Enter the technical menu. Android engineering menu: description, settings

Not many people know about the existence of an engineering settings menu in devices based on Android OS. They can significantly expand the functionality and change many parameters, such as sound volume, camera settings, etc. To enter the Android engineering menu, you need to enter a special combination of characters in the line to dial a phone number. Moreover, each manufacturer has its own service code, consisting of numbers and symbols “*” and “#”. Let's consider the main issues related to the hidden engineering menu of the phone settings: how to enter, how control is carried out and capabilities.

The developers carefully check and calibrate each of their devices, so in most cases the user does not have to change any settings himself. But in some situations, you may need to make slight adjustments to certain parameters, such as the sensitivity of the built-in microphone or increasing the volume of the polyphonic speaker. The Android engineering menu is designed specifically for such cases, which can be accessed only by entering a certain combination of characters. Please note that changing these settings is recommended only in special cases, as this may be dangerous for your phone. Therefore, only experienced users are recommended to enter the engineering menu on Android.

How to enter the menu?

In most cases, a special combination of numbers and symbols is used to enter the engineering menu. They must be entered in the line to dial the phone number. If your phone's processor is not MTK, then depending on the manufacturer's brand, the following engineering menu codes in Android are possible:

Samsung. For phones of this brand, there are two options: *#*#8255#*#* or *#*#4636#*#*.
NTS. Depending on the OS version and model, the following combinations can be used: *#*#3424#*#*, *#*#4636#*#* and *#*#8255#*#*.
Sony. Dial: *#*#7378423#*#*.
Huawei. Depending on the model, the following combinations are used: *#*#2846579#*#* or *#*#2846579159#*#*.
Lg. By typing the combination 2945#*# on most smartphones of this brand, you will be taken to the 1st engineering menu and can read the instructions for use.

For most Chinese smartphones such as Lenovo, Acer, Prestigio, etc. You can open the engineering menu using the code *#*#3646633#*#*. Immediately after entering the required combination in the line for the phone number, it will disappear and the service settings mode will open. If this does not happen, then you need to start it by pressing the call button. It is recommended to remember or write down the value of the initial parameters that will be configured. Also, before getting into the engineering menu, remove all running applications and active processes from the task manager.

An alternative way to enter the engineering menu

Some phones and tablets have a separate program for this, which you need to download from the Google branded store - the playmarket. Having launched it, the user finds himself in the service settings section of his device, just as when typing the code. For example, you can download the launch of the mtk engineering menu, the Mobileuncle MTK Tools application, which is designed specifically for devices with the appropriate processors. Another way to enter the developer menu for owners of such smartphones is to enter the code *#*#3646633#*#*. We recommend watching a training video that describes how to open the service settings mode on various brands of smartphones Android 5 and below.

Engineering menu options

A user who has access to the service settings mode in Android has extensive opportunities to expand the functionality of their device. Through the engineering menu the following become available:

Determination of the level of harmful radiation.
Testing available wireless connection types such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.
Checking the GPS signal strength on Android and determining the exact location.
Audio setup. Set the sound level for speakers, headphones and microphones.
Camera settings.
Testing the central processor, video accelerator, flash and RAM.
Detailed description of the battery.
Testing mirco SD card.
Checking the micro USB port.
Temperature sensor. Shows battery and CPU heating.

Depending on the device used, the list of options presented above when entering the engineering menu may vary. Accordingly, the more sensors and modules a smartphone has, the more settings it has.

Let's look at how to change the volume settings using the example of a smartphone with an MTK processor. Before opening the desired service, you must enter a combination of characters to enter engineering mode. A long list of settings will open, among which you need to find the “Audio” item and click on it. After this, a menu will appear with several modes: when nothing is connected to the phone, a headset is connected, the speaker is on, etc. For each of these modes, more than 5 points are available for adjustment.

To change parameters, you need to erase the old value in the desired cell and write a new one, and then click on the “set” button. The assigned value must not fall outside the range specified in parentheses. It is also not recommended to use the maximum available value, as this will distort the sound.

Android service codes

In order to quickly test your device for the functionality of basic functions and sensors, special Android codes are provided. You need to enter them, as to enter engineering mode, in the line for dialing a telephone number. Since most of the combinations are the same for all models and brands of smartphones, we present the common and most important ones in the following list:

*#*#4636#*#* - general information about the phone, battery status and usage statistics.
*2767*3855# - complete reset, hard reset.
*#*#34971539#*#* - detailed camera specifications.
*#*#2664#*#* — Android touchscreen calibration.
*#*#232331#*#* — bluetooth test.
*#*#8351#*#* — enable voice dialing registration mode.
*#*#1111#*#*, *#*#2222#*#* — viewing FTA software and hardware versions.
*#*#0*#*#* — display test.
*#*#0673#*#* - audio test.

It is also worth noting that for some brands there are additional combinations, for example for displaying the EPST menu and testing functionality. In modern Samsung phone models, such as the Galaxy s6, the diagnostic menu can be opened by dialing *#0*#. And Motorola devices have a built-in secret menu. Before turning it on, you need to enter the combination *#*#4636#*#*.

For many people, buying a new tablet or smartphone is a real event. Every owner expects that a new gadget will delight him for many years with reliable operation and the absence of problems associated with its operation.

Moreover, in this case, it does not matter who assembles the device and what operating system is installed on it. But it often happens that modern mobile devices can hardly be called ideal.

Some time after the start of use, issues appear that the owner will probably want to correct in one way or another. Some are trying to improve the software part of the mobile assistant to an ideal state. It all depends on what is considered ideal. One of the most accessible tools in the Android mobile operating system is the engineering menu.

Android engineering menu: configuration secrets

At the final stage of configuring the software shell of a mobile device running on the Android operating system, developers use the so-called Android engineering menu. The engineering menu refers to the interface of a special program that allows you to make changes to the operation of the device, as well as view information from sensors and perform technological tests. Careless use of this element can lead to unpredictable consequences. Most often, access to the engineering menu is hidden from users. However, his secret is essentially already known to many. To understand how to call up the engineering menu, you just need to spend a few minutes searching for recommendations.

Important points

Exiting to the Android engineering menu may not be possible on all mobile devices. In order to take advantage of its capabilities, you need to make sure that the gadget meets a number of requirements. First of all, the device's central processor must be manufactured by MediaTek. On many inexpensive Spreadtrum models, the popular Snapdragon from Qualcomm and various Tegra Nvidia and Intel, it is useless to try to launch the engineering menu, since it is missing. You will not be able to achieve functionality even if the corresponding application is provided.

In addition, various modified operating systems, such as the popular CyanogenMod, do not allow the configuration program to run. This is due to the fact that these systems were initially developed for devices with a Qualcomm processor that do not support the Android engineering menu.

It is also desirable that the operating system be original or at least created on a basic basis. The application file itself must be present among the programs, hidden from the standard Explorer. So, for example, some manufacturers of mobile gadgets, after making the necessary software settings, simply delete the Android engineering menu. In this case, recommendations for using the engineering menu are useless.

Using secret combinations

To get to the engineering menu settings in the Android operating system, you can use several methods. It is impossible to say which one is better, since a direct comparison would be incorrect. Let's look at each of these methods in turn. One of the oldest options, which was used in “ancient” models of tablets and smartphones, is that in a special program - a dialer, the user had to dial the engineering menu code. The operation was carried out similarly to checking the account balance. If the device recognizes and accepts the combination, the setup application launches. Some mobile device manufacturers use their own modified code. Therefore, the standard set will not work here. In other situations, to call the engineering menu you need to dial the following combination of characters “*#*# 36 46 63#*#*”. That's all.

The usual way

Using a secret combination of characters may not be convenient in all cases. The user may simply forget the correct order of numbers. In the case of a changed set, it will be easier to use the program instead of finding the correct order of the characters. One of the most famous applications is Mobile Uncle Tools. This application is distributed free of charge, so the user will not have any problems finding and installing it. At the time of writing this article, the current version was 2.9.9 or build 3.1.4, which has additional support for new processors.

For the program to work correctly, the user will first need to obtain root rights on his gadget. To obtain root rights, you can use various applications, for example, SuperSu or KingRoot. This article will not talk about the specifics of working with a rooted device, since this is a separate, rather extensive topic. When the application is launched, you will need to select the third option, which is called Engineer Mode. Next, in the window that opens, you need to select “Work with MTK”. When a question appears about granting root access, you need to confirm the operation.

Restoring access to engineering mode

In the event that the manufacturer of the mobile device decided to prudently remove the configuration program in order to ensure the security of the operating system, it will be possible to install it again. To do this, the user will need to find an installer on the Internet that restores EngineerMode.apk. When you find this component, all you have to do is install it. Due to the abundance of analogue clones, we will not indicate the exact name. You can simply copy the specified file to the system folder (system\app). After completing these operations, you can use any of the following methods to access the engineering menu: you can dial a number or call the menu directly from the program interface. It is worth noting that to perform this operation the user will need root rights.

Miracle program and its capabilities

Setting up Android through the engineering menu opens up the opportunity for the user to solve several important tasks at once. In particular, here you can adjust the microphone sensitivity and speaker volume, reduce power consumption, limit scanning of unnecessary ranges and reduce the satellite search time. Let's take a closer look at the above features.

How to increase the volume?

The ringer volume is increased quite simply using the engineering menu. To do this, select the “Audio” section. You will see a list of available modes. The Ring subsection of the LoudSpeaker Mode section is responsible for the system speaker in the system. You should not change the value of the parameter in the first window. In the second window you can set a higher value for the parameter. After editing is complete, click on the Set button, which is located here. Next, you need to reboot the device, while correctly exiting the program.

Operator frequencies

To optimize the power consumption of your mobile device, you can try disabling the scanning function for unnecessary frequency ranges. The standard frequencies when working in 2G and 3G networks in our country are 900 and 1800 MHz. The pair 850 and 1900 MHz is responsible for the American standard. To enable or disable a band you do not need, you need to use the Band Mode item in the engineering menu. Here you need to go into the settings for both SIM cards one by one and check the boxes next to the desired items. Pressing the Set button serves as confirmation.

How to improve GPS?

To improve the performance of the global positioning system, you must select the Location item in the Android engineering menu. Next, use the Location Based Service item and open EPO. Here you need to make sure that the Download and Enabled items are checked. Then you need to return to the YGPA item, select the information section and click alternately “Full” - “Cold” - “Restart”. Then you need to select Satelites or “Satellites”. Until the answer is recorded on the card. This whole procedure will take from 2 to 5 minutes. All you have to do is exit the engineering menu, close the program and reboot the device.

Using the engineering menu, the user can carry out advanced configuration of the device. This feature is little known, so you should look at all the ways to access it.

The ability to open the engineering menu is not available on all devices. On some of them it is absent altogether or replaced by a developer mode. There are several ways to access the features you need.

Method 1: Entering the code

First of all, you should consider devices that have this function. To access it, you must enter a special code (depending on the manufacturer).

Attention! This method is not suitable for most tablets due to the lack of a dialing function.

To use the feature, open the number entry app and find the code for your device from the list:

Samsung – *#*#4636#*#*, *#*#8255#*#*, *#*#197328640#*#*
HTC – *#*#3424#*#*, *#*#4636#*#*, *#*#8255#*#*
Sony – *#*#7378423#*#*, *#*#3646633#*#*, *#*#3649547#*#*
Huawei – *#*#2846579#*#*, *#*#2846579159#*#*
MTK – *#*#54298#*#*, *#*#3646633#*#*
Fly, Alcatel, Texet – *#*#3646633#*#*
Philips - *#*#3338613#*#*, *#*#13411#*#*
ZTE, Motorola - *#*#4636#*#*
Prestigio - *#*#3646633#*#*
LG - 3845#*855#
Devices with MediaTek processor - *#*#54298#*#*, *#*#3646633#*#*
Acer - *#*#2237332846633#*#*

This list does not represent all devices available on the market. If your smartphone is not there, consider the following methods.

Method 2: Specialized programs

This option is most relevant for tablets because it does not require entering a code. Can also be used for smartphones if entering the code does not produce results.

To use this method, the user will need to open " Play Market" and in the search window enter the query " Engineering menu" Based on the results, select one of the presented applications.

An overview of several of them is presented below:

The application is designed to launch the engineering menu on devices with a MediaTek (MTK) processor. Available features include managing advanced settings of the processor and the Android system itself. You can use the program if it is not possible to enter the code every time you open this menu. In other situations, it is better to opt for a special code, since the program can put extra load on the device and slow down its operation.

The program is suitable for most devices with Android OS. However, instead of the standard engineering menu, the user will have access to advanced settings and codes for already installed applications. This can be a good alternative to engineering mode, since the chance of harming the device is much lower. The program can also be installed on devices for which standard codes for opening the engineering menu are not suitable.

When working with any of these applications, you should be as careful as possible, since careless actions can harm the device and turn it into a “brick”. Before installing a program that is not listed, read the comments for it to avoid possible problems.

Method 3: Developer Mode

On a large number of devices, instead of the engineering menu, you can use the developer mode. The latter also has a set of advanced features, but they differ from those offered in engineering mode. This is due to the fact that when working with the engineering mode, there is a high risk of problems with the device, especially for inexperienced users. In developer mode this risk is minimized.

To activate this mode, do the following:

1. Open the device settings through the top menu or application icon.

2. Scroll down the menu, find the section " About the phone" and run it.

3. You will be presented with the basic data of the device. Scroll down to " Build number».

4. Click on it several times (5-7 taps, depending on the device) until a notification appears saying that you have become a developer.

5. After this, return to the settings menu. A new item will appear in it: “ For developers", which you need to open.

6. Make sure it is turned on (there is a corresponding switch at the top). After this, you can start working with the available functions.

The developer menu includes a large number of available functions, which include creating backups and the ability to debug via USB. Many of them can be useful, however, before using one of them, make sure that it is necessary.

Everyone knows that an advanced user can do wonders with the Windows operating system. But not everyone suspects that Android can offer advanced capabilities. An experienced specialist can call up the engineering menu, in which advanced configuration of the device is carried out, as well as testing of certain of its functions. How to enter the engineering menu on Android - read below.

Modern versions of the operating system have a fairly full section “ Settings" With it you can adjust a variety of parameters. But some of them still cannot be deeply customized. Such parameters should be looked for in the engineering menu. For example, specialists from the service center can enter the engineering menu in order to adjust the volume of the speaker, headphones and built-in microphone.

In a word, the engineering menu contains system settings that should not be available to the average user. The Android engineering menu can easily ruin a smartphone if you change its parameters almost at random. With its help, you can often even change the font size, increase the number of icons on the desktop and make other system changes. On some smartphones, the engineering menu changes the strength of signal reception, the type of vibration and other aspects of the device’s operation.

Interestingly, the easiest way to get to the engineering menu is on Android 4.4 and later versions of this OS. The most difficult thing is to get into such a menu on Android 2.2. Most often, early versions of the operating system were not equipped with an engineering menu at all - which is why they were practically impossible to customize. There are problems with this on the newest devices as well.

The fast and easy way

It should be noted that to open the engineering menu you do not need any third-party program. You don't even need root access! You just need to type a special combination on the virtual keyboard - the so-called engineering menu code. The problem is that many manufacturers use their own code; there is no universal combination. Sometimes the code is different even between different models produced by the same company!

First, you should find the section where you dial a phone number.

If the engineering menu is not displayed, try pressing the call key after entering the combination.

By the way, owners of devices based on the MediaTek MT6573, MT6577, MT6589 and some others chipset can download the application MTK engineering menu. As you might guess, the utility will allow you to launch the corresponding menu without entering a numeric code.

If you can't enter the menu

It is quite possible that you will try to enter all the above combinations, but will not get into the engineering menu. This happens on Android 6 and some other fairly recent versions of the operating system. Apparently, the engineering menu is locked, or some specific code is required to call it.

The Recovery menu is a special service mode of the Android mobile system. Available on all smartphones and tablets. Used to launch if the user wants to quickly clear all information on the device, restore factory settings, change the firmware, and also in some other situations.

If the Recovery on the device has never been changed, it is called STOCK. If this menu has been stitched, then it is already called CUSTOM.

Among custom recovery, CWM and TWRP are considered the most popular due to their functionality.

To enter the recovery menu on a switched off device, use a special combination of pressing HOME, POWER, VOLUME+ and VOLUME-. In this case, you need to use different of these buttons on different devices.

Below in the article you can find a method for your device. By the way, there are special programs for launching this menu. We will look at one of the most convenient ones called Quick Boot here.

A universal way to enter recovery on Android

Nowadays, the same key combination is suitable for many models from different manufacturers. Therefore, it makes sense to consider this method first. Perhaps it can be called a universal method.

The procedure is as follows:

Turn off your Android smartphone or tablet.
Press the power button and then briefly press the volume up control.
The device will go into Recovery.

With the device turned on, press the on/off button for a few seconds.
A menu with some parameters will appear on the screen, where there may be a button “Go to recovery” or something like that.

If on your Android these key combinations do not lead to the desired result, then see below all the possible combinations specifically for each popular line of devices. For all other devices, one of the universal options described above is suitable.

Recovery on Samsung

If you have a device from the popular Galaxy line from Samsung Electronics, then one of the following methods will suit you. Keep in mind that all key combinations apply when the smartphone or tablet is turned off.

Methods:

Recovery on Sony Xperia

If you are the owner of a Sony Xperia line device, then turn off the device, and then turn it on and When the indicator lights up or the SONY logo appears on the screen, hold down the volume down or up key. On some models, clicking on the logo works.

This option is also possible: turn off the device, hold down the power button and wait for a few vibrations, then release the ON/OFF button and quickly press “Volume +”.

Recovery on HTC

First of all, the user needs to switch to Bootloader mode. In most cases, this requires removing and installing the battery again:

Recovery on Nexus

With the device turned off, hold down the following key combination: volume down and on/off (power).

Now find the Recovery option and go to it by pressing the Power button.

Enter recovery using the Quick Boot application

There are also special programs that help you switch to Recovery with one touch of your finger. The procedure in this case is not at all complicated. Just open the Play Store, search for the application and install it. I decided to introduce you to one of the most convenient ones called Quick Boot.

After installation and launch, select Recovery from the program menu.

The device will successfully reboot into Recovery mode, and you will be able to continue working with those partitions that you need, depending on the task at hand. For example, if you need to restore all factory settings on your device, you will work with the Wipe data (Factory reset) section, to update the firmware use the Apply update from section, etc.

How to work in the recovery menu

Navigation here is done by pressing the side volume up and down keys. To confirm the selected option, briefly press the on/off button.

Advice: if you are not sure of your actions, it is better not to experiment in this menu, as the consequences will be irreversible. Android mobile devices, unlike PCs, will not issue warnings about possible problems.

What's in the Recovery menu

This menu contains the following sections:

Reboot system. When you click on this item, Android will reboot in normal mode. In case you just went into Recovery out of curiosity, use this command to exit.
Apply update from . This section is used to update installed firmware from an existing distribution, install patches, etc. In this section, you can select the type of update from the following list:
1) Internal storage - from an existing option, including from system memory, file storage, memory card;
2) External storage - from some external device;
3) Cache - from the internal system cache.
Backup/Restore. Each device stores a backup image of the system. When you click on this item, recovery from this image will be started. That is, the system will be completely updated to the state it was in after purchase.
Wipe cache partition. The contents of the system cache will be completely deleted.
Wipe data|Factory reset . Selecting this item will allow you to reset all settings made by the user over the entire period of operation. The device will completely return to its factory preset settings. Please note that during the reset process, all information entered and saved by the user will be lost. Including all files, folders, music, videos, etc. However, the performance of the tablet usually increases by an order of magnitude after resetting the settings.