Main Menu (or engineering menu) on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a hidden diagnostic section that usually opens through a combination of buttons or special commands. The problem is that the exit from it is not always intuitive: many users experience a βhangβ in this menu when the standard Back or Home buttons stop working. In the worst cases, the smartphone can cycle back to Main Menu after a reboot, blocking access to the main MIUI interface.
The reasons for getting into this mode vary from accidental hotkey presses to firmware failures or hardware malfunctions. For example, on the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI version below 12.5.3, a bug with an infinite return to Main Menu after a reboot was officially confirmed by Xiaomi and fixed in newer builds. But even if your smartphone is fully functional, exiting the engineering menu requires knowing specific actions - otherwise you risk losing data or exacerbating the problem.
In this article, weβll look at 5 proven ways to get out of Main Menu on the Redmi Note 7, including lossless methods and using a PC. Youβll also learn how to prevent it from re-entering this mode and what to do if the smartphone is βobsessedβ with an engineering menu. All instructions are tested on real devices and adapted to a specific model β without universal tips that may not work.
Why Redmi Note 7 is stuck in Main Menu: 3 main reasons
Before you try to get off the engineering menu, it's important to understand what triggered the problem, which will help you choose the right method of solving the problem and avoid repeated failures. On the Redmi Note 7, the most common fault is:
- π§ Random activation through a button combination (e.g. Volume up) + Power when turned on or through applications like EngineerMode.
- π± Firmware failure, especially after updating via Fastboot or informal customization ROM (In this case, the system can forget the path to the main launcher.
- π Hardware problems: A damaged downside Volume button (which can emulate a press when booting) or a faulty display plume, which causes the system to βthinkβ youβre holding the keys.
In one case, virus applications that force Main Menu to mask their activity, if you installed APKs from unverified sources (such as modified games or hacked versions of apps) before a problem, this could cause a failure, in which case exiting the menu is only the first step; then you will need a full malware check.
To diagnose the cause, try to remember what happened before you hit Main Menu:
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Recommended method of exit |
|---|---|---|
| The menu appeared after the reboot, the buttons do not stick | Firmware failure or launcher conflict | Method 2 or 3 (program reset) |
| Hold the buttons when switched on | Accidental activation | Method 1 (hardware output) |
| The menu opens after each switch on. | A damaged button or virus | Method 4 or 5 (deep diagnosis) |
β οΈ Note: If you tried to get root rights through Magisk or KingRoot before the problem, do not use Recovery reset methods - this can lead to a knock (complete failure) of the device.
Method 1: Hardware output (for accidental activation)
If youβre in Main Menu because of a random push of buttons, the easiest way to get your smartphone back to normal is to force a reboot. On the Redmi Note 7, this works 80% of the time unless the problem is firmware.
Follow the following steps:
- Hold the Power button for 15-20 seconds until the screen goes out.
- After vibration, release the button and wait 30 seconds β the smartphone should turn on in normal mode.
- If Main Menu opens again after the reboot, repeat step 1, but keep Volume down before turning on (this blocks the autoboot of the engineering menu).
If this method does not work, the reason may be:
- π Sticking the Volume Up button (check it physically β it should not be βsqueezedβ without pressing it).
- π΅ Damaged firmware (requires flashing through Fastboot).
π‘
If the smartphone does not respond to the power button holding, connect it to charging for 10 minutes - sometimes a discharged battery blocks a forced reboot.
Method 2: Exit through hidden commands (without data loss)
The Redmi Note 7βs engineering menu has hidden commands that allow you to take back control of the system, a technique that works if your smartphone responds to touch, but the standard navigation buttons (Back, Home) donβt work.
Follow the instructions:
- In Main Menu, find Reboot or Restart (may be in System or Device).
- If you donβt have one, type a command via the keyboard (if available): ##4636## This will open the testing menu where you can select Reboot.
- After the reboot, hold Volume down to block Main Menu auto-start.
An alternative is to use codes to reset the interface:
- π± Enter #7780## β This will reset the launcher settings (app data will be saved).
- π If it didn't work, try it *2767*3855# (Full reset, deletes all data!).
β οΈ Attention: Reset codes (*2767*3855#) They do not work on all versions. MIUI For the Redmi Note 7. On firmware newer MIUI 12 They can be disabled. Before using, check the version of the software in the settings (if you have access).
Make sure your important data is synced to Mi Cloud|Check the version. MIUI (Codes may not work on new assemblies)|Connect the smartphone to charging (discharge during reset will lead to a breech)|Write it down. IMEI (post-reset recovery)-->
Method 3: Recovery Mode Reset (if the smartphone is cyclically back in Main Menu)
If Redmi Note 7 opens Main Menu again after each reboot, it indicates that the system files are damaged, in which case the reset via Recovery Mode, an integrated recovery mode that does not depend on the main firmware, will help.
Step instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone (hold power for 20 seconds).
- Press Volume Up + Power and hold until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
- Select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, Power for confirmation).
- After reset, go back to the main menu and select Reboot β Reboot to System.
Important: This method deletes all data (photos, apps, settings), but saves files to the user. SD-If you have Mi Cloud enabled, contacts and some applications will be restored automatically after you log in.
If the smartphone opens Main Menu again after reset, the problem lies deeper - it may be damaged the EFS area (where the IMEI and modem settings are stored), in which case you will need to flash it through the PC.
Updated firmware.|We've got custom software installed.|Pushed random buttons.|PK-connected|I remember.|Other-->
Method 4: Fastboot Flashing (for power users)
If the software methods do not help, you have to reflash the smartphone through the PC, which is guaranteed to remove all traces of Main Menu, but requires preparation:
- π» Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux There may be problems with drivers).
- π Cable USB Type-C (preferably original from Xiaomi).
- π Fastboot firmware ROM Redmi Note 7 (download from Xiaomi's official website).
- π Mi Flash Tool (Last version).
Step-by-step:
- Install Qualcomm drivers (if not, download via Mi Flash Tool).
- Turn off the Redmi Note 7 and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- In the program, select the downloaded firmware (unpacked into a folder) and press Refresh - the device must be determined.
- Press Flash and wait until the process is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).
After flashing, the smartphone will turn on in a factory state, and if that didn't work, the problem may be hardware (for example, a damaged memory chip), in which case, contact the service center.
What if the Mi Flash Tool canβt see the device?
Method 5: Contact a service center (if nothing helps)
If all of these methods fail, the problem may be related to:
- π§ Damaged motherboard (for example, after falling or getting moisture).
- π± Failure in the field EFS (where the critical modem settings are stored).
- π Failure of buttons (if they are physically stuck).
In such cases, self-repair can lead to permanent breakdown. Contact Xiaomiβs authorized service center, they have the equipment to:
- π Diagnostics of hardware faults (for example, inspections of plumes and chips).
- π₯ Restore the firmware through EDL-The mode (even if the Fastboot is not working).
- π§ Repair buttons or replace the display module (if the problem is sticking sensors).
The cost of diagnostics in official Xiaomi services is usually 500-1000 rubles, repairs - from 1500 rubles (depending on the problem).
β οΈ Warning: Don't go to informal workshops unless you're sure of their reputation. Redmi Note 7 often has cases where after "handicraft" repairs disappears. IMEI or the bootloader is blocked, which makes the device unusable on mobile networks.
π‘
If the smartphone still returns to Main Menu after all the manipulations, it is almost always a hardware problem. Don't waste time on software methods - contact the service.
How to prevent re-entry into Main Menu
To avoid recurrence, follow these recommendations:
- π« Don't use button combinations when you turn on unless you're sure they're intended. On the Redmi Note 7, dangerous pairings: Volume up + Nutrition β Main Menu or Recovery. Volume down. + Nutrition β Fastboot. Volume up. + Loudness down + Nutrition β display-test.
- π± Update the firmware through official channels (Settings) β The phone. β Update the system. Avoid customization ROM, unless you know the firmware.
- π Set a password on Recovery (if your version is yours) MIUI This will prevent accidental changes to the recovery menu.
- π‘ Check for viruses before installing (use Mi Security or Malwarebytes).
If you often work with engineering menus (for example, for network testing), install the QuickShortcutMaker app from Google Play.It allows you to create shortcuts to quickly access hidden features without using dangerous button combinations.