How to open the engineering menu on Xiaomi Android smartphones: the complete guide

The hidden engineering menu on Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool for hardware diagnostics, module testing, and fine-tuning. It is available on all devices running MIUI (including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark), but the manufacturer deliberately hides it from ordinary users. In this guide, we will detail how to activate the engineering menu without risking damage to the system, what features are available on it and how to use them correctly.

It is important to understand that the engineering menu is designed for service centers and power users. Some parameters here can lead to unstable device operation if they are changed without understanding the consequences. However, to diagnose problems (for example, a broken proximity sensor, a bad network signal or an accelerometer malfunction), this menu is indispensable. We will show universal login methods that work on 90% of Xiaomi models regardless of the MIUI version.

If you’ve never worked with engineering settings, start with the familiarization sections to avoid common errors. For advanced users, we’ve prepared advanced instructions, including ADB access and alternative methods for locked bootloaders.

What is an Engineering Menu and Why You Need It

Engineer Mode or Service Menu is a built-in utility in Android firmware that allows you to:

• 🔍 Test hardware components: screen, cameras, speakers, microphones, sensors.
• 📡 Check the network parameters: signal strength, information about SIM-map, modulation modes.
• 🔧 Adjust system settings that are not available in the standard interface (for example, disable diagnostic services).
• 📊 Read logs and diagnostic data to analyze problems.

On Xiaomi smartphones, the engineering menu is implemented on the basis of two systems:

1. Qualcomm menu (for devices on Snapdragon chips) is the most functional, with sections for testing each module.
2. MTK-Menu (for MediaTek devices) – a simplified version, but with unique options for network diagnostics.

Example: Qualcomm menu can check the work GPS in real time, while in real time MTK-menus are available with advanced settings 4G/5G-Both versions of the menu are hidden from the user, but they can be activated without the user. ROOT-rights.

⚠️ Note: Changes in parameters in sections RF Test (radio frequency tests) or Hardware Testing can result in a device certification breach or loss of warranty.Do not edit values unless you are sure of their purpose.

How to open an engineering menu on Xiaomi

There are several proven methods of activating the engineering menu, and we will list them in order from the simplest to the most technically complex:

1. via USSD code (the fastest way)

On most Xiaomi devices, the engineering menu is opened with a special code:

##4636##

Once you enter this code, a dialing screen will show you a window that selects the sections: Phone Information, Battery Use, Usage Statistics and Wi-Fi Settings. This is a simplified version of the menu, but it gives you access to key diagnostic data.

For devices on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), use an alternative code:

##36446337##

This code will open up an advanced MTK Engineer Mode with sensor and network tests.

2. Through the phone app

If USSD-codes do not work (for example, on new versions) MIUI 14+), Try this method:

1. Open the standard phone application.
2. Go to the keyboard tab (as if you are going to dial a number).
3. Enter one of the combinations: 📱 For Qualcomm: ##4636## or #8255## GPS). 📱 For MediaTek: ##36446337## or #36446338## (accelometer test).

Press the call button and the menu will open automatically.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), these codes may be blocked by the manufacturer. ADB (described below).

3. via ADB (for blocked menus)

If the standard codes don't work, you can activate the engineering menu via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but is guaranteed to work on all devices.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings or for MTK: adb shell am start -n com.mediatek.engineermode/.EngineerMode

If the charge current is significantly lower than the stated one (for example, 300 mA instead of 1800 mA), the problem may be in the cable, adapter or USB-C port. Also check the Battery Health section - if the status of Poor or Replace, it is time to change the battery.

Network and communication testing

If you have a poor mobile signal or frequent call interruptions:

1. Go to RF Test → GSM/LTE.
2. Check the parameters: 📶 RSSI (signal level: optimally -70 dBm and higher (the closer you get to it) 0, better). 📡 RSRP (quality 4G/5G): norm -90 dBm. 🔄 Ping to base station (should be) <100 miss).

Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network

To diagnose Wi-Fi, use the Wi-Fi Test section, which checks the connection speed, noise level, and signal strength of the router. If the speed is lower than the stated one, try changing the channel on the router (for example, from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz).

Diagnostics of screen and sensors

If the screen does not respond to touch or spontaneously presses buttons:

1. Open Hardware Testing → Touch Screen Test.
2. Swipe your finger across the screen – the trajectory should remain (if not, the problem is in the touchscreen).
3. Check Sensor Test → Proximity Sensor: Raise your hand to the top of the screen – the value should change from 5 to 0.

If the proximity sensor is not working, the screen will not turn off during the call, which will lead to accidental pressing, in which case you need to change the sensor or flash the module.

Risks and Warnings When Working with Engineering Menus

Despite its usefulness, the engineering menu has several dangers:

1. System Stability Disruption: Changing settings in RF Calibration or Modem Settings can cause network loss or “eternal” device reboot.
2. Reset warranty: Some Xiaomi service centers check the logs of the engineering menu, and if they detect changes in critical parameters, they may refuse warranty repairs.
3. Data loss: The Storage Test section has options for formatting internal memory, and activating them will result in a complete reset of the device.

These tools require connecting the phone to a PC and are designed for power users.

💡

If the engineering menu is not available, start diagnosing apps from Google Play – they are safe and cover 80% of typical problems.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's engineering menu