Xiaomi Engineering Menu: How to go, codes and features for all models

The Engineering Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a hidden tool that allows you to access low-level device settings, where you can test hardware, change network settings, calibrate sensors, or even unlock additional features not available in the standard MIUI. However, not everyone knows how to get there — especially on new models with updated software.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to log into the engineering menu for different versions of Xiaomi, including the current models from 2023-2026. You will learn what secret codes work on your device, how to avoid errors when using hidden features, and what to do if the menu does not open.

What is an engineering menu on Xiaomi and why it is necessary

The Engineering Menu (sometimes referred to as a service menu or test mode) is a built-in tool for diagnosing and tuning the hardware components of a smartphone.

  • 🔧 Service centers for checking the operability of modules (camera, microphone, speakers, accelerometer, etc.).
  • 📡 Communications engineers to test network parameters (4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
  • 🔄 Advanced users to unlock hidden features (for example, enabling VoLTE on unofficial firmware).
  • 🔋 Enthusiasts for calibrating the battery or changing charging parameters.

On Xiaomi smartphones, the engineering menu is based on Qualcomm (for Snapdragon processors) or MediaTek (for Helio/Dimensity chips). It may differ externally, but the working principles are similar. It is important to understand that some of the settings in this menu can disrupt the stability of the device or lead to data loss.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the parameters in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose can cause malfunctions in the phone, overheating, rapid battery discharge or even failure of individual modules. Xiaomi is not responsible for the consequences of such actions.

How to enter the engineering menu on Xiaomi

There are several methods of opening the engineering menu, but not all of them work on modern devices.

1. Through a secret code (the easiest way)

On most Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 et al.) the engineering menu is opened by USSD-code:

##4636##

Once you enter this code, you'll see a menu that will include phone information, battery usage, usage statistics, and testing, but it's a simplified version of the engineering menu that's available without superuser permission.

For full access to low-level settings, use:

##36446337##

This code works on devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi 10C, POCO M5). On smartphones with Snapdragon (e.g. Xiaomi 13, Redmi K60) try:

##4636##

If the code doesn't work, your MIUI firmware may be blocking access, which would require an alternative method.

2. via the "Phone" app (for older models)

On devices before 2020 (e.g. Redmi Note 8, Mi 9), the engineering menu could be opened via the standard Phone app:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Go to the keyboard tab.
  3. Enter one of the codes: ##4636## - basic menu; ##36446337### - for MediaTek; #8255## - GPS test.

⚠️ Note: New models (e.g. Xiaomi) 14, Redmi Note 13) These codes may not work due to limitations. MIUI 14/15. In this case, you will need to use ADB third-party.

📊 What Xiaomi model do you use?
Redmi Note (any)
POCO (anything)
Xiaomi (flagship)
Redmi (budget)
Another mark.

3. via ADB (for advanced users)

If the secret codes don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires connecting your phone to your computer and enabling USB Debugging.

Instructions:

  1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
  2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
  4. Enter the command: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.EngineerMode

On these devices, secret codes may not work, and attempting to log in through ADB leads to an Activity not found error.

  1. Use the application side (e.g., MTK Engineering Mode for MediaTek).
  2. Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP) and run the engineering menu through it.
  3. Reverse to an older version of MIUI (but it's risky).
How to get around the lock on the new Xiaomi?
On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12) you can temporarily unlock the engineering menu by installing regional firmware (e.g. Chinese or EEA).However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to data loss. There are also modified APKs of the engineering menu, but their use is not safe (virus risk).

What to break in the engineering menu and how to avoid it

The engineering menu is a great opportunity, but the risks are high.

  • 📶 Changes in network parameters (e.g, LTE Band) can cause communication loss. The phone will stop catching the network and it will be difficult to return the settings back.
  • 🔋 Calibration of the battery with incorrect values accelerates its wear or causes sudden shutdowns.
  • 🔊 Changing the volume of the speakers above the factory limits leads to distortion of the sound or failure of the speaker.
  • 📡 Disabling antennas (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) can make them inoperable before resetting settings.

The most dangerous partition is RF Calibration, where the wrong settings can “brick” communication modules, and the phone will lose the ability to call or connect to the Internet.

⚠️ Warning: If after changes to the engineering menu, the phone stopped turning on or got stuck on the Xiaomi logo, try resetting the settings via Fastboot with the command: fastboot erase userdata This will delete all data, but will return the device to work. If it does not help, you will need to flash the firmware.

To minimize the risks:

  • 📝 Take screenshots of the initial settings before the changes.
  • 🔄 Do not change the parameters, the purpose of which you do not understand.
  • 🔋 Check the battery in read mode only (do not make changes).
  • 🛠️ Use a backup (for example, via Mi Cloud or the TWRP).

Alternatives to the engineering menu for diagnostics Xiaomi

If the engineering menu is not available or if it seems risky, use alternative diagnostic methods:

1.Inline MIUI tests

MIUI has a hidden section for checking hardware components:

  1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
  2. Click 5 times on the kernel version (or the MIUI version on new models).
  3. The hardware test menu will appear.

Party to the annex

For testing components can be used:

  • 📱 CPU-Z — information about the processor, battery, sensors.
  • 🔊 SoundAbout – Audio Output Checking.
  • 📡 Network Signal Guru – Network Signal Analysis.
  • 🔋 AccuBattery – monitoring the status of the battery.

3.Fastboot mode

You can check the main modules with Fastboot without logging in. Connect your phone to your PC and type in:

fastboot devices

If the device is detected, the hardware is fine. Use:

fastboot oem edl

(But beware – this command puts the phone into EDL mode, which is used for firmware.)

💡

If you only need to check the phone’s health (for example, before buying used), use the built-in MIUI tests or apps from Google Play. The engineering menu is only required for deep diagnostics or unlocking hidden features.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's engineering menu

Can I unlock the bootloader through the engineering menu?
No, the engineering menu does not provide direct access to unlock the bootloader, you need to use the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi and get permission through your Mi Account (binding to the device requires waiting up to 720 hours on new models).
Why is there no problem with #4636##?
This may be due to: Code locking in your version of MIUI (relevant to Xiaomi 13/14). Operator restrictions (some carrier firmware has codes disabled); Entering error (check that you use characters * and # in the correct sequence). Try entering the code not through the phone application keyboard, but in the dialing field in Google Phone (if installed).
How to reset the settings of the engineering menu to the factory?
If you have changed the settings and the phone is not working properly, follow these steps: Log in to the engineering menu the same way you opened it. Find the Restore Defaults or Factory Reset section (usually at the bottom of the list). Confirm the reset. If the menu does not open, make a full reset via Settings → Additional → Reset.
Can the speaker volume be increased through the engineering menu?
Technically, yes, but it's highly discouraged. In Hardware Testing → Audio, you can change the volume values for different scenarios (calls, media, etc.) However: This causes distortions at high volume. It increases the risk of damaging the speakers. After updating MIUI, the settings may reset. You'd better use uniform audio settings (equalizer) in the Music app or third-party utilities like ViPER4Android.
Does the engineering menu work on POCO?
Yes, on POCO smartphones (e.g. POCO X5 Pro, POCO F5), the engineering menu opens in the same ways as on Xiaomi, as they run on MIUI (or POCO Launcher with MIUI shell). Except for models on Snapdragon with custom firmware (e.g. POCO F1 on Pixel Experience), where additional modules may be required.