occur. On some models with a fingerprint scanner in the power button, the mechanic may differ, requiring clearer and more rhythmic pressing.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is connected to the charger via USB-port of the computer, it can automatically enter charging mode, ignoring button commands.Switch off the cable before trying to log in to Recovery.
If the battery is critically low (less than 5-10%), the device may refuse to be switched on in special modes, as they require stable power, in such cases, it is recommended to put the phone on charge for 10-15 minutes before trying to log in to the system menu.
If no methods help, the physical buttons or plumes themselves may be damaged, in which case the modes can only be entered programmatically, via adb reboot recovery or adb reboot bootloader commands, provided that debugging by USB has been previously enabled and the phone is determined by the computer.