How to open a service menu on Xiaomi: all the ways and warnings

The service menu on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden section that contains the device’s technical parameters, diagnostic tools and settings that are not available in the standard MIUI interface. It is used to check hardware components, calibrate sensors or get advanced information about the system. However, not everyone knows how to get there – the manufacturer deliberately hides this functionality from ordinary users.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log in to the service menu on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including models from 2023-2026), and explain why it is necessary and the risks of improper use of hidden settings. Importantly, some methods only work on certain versions of MIUI or firmware, so we will specify the nuances for each instruction.

What is a service menu on Xiaomi and why it is necessary

The service menu (also called engineering, test or hidden) is a built-in tool for diagnosing and tuning smartphone hardware components, and is present on all Xiaomi devices, but access to it is limited because inexperienced users can accidentally change critical settings.

The main functions of the service menu:

• 📊 Checking the performance of sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, proximity sensor).
• 📶 Network testing: GSM, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• 🔋 Diagnostics of the battery (real capacity, charging cycles, temperature).
• 🎤 Customization of microphones and speakers (signal level check, calibration).
• 📱 Information about hardware: processor model, loader version, IMEI.

In addition to diagnostics, the engineering menu allows:

• 🔧 Restore. IMEI post-fast-fast.
• 📡 Change network regional settings (to unlock frequencies).
• 🔄 Reset the screen calibration (if the sensor is not working properly).

However, not all settings are safe to change, for example, improper calibration of sensors can cause a camera or GPS malfunction, and resetting the communication module to lose the network.

Method 1: Code entry through the keyboard

The simplest and most versatile method is to use service codes, which work on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices regardless of the MIUI version (except for some custom firmware).

Basic entry codes:

• 📱 ##4636## - general test menu (battery information, usage statistics, network settings).
• 🔧 ##36446337## – EngineerMode menu (for testing hardware components).
• 📡 ##4636## → "Telephone information" - network data, IMEI, signal.
• 🔋 ##2834## - Battery test (only for some models).

How to enter the code:

1. Open the standard phone application.
2. Go to the "keyboard" tab (do not dial the number!).
3. Enter one of the codes above (without spaces).
4. The service menu will open automatically.

Make a backup copy of the data

Charge your phone at least 50%

Remember the current network settings (APN, IMEI)

Do not change the settings unless you are sure of their purpose.-->

If nothing happens after entering the code:

• ❌ The code is not supported by your model (relevant for new devices on the device). MIUI 14+).
• ❌ Custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• ❌ Manufacturer blocked access (on some devices for the EU / PRC market).

Method 2: Through the EngineerMode (MTK) application

If your Xiaomi smartphone is running on a MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO M4/M5), then you can use the official EngineerMode application to enter the service menu.

How to start:

1. Open "Settings" → Applications → Application management.
2. Turn on the system applications display (three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Find EngineerMode (or com.mediatek.engineermode) in the list.
4. Press "Open."

If no annex is available:

• 📥 Download. APK from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror).
• 🔓 Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
• ⚠️ Make sure the app version is compatible with your Xiaomi model.

💡

To check the processor type, go to Settings → About Phone → Full Specification. If Qualcomm says "Processor," the EngineerMode method won't work.

Inside EngineerMode, you will find tabs:

Method 3: Button combination (for locked phones)

If a Xiaomi smartphone is not turned on or locked (for example, after a failed update), you can try logging into the service menu through hardware buttons, which works on most devices, but requires accurate consistency.

Instructions for models on Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi K50):

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press simultaneously: Volume up + Volume down + Power (for older models). Volume up + Power (for new devices).

Mi

Fastboot

Loudness up

Loudness down

EDL Mode

For models on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 10/11):

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power for 10 seconds.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Advanced → Engineer Mode (if any).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect entrance to EDL Mode or Fastboot can cause complete data loss or device blinking. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to use other methods.

Method 4: ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can try logging into the service menu via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to your computer and enabling USB debugging.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).

command-line

terminal

adb devices

(Your device should appear)

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

or for new versions of MIUI:

adb shell am start -a android.settings.TESTING_SETTINGS

If the commands don't work:

• 🔌 Check if the drivers are installed ADB Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 📋 Make sure the debugging is done USB Allowed (request will appear on the phone).

💡

ADB-commands are the most reliable way for devices with locked screen or custom firmware, but requires pre-configuration.

Xiaomi models that may not open service menus

Some Xiaomi devices have restrictions on access to engineering menus, due to manufacturer policies or firmware features, and here is a list of models where problems may arise:

If your model is on this list, try:

• 🔄 Install Chinese firmware (if supported).
• 📥 Use third-party utilities (for example, MTK Engineering Mode for MediaTek).
• 🔧 Contact Xiaomi Service Center for Official Diagnostics.

Risks and warnings when working with the service menu

The service menu provides access to low-level settings that can permanently disable the device.

⚠️ Note: Changing the settings in the Network section (e.g. Band Selection) may result in loss of communication with the operator.

What you can’t do on the service menu:

• 🚫 Change. IMEI or MAC-Addresses (this is illegal in most countries).
• 🚫 Calibrate the battery without special knowledge (risk of improper operation of the charging controller).
• 🚫 Include unknown tests (e.g, RF Test without equipment).
• 🚫 Throw it off NVRAM (This will cause loss of network data).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi) K60) Changing the settings in EngineerMode resets the warranty. Check this in the documents or with the official representative.

If the phone has stopped working after the change in the service menu:

1. Try resetting the settings through Settings → Reset.
2. Log in to Recovery (clip Power + Volume Up) and select Wipe Data.
3. If nothing helps, run the device through Fastboot or EDL.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi service menu