How to access Android advanced settings: secret codes, ADB and engineering menu

Hidden Android settings is a powerful tool for advanced users that allows you to fine-tune the operation of your smartphone, diagnose hardware problems, or activate functions that are not available in the standard interface. However, access to these menus is often hidden by manufacturers to prevent accidental changes that could disrupt the stability of the system.

In this article you will find all current methods get into advanced settings Android - from simple service codes to the use of ADB and engineering menus. We will analyze the methods for different versions of the OS (from Android 10 to Android 15), and also warn about the risks that some changes carry. If you want to overclock the processor, test sensors or calibrate the screen, here you will find step-by-step guide.

Important: not all methods work on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or MIUI), and some engineering menus may absent on devices with a locked bootloader. Before experiments make a backup copy of your data.

1. Service codes for quick access to hidden menus

The easiest way to open advanced settings is to use service USSD codes. They work on most smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands, but some codes may be blocked by the telecom operator.

To use the code:

1. Open the application Phone.
2. Enter a combination of numbers and symbols (as when dialing a number).
3. Press the call button - the menu will open automatically.

Here is a list of the most useful codes:

• 📱 ##4636## — battery information, usage statistics, Wi-Fi test.
• 🔧 ##7780## — reset settings to factory settings (without deleting user data).
• 📡 ##197328640## — service menu for network testing (only for Qualcomm).
• 🔍 *#06# — IMEI check (works on all devices).
• 🎛️ ##2664## — touch screen test (for Samsung and LG).

Some codes may not work on new versions Android (starting from Android 12), as Google is tightening its security policy. If after entering the code nothing happens, try alternative methods from the following sections.

2. Engineering menu (Engineer Mode) - full control over the hardware

Engineering menu (or Engineer Mode) - this is a hidden section where you can test hardware components, calibrate sensors and even change the parameters of the communication module.

On most processor-based devices MediaTek (for example, Redmi, Realme, Tecno), the engineering menu is opened by code ##36446337## or ##3644633##For Qualcomm (for example, Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus) often. works ##4636## (section Testing).

Here's what you can do in the engineering menu:

• 🔋 Check the actual battery capacity (in mAh) and the number of charging cycles.
• 📶 Configure network parameters: select the connection type (2G/3G/4G/5G), block certain frequencies.
• 🎤 Check the microphone, speakers and vibration feedback.
• 📱 Calibrate the gyroscope, accelerometer and proximity sensor.

⚠️ Attention: Changing parameters in the section BandMode or RF Test may lead to network loss. If you are not sure of the actions, do not save changes just exit the menu.

What will happen if you reset the module settings communication?

This will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices and mobile communication settings. They can only be restored manually.

3. ADB commands for advanced users

If service codes do not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) - tool for debugging, which allows you to send commands directly to the system. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and enabling USB debugging.

To open advanced settings via ADB:

1. Enable Developer mode (click on Build number in Settings → About phone).
2. Activate USB debugging in the developer menu.
3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command:

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

To access the manufacturer's hidden menus (for example, Samsung Service Mode) use:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.sec.android.app.launcher/.activities.LauncherActivity --es secret_code *#9900#

List of useful ADB commands for diagnostics:

Command	Description
adb shell dumpsys battery	Shows detailed information about the battery, including temperature and charge level.
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.sdk	Displays the Android API version (for example, 34 for Android 14).
adb shell pm list packages -f	List of all installed applications from paths to their APK.
adb shell wm size	Current screen resolution (for example, Physical size: 1080x2400).

⚠️ Attention: Commands adb shell su or adb root require root access and may break the system. Do not use them without understanding the consequences.

4. Hidden settings through launcher applications

Some alternative launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) allow you to add shortcuts to hidden Android menus. This is convenient if you often use engineering settings.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Hold your finger on an empty space on the screen → Widgets.
2. Select Activities (if the widget is not displayed, download it separately).
3. Find in the list Settings (Settings) and select:
• .DevelopmentSettings — developer menu;
• .TestingSettings — test settings;
• .DeviceAdminSettings — managing device administrators.

For Samsung you can add a shortcut for ServiceMode (code *#0011#), which shows information about the modem, signal and SIM cards. On Xiaomi through launchers you can sometimes open CIT (Factory Test Mode) to check the hardware. components.

On devices with Android 13+ some shortcuts may not work due to Google restrictions on access to system components.

5. Advanced settings via Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode is a separate section of the firmware designed to restore the system. not available in the normal interface. To get into recovery mode:

1. Turn off the smartphone.
2. Hold down the combination of buttons (depending on the model):
   • 📱 Samsung: Volume up + Power + Bixby;
   • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi: Volume up + Power;
   • 📱 Google Pixel: Volume down + Power.

In the menu, select Advanced or Mount to access hidden options.

B Recovery you can:

• 🔄 Reset Dalvik Cache (speeds up the system after updates);
• 📁 Connect the device as USB Mass Storage (if MTP does not work);
• 🔧 Enable ADB Sideload to install firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Option Wipe System deletes all data from the partition /systemwhich will lead to phone malfunction without further flashing.

6. Specific methods for different brands

Manufacturers often add unique hidden menus. Here are the most useful of them:

For Samsung:

• 📶 *#0011# — information about the modem and signal;
• 🔋 ##4636## → Battery Information —real battery wear;
• 🎛️ *#9900# — SysDump for creating system logs.

For Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco:

• 🔧 ##6484## — test of hardware components;
• 📡 ##4636## → Wi-Fi Information — detailed network statistics;
• 🔋 ##663368378## — menu MMITest for checking multimedia.

For Huawei/Honor:

• 📱 ##2846579## — ProjectMenu (select Background Settings → Logger for logs);
• 🔋 ##2846579159## —battery and charging test.

On devices Google Pixel most engineering menus are locked, but you can use ADB to access hidden functions, such as turning on Call Recording (call recording).

7. Risks and cautions when working with hidden settings

Changing parameters in advanced menus can lead to:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if traces of tampering are detected at the service center);
• 📵 Loss of the network (if incorrect settings modem);
• 🔥 Overheating or battery discharge (if you change the processor parameters);
• 💀 "Brick" device (complete inoperability without firmware via Fastboot).

To minimize risks:

• 📝 Take screenshots original settings before changes;
• 🔄 Create backup copy via TWRP or ADB Backup;
• 🛠️ Use official tools (for example, Samsung Smart Switch to restore).

If after the changes the smartphone becomes unstable, try:

1. Reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network);
2. Restore factory settings (##7780##);
3. Reflash the device via Odina (for Samsung) or Fastboot.

💡

If you are not sure of the actions, it is better not to save changes in the engineering menu. Most parameters are applied only after pressing the button Save or Apply.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

❓ How to return the default settings if they disappeared after changes in the engineering menu signal?

If you changed the modem parameters (for example, in the menu ##4636## → Phone Information), try:

1. Return Preferred network type to value LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto;
2. Reboot the phone;
3. Reset network settings (Settings → Mobile network → Reset).

If this does not help, you may need to reflash the modem via Odina or QFil.

❓ Is it possible through hidden settings overclock the processor?

Theoretically yes, but:

• On most smartphones overclocking is blocked at the core level;
• To change frequencies you need root and applications like Kernel Adiutor;
• Overclocking leads to overheating and reduced chip life.

It is safer to use performance modes in standard settings (for example, Settings → Battery → Performance Mode).

❓ Why does the code *#06# show the wrong IMEI?

This may mean:

• Device non-original (clone);
• IMEI was changed by software (for example, after flashing);
• The modem failed (try rebooting the phone).

To restore IMEI, you will need:

1. Find the original IMEI (on the box or under the battery);
2. Use tools like Maui META (for MediaTek) or QPST (for Qualcomm).

❓ How to open hidden settings on Android 14/15?

In new versions of Android, Google tightens access to system components. If standard codes do not work:

• Use ADB (see section 3);
• Try apps like Hidden Settings for Android (requires ADB);
• On some devices (for example, Google Pixel) hidden menus are accessible through Settings → System → Developer Options → Quick Settings Developer Tiles.

❓ Is it possible to check the originality of the battery through the engineering menu?

Yes, but the methods depend on the manufacturer:

• Samsung: Enter ##4636## → Battery InformationCompare Health (should. be Good) and a capacity with passport data;
• Xiaomi: Use the code ##6484## → Battery Test;
• Huawei: In the menu ##2846579## select Background Settings → Battery.

If the actual capacity is less than declared by more than 20%, it’s time to replace the battery replace.