Xiaomi’s Engineering Menu: How to Open and Use Hidden Features

Xiaomi smartphones hide a powerful diagnostic tool, the engineering menu, that allows users to test hardware, calibrate sensors, check network performance, and even change hidden system settings, but access to this menu is not officially documented, and improper actions can lead to malfunctions of the device.

In this article, you will learn how to safely run the engineering menu on different Xiaomi models, what codes are used for this, and what you can do with it. We will also talk about the risks and provide recommendations for beginners to avoid typical mistakes.

What is an Engineering Menu and Why You Need It

The Engineering Mode is a hidden settings section that manufacturers use to test and debug devices, and unlike standard settings, you can:

• 🔧 Check the work GSM-module, network signal and communication parameters
• 📡 Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS iron-level
• 🎛️ Calibrate sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, compass)
• 🔋 View detailed information about battery and charging
• 🖥️ Change the display parameters (color temperature, gamma, brightness)

These functions are useful for:

• 🛠️ Service centers in the diagnosis of malfunctions
• 📱 Enthusiasts who want to optimize the smartphone
• 🔍 Developers testing the compatibility of applications with iron

However, not all parameters are safe to change. Some settings can disrupt the stability of the system or even disable the device, for example, improper calibration of sensors will cause malfunctions in the gyroscope, and changing the parameters of the communication module will cause loss of the network.

How to launch an engineering menu on Xiaomi

There are several methods to open Engineer Mode on Xiaomi devices. The choice depends on the smartphone model and firmware version. MIUI. Let’s look at the most reliable ways.

Method 1: Secret USSD-code

The easiest way is to type in special codes in the Phone app, which work on most models, but may vary depending on the version. MIUI:

• 📱 Main code: ##4636## (opens the testing menu and phone information)
• 🔧 Extended engineering menu: ##3644633## or ##36446337##
• 📡 Network testing: ##4636## → Phone information → Choice of network

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) you may need ##6484## to access the hardware tests. If the code doesn't work, try adding the # character at the end or beginning.

Method 2: Appendix “Testing" (MTK Engineer Mode)

On smartphones with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) You can open the engineering menu through the standard Engineering Mode app, which is usually hidden, but you can run it:

1. Open Settings → All applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
3. Find the EngineerMode app or Testing and run it.

If the application is not available, it can be installed from third-party sources, but it is not safe - the risk of catching a virus or an incompatible version.

Method 3: Use ADB (for advanced users)

If the standard codes do not work, you can try running the engineering menu through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and enabling debugging mode. USB.

Instructions:

1. Enable Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings
4. If it doesn’t work, try adb shell am start. -n com.miui.engineermode/.EngineerMode

This method is suitable for models on Qualcomm Snapdragon, such as Xiaomi. 11T pro POCO F3.

What Xiaomi models support the engineering menu

Most Xiaomi smartphones have access to the engineering menu, but the ways to log in may be different. Below is a table with popular models and working methods:

On new flagships (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro) access to the engineering menu may be restricted due to Xiaomi's security policy, in which case only the method of using the ADB Use of third-party utilities (but it is risky).

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If your model is not listed in the table, try the universal code ##4636## or #3644633##. These work on 80% of Xiaomi devices.

Main sections of the engineering menu and their functions

Once you've successfully logged in, you'll see a few tabs with technical information, and let's look at the most useful ones:

1. Phone Information (Phone Information)

Here's the display:

• 📶 State of the network (IMEI, signal level, type of connection — 4G/5G)
• 🔄 Information on SIM-cards (operator, roaming, registration in the network)
• 📡 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth data (MAC-addresses, supported standards)

In this section, you can force to switch the type of network (for example, with the 4G on 3G), However, it is not recommended to change the parameters of Band Selection without the need - this can lead to loss of signal.

2. Testing of hardware components (Hardware Testing)

The tab allows you to check:

• 🔋 Battery (voltage, temperature, wear level)
• 🎤 Microphone and speakers (sound and recording test)
• 📸 Cameras (focus check, color rendering, auto exposure)
• 🔄 Sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor)

Note: The battery test shows the actual wear level, which may differ from the data in the standard settings. MIUI. If Battery Health is below 80%, you should consider replacing your battery.

3. Network Setting (Network Setting)

This section is intended to:

• 📡 Manual selection of network operator
• 🔄 Changes to the preferred type of connection (LTE/WCDMA/GSM)
• 📶 Viewing information about cells and signal level

Power users here can turn off unused bands to improve connectivity stability, for example, if you don’t have Band 20 support in your region, you can remove it from the list so your smartphone doesn’t waste time searching.

4 Logging and Debugging (Logging and Debugging)

This section collects the logs of the system, which are useful for:

• 🐞 Diagnostics of errors and failures
• 📊 Performance analysis
• 🔧 Sending data to the service center

Logs can be saved to a file and sent to developers or in support of Xiaomi when problems arise.

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Do not change the parameters in the section RF Configuration without special knowledge: Incorrect settings can lead to loss of network or violation of the law (for example, changing the transmission power).

Risks and Warnings When Working with Engineering Menus

The engineering menu is a powerful tool, but misuse can harm the device.

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: any changes to hidden settings may be regarded by the service center as interference with the operation of the device.
• ⚠️ Network malfunction: Incorrect configuration of the communication module will result in the absence of a signal or inability to call.
• ⚠️ Sensor malfunctions: Incorrect calibration of a gyroscope or accelerometer will make it impossible to use certain applications (e.g., games or navigation).
• ⚠️ Overheating or battery discharge: Testing components under high load can cause overheating.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the Battery section (e.g. limiting maximum charge) can cause the battery to malfunction and wear out quickly.Some Xiaomi models have built-in protection against such changes, but on older devices this can work.

To minimize the risks:

• 📝 Write down the initial values of the parameters before changing them.
• 🔄 Do not change the settings for which you do not know the purpose.
• 🛠️ If after the changes the smartphone began to work unstable, reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you try to open an engineering menu, users often run into problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.The code is not working or the menu is not open

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Outdated version MIUI: Update the firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
• 📱 Manufacturer restrictions: on new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K50) The engineering menu can be blocked. Try the method with the ADB.
• 🔧 Incorrect code entry: make sure you use the character and # in the correct sequence. e.g. ##4636##, not ##4636##*.

2.The menu opens, but some functions are not available

This is typical of:

• 📵 Models with MediaTek processors: some tests may be blocked at the firmware level.
• 🔒 Devices with unlocked bootloader: after unlocking part of the functions of the engineering menu may disappear.
• 📱 Smartphones running global firmware: in Chinese versions MIUI There are usually more opportunities for testing.

Solution: Try switching to another firmware version (e.g. global to Chinese) or use it. ADB for access to hidden functions.

3.After the changes in the menu, the smartphone stopped working normally

If you have changed critical parameters (such as communication module settings or sensor calibration), follow these steps:

1. Restart the device – sometimes it resets the temporary settings.
2. Enter the engineering menu and return the original values.
3. If that doesn’t help, reset to factory settings (remember to save important data!).
4. In the extreme case, reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: If after changes in the engineering menu, the smartphone stopped turning on or stuck on the logo MI, Don't try to solve the problem yourself. Contact the service center, indicating that you have been diagnosed using Engineer Mode.

Alternatives to the engineering menu for diagnostics Xiaomi

If access to Engineer Mode is not possible or you are afraid of breaking something, you can use alternative diagnostic methods:

• 📱 Hidden menu MIUI: Type ##64663## to check firmware and hardware versions.
• 🔧 Application "Manual Test": available in Settings → The phone. → All specifications → Testing (on some models).
• 📊 Third-party utilities: CPU-Z — To view processor, memory and sensor information, AccuBattery to analyze battery status, Network Signal Guru to monitor network signal strength.

These tools are less dangerous than the engineering menu, but also provide useful information about the state of the device.

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For most users, standard diagnostic tools are sufficient MIUI. The engineering menu should only be used in case of serious problems or for professional settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions