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Advanced users of modern smartphones and tablets take advantage of the numerous features that come with engineering menu Android. It allows you to get information about the mac address, check or configure Wi-Fi work, Bluetooth, update software cameras, speakers. Very often, using such a menu you can improve the sound on your device and make other fine adjustments. For example, return the original settings Google account, specify parameters for blocking and turning off the device, set settings that allow you to create backup copy important information. Before entering the engineering menu, you need to understand that rash actions can lead to a malfunction of the device. It is advisable for the user to remember what changes were made to the system in order, if necessary, to return all settings to their previous state.

How to enter the engineering menu using the standard capabilities of the device?

A list of functionality can be accessed by typing a certain combination characters in the device call window. The Android engineering menu code varies depending on the brand of phone or tablet. Each manufacturer sets its own combination. Such information is usually indicated in the instructions for the phone and on official websites. For users modern devices Usually there are no difficulties in finding the required code.

Below we provide a table of the most common combinations. It is not recommended to use them unless your device is one of the listed brands.

The developers do not recommend executing such commands without certain knowledge and experience. But often only this method helps to quickly solve a number of problems related to returning the device to its original state, receiving additional information about the device. The engineering menu is presented in English, which makes it understandable for most users.

Using additional programs

It is not always possible to find out the combination that is suitable directly for your device. In such situations, you can install special software on your mobile device, which will allow you to open a list of the functionality of your smartphone or tablet with a few clicks. It is publicly available to different versions Android and device models.

The program for entering the Android engineering menu can be installed via a USB connection to personal computer or laptop. One of them is called Mediatek Engineer Mode. It is a file EnMode.apk, which must be transferred to the device memory and installed in the usual way. This program is suitable for devices operating on the MTK processor. The user has the opportunity to download free and paid versions of the software.

In the Google Play store you can download the Mobileuncle MTK Tools utility. It is designed for smartphones and tablets running Android 2.1. and later versions. The description says that similar utility also suitable exclusively for devices equipped with an MTK processor.

The Mobileuncle Tools program is suitable for owners. There are other utilities, for example, Shortcut Master, MTK engineering menu, launching MTK engineering menu. Before installing them, we recommend that you read the application rating, reviews from other users, and also check your device for compatibility.

Setting up optimal sound by opening the engineering menu

One of the most common reasons, due to which users are looking for information on how to enter the engineering menu, is a necessity fine tuning sound. The following situations may occur:

Poor audibility when switched on speakerphone
Sudden changes in the sound of an incoming call while listening to audio
Insufficient signal volume
Quiet sounds while recording video
Quiet operation of the headset and microphone.

This is just a small list of installed settings that can be changed through the engineering menu of a modern mobile device. Sound settings are done through the Audio section, which is displayed immediately after entering the menu. Then the screen will appear various tabs, for example, Headset Mode. This tab allows you to set sound parameters that are activated when you connect a headset. Normal Mode sets the sound to normal condition mobile device (without connecting headphones or speakers).

LoudSpeaker Mode tab, which are activated when the loudspeaker is turned on. Headset LoudSpeaker Mode allows you to make settings for active mode speaker while a headset is connected to it. The Speech Enhancement tab provides settings that come into play when communicating over a mobile network.

In any of the modes, you can fine-tune the microphone or increase the volume (see table).

The volume of any sound parameter has seven levels - from 0 to 6. The higher the value, the louder your device will sound. We do not recommend installing maximum settings, because it promotes fast . In many devices, setting the volume to maximum can result in unpleasant noise.

The engineering menu is a mechanism for fine-tuning mobile devices operating on Android platform. For developers, the list of such features opens up new options when implementing applications. Of course, such a menu is used not only for setting sound parameters. It is an important tool that supports optimal performance smartphones and tablets. But it's best not to make changes you're not sure about.

Android engineering menu and secret codes. What does the Android OS allow you to configure through the engineering menu? Sound volume, sensors and much more, read about all this in our article.

Our smartphones carry a lot of secrets that are hidden by manufacturers. Do you know anything about the engineering menu on Android? Have you heard about secret codes? Since they opened our article, it means they heard something remotely. All these tools appeared at the birth of the first mobile phones, but, as is natural, over the years they became more functional and understandable.

However, it is worth noting right away that the manufacturers’ plans do not include making the engineering menu or secret codes for (as the name implies) available to everyone. And this makes sense. Let's go in order.

What is the Android engineering menu, secret codes?

So, Engineering Mode (engineering menu) - special application, which is installed on almost any smartphone. Used by the manufacturer to conduct various tests and optimize the operation of functions, sensors and other parameters of a phone or tablet.

By default, it is hidden in the system so that every user cannot access it. Called, as a rule, using a small code entered using a standard dialer. Thanks to its extensive capabilities, the engineering menu can be accessed and managed using third-party applications.

Why is the engineering menu hidden? If you use the application's capabilities carelessly, you can damage your smartphone or other device. As noted above, the engineering menu is intended for manufacturers (developers, for conducting tests). Therefore, you should be careful when making any changes here.

Secret codes for Android (service, engineering) are somewhat different from the menu considered. If the engineering menu provides access to many parameters at once, then one entered service code leads to only one, as a rule, function. There are a lot of codes.

Moreover, there are both universal ones (work on most Android smartphones, even mobile phones), and codes for specific models devices. We'll look at the most popular ones a little later.

How to access the engineering menu on an Android device - codes

Android engineering menu - the most popular code

There are two popular ways: through a secret code or using special software. Naturally, the first method is simpler and more reliable, but not without nuances. There is no universal code that will definitely take you to the engineering menu.

On one smartphone one triggers, on another – another, on a third – a third. However, Android is not the first year, so users have developed the most popular codes that work on most devices. So:

*#*#3646633#*#* – the most common entry code into the Android engineering menu;
*#15963#* and *#*#4636#*#* – if the previous one did not work, try these;
*#*#7378423#*#* or *#*#3646633#*#*or *#*#3649547#*#* – used on smartphones from Sony;
*#*#3424#*#* or *#*#8255#*#* – we draw the attention of owners of HTC devices;
*#*#197328640#*#* – in some cases it works on Samsung;
3845#*855# – often used to access the engineering menu on LG Android smartphones;
*#*#54298#*#* – works on many devices with a MediaTek processor;
*#*#2846579#*#* or *#*#14789632#*#* – and Huawei has its own set of codes.

By at least, at least one, but it should work on your device. Simply enter the code using the dialer (Phone application on the desktop). As a rule, you don’t even need to press the call button (not always) - when you finish dialing, the service will automatically start. But not everything is so simple; there are certain difficulties in launching the engineering menu on some Android phones.

I can’t enter the Android engineering menu: reasons

Firstly, many smartphones or tablets with Qualcomm Snapdragon, Intel or Tegra processors either do not have a menu or are very difficult to access. In some cases, you don't even have to try.
secondly, custom firmware may be the cause of the problems. In a number of them, access to configuration tools is simply absent or blocked. For example, you will not find an engineering menu in the CyanogenMod firmware, which is very popular among users. The reason is simple - the firmware was originally developed for Snapdragon-based devices.
thirdly, the source of the problems may be the manufacturer himself, who hid the engineering menu more reliably or decided to remove it altogether. This also includes various types of errors from which none of the devices are insured.

Actually, solutions to problems lie on the surface. If the smartphone is powered by Snapdragon, Intel or Tegra, then in most cases nothing can be done. However, even on these devices you can access a number of hidden settings, which we will talk about below.

By the way, on Xiaomi smartphones, which are mostly based on chips from Qualcomm, engineering can be accessed by clicking several times on “Kernel version” in the smartphone settings (section “About phone”). Finally, in some cases, flashing your Android device to stock (official) firmware will help.

The second way to open access to the engineering menu is through applications. There are quite a few of them, you can download them for free from, but almost all of them are designed for smartphones based on the MediaTek processor.

Again, it is not a fact that each of the programs will work smoothly on your device - there are a hundred reasons why they will refuse to function. These tools are developed by small companies, so you'll probably have to try a few.

What can be configured in the engineering menu?

How appearance interface and the set of parameters for configuration may differ for different smartphones. If you take a Qualcomm Snapdragon device, then often all you can do is look at information about the various modules and perform some tests.

You will not be able to make any changes to the parameters. But MediaTek smartphones offer much more options: sound configuration, network settings, various modules, and so on.

So, regardless of the fact that the external interface of the engineering menu may differ by different devices, it won’t be difficult to figure out the points. Let's go through the main features.

Once again, you make changes at your own risk. Don't change the values of parameters you don't know anything about.

Informative features of the Android engineering menu

The first thing the Android engineering menu offers is to study various information about the device. It mainly concerns the network, wireless interfaces and batteries (on smartphones with Snapdragon processors via the command *#*#4636#*#*). What can you see in these sections:

Phone IMEI is a special (unique) number that is assigned to each smartphone;
Phone number – not always indicated;
Network – the current operator is indicated;
Roaming – whether you are there or not;
Information about the network - whether it is being serviced or not, enabled or disabled;
Call forwarding – whether used or not;
Network type, network index;
Signal volume and your location in the form of coordinates.

In the "About the battery" section:

Status: charging or not;
Charge level (in percent);
Voltage and temperature;
The technology used to produce the element;
Time since last reboot.

One of the sections allows you to view information about the use of applications on your smartphone (name, date of last launch, duration). Besides, separate section The engineering menu on Android is dedicated to the wireless interface. Here you will find information about the connection status, the name of the network, you can find out the speed and some other data.

Testing smartphone parameters in the engineering menu

Quite an interesting feature of the engineering menu, which allows you to test various parameters of the smartphone. It often helps to find the source of the problem that is causing the system to not function properly. What specific tests can be performed:

Comprehensive (Automatic Test) – every parameter of the smartphone is tested;
Report – provides a test report;
Testing buttons, memory cards and SIM cards, vibration, speakers, connectors - all this can be checked for functionality;
Screen tests - for brightness, sensitivity, etc.;
Testing cameras and flash, flashlight, wireless interfaces and sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer and others).

Again, the range of testing options may vary. It all depends on the engineering menu of a particular Android device. Undoubtedly useful features, which will be useful to many users. For example, when purchasing a used smartphone, you can test the screen for functionality.

Changing settings in the Android hidden menu

If there is nothing to be afraid of when testing or studying information about a phone or tablet, then you need to make changes carefully.

It’s better not to touch parameters at all, the purpose of which you don’t know, and also take screenshots or mark on a piece of paper everything that you change. If problems arise, you can return the options to their default values. Let's look at the most interesting sections here.

Setting up cellular communications (Telephony) and changing IMEI

Android engineering menu - frequencies

Settings for changing network parameters are concentrated here. You are unlikely to be able to disable your smartphone by changing these parameters, but the network search can be disrupted, so remember where you take pictures and where you put the checkmarks, so that in the future, if anything happens, you can return everything to its place.

As a rule, changes in this section are made in order to reduce energy consumption.

Firstly, you can deselect frequencies (subsection Band Mode) on which your operator does not work. Let's find out which bands your mobile operator operates in and uncheck all the others. This will help reduce energy consumption a little, since it will know exactly which frequencies to connect to.

In the same subsection, on the contrary, you can turn on the desired frequencies. This is needed when the manufacturer from the factory does not activate the necessary ones for your region. For example, often “out of the box” Chinese smartphones cannot work in Russia with LTE. The service menu on Android will help solve this problem.

Secondly, in subsection Network Selecting we can set the priority of the networks that are used for access (2G, 3G, 4G). Everything is done for the same purpose: increasing time battery life from the battery. As a rule, 3G and/or 4G networks are turned off. Not every region has support for these networks, and the communication module, be that as it may, continues to search for them, consuming energy. Turned it off and no problem. In addition, the device will not switch to 3G or 4G, wasting traffic.

To subsection GPRS, it’s better for us, ordinary users, not to get into it if it’s not necessary good reason. Here you can find various settings for how your smartphone works with the network, and there is also an option for changing IMEI.

Attention! There were precedents for criminal prosecution for illegally changing IMEI numbers. More often the punishment is a fine or a suspended sentence. However, there were cases of actual imprisonment.

Function change IMEI may be useful after an unsuccessful attempt to flash the firmware, when the identification number “flies off”. Then you can simply copy it from the box the device came in.

Connectivity

Here, as in the case of GPRS, most people have nothing to do. The section itself is intended for making changes to the settings Wi-Fi modules and Bluetooth. In this section you won’t be able to configure anything to make your smartphone work better, but you can easily harm your electronic friend.

Therefore, here we use only testing functions, and if it is necessary to make some corrections to return the device to a working state, we carefully study the purpose of each parameter on the Network.

Setting the sound volume in the Android engineering menu (Audio)

Android engineering menu - volume adjustment

Judging by the number of queries in the search, it is in order to increase the volume that Android users resort to the engineering menu. It's quite simple:

Choose Hardware tab Testing -> Audio. Select the desired mode;

Normal Mode – is responsible for outputting sound to the main speaker.
Headset Mode – it is used to adjust the sound volume in the headphones.
LoudSpeaker – includes settings for adjusting sound parameters during speakerphone calls.
Headset_LoudSpeaker Mode – allows you to increase or decrease the sound volume for speakerphone mode with connected headphones.

Now from the drop-down list we select for which device we will adjust the volume in the Android engineering menu;

Sip – options for Internet telephony. Mic – sets the microphone sensitivity. Sph (maybe two) – setting conversational dynamics. Media – multimedia speaker (main). Finally, an item that is best left untouched is Sid. After changes, an echo may appear.

The “Level” line specifies the volume level value, which is associated with each step (click) of the volume rocker. The default is 0. You can leave it alone, unless, of course, the sound on your device jumps sharply when you press a button.
The “Value is” line specifies the value of each step (volume level);
The most interesting line is “Max Vol”, with which it increases maximum volume on Android through the engineering menu.

As a rule, the smartphone manufacturer does not set the maximum value, so we can correct it ourselves. Please note that at the highest level, the speaker wheezes. To choose the most comfortable value, we go through the options.

Secret codes for Android

In addition to the engineering menu, to access various functions you can use secret codes. Here it is also difficult to predict which of the commands will work on your device. Let's look at the most popular and useful:

*#06#	Getting the IMEI of the smartphone
##232338##	Find out the MAC address and Wi-Fi information
##232337##	Will show Bluetooth address
##3264##	Displays information about RAM
##1234## ,	Let's learn everything about the software part
##2663##	View screen sensor data
*#34971539#	Displays information about installed camera sensors
#0#	Used for comprehensive smartphone test
##0##*	Useful for testing screen
##2664##	Runs a display sensor test
##0842##	Performs a vibration test
##0289##	Useful for sound testing
##1575##	Starts GPS module testing
##7262626##	Used to check mobile communications
##7780##	Resetting your smartphone - completely or partially
#*5376#	Erases all SMS from your smartphone
#*3851#	Useful for rebooting the device
*#2263#	Setting up network ranges
##273283255663282##*	Causes files to be backed up

Purchasing a new smartphone or tablet is a real holiday for many. Each owner expects that the gadget will delight you for many years with its reliable operation and the absence of any problems. Moreover, regardless of who the assembler is and what control system is installed.

However, as often happens, modern mobile devices can hardly be called ideal, since some time after the start of use, issues are identified that the owner wants to correct, in one way or another improving the software part of his mobile assistant to the ideal. Of course, in my understanding. One of the available tools is the Android engineering menu.

Secret settings that everyone knows about

At the final stage of configuring the software component of a gadget running a Google system, developers use the so-called Android engineering menu. a special program that allows you to make adjustments to the operation of the device, perform technological tests, and view information from sensors. Since thoughtless use of this tool can lead to unpredictable results, access to it is most often hidden from users. However, in fact, the secret is already known to everyone - to learn how to call up the mentioned menu, you only need to spend a few minutes searching for recommendations.

A few important points

However, not all mobile devices can log into the Android engineering menu. In order to take advantage of its capabilities, you need to make sure that the gadget meets certain requirements.

Firstly, the central processor must be manufactured by MediaTek (or MTK). On inexpensive models Spreadtrum, for example, SC-6825, popular Snapdragon from Qualcomm, various Tegra NVidia and Intel, trying to launch the Android engineering menu is useless. It is not there. It will not be possible to achieve functionality, even if you carefully install the appropriate application.

Secondly, various modified operating systems, for example, CyanogenMod, popular in some circles, do not allow running the configuration program, since they were originally developed for devices with a Qualcomm processor that do not support the Android engineering menu. In addition, it is highly desirable that the operating system be original or created on a basic basis.

Thirdly, the application itself (file) must be present among programs, even if hidden from standard conductor. Thus, some mobile device manufacturers, after completing the software settings, simply delete the “Android” engineering menu. Descriptions and recommendations for use in this case are useless, which is obvious.

Secret combination

There are several ways to get into the engineering menu settings on Android. It is impossible to say which one is better, since a direct comparison is incorrect. Therefore, we will consider them one by one.

One of the most “ancient” options, which was used in the first models of smartphones and tablets, is that the user in the dialer program (the so-called dialer) dials not the subscriber’s number, but a special code of the Android engineering menu, similar to checking funds in the account. If the combination is recognized and accepted, the configuration application is launched. Some mobile device companies use their own modified code, so standard set doesn't always work. Otherwise, to call the menu, you should type the following character order without spaces - * # * # 36 46 633 # * # *. It's that simple.

Traditional access method

Usage secret combination not always convenient, if only because the order of the characters is easy to forget. Also, in the case of a changed set, it is easier to use the program rather than looking for the correct order of characters. One of the most famous applications is the so-called “Mobile Uncle”, or MobileUncle Tools. It is free, so there are usually no problems with finding and installing it. At the time of writing current version is the official 2.9.9 or build 3.1.4, which has additional support for some new processors.

In order for the program to work, the user must first obtain root rights on his gadget. There are a lot of applications for this, for example, KingRoot, SuperSu, etc. In this article we will not talk about the nuances of working with a rooted device, since this is a separate voluminous topic. After launching the application, you should select the third item called Engineer Mode (both in Russian and in English versions), and in the window that opens - “Work with MTK”. When prompted to provide root access, you must answer in the affirmative.

How to restore access to the engineer mode

If the manufacturer of the mobile gadget has taken care of security operating system If you carefully remove the configuration program, you can reinstall it. To do this, you need to find an installer on the Internet that restores EngineerMode.apk and install it.

We do not indicate the exact name due to the abundance of analogue clones. For example, one of them is called “Engineering Mode”. You can also just copy missing file V system folder, located on the path system\app. After this, you can use any method for access: either dialing a number or directly calling from the program interface. Please note that these operations require

Features of the miracle program

Through the engineering menu, despite the ambiguous attitude of gadget owners to this, it makes it possible to solve several most important tasks. In particular, adjust the sensitivity of the microphone, cure the “childhood disease” manifested in insufficient volume of the system speaker, reduce battery power consumption by disabling scanning of “extra” ranges, and reduce the time it takes the global positioning system receiver to search for satellites. Let's look at the above functions in more detail, since they are the ones that are most in demand.

Ringer volume

Raising the ringer volume is very easy. To do this, select the “Audio” section by swiping to the right. A list of modes will appear. Behind system speaker Answers LoudSpeaker Mode, Ring subsection. The parameter in the first window should not be changed, but in the second you can enter a higher value. The developers may initially set the indicator to 130, which is quite quiet, but 156 is already close to the limit. The maximum is 160. After editing, you need to press the Set button, located here, and reboot the device, correctly exiting the program.

Mobile operator frequencies

To optimize the power consumption of a mobile communication device, you can disable scanning of “extra” frequencies. In our country, when working in regular 2G/3G networks standard frequencies are 900 and 1800 MHz. The other pair, 850 and 1900 MHz, is an American standard. To enable or disable it, you need to select the Band Mode item, go into the settings for SIM-1 and SIM-2 one by one and uncheck/check the desired boxes. Confirmation is by pressing the Set button.

How to improve GPS? To improve performance, you need to turn on Wi-Fi, select Location in the Android engineering menu, go to Location Based Service and open EPO. Here you need to make sure that the Enabled and Download checkboxes are checked (if present). After this, you should return to YGPS and in the information section, alternately click “Full”, “Cold”, “Restart”. Next, you need to select the “Satellites” item and wait until the answer is recorded (green dots on the map). Everything takes from 2 to 5 minutes. After this, all that remains is to exit the menu, close the program and restart the gadget.

Summing up

The engineering menu of devices operating under control opens up opportunities for the owner of the gadget, the use of which allows you to configure the device in an optimal way. Often this the only way, allowing you to postpone the purchase of a new mobile assistant. This menu It is contraindicated only for those who are already completely satisfied with the performance of their tablet, navigator or smartphone.

Standard smartphone settings are not always enough. Maximize the sound, increase the font size, reduce battery drain - all this can be done only through the engineering menu of the Android OS. This hidden application is in every phone, and it is intended for developers. We will tell you how any user can enter this special mode and change system parameters.

Entering the system engineering menu provides access to a number of settings. Their exact list depends on the model of the mobile device, its hardware characteristics, and the presence of special sensors. Don't forget that self-change system parameters may seriously disrupt some OS functions. Proceed carefully and do not change everything at random; before editing, it is better to write down the previous values in order to be able to adjust the smartphone.

The general list of system partitions usually includes the following items:

Telephony – mobile communications.

GPRS – mobile internet and SIM card;
NetworkInfo – check the quality of the cellular network;
Auto Answer – activation of auto answer to calls;
HSPA Info – 3G network data;
CFU Setting – forwarding settings;
Band Mode – selection of GSM frequencies; unused ones can be turned off to save battery power;
RAT Mode – setting the priority communication standard;
Modem Test – test for compatibility with various devices when working as a ";
Fast Dormancy - saves battery on 3G networks.

Connectivity – wireless connections.

Bluetooth – setting up and testing the Bluetooth module for data reception and transmission;
Wi-Fi – check Wi-Fi operation;
CDS Information – wireless network parameters;
FM Receiver – FM module test.

Hardware testing – testing of hardware characteristics.

Audio – volume parameters for calls and music, dynamics during a conversation, microphone sensitivity;
CPU Test – checking the functions of the central processor;
ChargeBattery – information about the battery;
Camera – Extra options photo and video filming;
Mult-Touch – enable response to multiple clicks;
Sensor - calibration touch screen;
Sleep Mode – activation of sleep mode.

The names and order of the items will vary depending on the different models and depending on the method of entering the Android menu - through service codes or special applications.

How to open

You cannot launch a secret application through normal interface. How to enter the engineering menu in Android:

open the calls window, where you can enter the phone number using the keyboard;
enter special combination characters;
If the menu does not start immediately after entering the code, click on the call button.

Each manufacturer has its own combination of symbols, it contains numbers and Special symbols*,#. For example, the engineering menu of Samsung gadgets is launched by entering the sequence *#*#4636#*#*.

If nothing happens after entering the code, use applications from Google Play that can work with the engineering menu. Most of them will need root rights to the device; without them, the program will function unstable, and some parameters will become inaccessible.

MTK Engineering Mode

A complete copy of the standard engineering menu.

Mobileuncle Tools

A utility with advanced capabilities. In addition to viewing and changing basic settings, allows you to repair IMEI, update firmware and improve the GPRS signal. Displays the full characteristics of the sensor, screen, memory.

Launching the MTK engineering menu

Utility for devices with MediaTek processors. Successfully loads engineering functions, but errors in saving parameters are noted - after a reboot they may be reset.

Another mode for developers is smartphone recovery. It will be useful if problems arise with the device or serious errors. If the phone does not turn on, get into regular menu You won’t be able to, but you’ll most likely be able to launch recovery mode.

To start, use a combination of the power button and the volume up or down key. Sometimes you additionally need to press Home. Press and hold the indicated buttons until loading begins.

The most useful point in this mode is wipedata. He launches full reset, returning the device to factory settings. In this case, you will lose all your data and programs, but you will get a clean phone. Resetting will help if you have gone too far with changes in the engineering menu, setting invalid values.

Examples

Let's look at a few examples of useful actions that can only be performed in a secret system application.

Additional codes

Get access to engineering functions on Android you can do it without a menu, through special codes. They are entered as a dial number, allowing you to test hardware components and display technical information about them.

In addition to general codes, a number of manufacturers have their own specific ones:

Sony: **05***# — reset PUK code;
Samsung: ##778 – launch the system menu;
Motorola: *#*#2432546#*#* - check for updates, *#06# - show IMEI;
HTC: ##3282# - calls system application, ##3424# - full test of the gadget, ##7738# - protocol check.

It is also convenient to use the Secret Codes program to work with codes. Install it on your device, the application will search for combinations to control the OS and display them full list. To check a value, you do not have to rewrite it; you can launch the function with one click on its name.

Conclusion

We figured out what you can do through the engineering menu and how to open it on Android devices. Secret mode gives users the widest possibilities for personalizing the gadget and many options for disrupting its operation. Therefore, make changes to system settings carefully. If serious errors appear as a result, rollback through recovery mode.

And interesting features hidden from prying eyes.

Why are they hidden? Firstly, so that an inexperienced user does not break anything, and secondly, they are needed in especially rare cases and are not used regularly. Today we will talk about the engineering menu - a section for programmers, testers, geeks, experienced users and those who want to get into the very “heart” of gadget settings.

What is an engineering menu?

This is about special program or system partition, which developers usually use at the final configuration stage software platform mobile device. With its help they contribute last changes into the operation of the device, check the functioning of various sensors and perform testing of system components. Also hidden functionality service menu used to obtain a large amount of system information, conduct various tests (about 25 pieces) and configure any Android parameters - various sensors, mobile networks, equipment, etc.

Engineering, service or system menu available on smartphones and tablets powered by MediaTek processor. On the Qualcomm chipset it is either reduced or absent altogether.

Attention! This section is intended for experienced users who bear full responsibility for the consequences. Careless actions can cause harm file system and bring their smartphone out of order.

How to enter the engineering menu?

To enter the engineering menu, in the dialing application you need to enter special team: *#*#3646633#*#*. On some versions the code *#*#4636#*#* or *#15963#* may work.

If the engineering menu code on Android does not work, or there is no dialing application on the phone (relevant for tablets that do not support calls), the MobileUncle Tools or MTK Engineering applications, which can be downloaded for free via Google Play, will help.

After entering the command or launching the application, the desired section will open. It may close immediately - you need to have “Developer Mode” activated on your smartphone. To do this, go to the gadget settings, find the kernel version there and quickly click on it 5-10 times in a row.

Engineering menu functions

The engineering menu is divided into several categories, each of which will be discussed separately.

Telephony. All settings related to mobile communications are located here. For example, you can activate or disable certain BandModes (frequencies for 2G/3G/4G operation), check the operation of SIM cards, and even disable mobile data transfer in the background.
Connectivity: Configure Bluetooth, Radio, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi CTIA settings. For example, in the radio settings you can specify the radio wave, antenna type (you need to use headphones) and sound format (mono or stereo). The radio will play straight from this section.
Hardware Testing. In this section you can configure the work various components devices, in simple words, hardware: sound levels of headphones and speakers, setting microphone sensitivity, various camera parameters (photo aspect ratio, adjusting ISO, HDR, focusing and much more), operation of the touchscreen, sensors (calibration right there) and so on. This category is very large and global; you need to understand each section separately and have serious knowledge and skills.
Location. In this category, you can configure GPS operation, see how many satellites the gadget has picked up, and simply conduct testing.
Log and Debugging. Here logs (logs) of the battery are kept (percentage of charge, voltage, operating time, temperature) and other little-known to a simple user functions.
Others. Contains two functions also unknown to the average user.

Engineering menu settings

The engineering menu opens up enormous possibilities for customizing the phone; we will consider the most interesting ones in detail.

SAR Test - level determination harmful radiation from a smartphone or tablet.
Connections - testing available types wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WLAN CTIA and FM receiver.

Audio - adjusts the sound in the speakers, microphone and headphones. About how to increase the Android volume through the engineering menu.

Camera - configure various camera settings.

Turning on the current camera - the operating current of the camera is displayed (in our tablet it is 2 mA).
Load test of the CPU (central processing unit) - checking the stability of its operation, identifying errors in the operation of the processor-memory channel, testing the cooling system and power supply of the processor.
Device Manager - activate automatic SMS registration, manage configuration parameters.
Disable detection - adjust the signal frequency.
Display - Sets the pulse width modulation indicator cycle, which affects the perceived brightness of the screen by quickly turning the backlight on/off; backlight adjustment; controller for vertical and horizontal lines display.

Wake mode - its activation will not allow the device to “go” into sleep mode.
IO - management of data input/output operations.
Memory - detailed information about the RAM module.
To a certain extent - detailed information about the battery (the strange name of the section is most likely explained by errors in automatic translation titles in the application, but the ability to switch to English language absent).
SD card test - the name of the tab speaks for itself.
Touch screen - checking the sensitivity and response of the display when pressed, as well as setting its additional settings.
USB - testing the operation of the USB port.

UART/USB switch - switching between two data transfer modes.
Sensor - calibration (adjusting clarity and sensitivity) of the touch screen. Standard methods.
Location - testing the GPS performance and determining the exact location.
Battery log - details about the battery and the ability to activate recording of information about battery consumption.

MTKLogger - collection of system logs (MobileLog, ModemLog and NetworkLog).
Temperature sensor - shows the battery and processor.
Font parameter - change the font size.

When installing the application, some features may not be available without .

Xiaomi engineering menu

Despite the fact that our test Redmi 2 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, it also has the functionality that interests us. To enter it, you need to tap on the “Kernel version” item several times in a row.

The menu is represented by five items:

Automatic Test. Automatic test of all device parameters.
Single Item Test. Each of the 25 tests is taken separately. We will talk about this in detail below.
Test Report. Report on the completed texts and their results.
SW add HW version. Information about the smartphone version, IMEI and other numbers.
Device View. Smartphone hardware data.

Of course, the most interesting point is the Single Item Test, where you can take a huge number of tests.

Let's make a reservation right away that there was no way to configure anything in the device we tested - only a functionality test. At the end of each procedure, you need to note its status: successful (success) or not (failed).

Key - functionality of physical buttons. Interestingly, it was not possible to complete it successfully, since when checking the power button, the smartphone turns off.
Backlight - display brightness.

TouchPanel. The touch screen test includes two procedures: “Crossed calibration” and “Touch panel calibration”. The first one checks so-called “swipes”, the second one checks single taps on the screen. An easy way to calibrate your display.

TFlash. Testing a memory card with two results: either everything is fine, or the card is damaged.
Bluetooth. Searches for available devices.
SIM Card. Test for the presence of SIM cards.

Vibration. The gadget vibrates - everything is ok.
RTC (Real Time Clock) - operation of the built-in clock.
Speaker. Testing the conversational speaker. We didn’t understand how to get through it. We will be grateful if you can tell us in the comments.
Receiver. Translated as receiver, receiver, but music plays during testing.
Headset. Testing the 3.5mm jack to detect headphones, play sounds, and support headset control buttons.

LED. Notification indicator, everything is obvious here.
FM (radio). Click Search, and if you hear noise in the headphones, then everything is working properly.
Camera. Everything is obvious: a test of the main and front optics, as well as the flash.
Battery. Informative section with information about correct operation USB cable (charging), battery condition, charge level and temperature. Similar data can be obtained more.

Wi-Fi. Detection of nearby access points. There are no settings.

Torch (flashlight): shines/does not shine.
The loopback test includes a test of the spoken microphone. First, click Recording, then Playing.
LCD. Screen colors.
GPS. Detection of available satellites.
Gyro (gyroscope). Three parameters - X, Y, Z - change depending on the position of the device in space.
G-sensor (Accelerometer). Rotate the gadget in all planes and turn it over. The three parameters should be ok.
Proximity Sensor. It is usually located near the speaker and is designed to dim the gadget screen during a conversation, thereby eliminating accidental clicks.
Optical and Magnetic Sensor (optical and magnetic sensors) - points we don’t understand, share your knowledge in the comments.

After passing all tests, you can go to the Test Report section. As you can see, our “animal” is in excellent shape and has passed all the tests, which is very pleasing.

conclusions

Above we have listed the main sections of the engineering menu available on the tested devices. Now let’s summarize what features the user receives during installation:

Formatting, restoring to factory settings.
Testing work individual elements smartphone or tablet, such as sensors, touchscreen sensitivity, and calibration accuracy.
Detailed information about the device and its parts. For example, you can track battery consumption since the last charge and view statistics on the programs used.
Energy optimization. Alternatively, unnecessary frequency ranges are turned off. In Russia, the standard indicators for working in 2G and 3G networks are 900 and 1800 MHz, while in the USA they are 850 and 1900 MHz.