Xiaomi Redmi 7 is a popular smartphone with a hidden engineering menu (Main Menu or Engineer Mode) that allows you to access low-level settings of the device. However, many users face a problem: after accidentally entering this menu through the code # #4636# or a combination of buttons, the system “hangs” on the screen with technical parameters, and the standard “Back” press does not work.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to exit Main Menu on Redmi 7, from simple to radical, and explain why this happens and how to avoid being trapped in the engineering mode again. All methods are tested on MIUI 10–14 firmware and are relevant for Redmi 7/7A models with a Snapdragon 632 processor.
⚠️ Important: some actions can lead to a reset or loss of data. If important files are stored on the phone, try the non-reset methods first (method 1-3), and only in extreme cases move to radical measures (method 4-5).
1. Standard exit via the back button (unless the menu is blocked)
In most cases, Main Menu on Redmi 7 is not a hard mode, but a regular screen with advanced settings. If you got there through a code or an EngineerMode app, try:
- 🔙 Press the back button (physical or touch) 3-5 times in a row at intervals of 1 second.
If the screen doesn't respond to taps, move on to the next way. Don't try to reboot your phone with a power button - this can make the problem worse if the menu has blocked standard features.
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If the back button doesn't work, try connecting your phone to charge, and sometimes this will unlock touch input in the engineering menu.
2. Forced reboot (without loss of data)
If Main Menu has completely blocked the interface and the sensor is not responding, perform a forced reboot (it does not delete data, but may reset some temporary settings).
For Redmi 7, use one of the following combinations:
- 🔄 Hold the power button. + Volume increase ** 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the logo appears MI.
- 🔋 If the first combination didn’t work, try the power button. + Volume reduction** (also 10-15 seconds).
Once the phone is restarted, it should start as normal, and if it hasn't, it means that the menu has been activated at the firmware level, and more serious measures will be needed.
3.Exit through Recovery Mode (no reset)
If the phone reboots but opens Main Menu again, try entering Recovery Mode and resetting the cache.This won't delete your data, but will clear temporary files that may have caused the menu to loop.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press the power button + volume up** and hold until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
☑️ Actions in Recovery Mode
After you restart, check if the engineering menu is gone. If it isn't, move on to the next one.
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
4. reset to factory settings (if other methods did not help)
If Main Menu appears every time you download, it could mean that the system files are corrupted or the menu is activated at the firmware level, in which case a full reset will help, but it will delete all data from the device.
How to Reset Redmi 7 with Recovery
- Enter Recovery Mode (Power button + Volume increase).
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or similar).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
- Restart the phone (Reboot).
⚠️ Warning: After resetting, the phone will require you to enter your Mi Account data if the binding was previously enabled. If you do not remember the password, it will be difficult to unlock the device - you will need to contact the Xiaomi service center.
| Output method | Loss of data | Difficulty | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back button | ❌ No. | ⭐ Very simple. | 1-2 minutes |
| Forced reset | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ Easy. | 2-3 minutes |
| Cache reset in Recovery | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ Middle-Average | 5-10 minutes |
| Full reset (Hard Reset) | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hardly. | 15-20 minutes |
| Firmware through Fastboot | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very difficult. | 30-60 minutes |
5. Firmware through Fastboot (extreme case)
If none of the methods worked, and the phone is constantly loading into Main Menu, then the system firmware is damaged, in which case you will need to reflash the device through Fastboot mode.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
- 📁 Firmware for Redmi 7 (download from the official Xiaomi website or forum) 4PDA).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the power button + volume reduction** and connect the cable to the PC – the phone will go to Fastboot mode.
⚠️ Warning: the wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick. If you're not sure what you're doing, contact the service center. Also note that after the firmware is done, all information, including files in the internal memory, will be deleted.
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Fastboot firmware is the only way to bring your phone back to life if the Main Menu is due to a damaged system, but it requires technical skills and official firmware for your model.
How to avoid getting back into Main Menu
To avoid the problem of hanging out in the engineering menu, follow these tips:
- 🚫 Don't enter random codes in the Phone app. Popular combinations like ##4636## or ##3644633## open hidden menus.
- 🔒 Remove applications like EngineerMode or MTK Engineering, if installed.
- 🛠️ Do not update your firmware through third-party sources – this can activate hidden modes.
- 📱 Regularly back up your data through Settings → System system → Backup.
If you really need to use Main Menu (for example, to test the network or calibrate sensors), remember the correct exit method: press the Back button 2-3 times or select Exit from the menu.