Introduction: Why you need hidden settings on Xiaomi
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are powered by customized MIUI shells that hide dozens of engineering menus and diagnostic tools from users, features that arenβt meant for everyday use β theyβre used to test hardware, debug software, or restore a device after a crash. But experienced users often use them to overclock performance, calibrate the display, or even bring the brick back to life after a failed firmware.
In this article, we will discuss all known ways to log into hidden menus, from standard combinations for checking sensors to engineering mode ##4636## and the following: ADB-It's important to understand that not all functions are secure, like changing the parameters of the module. NFC or settings of modem can cause communication loss or antenna failure, so each section contains risk warnings and recommendations for backup.
If you are a beginner, start with simple test menus (such as sensor or speaker checks). For advanced users, we have prepared instructions for working with Fastboot and other devices. EDL-It's a mode that allows you to restore the device even when the firmware is damaged β FAQ Answering the Most Common Questions About Xiaomiβs Hidden Features.
Method 1: Standard test menus (USSD codes)
The easiest way to get into hidden settings is to use service settings. USSD-They work on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of model and version. MIUI. It is enough to enter the combination in the application "Phone", as when dialing a number.
Here are the main codes and their purpose:
- π ##4636## - Testing menu and usage statistics, where you can check network, battery and applications. Attention: changing the parameters in the Usage statistics section can reset the energy consumption data.
- π± ##225## - Sensor calibration (accelerometer, gyroscope, compass) - Useful if the smartphone incorrectly determines the orientation of the screen.
- π ##0673## or #0289## - Audio test (speakers, microphone, headphones) automatically plays sounds and records a test sample.
- πΆ ##4634## β information SIM-map and nets. IMEI, signal level and type of connection (2G/3G/4G/5G).
- π ##44336## - Battery life and temperature data, useful for quick discharge diagnosis.
Some codes may not work on newer models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) due to the limitations of MIUI 15. If nothing happens after entering the combination, try adding the # character at the end or use an alternative method (about it in the next section).
β οΈ Attention: Code ##7780## It does a soft reset (removes apps and settings, but saves files *2767*3855# β Full reset to factory settings with internal memory formatting. Never enter them without backing up!
Method 2: Engineering menu through settings (without codes)
If USSD-codes do not work, try to open hidden settings through the standard menu MIUI. This method works on most devices, including the Redmi 10, POCO F5 Xiaomi 12T.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to the About Phone (or About Device) section.
- Click 5-7 times in a row on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
- Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
- Activate the OEM Unlock switch (password confirmation is required).
- Find Local Terminal or Engineering Menu (on some models it is hidden β see spoiler below).
In the engineering menu you will find:
- π Hardware Testing β Tests of all components (camera, Bluetooth, GPS).
- π§ Band Selection β Manual frequency selection for mobile network (useful in weak signal areas).
- π Factory Reset β alternative reset method (works even if standard method is not available).
What to do if there is no "Engineering Menu"?
Note: On smartphones with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F4 GT), the engineering menu may be called QC Test or Qualcomm Settings.
π‘
If no points appear after activation of the developer mode, restart the device. Sometimes the changes only apply after the reboot.
Method 3: Hidden settings via ADB (for advanced)
If standard methods fail, you can access hidden features via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but offers the maximum possibilities from changing system settings to unlocking the bootloader.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- π Cable USB (preferably original).
- π οΈ Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools (you can download from the official Android website).
- βοΈ Initiated Debugging Mode USB (developer-side).
Step-by-step:
βοΈ Preparation for work with ADB
- Connect the smartphone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
- Open the command line (or terminal) and type in: adb shell
- To open the engineering menu, run: am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings or for the test menu: am start -n com.android.settings/.TestingSettings
- To access the modem settings, use: am start -n com.android.phone/.NetworkSetting
List of useful ADB-teaming:
| Team team. | Description | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| adb shell dumpsys battery | Shows detailed information about the battery (temperature, voltage, charge cycles). | No. |
| adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1 | Unlocks hidden APIs (necessary for some engineering applications). | It can disrupt some system functions. |
| adb reboot edl | Reboots the device to EDL-Mode (for firmware via Mi Flash). | High risk of "bricking" if used incorrectly. |
| adb shell am broadcast -a android.provider.Telephony.SECRET_CODE -d android_secret_code://4636 | An alternative way to open the #4636## menu. | No. |
β οΈ Attention: Adb reboot bootloader will put the device into Fastboot mode, and fastboot oem unlock will unlock the bootloader. This will completely reset all data on the phone and may lead to a loss of warranty. Use only if you are confident in your actions!
Method 4: Hidden settings through third-party apps
If you don't want to mess with codes or ADBs, you can use specialized applications that provide a user-friendly interface to access engineering functions, but require a super-user (root) or at least an unlocked bootloader.
Top.-3 tested applications:
- π οΈ MTK Engineering Mode β for devices running MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO M5). Allows you to test sensors, set up networks and calibrate the battery.
- π§ Qualcomm Engineer Mode β analogue to smartphones on Snapdragon (Xiaomi) 12 Pro, Black Shark 5). Including diagnostics RF-module and settings LTE/5G.
- π‘ Network Signal Guru β shows detailed information about the mobile network (signal level, neighboring towers, type of modulation) works without root, but some features are limited.
Before installing these programs, check:
- Compatible with your model (see description in Google Play or 4PDA).
- User reviews β some apps may contain ads or malicious code.
- Availability of a backup copy of the data (in case of failure).
Example of MTK Engineering Mode:
- Install the application and open it.
- Select the MTK Settings section.
- Go to Hardware Testing β Audio.
- Run a speaker test (Speaker Test) or a microphone (Mic Test).
π‘
Third-party apps are convenient but may contain vulnerabilities. Never install APKs from unverified sources - only use Google Play or official Xiaomi forums.
Method 5: Hidden settings in Recovery and Fastboot mode
If the smartphone is not turned on or getting stuck on the MI logo, you can try to restore it through the hidden Recovery or Fastboot menus, which are available even when the firmware is damaged and allow you to reset, flash a new version of MIUI or roll back to the factory.
How to log in to Recovery:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power + Volume button up for 10-15 seconds.
- Release the buttons when the Mi Recovery logo appears.
The Recovery menu is available:
- π Reboot - reboot.
- ποΈ Wipe Data β reset to factory settings (deletes all data!).
- π₯ Apply update β installing firmware with SD-card ADB.
- π§ Advanced β additional options (clearing the cache, checking partitions).
For entrance to Fastboot:
- Turn off the device.
- Press Power + Volume down.
- Connect your phone to your PC and use the commands: fastboot devices fastboot reboot (for reboot) or fastboot flash recovery twrp.img (for custom recavator installation).
β οΈ Note: In Fastboot mode, you can accidentally erase critical partitions (such as modem or boot). Always check commands before executing and use official firmware from Xiaomi's website.
What to Configure in Hidden Menus (and What Not to Do)
Hidden settings give you access to dozens of settings, but not all of them are safe to change. Below is a table with the most useful features and the risks of editing them.
| Function | What do you need? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Calibration of the battery | Reset the charge cycle counter (useful if the phone turns off at 20-30%). | If calibrated incorrectly, it may show an incorrect percentage of charge. |
| Manual network setup | Selecting the preferred frequency (e.g., 4G only instead of automatic mode). | It can cause communication loss if an unsupported frequency is selected. |
| Display test | Check for broken pixels, backlight, color reproduction. | No (diagnosis only). |
| Change of IMEI | Recovery after reset or firmware (only for power users!). | Illegal in most countries. It can block the network. |
| Setting up GPS | Accelerate satellite search or region-specific linkage. | It can impair the accuracy of location. |
Examples of safe actions:
- π Checking the speaker and microphone (helps diagnose hardware problems).
- πΆ Network signal strength test (useful if the phone is not catching communication well in some places).
- π View of the real state of the battery (number of cycles, wear and tear).
What can't be done without experience:
- β Change modem settings (may cause network loss).
- β Format system or vendor partitions in Fastboot.
- β Change. IMEI or MAC-address (this is illegal in most countries).