Why Update Xiaomi with Hidden Menu and When to Update
The three-point menu (or Engineering Menu) upgrade method is an alternative way to install firmware on Xiaomi devices when standard options don’t work, an approach often used to restore the system after crashes, bypass regional restrictions, or force the installation of beta versions of software. However, this is not a universal solution: on most modern Xiaomi smartphones and TVs (2022-2026), the hidden menu is either blocked or requires additional manipulation to access.
Key scenarios when users resort to this method: 1 The device got stuck on the Mi logo after a failed update OTA. 2) The system does not see new firmware versions through the standard Settings menu → The phone. → System update. (3) You must revert to the previous version MIUI 4 Install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS) without unlocking the bootloader.
It is important to understand: the menu “3 points” on Xiaomi TVs (series Mi) TV, Redmi Smart TV) On TV, it's usually a service menu for testing equipment, and on phones, it's an engineering menu for diagnostics, and updating through it doesn't always guarantee success and can lead to a brick if you break the sequence of actions.
Preparation of the device: what to do before entering the 3-point menu
Before you try to upgrade Xiaomi through a hidden menu, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, and ignoring them in 80% of cases leads to errors like Update failed or endless download.
1. Check the current version MIUI/Android TV. Go to Settings. → About the phone (or Settings) → The device → About TV) and write it down:
- Version MIUI (for example, MIUI 14.0.5).
- Assembly number (e.g, V14.0.5.0.TMBCNXM).
- Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or Mi TV P1 55’’).
This data will be needed to select the right firmware.
2. Download the firmware in advance. For smartphones, take official.zip files from Xiaomi Firmware or Xiaomi Firmware Updater. For TVs, from the official support portal. Never use files from torrents or unverified sources! The risk of catching a virus or "broken" firmware is too high.
☑️ Checklist before update
3. Prepare the tools. Depending on the device, you may need:
- For smartphones: USB-TypeC cable, computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot and the Mi Flash Tool.
- For TVs: remote (necessarily original!), flash drive FAT32 up to 32 GB, firmware file with.pkg extension.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs from 2023 to 2026 (e.g. Mi) TV Q2 75′′ or Redmi Smart Fire TV) 3-point menus can be blocked by the manufacturer, and trying to log in without unlocking the bootloader will result in a reset before the factory settings!
How to enter the menu “3 points” on Xiaomi smartphones: step-by-step instructions
On smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO The hidden menu is called by a combination of buttons or through ADB. The method depends on the model and version MIUI.
Method 1: Hardware buttons (for older models)
1. Turn off the phone.
2.Put the Volume up at the same time + Power for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and quickly press Volume down 3 times in a row. The menu should open with items in English or Chinese.
Method 2: Through ADB (new-model).
1. Connect the phone to the PC and turn on Debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times according to version, then return to additional → For developers).
2. Open the command line on the PC and type:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings3. In the menu that appears, look for Engineering Mode or Hidden Menu.
What to do if the menu does not open?
Method 3: Through the Test app (for some models).
On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5 Redmi Note 11 – The hidden menu can be opened through the standard Test application):
1. Open the Test application (if not, download it) APK APKPure).
2. Go to the Hardware Test section → Version Info.
3.Slip on the logo. MIUI 5 times – the engineering menu will open.
| Model of the device | Combination for entry | Is it necessary to unlock the loader |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Loudness up + Meals, then 3× Loudness down | No. |
| Xiaomi 12/13/14 | Only through ADB Or Mi Flash Tool. | Yes. |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | Appendix Test or ADB | No (but may be required) |
| Mi TV A2/L2/P1 | Remote: Menu → Back up. → Up. → Let's go. | No. |
Update firmware through the menu “3 points” on Xiaomi TVs
On Xiaomi TVs, the process of updating through a hidden menu is different from smartphones. Here, the 3-point menu (or Service Menu) is designed for diagnostics and is rarely used for firmware. E0001 Or hanging on the logo is the only way to bring the device back to life.
Instructions for Mi TV/Redmi TV:
1. Turn off the TV from the socket for 1 minute, then turn it on.
2. On the original remote, quickly press the sequence:
Menu → Back up. → Up. → Let's go.
or
Menu → Back up. → Up. → OK.
3. In the menu that opens, select Upgrade or Software Update (use the Up/down buttons on the remote).
4. Connect the flash drive with firmware (.pkg) to the port USB 2.0 (usually sideways).
5. Select the firmware file and confirm the installation.
Important nuances:
- The flash drive should be formatted in FAT32 (not exFAT or NTFS).
- The firmware file name should include a TV model (e.g., a TV model, l55m7-ars_pkg_12345.pkg).
The upgrade process will take 10 to 20 minutes, so don't pull the flash drive and push the buttons on the remote, and the TV will reboot automatically.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 2026) the 3-point menu may be disabled, in which case an official service center or firmware will be required to update via the service. ADB PC.
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If the TV can’t see the flash drive, try another one. USB-Port (usually only port) USB 2.0, marked as Service. Also check that the firmware file is at the root of the disk, not in the folder.
Common Update Errors and How to Fix Them
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users are faced with errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.
1. Update failed or Installation aborted error.
- Wrong firmware version (for example, trying to install Global on the China version of the device).
- A damaged firmware file (incompletely downloaded or with errors).
There is not enough space in memory (needs at least 1 GB of free space).
Decision:
MD5
The TV/phone is stuck on the Mi logo after the update.
- Interrupted firmware process (pulled cable or flash drive).
- Incompatible version MIUI/Android TV.
Decision:
Fastboot Mode
Loudness down + Nutrition
Mi Flash Tool
3. The 3-point menu won't open.
On the new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13) the menu is blocked.
- Uses a non-original remote (for TV).
Decision:
ADB
Bluetooth
Ctrl + Alt + F12
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If the device doesn’t turn on after a failed update, don’t panic: 90% of the time, it can be restored via Fastboot or service menus, and the main thing is not to try to flash it again without diagnosing the error.
Alternative ways to update if the 3-point menu is not available
If you can’t log into the hidden menu, consider other methods of updating:
- 📱 For smartphones: 🔄 OTA-Update: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system. 💻 Mi Flash Tool: Fastboot firmware (requires unlocking the bootloader). 📦 Recovery Mode: installing a.zip file through TWRP (power-user).
- 📺 For TVs: 🌐 Automatic Update: Settings → On TV. → Update of the PO. 🔌 Through USB: Download the firmware from the official website and follow the instructions in the file readme.txt. 🖥️ ADB Sideload: for advanced users (requires PC and cable).
When to contact the service center:
If the device does not respond to buttons and does not turn on.
- If there is a DM-Verity corruption or No error after the firmware OS installed.
If you are not sure about your actions (risk of damaging your eMMC memory).
The cost of restoration in official Xiaomi services starts from 1,500 rubles (for smartphones) and 3,000 rubles (for TVs).
How to check the success of the update and what to do next
After updating through the 3-point menu, you need to make sure that the system is working correctly.
1. Check the software version.
- On a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
- On TV: Settings → The device → On TV. → POS version.
Compare it to the version you installed. If the versions don't match, the update failed.
2. Test the basic functions:
Smartphone: calls, mobile Internet, Wi-Fi, camera, fingerprint sensor.
- Television: sound, picture, Smart TV-functions (Netflix, YouTube), remote control.
If something doesn’t work, it’s possible the firmware was incomplete or incompatible.
3. Reset the settings (optional).
If after updating the device brakes or glides, reset:
- On a smartphone: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings.
- On TV: Settings → The device → Resetting and administration → Data resetting.
Attention:
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After the Xiaomi TV update, the audio setting may reset.Go to Settings → Sound. → Sound modes and select Movie or Music depending on the content.