Xiaomi Engineering Menu: How to Open and What to Configure

The engineering menu on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden tool that allows you to test hardware, calibrate sensors, and even change hidden system parameters. It is useful for both experienced users and service center specialists, but requires caution: improper settings can lead to failures or even β€œbricking” of the device. In this article, we will discuss all the official and alternative ways to call the engineering menu on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi lineups running MIUI.

It’s important to understand that an engineering menu is not the same as a developer mode or a Fastboot.It provides access to low-level tests, such as checking the display for broken pixels, testing the camera, microphone, speakers and even a module. NFC. However, not all features are available on all models: for example, on the budget Redmi Note may not have a section to configure. 5G-modem, which is in the flagship Xiaomi 13.

Before you go to the instructions, make sure your device is at least 50% charged – some tests (such as a CPU stress test) can quickly drain the battery, and we also recommend writing down the current network settings (APN, IMSI) in case you need a reset.

Official codes for entering the engineering menu Xiaomi

The easiest way to open an engineering menu is to use standard ones. USSD-They work on most Xiaomi devices regardless of the version. MIUI (except for custom firmware. Basic combinations:

  • πŸ“± Home code: ##4636## - opens a menu with information about the battery, usage statistics and network tests.
  • πŸ”§ Extended menu: ##36446337## - provides access to hardware tests (Qualcomm processors only).
  • πŸ“‘ Network testing: ##4636## β†’ "Phone information" β†’ "Select a network – manual operator selection and signal diagnosis.
  • πŸ” Verification IMEI: *#06# – displays unique device identifiers (not an engineering menu, but useful for diagnostics).

If nothing happens after entering the code, check:

  1. Are there any spaces or extra characters in the combination (the code should be entered without separators).
  2. Does your antivirus or MIUI firewall block access to system settings?
  3. Is there a custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) on the device that can remove standard engineering menus?
πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/F5
Xiaomi 13/14
Redmi 10/11
Another model

Alternative ways to open the engineering menu

If USSD-The codes don't work, you can use alternative methods, they take a little bit more effort, but they often work where the standard combinations are blocked by the manufacturer.

Method 1: Using the "Phone" application

  1. Open the standard phone application.
  2. Go to the Keyboard tab (as if you were going to dial a number).
  3. Enter one of the codes from the previous section and press the call button.

Method 2: Use ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to the ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can run the engineering menu by command:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.TestingSettings

This command runs on most Xiaomi devices with pure Android or MIUI without any deep modifications.

  • πŸ–₯️ Put the debugging on. USB developer-setting.
  • πŸ”Œ Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
  • πŸ“ Enter the command in the terminal (or PowerShell on Windows).
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Make sure you have Xiaomi drivers installed (you can download from the official website in the Support section). Also check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer settings (7 times click on the MIUI version in About Phone, then go back to Additional Settings β†’ For Developers).

Method 3: Specialized Applications

Google Play has apps that mimic the engineering menu, such as:

  • πŸ“² MTK Engineering Mode – for devices running Mediatek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31).
  • πŸ“² Qualcomm Engineer Mode for smartphones on Snapdragon (Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4).
  • πŸ“² Shortcut Master – Searches for hidden system menus by keywords.

⚠️ Note: Third-party apps may contain malicious code. Install them only from the official store and check reviews. Some apps require root rights, which voids the Xiaomi warranty.

What to do in the engineering menu of Xiaomi

The functionality of the engineering menu depends on the device model and the version of MIUI. Below are the main sections that you will find in most Xiaomi smartphones:

SectionDescriptionRisks.
Hardware TestingTesting of the display, camera, speakers, microphone, accelerometer and other sensors.Low (unless the tests are interrupted by force).
Network TestingChecking the GSM/4G/5G signal, manual network selection, setting up the APN.Medium (incorrect settings can lead to loss of communication).
Battery InformationDetailed battery statistics: voltage, temperature, charging cycles.Low (only reading data).
RF CalibrationCalibration of radio frequency modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC).High (may disrupt the operation of wireless modules).
Software VersionView versions of firmware, kernel, modems and other system components.Missing.

On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) in the Network Testing section, settings are available 5G-ranges that are not available on budget models with Dimensity or Helio.

Some engineering menu features may be blocked by the manufacturer, for example, on Xiaomi for the European market, manual settings are often disabled. LTE-ranges to avoid certification issues.

Check the current parameters (take a screen picture)

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Disable important applications (banking, instant messengers)

Prepare a backup copy of the data-->

Risks and Warnings When Working with Engineering Menus

The engineering menu provides access to parameters that are usually hidden from the user for a reason.

  • πŸ“΅ Network Loss: Incorrect settings APN Radio frequency modules may make it impossible to connect to the mobile Internet.
  • πŸ”‹ Fast battery discharge: Changing processor or modem parameters can increase power consumption.
  • πŸ“± "Bricking": In rare cases (e.g. in calibration) NFC on incompatible firmware, the device may stop turning on.
  • 🚫 Warranty loss: If the service center finds traces of interference with the engineering menu, warranty repairs may be rejected.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, some sections of the engineering menu may not be available, and trying to unlock them without official permission from Xiaomi will result in a reset of all data.

Particular care should be taken in the following sections:

  • RF Calibration – Incorrect calibration can disrupt Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
  • Band Selection - Manual selection LTE-The ranges may result in a lack of signal.
  • Factory Reset – Some engineering menus contain a hidden reset to factory settings without confirmation.

If after changes in the engineering menu the device began to work unstable, try:

  1. Return settings to factory through Settings β†’ About phone β†’ Reset settings.
  2. Update the firmware through Settings β†’ Update the system.
  3. Contact the Xiaomi service center (indicate that the problem arose "independently", without mentioning the engineering menu).

πŸ’‘

Changes to the engineering menu are not always reversible, and if you're not sure about the action, it's best not to take risks or back up with MIUI Backup.

How to Get Out of the Engineering Menu

In most cases, the engineering menu is exited by the standard Back button or through the device menu, but some sections (such as display or camera tests) can block the interface.

  • πŸ”™ Back button: Press it several times if the menu doesn’t respond the first time.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot: Press the power button for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
  • πŸ“± Hard reset: If the device is getting stuck, pinch the power + Volume up 20 seconds (no data lost).

On some POCO models (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro), the engineering menu can automatically close after 30 seconds of downtime. If the screen is out, unlock the device, the menu will remain active.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later forced exit from the engineering menu (for example, through Task Manager) can lead to a short-term loss of connection to the mobile network.

Engineering menu on different Xiaomi models

The functionality of the engineering menu can vary significantly depending on the processor, regional firmware and the version of MIUI. Below is a comparison of features on popular devices:

ModelProcessorAvailable testsFeatures
Xiaomi 13 UltraSnapdragon 8 Gen 25G, camera (Leica), NFC, UWBAdvanced Qualcomm modem settings.
POCO F5Snapdragon 7+ Gen 24G/5G, display (120 Hz), batteryNo tests for the IR port.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Mediatek Dimensity 1080Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, camera (200 MP)Limited settings RF-calibration.
Xiaomi Pad 6Snapdragon 870Display (2.8K), speakers (Dolby)There are no tests for mobile network (only Wi-Fi).

On devices with Mediatek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) The engineering menu often requires you to enter an additional password. MTK-chips: 8888 or 0000. If they do not fit, the password can be reset via Meta Mode (requires a PC and a program) SP Flash Tool).

πŸ’‘

On smartphones with MIUI Global, some sections of the engineering menu may not be translated into English correctly. Use a translator or look for guides for a particular model in forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

Frequent questions and problems

πŸ”Ή Why is the #4636### code not working on my Xiaomi?
Probable reasons: Custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) is installed, which removes standard engineering menus, the manufacturer has blocked the code for your region (often found on Chinese devices), entered the wrong code (check if there are any extra characters or spaces). Solution: Try alternative codes (#36446337#) or use ADB.
πŸ”Ή Can I unlock the bootloader through the engineering menu?
No, the engineering menu doesn't provide direct access to unlock the bootloader. This requires: Get permission from Xiaomi through the official website (Mi Unlock). Use the Mi Flash Unlock utility on your PC. The engineering menu can only show the status of the bootloader (Locked/Unlocked In the Software Version section).
πŸ”Ή How to Reset Network Settings via Engineering Menu?
Go to Network Testing β†’ Band Selection β†’ Reset to Default. Alternatively: Enter the code ##4636##. Select Phone Information. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Network Settings Reset. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and mobile Internet settings.
πŸ”Ή Can the engineer menu increase the volume of speakers?
Technically, yes, but it's risky. In Hardware Testing β†’ Audio, you can change the Gain, however: This can cause sound distortion or damage to the speakers. On some models (Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the changes are reset after rebooting. It's safer to use the equalizer in the MIUI sound settings.
πŸ”Ή What to do if after changes in the engineering menu mobile Internet disappeared?
Sequence of action: Reboot the device. Check if Data Transfer is on in the notification curtain. Return the settings. APN To the factory: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN) β†’ Reset. If nothing works, reset the network settings in the engineering menu or through the basic settings. If the problem persists, contact the operator - it may require re-activation. SIM-map.