The settings menu on Xiaomi smartphones is the central control node of the device, where all the parameters from basic (screen brightness, sound) to advanced (developer modes, hidden MIUI functions) are concentrated. However, even experienced users sometimes get lost in the variety of ways to access this section - especially if we are talking about new versions of the shell or non-standard situations (for example, a hung screen or a broken sensor).
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of entering settings for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including alternative ways for emergency cases. You will learn how to open the menu through the notification panel, voice assistant, and what to do if the standard method does not work.
Standard method: through the main menu
The most obvious and universal method is to use the Settings icon on the home screen or in the app menu, which works on all Xiaomi models regardless of the MIUI version and year of release.
To open the settings in the standard way:
- 📱 Find on the home screen or in the list of applications the icon with the image of the gear (usually signed as Settings or Settings on the English firmware).
- 👆 Click on it once. If the icon is missing, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app menu, and find it there.
- 🔍 In some firmware (for example, POCO Launcher) The icon can be hidden in the Tools or Utilities folder.
If the icon disappeared after updating or resetting, it can be returned:
- Keep your finger free on the main screen.
- Select Widgets or Screen Settings (depending on the MIUI version).
- Find the Settings list and drag it to the desktop.
Quick access via notification panel
MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 have a convenient way to open settings right from the notification curtain, which saves time if you need to quickly change the settings of the network, sound or display.
Instructions:
- 📲 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- 🔧 In the upper right corner, find the gear icon (it can be hidden behind the button). ⋮ or ⚙️).
- 👆 Click on it – the Settings section with the last used parameters will open.
Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) also display quick switches for popular features (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flight mode) in the curtain.
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If the gear icon is missing from the curtain, check the notification panel settings in the Screen → Control Panel section, where you can turn on the settings button display.
Voice assistant and gestures
Xiaomi smartphones support voice control via Google Assistant or built-in Xiao AI (on Chinese firmware), which comes in handy if the touch screen is not responsive to touch or you are busy with other things.
How to open the settings with voice:
- Activate the voice assistant: 🎤 For Google Assistant: Say OK, Google or hold the Home button (if physical). 🤖 For Xiao. AI: Hold the power button or say (only on Chinese firmware).
- Open the settings.
- Launch the Settings app
- Show me the settings menu.
MIUI 14 also offers gesture support for quick access.
- 👋 Swipe two fingers down the lock screen – a panel with quick settings and a button will open. ⚙️.
- ✌️ In some models (POCO F5, Xiaomi 12T) Double tap on the lock screen triggers the last used application (you can configure Settings).
How to set up a gesture to start settings?
Hidden Ways: Engineering Menu and Modes
For power users and device diagnostics, there are alternative login methods that open up hidden settings, which are useful for testing hardware, debugging, or restoring phone functionality.
The most common combinations:
| Method | Combination | Appointment | Works on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering menu | ##4636## | Information on battery, network, usage statistics | All models. |
| Equipment test | ##6484## or #64663## | Checking the display, camera, sensors | Redmi, POCO |
| Developer mode | 7 times to press the MIUI version in About Phone | Advanced settings for debugging | All models. |
| Reset to factory | ##7780## | Soft reset (without deletion of data) | Only on older versions of MIUI |
⚠️ Note: Use of engineering codes can cause the phone to run in an unstable manner or lose warranty. Do not change settings unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, incorrect settings in the Radio Information section can disrupt the mobile network.
To activate the developer mode (necessary for the USB-debugging, unlocking the bootloader and other advanced features):
Go to Settings. → The phone.
Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row
Enter your password/pattern lock if required.
Return to the main settings menu – a new section for developers will appear-->
What to do if the settings do not open
Sometimes the standard way to log in to settings stops working because of software failures, viruses, or hardware problems, so let's look at typical scenarios and their solutions.
Problem 1: The Settings icon has disappeared or does not respond to the press.
- 🔄 Restart your phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- 🛠️ Install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher) – the icon can be displayed in it.
- 📥 Reinstall the Settings app through ADB (Developer rights required: adb shell pm install -r /system/priv-app/Settings/Settings.apk
Problem 2: The touch screen is not working, but the phone is on.
- 🎧 Connect. USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter - the cursor can open the settings.
- 🗣️ Use a voice assistant (see section above).
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your computer and control it via scrcpy (you will need to turn on the phone). USB-debugging).
⚠️ Note: If the phone is stuck on the logo MI or cyclically reboots, trying to log in to settings can exacerbate the problem, in which case, immediately go to recovery mode (hold power). + Volume up) and perform reset.
Differences in the settings on different models
Despite the common MIUI platform, some Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models have unique customization access features, due to different firmware, regional versions and hardware limitations.
Comparative table for popular series:
| Model/Series | Features of the entrance | Additional menus |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14 series | Signature support in MIUI 14, voice access via Xiao AI | HyperOS section (in new firmware) |
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Settings icon can be hidden in the Tools folder | Additional settings for Game Turbo |
| POCO F/X series | Quick access via swipe down with two fingers on a locked screen | POCO Launcher Settings section |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6 | Divided settings menu for tablet mode | Settings of Stylus and Multi-window |
On Chinese firmware (for example, for Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the settings menu may contain additional items that are not available in the global versions:
- 📡 Double. SIM-Map with extended network priority parameters.
- 🔋 Super Battery Saver - aggressive saving mode.
- 🎮 Game Space – Optimization for Gamers.
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On Chinese firmware, some settings can be in Chinese even with the English interface you choose. Use a translator or manual for a particular model.
Security: How to Protect Access to Settings
The settings menu contains sensitive data (wi-fi passwords, accounts, application rights), so it is important to limit access to it by unauthorized persons. MIUI There are several levels of protection:
Methods of protection:
- 🔒 Set a password/pattern lock to the Settings app itself: Open Settings → Annexes → App management. Find the settings in the list and select Application Protection. Activate lock and ask PIN-code.
Second space
MIUI 12+
Safe regime
Safe regime
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the Settings app, it can only be reset through a full phone reset.This will delete all data, so back up in advance to Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
For corporate users or parental controls, MIUI 14 has a Restricted Mode feature:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Limited Mode.
- Install. PIN-code and select which settings sections will be available.