Engineering menu Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite: how to open and what you can configure

Hidden engineering menu in smartphones Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite is a powerful tool for power users to test hardware, calibrate sensors, and even change network settings that are not available in standard settings. Incorrect actions can lead to device failures or loss of warranty. In this article, we will discuss all proven ways of access, from simple to simple. USSD-Codes to Methods for Advanced Users.

The Mi A2 Lite (codenamed daisy) stands out from other Xiaomi smartphones because it runs on a pure Android One without the MIUI shell. This means that some standard codes for MIUI devices won’t work here. We tested all the current methods on Android 9-11 firmware and collected only working solutions.

Before you start, consider that changes in the engineering menu can affect the stability of the phone. If you are not sure about your actions, you should consult a specialist. For most tasks (for example, checking sensors or testing the display), there are enough basic menu sections that are safe when used correctly.

1.How to log into the engineering menu on the Mi A2 Lite

There are three main methods of accessing hidden Mi A2 Lite settings, and their effectiveness depends on the firmware version and root rights status, starting with the simplest and most secure:

1.1. USSD-quick-access codes

The most versatile way is to use service codes. The following combinations are suitable for the Mi A2 Lite:

• 📱 Main Engineering Menu: ##4636## - displays battery information, usage statistics and network tests.
• 🔧 Test of hardware components: ##284## - Check camera, display, vibration and sensors.
• 📡 Network information: ##4636## → "Telephone information" - signal data, IMEI and connection.
• 🔋 Battery monitoring: ##4636## → "Battery statistics" - shows the real wear of the battery.

These codes work without root rights and require no additional applications, but they only open the basic sections of the engineering menu.

MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors)

The Mi A2 Lite is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset, so the standard MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek) won't work here.

• 🛠️ Qualcomm Service Menu: Install the Shortcut Master app from Google Play and find hidden Qualcomm menus through it.
• 🔍 EngineerMode (APK): Download the specialized APK for Snapdragon (for example, QPST or QXDM), But remember, it requires rooting.

⚠️ Note: Engineering menu applications from unverified sources may contain malicious code. APK Only from official forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

1.3. ADB-Teams for Advanced Users

If USSD-The codes do not provide the necessary options, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires the developer mode on and connection to the PC.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Build Number in Settings → About Phone).
2. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → System → For Developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings

This will open up the developer's advanced settings, where you can find links to the engineering menu.

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.TestingSettings

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If ADB does not recognize the device, update Qualcomm drivers on your PC or try another USB-cable (preferably original).

2.What can be customized in the Mi A2 Lite engineering menu

The engineering menu provides access to dozens of options, but most of them are for professionals, and we have identified the most useful and safe features for ordinary users:

The only partition that can permanently damage the device is Factory Reset and RF Band Selection settings, which result in loss of IMEI or network lock.

Checking the status of the battery

One of the most popular sections is Battery Information, and you can see here:

• 🔋 Real capacity (e.g. 3800 mAh instead of the stated 4,000 mAh).
• 🌡️ Battery temperature in real time.
• 🔄 Number of charging cycles (depreciation indicator).

If Battery Health is below 80%, consider replacing the battery. For the Mi A2 Lite, the critical value is 70%, after which sudden shutdowns are possible.

Testing and calibration of sensors

In the Sensor Test section, you can check the work:

• 🧭 Compass (indications should change when the phone is rotating).
• 📏 Accelerometer (responds to tilts).
• 💡 Light sensor (values change when the finger closes the top of the screen).
• 👆 Approximation sensor (used during calls to turn off the screen).

If the sensors are not correct, they can be calibrated using a Calibration submenu, for example, to calibrate the compass.

1. Select the Magnetic Sensor Calibration.
2. Place your phone on a flat surface.
3. Rotate the device on all axes (as shown in the instructions on the screen).

⚠️ Warning: Do not calibrate sensors near magnetic fields (columns, headphones, metal objects) and this will lead to inaccurate readings.

3 Risks and Warnings When Working with Engineering Menus

Despite its usefulness, the engineering menu has several dangers:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty: Any changes to the RF Settings or Factory Reset may be considered by the service center as an interference with the firmware.
• 📵 Network problems: Band Selection incorrect settings will result in a lack of signal or inability to connect to the network 4G.
• 🔥 Overheating: Processor tests (CPU Stress Tests can cause critical temperatures if cooling is not monitored.

The most common user errors are:

1. Changes in NV Items (results in loss of IMEI)
2. Reset Factory Reset settings without backup.
3. Disable important sensors in the Sensor Settings section.

Do not save changes to the warning sections.|Do not change the network settings without knowing the consequences.|Before the tests, create a backup copy of the data|Use only verified USSD-code-->

4.How to exit the engineering menu and return the standard settings

If you accidentally change your critical parameters, there are a few ways to get it back:

Soft discharge

Just reboot your phone – most temporary changes (such as sensor tests) will reset automatically.

4.2. Reset via Android settings

If there are problems:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Network Reset (if the signal is lost) or Reset all settings (if sensors fail).

4.3 Recovery via Fastboot

For major failures (e.g., after changing NV Items):

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
2. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin (NON-HLOS.bin file must be downloaded from the official firmware for Mi A2 Lite).

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot recovery will delete all data from internal memory. SD-map, if used.

5. Engineering menu alternatives for Mi A2 Lite

If you only need basic functions (battery check, screen test), you can do without the engineering menu:

• 🔋 AccuBattery: App shows real battery wear without access to hidden settings.
• 📱 Phone INFO ★Samsung★: Displays detailed information about the hardware, including processor temperature and network data.
• 🔧 CPU Throttling Test: Tests performance and overheating without risking system damage.

Sensor Box for Android is good for testing sensors, and Screen Test is good for checking the display. These applications are safe and do not require root rights.

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If you only need to check the battery or sensors, use third-party apps. The engineering menu should only be opened for specific tasks that cannot be solved otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)