The Android engineering menu is a powerful tool for fine-tuning a smartphone that is hidden from ordinary users. Here you can change network settings, camera settings, processor settings, and even hardware specifications. But what should you do if, after experimenting with the settings, the device begins to work unstable? Or how to transfer optimal settings to another smartphone? Saving engineering menu settings is a non-trivial task, because standard Android backup functions do not capture this data.

In this article you will find 5 working methods saving and restoring settings, including manual ones methods, automated tools and workarounds for different Android versions. We will figure out which settings can be exported and which ones can only be fixed manually, and we will also warn about the risks of incorrect manipulations. If you've ever wasted hours setting up ideal communication or performance settings, this guide is for you.

Engineering menu (or EngineerMode) is available on most Android devices through secret codes or special applications. However, its contents vary greatly depending on the manufacturer: on Samsung this menu is called #0011#, on Xiaomi — ##4636##, and on Qualcommsmartphones it is often used ##808##*. The main problem: the changes here are applied directly to system files, and resetting them to factory settings will not restore your custom settings.

Why doesn't standard backup work? Because the engineering menu operates with data from sections /efs, /nvram or /persistthat are not included in backups via adb backup or Google Account. Moreover, some parameters (for example, sensor calibration) are stored in the non-volatile memory of the chipset and cannot be exported by software at all. But there is a way out - and we will consider all available options.

1. Manual export of settings through the engineering menu

The most reliable, but also the most time-consuming method is fixing parameters manually. This method is suitable for critical settings that cannot be restored automatically, such as antenna calibration or signal modulation settings. You will need a notepad (or a specialized application like Engineer Notes) and patience.

How it works:

  • 📝 Write down exact values each changed parameter, including the path to it in the menu (for example, Band Selection → LTE Band → Band 20).
  • 🔢 For numerical values (for example, RRC Version or TX Power), indicate units of measurement (dBm, mW, Hz).
  • 📸 Take screenshots screens with settings - this will help avoid errors during recovery. On some devices (for example, Huawei) screenshots in the engineering menu are blocked - use a second smartphone to take photographs.
  • 🔄 For parameters with selection options (for example, Network Mode: LTE/WCDMA/GSM) fix not only the selected item, but also all available ones options.

Example entry for setting LTE Band:



[2026-05-15] Samsung Galaxy A52 (Exynos)


Path: *#0011# → Menu → Band Selection → LTE Band


Active bands: Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz), Band 20 (800 MHz)


Disabled: Band 1, Band 5, Band 8


Note: Band 20 is enabled for better coverage in the basement
⚠️ Attention: On devices with a chipset Mediatek (for example Redmi Note 11) manually changing communication parameters can lead to loss of IMEI. Before experiments, check the backup copy of the partition /nvram via MTK Engineering Mode.

2. Automated export via ADB

For users with root access or an unlocked bootloader. a more advanced method is available - export system files via ADB. This method allows you to save binary settings data, which later can be restored. The main disadvantage: it requires technical skills and can disrupt the operation of the device if used incorrectly.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and activate USB debugging in the developer settings.
  2. Open the command line and check the connection: 
    adb devices
  3. Create a backup copy of the settings section For Qualcommdevices this is usually /persist: 
    adb shell

    su
    

    dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist of=/sdcard/persist_backup.img

  4. Copy the file to PC: 
    adb pull /sdcard/persist_backup.img

To restore, use the reverse command: 

adb push persist_backup.img /sdcard/

adb shell


su


dd if=/sdcard/persist_backup.img of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist

Manufacturer Settings section Backup command Notes
Qualcomm /persist dd if=/dev/block/.../persist of=... Contains data about the network, calibration, IMEI
Mediatek /nvram tar -cvzf /sdcard/nvram_backup.tar.gz /data/nvram Recovery can reset IMEI
Samsung Exynos /efs tar -cvzf /sdcard/efs_backup.tar.gz /efs Critical for modem operation!
Huawei Kirin /vendor/nvdata cp -r /vendor/nvdata /sdcard/nvdata_backup Requires superuser rights
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect partition recovery /efs to Samsung can lead to a “bricked” (complete inoperability) of the device. Before operations, check the compatibility of the firmware and version of the modem.
📊 What backup method are you using? more often?
Manual recording of settings
ADB and root access
Special applications
I don’t make backups

3. Applications for working with the engineering menu

If manual methods seem complicated, specialized utilities will come to the rescue. They allow you to save settings in a convenient format (JSON, XML or binary) and restore them in one click. Consider the top 3 solutions:

  • 🛠️ MTK Engineering Mode (for Mediatek):

    Allows you to export modem, GPS and sensor settings to a file. Supports backup /nvram i /nvdata. Minus: works only on firmware devices.

  • 📡 Network Signal Guru (universal):

    Saves network parameters (LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi) to the cloud There is a function for comparing settings before/after changes. backups.

  • 🔧 Qualcomm QPST (for Snapdragon):

    Professional tool for working with QCNfiles (Qualcomm Calibration Network). Requires PC and drivers. Qualcomm. Can restore IMEI and serial numbers.

Example of working with Network Signal Guru:

  1. Install the application from Google Play (requires Android 7.0+).
  2. Go to the section Engineer Menu Backup.
  3. Select categories to export (for example, LTE Settings + Wi-Fi Calibration).
  4. Click Save to Cloud or Export to File.

Install the application from the official source

Grant all requested permissions

Check the free space on your device (minimum 100 MB)

Disable battery optimization for the application

Create a test restore point

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Critical information: Applications like MTK Engineering Mode can save IMEI in clear text in backup files Never transfer these files to third parties - they can be used to clone yours. devices.

4. Exporting settings through engineering codes

Some manufacturers have built-in mechanisms for exporting settings through service codes. These methods do not require root access, but only work on a limited number of devices. For example, on smartphones Xiaomi with a processor. data-i="131">you can use the code Qualcomm you can use the code ##7594## to backup communication parameters.

List of working codes:

  • 📱 Samsung: *#9090# → Diagnostic Configuration → Backup
  • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi: ##4636## → Usage Statistics → Export
  • 📱 OnePlus: *#808# → Diagnose → Save Logs
  • 📱 Huawei/Honor: ##2846579## → Project Menu → Backup

As a rule, these codes save data in the format .qcn (for Qualcomm) or .bin (for Mediatek). The files are located in the root folder of the internal memory under names like diag_backup_YYYYMMDD. To restore, use the same code, but select the option Restore.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei with EMUI 12+, engineering codes may be blocked. To activate them, you need to roll back the firmware or use HiSuite in developer mode.
What to do if the code does not work?

If nothing happens after entering the engineering code, check:

1. Firmware version - some codes only work on stock (not custom) firmware.

2. Device region - service menus may differ on European and Chinese versions of the same model series.

3. Availability of updates - manufacturers often block engineering codes in new versions of Android (for example, after updating to Android 13). on Samsung Galaxy S22).

4. Alternative login method: try using the application Shortcut Master to search for hidden engineering menu activities.

5. Backup via TWRP

If custom recovery is installed on your device TWRP, you can create a full backup of the settings partition. This method is universal, but requires an unlocked bootloader and installed recovery. Advantage: you save everything system data, including engineering menu settings.

Instructions:

  1. Boot into TWRP (hold Power + Volume Up when turned on).
  2. Go to section Backup.
  3. Tick the sections Persist, NVRAM or EFS (depending on the chipset).
  4. Tap Select Storage and select a save location (internal memory or SD card).
  5. Swipe to start backup.

To restore:

  1. B TWRP select Restore.
  2. Specify the path to the saved backup.
  3. Select only the necessary partitions (do not restore Boot or Systemif you do not plan to reflash the device!).
💡

If TWRP does not have a section Persist in the list for backup, try manually adding it via Advanced → File Manager. The path to the partition usually looks like /dev/block/mmcblk0pX (where X is the partition number).

6. Cloud services for synchronizing settings

Some manufacturers offer cloud solutions for synchronizing system parameters. For example, Samsung Knox or Xiaomi Cloud can save individual engineering menu settings (usually related to network or security). However, these functions are rarely documented and may work unstable.

How to enable cloud synchronization on Samsung:

  1. Go to Settings → Accounts and backup → Backup and recovery.
  2. Activate the option Archive data.
  3. In the section Additional settings find the item System data synchronization (may be called Engineer Mode Sync).
  4. Log in to your account Samsung and wait until synchronization is completed.

Cloud service limitations:

  • 🚫 Not all engineering menu parameters are synchronized (usually only network settings).
  • 🚫 On on devices with custom firmware, cloud synchronization can be disabled.
  • 🚫 Restore is only possible to the same device (binding by IMEI).
⚠️ Attention: Cloud backups Huawei (via Huawei Mobile Cloud) may contain the engineering menu data in encrypted form. To restore them, you will need the original firmware with the same region (C432, C185, etc.).
💡

Cloud services of manufacturers are the safest, but also the most limited way to save settings. Use them only for backup, and not as the main method.

Common errors and how to avoid them

Even experienced users make mistakes when working with the engineering menu Here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

Error Cause Solution
It is impossible to enter the engineering menu The code is not supported by the firmware or region Use alternative codes or applications like Shortcut Master
There is no network after recovery Mismatch of modem versions or IMEI Check IMEI via *#06# and restore it separately
The device overheats after changing parameters Incorrect processor or modem settings Reset the engineering menu settings to the factory ones (Factory Reset in the menu)
The application does not see the engineering menu No rights or incompatible version of Android Grant all permissions and check compatibility in the application description

If after manipulation With the settings, the device has become unstable:

  1. Try to return one parameter at a time to identify the problem.
  2. Use Logcat to analyze errors: 
    adb logcat | grep -i "engineer\|modem\|radio"
  3. If the problem is critical (for example, loss of IMEI), contact the service center with logs.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to save the engineering menu settings without root access?

Yes, but with restrictions you can:

  • Use engineering codes (if supported by your device).
  • Record settings manually or take screenshots.
  • Use specialized applications that do not require root (for example Network Signal Guru for network settings).

However, complete backup of a partition (for example /efs) without root is impossible.

Why did the mobile data disappear after restoring the settings?

This is a typical problem when there is a mismatch:

  • Firmware versions (for example, you restored the settings from Android 11 to Android 12).
  • Regional parameters of the modem (for example, settings for Europe restored on the device for China).
  • IMEI (if it was changed or reset).

Solution: check the IMEI via *#06# and, if necessary, restore it through the engineering menu or service center.

How to transfer the engineering menu settings to another smartphone?

Transfer is only possible between identical models with the same chipset and firmware version. Algorithm:

  1. Create a backup on the original device (via ADB or TWRP).
  2. Copy the files to a new smartphone.
  3. Restore the settings by first checking the compatibility of the modem versions (Baseband).

For different models, transfer is not possible - the engineering menu parameters are tied to the hardware platform.

Is it possible to roll back changes in the engineering menu if you have not made a backup?

Yes, but not for everyone parameters:

  • 🔄 For network settings: use the option Restore Defaults in the engineering menu.
  • 🔄 For sensor calibration: a full reset is required via ##7378423## (for Sony) or service center.
  • 🔄 For processor parameters: reset the performance settings in Settings → Battery → Performance mode.

If the menu does not provide a reset, the only option left is to flash the device.

What are the engineering menu settings cannot be saved?

The following cannot be exported or restored:

  • 🔒 IMEI and serial numbers (changing them is illegal in most countries).
  • 🔒 Calibration data Secure Boot (for example, RPMB on Samsung).
  • 🔒 Parameters Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) associated with Google Pay or Samsung Knox.
  • 🔒 Settings DRMkeys (for example, for Widevine L1).

Trying to change these parameters may lead to blocking of the device or loss of functionality (for example, inability to use banking applications).