How to get out of Main Menu on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: a step-by-step guide

Getting into the hidden Main Menu (or MTK Engineer Mode) engineering menu on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a common problem, especially after accidentally entering service codes or unsuccessful unlocking attempts. This menu, designed for hardware testing and debugging, does not have a standard Back or Out button, which leaves users baffled. Unlike conventional MIUI settings, you can’t just swipe down or click on the cross here – specific actions are required.

Many Redmi Note 8 Pro owners (model number M1906G7G) face this situation after trying to activate hidden functions through codes like ##4636## or ##36446337##. It is important to understand that Main Menu is not a virus or a system failure, but a standard tool based on the Mediatek Helio G90T processor, which is simply not intended for everyday use. However, prolonged exposure to this mode can lead to battery discharge or even lock some functions if you accidentally change critical parameters.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to exit Main Menu, from the simplest (reboot) to the most advanced (using ADB), and learn what actions in this menu can harm your device, and how to avoid getting back into it. If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is stuck in engineering mode, don’t panic: 95% of the time, the problem is solved without going to the service center.

Method: Standard Reboot

The most obvious and safe method is a forced restart of the smartphone, which works if Main Menu does not block access to hardware buttons. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you need to:

1. Press the power button (located on the right side of the device) for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.

2. After the vibration and the appearance of the Xiaomi logo release the button - the phone will boot in normal mode.

This works 80 percent of the time, because the engineering menu doesn't block the hardware power management, but if you've been typing commands to test the RF module before you hit Main Menu, it can take up to 30 seconds to restart, which is fine.

⚠️ Note: If the phone boots back to Main Menu after the reboot, it means that the autoload settings have been changed in the menu. In this case, a reset via Recovery will be required (see method 4).

Advantage of the method:

• 🔄 No need for additional tools or knowledge.
• 📱 Does not affect user data (photos, contacts, applications).
• ⚡ Fast execution (less than a minute).

2. Method: Use of the "Back" button in the engineering menu

Some versions of Main Menu on the Redmi Note 8 Pro have a hidden return button that doesn't appear on the screen but responds to tap, which works if the menu isn't locked at the firmware level.

Instructions:

1. Click on the area at the bottom of the screen (where the navigation bar is usually located).
2. If the button doesn’t work, try swiping your finger from left to right along the lower edge of the display – this simulates the “Back” gesture in MIUI.
3. Repeat the action 3-4 times: sometimes the menu reacts with a delay.

If this method works, you will see a standard lock screen Xiaomi. otherwise move on to the next method.

💡

On some Redmi Note 8 Pro firmware, the "Back" button in Main Menu is activated by double-clicking the center of the bottom panel. Try this option if a single tap doesn't work.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• ❌ It may not work if the menu is open through ADB third-party.

3. Method: Exit through service code

If standard methods don’t work, you can try closing Main Menu with a special code, which is suitable for Mediatek-based devices, such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro.

Step-by-step:

1. In the engineering menu, find the field for entering commands (usually referred to as Input Command or AT Command).
2. Enter the following code: AT+EGMR=1.7," and press Send (or similar button).
3. If the input field is missing, try the code ##4636## – it should return you to the Android testing menu, from where you can exit in the standard way.

The effectiveness of the method depends on the firmware version:

⚠️ Attention: Do not enter into AT Command random characters or commands from the Internet! Incorrect input can cause the module to crash IMEI Or loss of network. AT+EGMR=1.7,"12345678" re-record IMEI, That will require restoration through SN Writer Tool.

4. Method: Reset via Recovery Mode

If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll need to use Recovery mode, which is guaranteed to take you out of Main Menu, but can lead to data loss if you choose Wipe Data.

How to Sign In to Recovery on Redmi Note 8 Pro:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button (20 seconds).
2. Press the power button + volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu in English or Chinese.

Further action:

• 🔄 Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System (Reboot to Normal Mode).
• 🧹 If your phone is loaded back into Main Menu, select Wipe Data. → Wipe All Data: This will delete all data!
• 📥 After resetting, the phone will boot as new – you will need to reset.

Make a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts)

Remember Xiaomi account (associated with the device)

Prepare. SIM-re-activation card

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

Important: Some Redmi Note 8 Pro firmwares may have Recovery menus in Chinese.

• The first point (with the hieroglyph) is rebooting.
• The second point (with the hieroglyph) is the reset of data.

5. Method: Exit through ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to a computer and USB debugging enabled, you can exit Main Menu using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that is suitable for users who have previously activated USB Debugging in the developer settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to the PC USB-cable.
2. Open the command prompt (CMD) and type: Adb devices – if the device appears in the list, go further.
3. Execute the command to close the current window: adb shell input keyevent 4 (this simulates clicking the "Back" button).
4. If it doesn’t work, try to forcefully complete the process of the engineering menu: adb shell am force-stop com.mediatek.engineermode

If the ADB does not recognize the device:

• 🔌 Check if the debugging is included USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🖥️ Install Mediatek Preloader drivers for Redmi Note 8 Pro.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone and PC, then reconnect.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB This may not work if the engineering menu is running at the Bootloader level (for example, via Fastboot), in which case only the physical battery shutdown (which on the Redmi Note 8 Pro requires disassembling the case) or reset via Recovery will help.

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Using ADB is the safest way to exit Main Menu without losing data, but requires debugging pre-setting. If you haven't activated USB Debugging beforehand, this method won't work.

What to do in Main Menu on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

The engineering menu provides access to critical settings of the device, and accidental changes can lead to serious problems.

❌ Change of parameters RF (radiofrequency):

• 📡 Changing Band Selection or Network Mode values can result in loss of network (No Service).
• 📶 Tab RF Test allows you to turn off antennas – you can restore their work only through firmware.

❌ Editing IMEI or SN:

• 🆔 On the menu. CDS Information → Radio Information is displayed IMEI And the serial number, changing them would make the phone a brick".
• 🔧 Recovery IMEI requires special equipment (SN Writer Tool + authorization by Mediatek).

❌ Battery or charging testing:

• 🔋 Battery Test tab can force the battery to drain or overheat.
• ⚡ Changing Charging parameters (for example, increasing current) risks disabling the power controller.

❌ Reset via Factory Reset in the Engineering Menu:

• 🧹 This reset is different from standard Wipe Data in Recovery and can be erased. NVRAM (network-memory).
• 📴 After this reset, the phone may lose IMEI or stop turning on.

If you accidentally change any settings, do not try to return them to the eye. Better do a reset via Recovery (mode 4) or contact the service center.

How to avoid getting back into Main Menu

To avoid the engineering menu on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, follow these guidelines:

🛡️ Blocking service codes:

• 🔢 Do not enter combinations starting with ## or *#0# in the dialer unless you are sure of their purpose.
• 📱 Install a blocker app like Dialer Codes Blocker (available on Google Play).

🔧 Disabling the Developer Mode:

• 🛠️ Go to Settings. → Additional settings → For developers and disable Developer Mode.
• 🔒 This will block access to ADB and some service functions.

📲 Restriction of access to the engineering menu:

• 🔐 On the firmware MIUI 12.5+ You can disable access to Main Menu via build.prop file editing (root rights required).
• 📌 Add the line ro.secure=1 in build.prop to block the launch of engineering utilities.

🔄 Firmware update:

• 📥 Xiaomi regularly closes vulnerabilities that allow it to accidentally open Main Menu. MIUI through settings → Update of the PO.
• 🔍 Before updating, check the reviews on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers – some firmware may contain bugs.

💡

The most common reason to get into Main Menu is to experiment with codes to unlock hidden features (e.g. ##7378423## for the service menu test). If you don't need these features, don't enter unfamiliar combinations!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Main Menu on Redmi Note 8 Pro