How to open system settings on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Xiaomi’s system settings are not only the standard settings menu, but also hidden sections that allow you to fine-tune your smartphone to your needs. Many users do not even realize that the usual MIUI interface hides engineering menus, debugging functions and advanced options available through ADB or secret combinations. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to get into system settings, from basic to advanced, including methods for devices with a locked bootloader.

It is important to understand that some partitions (such as EngineerMode or Testing) may not be available on new models due to Xiaomi’s policy to restrict access to low-level settings. However, even on the latest versions of MIUI 14, there are loopholes for power users. If you own a Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13T, this guide will be right for you.

1. Standard method: through the main settings menu

The most obvious and safe method is to use the standard MIUI interface, which is suitable for most tasks, from changing the screen resolution to managing application permissions.

• 📱 Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
• 🔍 In the search bar at the top, type in a keyword (such as “screen,” “battery,” or “memory”) to quickly find the section you want.
• 📂 Scroll down to About Phone - here is the version data collected MIUI, device model and hardware characteristics.

Note that some firmware (e.g., the global version for Europe ROM) may have hidden items, and sometimes you need to switch to developer mode to see them (see the next section).

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If you don’t have a search bar in your settings, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI or install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher).

The table below shows the key sections of system settings and their purpose:

2. How to Enable Developer Mode and Hidden Settings

Most of Xiaomi’s advanced features are hidden behind the Developer Menu, and to activate it, follow the following steps:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (you will be notified “You became a developer!”).
3. Return to the main settings menu - there will be a new item Additional → For developers.

In this section you can:

• 🔧 Enable debugging on USB (necessary for the operation of ADB).
• 📡 Activate unlocking OEM (required to unlock the loader).
• 🎯 Change the scale of animation (speeding up the interface).
• 📍 Enable location simulation (for application testing).

Activate the mode (7 taps according to MIUI)

Enable debugging over USB

Allow OEM unlocking (if firmware is planned)

Install ADB drivers on PC (if necessary)

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Warning: some options in this menu may cause the device to function unstable. MIUI Optimization (optimization) MIUI) Sometimes causes lags or gesture problems. - Xiaomi models 12/13 This option may not be available due to changes in the architecture. MIUI 14.

3. Secret codes for accessing system menus

Xiaomi, like other manufacturers, uses hidden devices. USSD-These codes work on most devices, but some can be blocked on global firmware. Type them in the standard Phone app (as if you were dialing a number):

• 📞 ##4636## - Test menu (battery information, usage statistics, network tests).
• 📞 ##6484## - Touch screen test (multi-touch check).
• 📞 ##64663## - information about modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, camera).
• 📞 ##232338## — MAC-Wi-Fi address and network data.

For example, the code ##4636## will open a tabbed menu:

• Phone information – data on the time of operation, type of network, signal.
• Battery statistics - discharge schedule, temperature, charge level.
• Usage statistics – the activity of applications and services.

Attention! ⚠️ Do not change the settings in the test menu unless you are sure of their purpose, for example, a forced shutdown of radio modules (Turn off radio) can lead to loss of communication.

4. Access via Engineering Menu (EngineerMode)

The Engineering Menu (EngineerMode) is a powerful tool for diagnosing and configuring Xiaomi hardware components, and is not available on all models, but on most Qualcomm-powered devices (e.g., Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO X4 Pro) it can be opened as follows:

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode (for Mediatek) or Shortcut Master (universal) app from Google Play.
2. Start the app and select EngineerMode or Secret Codes.
3. In the list, look for EngineerMode (MTK) or Qualcomm Service Menu.

In the engineering menu you will find:

• 📶 RF Band Selection – Manual selection of frequencies LTE/5G (weak-signal).
• 🔊 Audio – tests of speakers, microphones, equalizer setting at the hardware level.
• 📡 Network – forced connection to 2G/3G/4G/5G, ping.
• 🔋 Battery - calibration of the battery, reset statistics.

MIUI Global (Europe)

MIUI China (China)

Custom ROM (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

I don't know what firmware is.

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Important: Changes to the engineering menu can lead to loss of warranty or unstable operation of the device, for example, incorrect setting of LTE Band frequencies can leave you without mobile Internet.

5.Use of ADB for Advanced Access

If standard methods are not enough, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool through your computer, to open hidden settings that are not available through the interface.

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).
2. Enable debugging over USB on your phone (Settings → Developers).
3. Connect the device to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (the serial number of your Xiaomi should appear).
4. To open hidden settings, use the commands: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings (opens the developer menu) or adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.TestingSettings (test menu).

ADB can also be used to:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (requires official permission from Xiaomi).
• 📱 Install custom recovery (TWRP) custom-stitch ROM.
• 🔄 Reset the settings MIUI to the factory without data loss.

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ADB is the most powerful tool for working with system settings, but it requires caution. One wrong command (for example, fastboot erase userdata) can erase all data on the device.

⚠️ Attention: Before working with ADB Back up your data via Mi Cloud or Google Drive. Some commands (like fastboot oem unlock) reset the device to factory settings.

6. Alternative methods: through recovery and fastboot

If the phone is not turned on or locked, system settings can be accessed via Recovery or Fastboot modes, which are suitable for power users and are often used when firmware or repairing the device.

How to get in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button + volume button at the same time.
3. Wait for the Mi logo to appear and release the buttons.

In the Recovery menu (on Xiaomi it is usually in Chinese), you can:

• 🔄 Reset the settings (Wipe Data).
• 📥 Update (Apply Update).
• 🔧 Connect to the PC through ADB Sideload.

How to get into Fastboot:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button + volume reduction button.
3. Connect the device to your PC and use fastboot commands to control it.

⚠️ Note: In Fastboot mode, you can accidentally erase critical partitions (such as modem or boot), which will lead to the “bricking” of the device. On models with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro from China), unlocking through Fastboot requires official permission from the manufacturer.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When trying to log in to system settings, users often encounter errors, and let’s consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 Version MIUI — Some features removed in recent updates.
• 🔒 bootloader status – on blocked devices, access is limited.
• 🛠️ Root rights – Magisk may be required for deep settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions