The hidden capabilities of Xiaomi smartphones are often left behind for ordinary users, although they allow you to fine-tune hardware, diagnose malfunctions or even “reanimate” the device after a failure. Service menu (either engineering or test) is a special section of MIUI, where the manufacturer hides tools for testing modules, calibrating sensors and low-level debugging.
In this article, we will analyze all working ways to get into the service menu on Redmi smartphones, POCO and Mi from the simple USSD-codes prior to Fastboot modes and EDL. You'll learn what features are available there, how to avoid damaging the device, and what to do if the menu doesn't open, and we'll also warn you against the common mistakes that turn routine diagnostics into a brick".
What is a service menu on Xiaomi and why it is necessary
Service Mode or Engineer Mode is a hidden firmware section that manufacturers (including Xiaomi) use to:
- 🔧 Testing hardware components – check the camera, microphone, speakers, sensors and communication module without additional software.
- 📡 Network diagnostics – signal level analysis, frequency selection LTE/5G, testing GPS and wifi.
- ⚙️ Sensor calibrations – settings of a gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor or compass.
- 🔄 Recovery after failures – reset module settings IMEI, flashing EDL or unlock the loader.
For example, if your Redmi Note 12 is not catching the network well, you can manually select your preferred frequency from the service menu or check if the RF module settings have gone wrong. And if the light sensor stops working after the fall, you recalibrate it here. But it is important to understand that not all functions are safe. Some just show technical information, while others (for example, changing the parameters of the NVRAM) can lead to a loss of IMEI or “bricking” of the device.
On Xiaomi, there are two types of service menu:
- MIUI Service Menu is a simplified version available through the USSD-Suitable for basic diagnostics (screen, speaker, camera).
- Qualcomm/MTK Engineer Mode is a deep menu for Snapdragon or Mediatek chipsets that requires special commands or software like MTK Engineering Mode.
⚠️ Note: On devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), some of the engineering menu features may be blocked by the manufacturer. ADB Fastboot will trigger the anti-Rollback protection.
Method 1: USSD-login codes MIUI
The easiest method is to use secret combinations that work on most Xiaomi smartphones (including POCO and Black Shark), which do not require root or unlocked bootloader rights, but only open basic tests.
| Code. | Description | Supported models |
|---|---|---|
| ##4636## | Menu testing and usage statistics (battery, network, Wi-Fi) | All devices on MIUI |
| ##6484## | MTK module test (for Mediatek chipsets) | Redmi 9/10, POCO M3/M4 |
| ##64663## | Information about the RF module (signal level, IMEI) | Mi 11, Redmi Note 11 and newer |
| ##0*## | Screen test (colors, sensor, grandfather pixels) | All models. |
To use the code:
- Open the application "Phone" (standard dialer).
- Enter a combination of characters without spaces (e.g. #4636##).
- Click the green call button and the menu will open automatically.
Check that SIM-The card is active (in some models, the codes do not work without it)
Close all background applications (especially SEOs like Security)
Use a standard dialer (not third-party applications)
Do not enter codes with spaces or extra characters-->
If nothing happens after entering the code:
- 📵 Make sure you don’t add extra characters (such as a space or a dot).
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try again.
- 🛠️ On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for global version) some of the codes are disabled, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.
⚠️ Note: Code ##7594## (aka Power Menu) on some Xiaomi devices causes instant reboots in Fastboot!
Method 2: Sign in via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)
If USSD-codes didn’t work or you need more features (e.g. firmware through the EDL), You can use Fastboot mode. This method requires:
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions for unlocking is on the official website of Xiaomi).
- 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool.
- 🔌 Cable. USB (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the power and volume buttons for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Fastboot logo appears (the Mi Bunny robot with the inscription FASTBOOT).
- Connect the device to the PC via USB.
- Open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder and type:
fastboot devicesIf the device is determined (its serial number appears), execute a command to enter the service menu:
fastboot oem edlAfter that, the smartphone will reboot to EDL (Emergency Download Mode), where advanced firmware and diagnostics are available. On models with Snapdragon 888 and newer chipsets (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro), the fastboot oem edl command can only work after the Mi Account is authorized, otherwise the device will be blocked!
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If fastboot oem edl doesn't work, try an alternative method: plug your smartphone in Fastboot mode and use the MiFlash utility with the "Clean All and Lock" option. This will force the device to EDL, but erase all data!
Method 3: Use of applications for engineering menus
If you don’t want to mess with codes or Fastboot, you can install third-party software. MTK Engineering Mode is suitable for Mediatek chipsets, and Qualcomm Service Menu or Shortcut Master is suitable for Snapdragon (allows you to find hidden activations in MIUI).
Instructions for MTK Engineering Mode:
- Download. APK-file from a verified source (e.g., APKMirror).
- Install the application by allowing installation from unknown sources in the security settings.
- Open up. MTK Engineering Mode and select a section: 📶 Telephony tests the network and SIM-map. 🔊 Audio – checking microphones and speakers. 📱 Hardware Testing – Sensor and Camera Diagnostics.
For Snapdragon devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5), Qualcomm Service Menu is suitable:
- 🔹 Launch the app and select Diagnostic Settings.
- 🔹 Move to the RF Band Selection for Manual Frequency Selection LTE/5G.
- 🔹 In the Device Test section, check the work GPS, Bluetooth and NFC.
⚠️ Note: Applications like Shortcut Master can show hidden system activations, but run on the Internet MIUI 14+ Before using, back up your data via Mi Cloud or TWRP.
What if the app doesn’t open the engineering menu?
Method 4: ADB-commands
If you have access to ADB (Android Debug Bridge, you can open the service menu without USSD-This method works on most Xiaomi devices, including Redmi and other devices. POCO, but requires the debugging on USB.
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB Debugging.
- Connect the smartphone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command line in the ADB folder and type:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.TestingSettingsThis command will open the standard MIUI testing menu (analogue ##4636##).
adb shell am start -n com.qualcomm.qti.engineermode/.EngineerModeOn devices with Mediatek, replace qualcomm with mediatek.
If the commands don't work, check:
- 🔌 Are the drivers installed correctly? ADB (Device Manager should not have exclamation points next to Android Device).
- 📱 Is debugging on-line USB and whether access is allowed for your PC (check the notification on the smartphone screen).
- 🔄 Restart the device and PC, then try again.
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ADB-commands are the most versatile way to log into the service menu, but it requires pre-setting. USB not enabled, check if this option is blocked by security policies (relevant for enterprise devices).
What to do in the Xiaomi service menu (and what not)
The functions of the service menu depend on the smartphone model and the version of MIUI. Below is a table with the main features and their consequences:
| Function | Description | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Screen test | Check color rendering, sensor, grandfather pixels (##0*###) | No risk. |
| Network diagnostics | View the signal level, select LTE/5G frequencies (#4636## → Network Information) | Incorrect settings can worsen communication |
| Sensor calibration | Setting up a gyroscope, accelerometer, compass (Hardware Testing section) | Imaculate calibration will cause game and navigation disruptions |
| IMEI dump | Restoration or modification of IMEI (CDS Information section in MTK Engineering Mode) | High risk! - Incorrect IMEI will make the device unsuitable for calls |
| Firmware through EDL | Recovery of the device after failure (fastboot oem edl) | A firmware error can “brick” the smartphone |
The most dangerous sections of the service menu:
- 🚨 NVRAM — store critical data (IMEI, MAC-Changing the parameters here will result in the loss of the network.
- 🔥 RF Calibration is calibrating the radio frequency module, wrong values will disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- ⚡ Factory Reset -- not to be confused with standard reset -- it resets the firmware level settings, which may require a flashing.
If you are unsure of your actions, take a picture of your current settings before the changes or use the official Mi Flash Tool to restore.
How to exit the service menu and what to do if the smartphone is frozen
In most cases, the exit from the service menu is carried out in standard ways:
- 🔙 Press the back button (or swipe right to left to MIUI 12+).
- 🏠 Press the Home button (if the menu is open as a separate window).
- 🔄 Reboot the device with a long press on the power button.
If the smartphone is stuck in the service menu or does not respond to clicks:
- Press the power button for 20-30 seconds to force reboot.
- If the screen is black but the device is vibrating, plug in and wait 10 minutes (the battery may have run out).
- To exit EDL or Fastboot, use the command: fastboot reboot
⚠️ Note: If after leaving the service menu, the smartphone stopped turning on or boots in a loop (bootloop), do not try to sew it without a backup! Contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase - in 80% of cases the device can be restored through official utilities.