Service (secret) codes for Android smartphones. How to enter the engineering menu on Android? How to enter the engineering menu

Let's look at the features of the Android engineering menu from various manufacturers, what it is for, how to use it, and what useful functions this menu brings to you.

This article is suitable for all brands that produce phones on Android 10/9/8/7: Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, LG, Sony, ZTE, Huawei, Meizu, Fly, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Nokia and others. We are not responsible for your actions.

Attention! You can ask your question to a specialist at the end of the article.

What is the Android engineering menu?

Engineering menu (Engineering Mode) is a special application that is available on almost any gadget. It is used by the manufacturer for various tests and optimization of sensors, functions and other parameters of a tablet or phone. This menu is hidden by default in the system so that the user cannot access it.

As a rule, the engineering menu is called up using a small code that is entered on a standard dialer. Access to it can be carried out using third-party programs.

The engineering menu is hidden due to the fact that careless use of its capabilities can lead to device failure. Be careful when making any changes.

How to enter the engineering menu on Android

The secret application cannot be launched through the normal interface. You can enter the engineering menu in this way:

Open the call window to enter a phone number from the keyboard.
We write a special combination of characters.
If immediately after entering the code this menu does not start, press the call button.

Each manufacturer has its own combination of characters, which contains special characters (*, #) and numbers. For example, for Samsung phones, the engineering menu is launched by the following sequence: *#*#4636#*#*. The screenshot below shows codes for different gadget manufacturers.

If nothing happened after entering the code, use applications from Google Play that work with the engineering menu. For example, the MTK Engineering Mode application, which is a complete copy of the standard engineering menu. Most of them will require root rights to the device, without which the software will function with errors, and some of the parameters will be inaccessible.

Mobileuncle Tools

The program has advanced features. You can view and change basic settings, update firmware, repair IMEI and improve GPS signal. The utility displays the full characteristics of the memory, screen, sensor.

MTK engineering menu

Program for gadgets with MediaTek processors. Loads successfully engineering functions, but there are errors with saving parameters. They may reset after a reboot.

recovery mode

This mode for developers will come in handy when there are serious problems with the gadget. If the tablet or smartphone does not turn on, and you cannot get into the regular menu, then it will be possible to start the recovery mode.

To start, use the following combination: the power key and the button to decrease or add sound. In some cases, you must additionally press Home. Press and hold the indicated buttons until the download starts.

In this mode, the most useful section is wipe data. With it, a full reset is launched, and the device returns to the factory settings. You will get a clean phone and all data and apps will be lost. Resetting helps in a situation where you are too clever with changes in the engineering menu by setting inoperable values.

Shortcut Master Utility

The software allows you to work with shortcuts and system programs (create, search, delete). There is no function of direct entry into the engineering menu, but you can see a list with secret commands that operate on your gadget.

By clicking on the name of the command, the user is shown a drop-down menu with the item "Run". The utility is convenient, unnecessary actions are not required.

To see the list of codes, you need to call an additional menu in the utility. Then select the line "Secret code explorer".

Root rights to enter the engineering menu

To enter the engineering menu in some versions of Android, the user needs to have . They can be obtained using specialized software: Romaster SU, UniversalAndRoot, Farmaroot, etc.

Instructions for obtaining root rights using Farmaroot:

Install and run the software.
If the utility supports rooting your gadget, then the “Get root” option will be displayed on the screen. We select this item.
From the pre-installed methods for obtaining root, select one.
The software will start installing.
After the procedure is completed, a message will be displayed about the successful installation of root access.

Possible errors and solutions:

Root rights are not installed - try another method (select a new exploit in the application).
The application closed in the middle of the installation. The user needs to restart the device and try again.

Engineering menu functions

The engineering menu is divided into several categories. Let's look at each of them separately:

Telephony. This category contains settings that relate to mobile communications. For example, you can disable or enable certain BandMode (different frequencies for 2G / 3G / 4G operation), disable data transfer in the background, or check the operation of SIM cards.
Connections Configuring Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi CTIA, radio, Bluetooth settings. In the settings it is possible to specify the type of antenna (you must use headphones), radio wave, sound format (stereo or mono). The radio will play directly from this section.
Hardware Testing. Here you can configure the operation of various components of the device: the sound levels of the speakers and headphones, the microphone, various stone parameters (focusing, HDR, ISO adjustment, photo aspect ratio and much more), the operation of sensors (calibration), touchscreen, etc. This category is quite global and large, in all sections it is necessary to understand and have skills and serious knowledge.
Location (Location). In this category, the GPS operation is configured, you can test it, see the number of satellites found.
Log and debugging (Log and Debugging). In this category, logs (logs) of the battery (charge percentage, temperature, operating time, voltage) and other functions that are little known to the average user are kept.
Others. It contains two features that are unknown to most users.

Engineering menu settings

The options for adjusting parameters and the appearance of the engineering menu may differ depending on the model of a smartphone or tablet. Users in the menu change camera settings and apply recovery mode.

Volume boost

If your gadget is not loud enough, then in the engineering menu you need to find the Audio item and go to LoudSpeaker Mode. There we select the Ring tab. For all signal levels (1 - 6 Level) we change the values. The numbers are set in ascending order.

In the Max. Vol. increase the value to the maximum. To save the settings, press the SET button.

Increasing the volume of a telephone conversation

To increase the tone of the speaker during conversations, select Normal mode in the Audio service menu, then open the Sph section. For signal levels (1 - 6 Level) we set values from 100 to 150, and Max. Vol. - 160.

In the Audio menu, you can increase the sensitivity of the microphone. To do this, select the item Normal mode, then Mic. For all levels, we assign the same microphone sensitivity value. We press the SET button, then we reboot and check if the interlocutor has begun to hear you better.

Battery: disable unused frequencies

Phones quickly use up battery life for applications, network connections, and maintaining cellular coverage. Using the engineering menu, you can increase the battery life.

Modern gadgets scan GSM frequencies 850/1900 MHz and 900/1800 MHz. In Russia, 900/1800 MHz operate, so there is no need to scan the network at other frequencies. For the second pair, the radio signal can be turned off, which will save the charge level.

Open the Band Mode section in Engineer Mode. There we turn off unused frequencies. To do this, remove the checkmarks from the corresponding items: PCS1900 and GSM850.

When the smartphone supports 2 SIM cards, open the SIM1 and SIM2 items in turn, after which we perform the indicated actions in each. Press the SET button to save the settings.

If the SIM card and phone work in 3G networks, you need to disable networks that are not used in Russia: WCDMA-CLR-850, WCDMA-800, WCDMA-PCS 1900. Press the SET button again. To enable scanning of networks that you have disabled, you must return to this menu, then check the boxes.

Camera settings

On Android gadgets, by default, pictures are saved in JPEG format. Many photographers prefer to take pictures and process them in RAW format for more editing options. The desired image format allows you to select the technical menu.

We find the Camera section in the menu, where we select “Capture Type” (Capture Type). Set the photo to RAW format, press SET. Even in the Camera section, you can set the ISO value, increase the size of the pictures, turn on HDR shooting for more detail, and set the frame rate for the video.

Android Engineering Menu Secret Codes

In addition to the engineering menu, you can use secret codes to access various options. The screenshot below shows the most useful and popular codes.

Most Android devices have hidden features, which include the Xiaomi engineering menu, and indeed any other phone. It is hidden primarily from inexperienced users so that they do not break firewood.

What is the engineering menu for?

The engineering menu is used by developers to finalize the device. Here you can check the operation of all sensors and test the main components. In total, there are about 25 different types of tests.

How to open the engineering menu on Xiaomi smartphones?

There are 2 ways to enter the Xiaomi engineering menu:

Method number 1 - through dialing

This method is suitable for all Xiaomi smartphones of the Mi and Redmi line - you need to enter in the dialing mode: *#*#6484#*#*. If this code didn't work, try *#*#4636#*#* .

Method number 2 - through the settings

The algorithm of actions is simple:

We open " Settings» smartphone
Go to menu " About phone«
We find the item Kernel version"and quickly click on it 5 times

It is worth noting that depending on the model of your smartphone, the engineering menu may differ.

This is what the engineering menu looks like on Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite:

In this case, the menu has 32 items (their number may also differ depending on the smartphone model):

Check version info- version information. Here you can see IMEI and serial number;
SIM card- shows the SIM cards installed on the smartphone;
Support TFCard— information about a third-party SD drive;
touch sensor- touchscreen test;
display- display test;
Receiver- standard speaker test;
speaker— conversational dynamics test;
light sensor- light sensor test;
Proximity sensor— proximity sensor test;
OTG— testing of external USB;
charger test— charging check (requires to connect the charger);
battery indicator- displays the charge level and temperature of the battery;
read camera- rear camera;
rear sub camera- rear auxiliary camera;
rear camera- rear dual camera;
front camera- front-camera;
FPC fingerprint sensor- checking the fingerprint sensor;
keyboard test- checking the keys "increase the volume", "decrease the volume" and "lock";
vibrator test- vibration test;
Notification light (LED)— flashlight and display brightness test;
Main MIC— main microphone test;
top mic- test test of the upper microphone;
Headset test- headphone test;
WiFi AP Scan- scanning Wi-Fi networks;
WiFi address— the address of the Wi-Fi network to which the smartphone is connected;
bluetooth scan- search for bluetooth devices;
Get bluetooth address— bluetooth address of your device;
Accelerometer— check the acceleration sensor;
Gyroscope- checking the gyroscope;
magnetic sensor– magnetic sensor test;
GPS— checking the GPS sensor;
SAR Sensor— the level of electromagnetic radiation.

And here is how it looked on the old Xiaomi Redmi 3s:

The menu consists of five items:

automatic test. All parameters will be tested automatically.
Single Item Test. Here you can run any of the tests separately.
test report. Here you can see the test results.
SW add HW version. Find out the version of the smartphone.
deviceview. All information about the equipment of the device.

If everything is clear with points 1,3,4,5, then the second one needs to be told separately, since it includes a bunch of tests.

key– check for functionality of physical buttons
Blacklight– test the display for brightness
touch panel– sensor testing
TFlash- check memory card
Bluetooth- searches for all available devices
SIM card– check for availability of SIM cards
vibration- vibration test
Loopback– tests the speaking microphone for recording and playback
LCD- display colors
GPS– search for satellites
Gyro- operation of the gyroscope
g-sensor- speed sensor
Proximity Sensor- responsible for the attenuation of the screen during a conversation
optical sensor– optical sensor
Magnetic Sensor– magnetic sensor
RTC- built-in clock
speaker- checking the conversational dynamics
Receiver– checking the standard speaker
Headset– test the jack for headphones, headsets and sound playback
LED- notification indicator
FM- checking the operation of the radio
camera- test the camera and flash
Battery- battery and charging
WiFi- looking for access points
Torch- flashlight test

As you can see, with the help of the engineering menu on Xiaomi, it is possible to get a lot of information. An experienced user can use it to roll back the smartphone to standard (factory) settings, test the operation of all sensors, find out more detailed information about the device, optimize battery consumption and much more.

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Android gadgets are becoming more and more popular among users due to their ease of use and high functionality. But at the same time, not everyone knows about the possibility of more personalized and flexible settings for their phone. For these purposes, the engineering menu is usually used, which includes a number of very diverse settings - a program for automatically recording conversations, increasing the volume of the device, a huge number of various radio add-ons.

Unfortunately, this menu is not available to everyone. Some manufacturers simply remove the program to enter it at the last stage of the pre-sale android setup. Also, the engineering menu is available for owners of Android devices with a processor only from the MTK manufacturer, trying to run it with a processor from other manufacturers is useless.

Special commands and applications

To enter the engineering menu, you must enter the "secret code". For different manufacturers, the "activation code" may be different, but there is one universal one that is suitable for almost all ANDROIDs - *#*#3646633#*#*.
You need to enter it in the dialing and calling window. Most often, immediately after entering the code, you immediately enter, but on some devices, in order to enter it, it may also be necessary to press the call key. If the program does not start to enter, you can try entering other launch combinations that match your phone model.

Samsung - *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#8255#*#*
HTC - *#*#3424#*#* or *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#8255#*#*
Sony – *#*#7378423#*#*
Huawei – *#*#2846579#*#* or *#*#2846579159#*#*
MTK - *#*#54298#*#* or *#*#3646633#*#*
Fly, Philips, Alcatel - *#*#3646633#*#*

If all of the above actions were not successful, you can try downloading a special application on Google Play to launch the engineering menu. If even after installing a special program (most often "Mobile Uncle") it was not possible to enter the service menu, it means that the engineering settings launcher was deleted on your phone, you can install it again.

Many devices running the Android OS are additionally equipped with a special environment - the engineering menu. With its help, the user has the opportunity to test all the sensors and modules of the mobile device, as well as adjust certain parameters of the gadget for himself for its more comfortable use. In Samsung phones, Engineering Mode is hidden in the system by default. And in different models, the entrance to it is performed differently. Yes, and the functionality of this area may also differ. Let's look at how to enter the engineering menu on the Samsung Galaxy A5, Galaxy S6, J3 and other smartphones from the Galaxy line.

Where to find the engineering menu on Samsung Galaxy

The main purpose of Engineering Mode is to fully test mobile devices at the final stage of their production. The specified environment was originally developed for debuggers of smartphones and tablets, but today anyone can use it. The main thing is to know how to open the technical mode on Galax.

You can enter the engineering menu using a special combination (USSD code), which is written in the dial pad. At the same time, in different phone models, these commands may differ:

in Samsung J7 and J1, the combination *#*#0011# is relevant;
for Samsung Galaxy A5, Galaxy S5, Galaxy S6, *#*#8255#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#*;
on Samsung Galaxy A3 the code is *#*#9646633#*#*;
for Samsung Galaxy S3 – *#*#0#*#*;
in Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge - *#*#8255#*#* or *#*#4636#*#*.

On other devices from the Galaxy line, you can use the service combinations *#*#4636#*#*, *#*#8255#*#* or *#*#3646633#*#*.

If you can’t open the engineering menu using the above commands, you can resort to one of the programs designed specifically for this purpose (EngineerMode, Mobileuncle Tools, Shortcut Master, etc.). To start the technical mode, just install and run one of the utilities. After that, you will automatically enter Engineering Mode.

All applications for opening the engineering menu work only with MTK processors (MT6573, MT6577, MT6589, etc.) and with some Exyon chips. For phones equipped with a Qualcomm CPU (for example, Samsung Galaxy A5), such software will be useless.

The main features of the engineering menu on the Samsung Galaxy

Having figured out how to enter the engineering menu on Samsung, let's look at its main features. A full-fledged Engineering Mode for MTK chips is equipped with a large number of tools with which you can perform a complete diagnosis and fine-tune Samsung in many ways.

However, many smartphones have a stripped-down version of the technical mode, which somewhat reduces its functionality. And in mobile devices based on the Qualcomm processor, through the engineering menu, you can only view information about some modules and perform small tests of the main elements of the phone (display, modem, SIM cards and battery).

On the Samsung Galaxy A5 and Galaxy S6, the main sections of the engineering menu are:

Telephony;
Wireless interfaces (Connectivity);
Test mode (Hardware Testing).

In the Telephony tab, the user has the ability to:

The Connectivity section is intended for diagnostics and configuration of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and FM wireless modules. It is not recommended to change anything here, as this can lead to the failure of the smartphone.

The most popular engineering menu tab is Hardware Testing. This is where you can test the performance of the processor, battery, speakers, camera, display and GPS module. This area allows you to make a complete diagnosis of Samsung at the time of its purchase and identify possible product malfunctions.

Probably, many smartphone owners have faced the volume problem. For example, two things did not suit me. The first is a quiet speaker sound on an incoming call, and the second is a very loud sound in the headphones when a call is received.

A little about how Android controls volume

If no headset is connected to your gadget (headphones, hands-free, etc.), then the volume settings will be the same, and as soon as you connect the headset, the settings will become different. For a general understanding, I will give a few examples.

Example 1 You listen to music on your phone, turn on the loud speaker at full volume, and when you connect a headset to it and turn on the loud speaker again, the volume may differ (it may be louder or lower, depending on which phone model or firmware version).

Example 2 You are watching a movie in headphones, the volume (meaning the volume of multimedia) is set to 40% and then after a while you have an incoming call, then the volume in the headphones will change to the general volume, in which case you can get a powerful sonic shock to the ears. Believe me, I have been blown up from the couch more than once in such cases, the fact is that the programmers have poorly adjusted the volume modes.

Example 3 You are on a phone call and need to switch to speakerphone mode, and you notice that the speaker is not as loud (or vice versa) as when listening to music; or the partner began to hear you badly, this is because in different modes the microphone may have different sensitivity. Also, when you connect a headset in the same situation and turn on the speakerphone mode, the settings are different again. This is how Android manages volume.

We learn the theory of the engineering menu

So let's look at what and how can be done if you play a little trick on the "Engineering menu".

Before making any changes, we recommend that you read the article in full, and comprehend, and then experiment. Also take a piece of paper and write down all the default values in case something goes wrong. You can start the engineering menu using the telephone dialing: we write the following combinations on it (Fig. 1):

picture 1

*#*#54298#*#* or *#*#3646633#*#* or *#*#83781#*#* - smartphones based on the MTK processor

*#*#8255#*#* or *#*#4636#*#* – Samsung smartphones

*#*#3424#*#* or *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#8255#*#* – HTC smartphones

*#*#7378423#*#* - Sony smartphones

*#*#3646633#*#* – Fly, Alcatel, Philips smartphones

*#*#2846579#*#* – Huawei smartphones

Congratulations, you have entered the engineering menu (Fig. 2). Keep in mind that the menu on different phones may differ slightly in structure. We find the section "Audio" and go into it. After entering, we see a bunch of unknown lines (modes) (Fig. 3). Here's what these modes mean in Android:

figure 2 figure 3

— normal mode(settings section in normal or normal mode) - this mode is active when nothing is connected to the smartphone;

— Headset mode(headset mode) - this mode is activated after connecting headphones or external speakers;

— Loud Speaker Mode(loudspeaker mode) - it is activated when nothing is connected to the smart, and you turn on the speakerphone while talking on the phone;

— Headset_LoudSpeaker Mode(loudspeaker mode when a headset is connected) - this mode is activated when headphones or external speakers are connected to the smart phone, and you turn on the speakerphone while talking on the phone;

— Speech enhancement(Talking mode) - this mode is activated in the normal talking mode on the phone, and nothing is connected to it (headset, external speakers) and the speakerphone is not turned on.

It’s better not to poke your nose into the last three sections:

— debug info- it is not clear why - info on the backup of information or its debugging;

— Speech logger- I didn’t fully understand, most likely, logging during negotiations or recording chatter. If you check the box next to "Enable speech log", then after the end of the phone call, the corresponding files are created in the root directory of the memory card. Their name and structure takes the following form: Wed_Jun_2014__07_02_23.vm (Wednesday_July_2014__time07_02_23.vm).

What these files serve for and how they can be useful to us is not clear. The directory /sdcard/VOIP_DebugInfo (which is the location for storing files with information on the backup) is not automatically created, if you create it manually, then after the conversation it will remain empty.

— audio logger- good sound recording software that supports quick search, playback and saving.

If you approach these modes wisely, you can adjust the volume of Android smartphones or tablets the way you want. When entering any of the modes, various volume settings (Type) will become available to your gaze. Here is a list of the main settings you need to know (Fig. 4):

figure 4

—Sip– settings for Internet calls;

— Mic– microphone sensitivity settings;

— Sph- settings for the conversational speaker (the one that is applied to the ears);

— Sph2- settings for the second conversational speaker (I don’t have it);

— sid- we skip, when you change these parameters during negotiations on your smartphone or tablet, you can hear yourself instead of the interlocutor;

— Media– setting the multimedia volume level;

— ring– setting the volume level of the incoming call;

— FMR– FM radio volume settings.

Further, under the item for selecting settings, we have a list of volume levels (Level) (Fig. 5). For a better understanding, there are 7 such levels, from level 0 to level 6. Each level corresponds to one “click” on the volume rocker of a smartphone or tablet. Accordingly, level 0 is the quietest level, and level 6 is the loudest signal level. Each level can be assigned its own values, which are in the Value is 0~255 cell, and should not go beyond the range from 0 to 255 (the lower the value, the lower the sound). To do this, you need to erase the old value in the cell, then enter the new (desired) value and press the “Set” button (the one next to the cell) to assign (Fig. 6). Be careful when using the maximum values, as the speakers may produce uncharacteristically unpleasant sounds in the form of rattling and other unpleasant effects.

figure 5 figure 6

A warning! Before making changes, overwrite all factory values (in case something goes wrong).

You must know!

Editing modes in the engineering menu

Example 1 How to increase the volume of an incoming call?

To do this, you need to go to the engineering menu, print the "Audio" section, go to the "LoudSpeaker Mode" mode and select "Ring" in the volume settings - the volume settings for the incoming call. Then sequentially change (increase) the values of all signal levels (level 0 - level 6). Also, for greater effect, you can increase the value of the Max Vol section. 0 ~ 160, if it is not the maximum (I set mine to 155, with a larger value, the speaker starts to “wheeze”).

Example 2 How to increase the volume when talking on the phone? (Increasing the volume level of a small speaker, the one that is applied to the ear).

Again we go into the engineering menu already known to us, print the “Audio” section, go to the special “Normal Mode”, select Sph in it - this parameter is responsible for changing the value of all signal levels in the range from level 0 to level 6. Set the one you need for us level. In the Max Vol. 0~160, can also be changed to a higher volume power setting.

Example 3 Increasing the volume and sensitivity of the smartphone's conversational microphone

To adjust and set the required volume level and also the sensitivity of the conversational microphone, you need to go to the “Engineering menu”> “Audio”> “Normal Mode”> select Mic - microphone sensitivity settings, and for all levels (level 0 - level 6) we assign one and the same value, for example 240. Now the interlocutor should hear you better.

Example 4 How to increase the sound recording volume while recording a video?

Suppose there is a need to increase the sound recording volume level during video recording, then in the engineering menu for our loudspeaker (LoudSpeaker Mode) change the microphone sensitivity settings (mic), increase all values at all levels (level 0 - level 6), for example set to 240 at every level. I remind you of pressing the button (set) - we reboot our favorite gadget and rejoice.

By the way, do not forget to press the “Set” button after each editing of a certain parameter. This action should commit and accept your command for execution. Otherwise, the user-set parameters are not activated. In addition, a certain number of mobile devices require a reboot for the changes to take effect (turn off and on the device).

Good luck with your experiments, if something is not clear - write in the comments. We are waiting for your answers.

Table of codes for entering the engineering menu

smartphones based on the MTK processor	##54298## or ##3646633## or ##8612##
Samsung	##197328640## or ##4636## or ##8255##
HTC	##3424## or ##4636## or ##8255##
Huawei	##2846579## or ##14789632##
Sony	##7378423## or ##3646633## or ##3649547##
Fly, Alcatel, Philips	##3646633## or *#9646633#
Prestigio	##3646633## or ##83781##
ZTE	##4636##
Philips	##3338613## or ##13411##
TEXET	##3646633##
Acer	##2237332846633##
blackview	##3646633## or #35789#
cube	##3646633## or ##4636##
Cubot	##3646633##
Doogee	##3646633##, #9646633# , #35789#* or ##8612##
Elephone	##3646633##,
HOMTOM	##3646633##, ##3643366##, ##4636##

Note: table is constantly updated

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