How to go to the settings of the Xiaomi phone: all the ways and hidden functions

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users extensive customization options, but it’s not always obvious how to quickly find the right settings. Even the basic task of entering the main settings menu can raise questions for a beginner, especially if we are talking about models with non-standard layout of interface elements (for example, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 or POCO F5). In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to access settings, including alternative methods for devices with a damaged screen or locked interface.

It’s important to understand that MIUI and phone model affect the look of the menu. For example, in Redmi Note 12, the path to some sections is different from Xiaomi 13 Ultra due to firmware differences. We’ve taken these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on 95% of the brand’s devices (except for extremely outdated models until 2018), and you’ll learn how to open hidden engineering menus for power users and what to do if standard methods do not work.

Method 1: Standard login through the Settings icon

The most obvious method is to use a shortcut on the home screen or in the app menu, but even here, there are nuances that many people don't know about:

• 📱 Home screen: Settings icon (cog) is usually on the first page. If it's not, check the Tools folder or swipe left to open the app menu.
• 🔍 Search: Swipe down the main screen to open the search bar, and type “Settings” (works even if the icon is hidden).
• 📂 App menu: tap the dot (or swipe up), find the gear icon. MIUI 14 it can be hidden under the tab "All applications».

Some models (such as the Xiaomi Civi 3) have a modified settings icon, with a phone silhouette and wrench instead of a gear, and if you don't find a familiar symbol, look for these variations.

⚠️ Note: On devices with child mode (for example, enabled through Settings) → Special features) access to system parameters may be limited. PIN-administrator.

Method 2: Quick access through the notification panel

Minimalists will appreciate this method – it allows you to open the settings in 2 touches, without looking for the icon on the screen:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner (near the Clean button).

In MIUI 14, this method works stably, but in older versions (e.g. MIUI 12.5 on Redmi 9A), the icon may not be present.

• 🔄 Long tapping on the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon in the notification bar will automatically redirect you to the appropriate settings section.
• 📶 Click on the network indicator (for example, «4G» or «5G») — The mobile network menu will open.

This method is especially useful if you need to quickly change the network mode or turn on flight mode without unnecessary transitions. For example, on the Xiaomi 13T Pro, this way you can activate 5G SA in 3 seconds, which is not available through the main settings menu.

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If the notification bar does not respond to the swipe, check if the gesture “Double tap to wake up” is enabled in Settings → Screen → Additional. This bug occurs on POCO X5 Pro after upgrading to MIUI 14.0.3.

Method 3: Voice assistant and gestures

For users who do not have a touch screen or special features are included, alternative methods are suitable:

• 🎤 Voice Assistant: Say “OK, Google” (if configured) or activate XiaoAI (long press home) and say “Open Settings».
• 👆 Triple Touch gesture: Include it in Settings → Special facilities → Gestures. Once activated, triple tap the screen opens a quick access menu where there's a Settings button».
• 🖱️ USB-Mouse: Connect the mouse through OTG-Adapter – cursor will allow you to more accurately press the gear icon if the sensor is not working correctly.

On the Xiaomi Pad 6 and other tablets of the brand, these techniques are especially relevant because of the large screen. For example, voice control helps to quickly open screen resolution or reading settings without being distracted by viewing content.

Method 4: Hidden engineering menus (for power users)

If you need advanced settings that are not available in the standard interface (such as hardware tests or modem settings), use these commands:

#4636## - Phone information and usage statistics
##225## - Signal Level Check and SIM-Map data
#36446337## - Equipment test (on Redmi Note 11 and later)
# #06## — IMEI check (relevant when buying a used device)

On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and 2023 flagships, some engineering menus are blocked.

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Return to the main settings menu, open Additional → for developers.
3. Enable the option of OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu (e.g. Band Selection for the network) can lead to loss of communication with the operator. On Xiaomi 13 Pro, incorrect modem settings sometimes require a complete reset via Fastboot.

Method 5: Access to settings from a locked screen

If the phone is locked, but you need to urgently change the settings (for example, turn on the mobile Internet for calls), use these techniques:

• 📞 Emergency call: on the lock screen, click "Emergency call", enter ##4636## - the menu of information about the phone will open (does not work on all models).
• 🔋 Charging: Connect your phone to charging – on some devices (like Redmi) A2) When connecting the power, the “Settings” button appears at the bottom of the screen.
• 🔑 Smart Lock: if you configure a Trusted Device (e.g., Xiaomi Watch smartwatch) S3), The phone is unlocked automatically when connected to it.

Xiaomi 13 Lite and other models with AMOLED-There's another trick in the screen: double tap the lock screen (if you have Double tap to wake), then swipe down for the notification bar and tap the gear, and it works even if you're not aware of it. PIN-code not entered.

Make sure your phone is over 20% charged.

Connect to Wi-Fi (if you need to download updates)

Remember the Mi Account details (linked to the device)

Check for backup in Settings → Google → Backup

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Problem Solving: Settings are not open

If standard methods do not work, the reasons may be as follows:

On the POCO F4 GT and other devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, there is sometimes a bug where the settings open but close immediately.

1. Restart your phone and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
2. Turn off improved performance in Settings → Battery → Performance Mode.
3. Update your firmware to the latest version (the bug is fixed in MIUI 14.0.5).

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If the settings are unavailable due to a firmware failure, the only reliable way to recover is to flash through Fastboot using the official Xiaomi ROM.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi settings