Have you ever wondered how to run hidden Xiaomi Redmi settings that the manufacturer hid from ordinary users? Activity Launcher is a powerful tool that allows you to access internal MIUI components that are usually not available through the standard menu, with it you can test new features, restore remote system applications or even bypass some firmware restrictions - all without root rights.
In this article, we’ll break down how to install and use Activity Launcher on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (including Note 12, Redmi 10, POCO X5 and others), what hidden features it opens, and how to avoid typical system component errors. You’ll learn how to run Hardware Tests, Hidden Camera Settings, Engineering Mode Menu, and more – with detailed screenshots and explanations for each feature.
⚠️ Important: Not all system activities are safe to run; some can cause crashes or even locking of the device if you change the settings without understanding their purpose; we will detail which components can be run without risk and which are best avoided.
What is Activity Launcher and Why You Need It on Xiaomi Redmi?
Activity Launcher is an Android utility that displays all the activities installed on the device (app and system component screens), even those that are not visible in the standard interface. On Xiaomi smartphones, this is especially useful because:
- 🔧 MIUI hides a lot of debugging and testing tools that are only available to engineers or through ADB.
- 📱 Remote system applications (e.g., FM-radio or Infrared port) can be restored.
- ⚡ Run hidden camera, battery, or network modes that the manufacturer has disabled for regular users.
- 🛠️ Test new features MIUI before they are officially released.
For example, with Activity Launcher, you can open:
- 📸 Hidden camera settings (Pro Mode, Night Mode 2.0, manual focusing)
- 🔋 Battery engineering menu (detailed discharge statistics, battery tests).
- 📡 Network Service Menu (manual setting LTE/5G, signal tests).
- 🔄 Reset menu to factory settings (alternative hard reset method without buttons).
The utility does not require root rights, but some features may be limited without them, for example, changing system parameters (as in EngineerMode) may require additional permissions.
How to install Activity Launcher on Xiaomi Redmi
The utility is not available on Google Play for Xiaomi due to MIUI limitations, but it can be installed manually.
- Download the latest version of Activity Launcher from the official repository: GitHub QuarksLab (select activitylauncher-v*.apk file).
- Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special permissions → Install unknown applications → select a browser or file manager.
- Install a.apk file and open the application.
If Activity Launcher does not display system activity after installation, follow the following steps:
Enable USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version [7 times] → Developer permissions)
Give the application all permissions (Settings → Applications → Activity Launcher → Permissions)
Restart the phone after installation
Update the application to the latest version-->
⚠️ Warning: On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 14), system activity may be blocked even after installation, in which case only unlocking the bootloader or using ADB will help.
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If you only want hidden camera settings, try entering the ##36446337## in the Camera app, which will open the engineering menu without Activity Launcher.
Top-10 Hidden Xiaomi Redmi Features Available via Activity Launcher
Now, to the most interesting thing, what exactly can you run on your Redmi using this utility, we have selected the 10 most useful hidden activities that work on most models (tested on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5, Redmi 10 2022).
| Name of activity | The Way to Activity Launcher | What do you need? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment test | com.android.settings → .TestingSettings | Checking the display, speakers, camera, sensors | Low (data reading only) |
| Engineering Menu (MTK) | com.mediatek.engineermode → .EngineerMode | Network, battery, GPS (for MediaTek processors) | Medium (you can knock down network settings) |
| Hidden camera settings | com.android.camera →.CameraActivity or.ManualCamera | Pro Mode, Night Mode 2.0, Manual Focus | Low (unless you change the settings manually) |
| Recovery menu | com.android.settings → .RecoverySettings | An alternative way to reset to factory settings | High (data loss) |
| Developer settings (extended) | com.android.settings → .DevelopmentSettings | Additional options for developers (hidden in MIUI) | Medium (the stability of the system can be disturbed) |
🔹 How to find the activity you want? In Activity Launcher, open the All Activity tab, search for the name of the system application (such as settings or camera), and select the desired item from the list. Some activities may be called differently depending on the version of MIUI.
What happens if you start the wrong activity?
Step-by-step: how to run hidden camera settings
One of the most popular features of Activity Launcher is access to hidden camera modes, which Xiaomi disables in standard firmware. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ you can activate:
- 🌙 Night Mode 2.0 (Improved Night Mode)
- 🎥 Pro Video (manual settings for video)
- 🔍 Macro Mode (no-limits macrographing)
Here's how to do it:
- Open Activity Launcher and go to All Activity Activity tab.
- In the search box, type in the camera and select the com.android.camera app.
- Find activities with the names:.ManualCamera – manual settings;.NightCamera – night mode;.ProModeCamera – professional mode.
Click on the right activity and wait for the camera to start. Some modes may not work on budget models (for example, Redmi 9A).
⚠️ Warning: If after running the hidden mode, the camera starts to give an error "Camera is not responding", restart the phone or reset the settings of the Camera application in Settings → Applications.
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Hidden camera modes can require more resources and drain the battery faster. Use them only when necessary.
Security: What activities should not be started
Not all MIUI system components are designed for ordinary users, and some activities may include:
- 🔄 Reset settings (e.g. com.android.settings →.MasterClear).
- 📵 Disable the network (activity with telephony in the title).
- 🔋 Disrupt the battery (change settings in com.android.server.BatteryService).
- 🚨 Call bootloop (activities associated with com.android.server.boot).
🔹 How do you distinguish safe from dangerous activity?
- ✅ Safe: Names with Testing, Info, View (e.g.,.BatteryInfo).
- ❌ Dangerous: Names with Clear, Reset, Factory, Wipe.
If you accidentally start a dangerous activity and your phone starts to behave unstable:
- Reset the device immediately.
- If the system is not loading, go to Recovery Mode (clip Power + Volume up) and reset.
Activity Launcher vs ADB: What’s Best for Xiaomi Redmi
Many of the functions of Activity Launcher can be performed through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), but each method has its pros and cons:
| Criteria | Activity Launcher | ADB |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (intuitive interface) | ⭐⭐ (requires command knowledge) |
| Required rights | No root (but some activities are hidden) | Debugging with USB + sometimes root |
| Opportunities | Limited to the start of activities | Full control of the system |
| Risks. | Low (unless you start dangerous activities) | High (may damage the system) |
🔹 When to use ADB instead of Activity Launcher?
- 🔧 If you need to change system settings (e.g., disable ads in MIUI).
- 📱 If activity is blocked in Activity Launcher (e.g., on MIUI 14).
- 🔄 If you want to automatically execute actions (scripts).
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Activity Launcher will be a sufficient tool, especially if you only need hidden settings or restore remote applications.