The hidden engineering menu in Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool for diagnosing, testing hardware components and fine-tuning the system. MIUI, But the manufacturer deliberately hides it from the average user, and in this guide, we'll go into detail how to activate the engineering menu on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi models, what features it provides, and what risks are negligent interference with system parameters.
It is important to understand that the engineering menu is designed for service centers and power users, where you can test the display, speakers, cameras, sensors, as well as change the network settings (for example, switch modes). 4G/5G However, incorrect actions can lead to loss of warranty, malfunction of the device or even its βbrickingβ. So carefully read all warnings before using and follow the instructions.
This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note models. 12/13, POCO F5/X5, Xiaomi 13/14 and others on the base MIUI 14/15. If your device is running an older firmware version (for example, MIUI 12), Some codes may not work β weβll mention that below.
What is an Engineering Menu and Why You Need It
Engineer Mode or Service Menu is a hidden section of the Android operating system that contains tools for:
- π§ Diagnostics of hardware components (screen, battery, cameras, speakers, microphones, sensors).
- π‘ Testing of network modules (GSM, LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS).
- βοΈ Changes to system parameters not available in standard settings (e.g., debugging activation) USB loader-free).
- π View detailed information about the device (IMEI, serial number, firmware version, sensor data).
For example, through the engineering menu you can:
- π Check the performance of speakers at different frequencies (useful if the sound is distorted).
- πΈ Calibrate the cameraβs autofocus or check the matrix for broken pixels.
- πΆ Manually select frequencies 4G/5G Improve communication in weak signal.
- π Find out the real capacity of the battery and the number of charging cycles.
However, there is a downside: incorrect settings can lead to:
- β Network loss (if you change the parameters of the communication module).
- β Overheating of the device (when activating hidden modes of the processor).
- β Camera failure (if the sensors are not calibrated correctly).
β οΈ Attention: Changing the parameters in the engineering menu may disrupt the stability of the smartphone. IMEI or serial number) prohibited by law and may entail criminal liability.
How to open an engineering menu on Xiaomi
There are several methods to activate the engineering menu on Xiaomi devices. The choice depends on the smartphone model and version. MIUI. Below we will look at all the working methods, starting with the simplest.
Method 1: Code for logging into the engineering menu
The fastest way is to use a secret code. Open the Phone app and type one of the combinations:
- π± ##4636## is a universal code for most Android smartphones, and will open a menu with information about the phone, battery, usage statistics and tests.
- π± ##36446337## β Alternate code for Xiaomi, leading to the extended engineering menu (EngineerMode).
- π± ##6484## - Test of hardware components (camera, display, sensors).
- π± ##64663## - Network and Communications Testing Menu.
If nothing happens after entering the code, try:
- Remove the # characters and enter only numbers (e.g. 4636).
- Use the Google Keyboard instead of the standard keyboard MIUI.
- Reboot your smartphone and try again.
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) the codes may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case use the alternative methods described below.
Method 2: Through the "EngineerMode" application" (MTK)
If your Xiaomi smartphone is running on a MediaTek processor (like Redmi) 9A, POCO M3), The engineering menu can be opened through a special application:
- Go to Settings. β All parameters. β Special facilities β EngineerMode.
- If there is no item, download APK-file MTK Engineer Mode from the official Xiaomi website or a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror).
- Install the application by pre-allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings β Applications β Special Access β Installation of Unknown Applications).
- Start EngineerMode and select the desired partition.
The application provides access to:
- π‘ Network Testing β Network Testing (signal, frequency, IMSI).
- π Audio β checking microphones and speakers.
- πΈ Camera β Calibration and testing of cameras.
- π Battery - detailed information about the battery.
Method 3: Through ADB (for power users)
If the standard codes do not work, you can activate the engineering menu through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and enabling debugging. USB.
Instructions:
- Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings (Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version β Press 7 times, then go back to Settings β Additional β For Developers).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R β cmd).
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices Wait for the serial number of the device to appear.
- Start the Engineering Menu with Adb Shell Am Start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings The menu is called Adb Shell Am Start. -n com.miui.engineermode/.MainActivity
If the commands donβt work, try an alternative:
adb shell am start -a android.settings.DEVELOPMENT_SETTINGSβ οΈ Attention: Use ADB The wrong commands can cause the system to fail. Don't change the settings unless you're sure they're there.
βοΈ Preparation for work with ADB
Sections of the Engineering Menu and their functions
Once you've successfully logged into the engineering menu, you'll see several tabs or sections, and their composition depends on the model of the smartphone and the version. MIUI. Below we will discuss the main sections and their capabilities.
| Section | Appointment | Examples of use |
|---|---|---|
| Telephony | Testing of network modules (GSM, LTE, 5G) | Signal strength check, manual operator selection, test SIM-map |
| Connectivity | Diagnostics of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS | Wi-Fi speed check, Bluetooth connection test, calibration GPS |
| Hardware Testing | Testing of hardware components | Checking the display for broken pixels, vibration test, calibration of the accelerometer |
| Battery | Battery information | Checking the real capacity, number of charging cycles, temperature |
| Camera | Setup and testing of cameras | Autofocus calibration, matrix check, flash test |
Letβs take a closer look at the most popular sections.
1. Telephony (Network and Communications)
This section allows:
- πΆ View information about the current network (LTE, 5G, GSM).
- π Manually select frequencies to improve the signal (useful in areas of weak coverage).
- π Testing outgoing and incoming calls, and SMS.
- π’ look through IMEI, serial number and other device identifiers.
For example, if you have a problem with 4G-network, you can:
- Go to Telephony β Network Selecting β Manual.
- Select the operator manually (if the automatic search does not work).
- Check the signal level in Signal Strength.
β οΈ Attention: Changing the network settings can lead to loss of communication. Do not change the settings if you do not understand their values. LTE It can make your smartphone invisible to the base station.
2. Hardware Testing (Equipment Testing)
Here you can check:
- π± Display - test for broken pixels, color reproduction, sensor.
- π Speakers and microphones β checking sound at different frequencies.
- π· Cameras β test matrix, autofocus, flash.
- π Battery - real capacity, voltage, temperature.
- π§² Sensors β accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, proximity sensor.
Example of a display test:
- Go to Hardware Testing β Display.
- Select the Color Test β the screen will be flooded with red, green, blue and white.
- Check if there are no broken pixels or uneven backlights on the screen.
For the camera test:
- Choose Camera β Front/Back Camera.
- Click Start Test β a preview from the camera will open.
- Check the image quality, autofocus and flash.
π‘
If the camera test shows artifacts (strips, blur), this may indicate damage to the matrix or plume connector, in which case we recommend contacting the service center.
Battery (Battery Information)
This section provides detailed information about the battery:
- π Real capacity (may differ from the manufacturer's stated capacity).
- π Number of charging cycles (the more, the stronger the wear).
- π‘οΈ Temperature (normal: 25-40)Β°C).
- β‘ Voltage (normal: 3.7β4.2V).
- π Level of wear (if maintained).
How to check the status of the battery:
- Go to Battery. β Battery Info.
- Compare the current capacity (Capacity) with passport (for example, if you have a battery of 5000 mAh, and displays 4200 mAh β wear and tear). ~16%).
- Check the number of cycles (Charge Count), if it exceeds 500-600, it is time to replace the battery.
β οΈ Warning: If the battery temperature exceeds 45Β°C in normal use, this may indicate a malfunction of the battery or charger!
What can be configured in the engineering menu (and what can not be)
The engineering menu provides a wide range of options for fine-tuning the smartphone, but many settings are not recommended to change. Below we will list what can be safely configured and what not to touch.
β What can be changed (relatively safe)
- π‘ Manual network selection β if automatic search does not work.
- π Test of speakers and microphones β to check the sound quality.
- πΈ Camera calibration β if the photos are blurred.
- π§² Sensor test - to check the work of the gyroscope, accelerometer.
- π Viewing device information (IMEI, serial).
β What to change is dangerous (risk of failure)
- π’ IMEI Serial number β changing this data is prohibited by law and may lead to the blocking of the device by the operator.
- π‘ Communication Module Settings β Incorrect settings can deprive you of your network.
- βοΈ System flags (e.g. ro.debuggable) β may disrupt the operation MIUI.
- π Charging options β changing currents can damage the battery.
Example of safe settings:
If you're in trouble with 4G-By network, you can manually select frequencies:
- Go to Telephony. β Network Selecting β LTE Band.
- Select the frequencies supported by your operator (for example, for MTS, it is Band 3, 7, 20).
- Save the settings and restart the smartphone.
Example of a dangerous setting:
Change of parameters in Telephony β Radio Information β Phone Info can lead to:
- Lose IMEI (smartphone will stop catching the network).
- Failure of the communication module (reflashing will be required).
π‘
If you're not sure what the setting is, don't change it. Most of the settings in the engineering menu are for service centers and can disrupt the stability of your smartphone.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you're working with the engineering menu, you often make mistakes that lead to failures, and let's look at some of the most common ones and how to prevent them.
1. loss of network after changing communication parameters
Reason: Wrong frequency selection LTE manual indication of a non-existent operator.
How to fix it:
- Back at Telephony β Network Selecting.
- Select Automatic (Automatic Network Search).
- If the network is not restored, reset the network settings (Settings) β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Resetting network settings).
Camera failure after calibration
Reason: Incorrect autofocus or exposure settings.
How to fix it:
- Go to Hardware Testing β Camera.
- Press Reset to Default (reset to factory settings).
- If the camera is not working, reset all settings (Settings) β The phone. β Resetting settings).
3. overheating of the device after changing the parameters of the processor
Reason: Activation of hidden performance or overclocking modes.
How to fix it:
- Reboot your smartphone immediately.
- If overheating continues, reset the settings to factory.
- In extreme cases, reflash the device through Fastboot.
To avoid mistakes, follow the rules:
- π Make a backup before changing the parameters.
- π Donβt change unknown settings β if you donβt know what the parameter does, leave it unchanged.
- π Use the engineering menu only for diagnostics β donβt try to βimproveβ your smartphone if itβs running consistently.