How to turn on the menu on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: from engineering to Recovery Mode

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, released in 2019, is still popular with users due to its robust hardware and flexible customization capabilities, but even with this time-tested device, there may be situations where access to the standard menu is blocked due to a software failure, a dead battery or a faulty display, in which alternative ways to turn on the menu – from engineering to recovery mode – come to the rescue.

This article will not only show you how to activate hidden menus on the Redmi Note 7 with hardware buttons, but also explain why you might need it. For example, the engineering menu (#4636##) allows you to test the sensor, check the sensors and even adjust network settings, and Fastboot Mode is indispensable for firmware or unlocking the bootloader. We will analyze all the current methods, including those that work with a full black screen or locked sensor.

1. Standard settings menu: if the smartphone is working normally

If the Redmi Note 7 is powered on, touch-sensitive and has no critical crashes, access to all settings is via the standard MIUI menu.

• 📱 Unlock the screen (PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint).
• 🔧 Click on the Settings icon** (cogs) on the home screen or in the app menu.
• 🔍 Use the search bar at the top if the desired partition is hidden (e.g., type “unlock” OEM» access to the developer settings).

In the standard menu you will find:

• 🔋 Battery and performance – optimizing energy consumption.
• 📶 SIM cards and mobile networks - setting up 4G/3G, point.
• 🔒 Security – application blocking, fingerprints.
• 🛠️ About the phone - information about firmware, models (M1901F7G global version).

If a partition is missing (e.g., "Developers"**), it needs to be activated.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version** and the notification “You are a developer!” will appear.
3. Return to the main settings menu – there will be a new section “Additional → For developers”**.

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If the sensor is not working properly, try connecting. USB-mouse-wise OTG-Redmi Note 7 supports cursor control in the menu MIUI free-of-setting.

2. Engineering menu: hidden tests and diagnostics

Engineering menu (Engineer Mode) is a service tool for diagnosing hardware components of a smartphone.

• 📊 Check the operation of the sensor (multi-touch test).
• 📡 Testing communication modules (GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
• 🔊 Calibrate speakers and microphone.
• 📱 View the system error log.

To open the engineering menu on Redmi Note 7, do one of the following:

⚠️ Note: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, incorrectly configuring Band Mode in the Telephony section can lead to loss of the network.

3. Recovery Mode: Reset and update firmware

Recovery Mode is an independent environment built into the Redmi Note 7 that allows you to:

• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Wipe Data).
• 📦 Install the official firmware through ADB Sideload.
• 🔧 Clean the cache (Wipe Cache) to eliminate lags.
• 🔒 Unlock the pattern lock (if forgotten).

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button and select “Switch off”**).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo and menu appear.

Recovery is controlled by volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection).

• Reboot is a reboot.
• Wipe Data – Complete reset (deletes all data, including photos and apps!).
• Wipe Cache – Clearing temporary files (safe)
• Connect with MIAssistant – Connect to a PC for firmware.

4. Fastboot Mode: Firmware and unlock the bootloader

Fastboot Mode is a low-level mode for accessing a smartphone via a PC.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader).
• 📥 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Recovery of the “brick” device.

To get into Fastboot:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 7.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down.
3. Hold until the image of the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo) appears.

To work with Fastboot you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📄 Permission to unlock the bootloader (obtained through the official website of Xiaomi).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the device, including photos and apps, and it can also take away warranty if the smartphone was purchased less than a year ago.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Download Mi Unlock Tool| Connect smartphone in Fastboot |Agree with the warning about the data reset | Follow the instructions in Mi Unlock Tool-->

5. Alternative ways to turn on the menu when the screen is not working

If the display Redmi Note 7 does not respond to touch or completely black, but the smartphone shows signs of life (vibrates, lights), you can try the following methods:

• 🔌 Connecting to a PC: Use ADB (Android Debug Bridge to control the device via the command line. For example, the adb shell input tap 500 500 simulates the tap by coordinates (500, 500).
• 🖱️ USB-Mouse: Connect the mouse through OTG-Adapter – the cursor will be visible on the screen (if the display is on, but the sensor is not working).
• 📞 Voice Assistant: Activate Google Assistant with your voice (OK, Google) and give commands like Open Settings».

To diagnose the black screen:

1. Connect your smartphone to charging – if the indicator is on, the problem may be in the backlight of the display.
2. Try calling the device from another phone – if the call is coming, but the screen does not turn on, the display module is to blame.
3. Press Power + Volume up for 20 seconds – sometimes this helps to “wake up” the device.

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If the smartphone vibrates when you press the buttons, but the screen remains black, there's a 90% chance that the problem is in the plume of the display or the backlight, in which case only repairs at the service center will help.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When working with hidden menus on Redmi Note 7, users often face typical problems:

⚠️ Note: If after manipulation with Fastboot or Recovery smartphone stopped turning on ("brick"), do not try to flash it unchecked firmware (M1901F7G Global version: This will speed up diagnosis.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions