A program for launching the Samsung engineering menu. Entering the engineering menu on Android (command and program)
Often in Chinese (and probably not only Chinese) phones based on Android, in the engineering menu there are far from optimal volume settings for the speaker, headset (headphones) and microphone; we will look at fixing them in this article.
How to get to the engineering menu of an Android phone
To get to the engineering menu, open the dialer and enter a special code: *#*#3646633#*#*
Also on some versions of Android the command may work *#15963#* and *#*#4636#*#*
If your phone's processor is not MTK, then different options are possible.
Here are the codes known to me for opening the engineering menu on different phones and tablets:
*#*#54298#*#* or *#*#3646633#*#* – smartphones based on MTK processor
*#*#8255#*#* or *#*#4636#*#* –Samsung smartphones
*#*#3424#*#* or *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#8255#*#* – HTC smartphones
*#*#7378423#*#* – Sony smartphones
*#*#3646633#*#* – smartphones TEXET, Fly, Alcatel,
*#*#3338613#*#* or *#*#13411#*#* — smartphones Fly, Alcatel, Philips
*#*#2846579#*#* or *#*#2846579159#*#* – Huawei smartphones
*#*#2237332846633#*#* - devices from Acer
Immediately after entering, the command should disappear and the engineering menu should open. But on some devices you will still need to press the “Call” key
A list of sections of the phone's engineering menu will appear.
Just in case, take a notepad and pen and take note of the settings that were set on your phone before your intervention. You never know, anything can happen.
On my phone (based on an MTK processor), in order to get to the engineering menu I had to install a free utility (program) from Google Play " Mobileuncle MTK Tools“, which opens access to the engineering menu (that is, it works similarly to dialing the magic combination *#*#3646633#*#*).
I am sure that you will also find free applications for other phones there.
Volume settings for the speaker, headset (headphones) and microphone of the phone through the engineering menu
For clarity, let’s briefly look at setting the device’s volume level:
We go into the program or dial the magic combination to enter the engineering menu. Next, in the menu that opens, select the section “ Engineer Mode»
A section will open in which you can select the engineering menu of the Android system (we skip it), and the engineering menu of the phone itself.
We need the phone’s engineering menu, so select the “Engineer Mode (MTK)” section. This point is circled in the figure with a red marker.
A very long menu will open, through which you can get to almost any phone settings. But it’s not enough to get to them, you need to know how to manage them.
Therefore, do not change what you have no idea about.
At worst, write down the parameters that were before your intervention, so that you can return them back later. Let's continue!
Since we are interested in adjusting the sound level, select the “Audio” item, I circled it with a red marker.
And... magic! The menu of interest to us for setting the parameters of the speakers and microphone opens.
Why did we actually go into this menu? Doesn't something work like that out of curiosity? Okay, let's continue to figure it out!
It’s worth stopping here and figuring out what all these menu items mean.
Normal Mode(Settings section in normal or normal mode) – this mode is active when nothing is connected to the smartphone;
Headset Mode(headset mode) – this mode is activated after connecting headphones or external speakers;
Loud Speaker Mode(speaker mode) – it is activated when nothing is connected to the phone or tablet, and you turn on the speakerphone while talking on the phone;
Headset_LoudSpeaker Mode(speaker mode with a headset connected) – this mode is activated if you connect headphones or external speakers to your phone or tablet, and you turn on the speakerphone while talking on the phone;
Speech Enhancement(phone conversation mode) – this mode is activated in the normal mode of telephone conversations, and nothing is connected to it (headset, external speakers) and the speakerphone is not turned on.
Debug Info– it’s not clear why – information on backing up information or debugging it;
Speech Logger– I haven’t fully figured it out, most likely it was logging during negotiations or recording the conversation. If you check the box next to “Enable speech log”, then after the end of the phone call, the corresponding files are created in the root directory of the memory card. Their name and structure take the following form: Day of week_month_year__hour_minutes_seconds (for example, Friday_July_2016__time17_12_53.pcm).
What these files serve and how they can be useful to us is unclear. The /sdcard/VOIP_DebugInfo directory (which is the storage location for files with backup information) is not created automatically; if you create it manually, it will remain empty after the conversation.
Audio logger– used to record sound that supports quick search, playback and saving.
When you enter any of the modes, you will have access to different volume settings (Type). Here is a list of basic settings you need to know:
- Sip – settings for Internet calls;
- Mic – microphone sensitivity settings;
- Sph – earpiece speaker settings (the one we put on our ears);
- Sph2 – settings for the second speaker (I don’t have one on my phone);
- Sid – skip, if you change these parameters during negotiations on your smartphone or tablet, you can hear yourself instead of your interlocutor;
- Media – adjust the multimedia volume level;
- Ring – adjust the volume level of the incoming call;
- FMR – FM radio volume settings.
Under the settings selection item, a list of volume levels (Level) is available (see figure).
There are usually 7 such levels, from level 0 to level 6. Each such level corresponds to one “click” on the volume rocker of your smartphone or tablet.
Thus, level 0 is the quietest level, and level 6 is the loudest signal level. Please note that each level can be assigned its own values, which are located in the Value is 0~255 cell. They should not go beyond the range from 0 to 255 (the lower the value, the quieter the volume).
To change this parameter, you need to erase the old value in the cell and write a new one, and then press the “Set” button (the one next to the cell) to assign.
Finally, at the bottom you can see the Max Vol section. 0~255 (on my smartphone, for example Max Vol. 0~255, it all depends on the manufacturer). This item sets the maximum value of the volume level; it is the same for all levels.
Dear friends. The names of the items may differ on different models. This is an MTK platform, so be prepared to rack your brain and look for a match in your menu. I have a Jiayu G3 phone.
For me the changes were applied immediately, but someone may need to restart the phone for them to take effect.
Although, it seems like you shouldn’t break anything, and if you don’t like the changes, you can always enter the old value..
But still..
YOU MAKE ALL CHANGES AT YOUR OWN RISK!!! Don't forget to turn on your thinking!
P.S.: I found a font size setting on my phone. It turns out you can increase it MORE!
P.P.S.: if something is still not clear, here is a video on setting up sound in the engineering menu:
Advanced users of modern smartphones and tablets use the numerous functions that the Android engineering menu has. It allows you to obtain information about the mac address, check or configure the operation of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, update the software of the camera, 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 Google account settings, specify settings for blocking and turning off the device, and set settings that allow you to create a backup copy of 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?
The list of functionality can be opened by typing a specific combination of 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. Users of modern devices usually have no difficulty 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, and obtaining 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 for different versions of Android and device models.
The program for entering the Android engineering menu can be installed via a USB connection to a 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 such a utility is also only suitable 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 why users look for information on how to enter the engineering menu is the need to fine-tune the sound. The following situations may occur:
- Poor audibility when the speakerphone is on
- 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 various tabs will appear on the screen, such as Headset Mode. This tab allows you to set sound parameters that are activated when you connect a headset. Normal Mode sets the sound in the normal state of the 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 the active loudspeaker mode 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 setting the maximum settings, as this promotes faster performance. 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 the 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 adjusting sound parameters. It is an essential tool for keeping smartphones and tablets running optimally. But it's best not to make changes you're not sure about.
Users of mobile devices often confuse the Android engineering menu with the developer menu, although the vast majority of users know nothing and are not even aware of its existence.
But those who do not chase new products and do not buy smartphones/tablets with each new version of Android also dream of expanding the capabilities of their device.
To solve the problem, you can go in several ways:
- obtain superuser privileges (root rights);
- install several applications that add new features and provide access to features hidden from the user’s eyes;
- use the developer menu (mainly for comprehensive verification and testing of the device);
- go to the internal system menu (engineering)
We’ll talk about the purpose and capabilities of the latter, having previously found out how you can get into it on various gadgets, firmware and editions of the mobile OS.
How to log in
The most common calling option on an Android device is to enter a combination "*#*#3646633#*#*".
Attention! There are a couple of nuances here:
- firstly, after entering the combination, you do not need to press the call button; a couple of seconds after entering the last asterisk character, the required interface will appear on the smartphone screen;
- The method is applicable to most, but not all devices and firmware versions, especially to Chinese devices;
- The appearance and functions provided may differ on different devices (number of categories, names, differences in versions, etc.).
On other models you should try entering *#*#4636#*#* or *#15963#* . Combinations for mobile devices from the most popular manufacturers are shown in the table below.
Samsung | [*#*#4636#*#*] [*#*#8255#*#*] |
LG | [*#546368#*818#] |
Sony | [*#*#7378423#*#*] |
Huawei | [*#*#2846579#*#*] [*#*#2846579159#*#*] |
Acer | [*#*#2237332846633#*#*] |
HTC | [*#*#3424#*#*] [*#*#4636#*#*] [*#*#8255#*#*] |
Fly Philips Alcatel | [*#*#3646633#*#*] |
If you can't call
It is very rare, but it may be that none of the above combinations resulted in the required window being called. In this case, download the Mobileuncle MTK Tools application (removed from the Play Market).
It works similarly to the methods described above, with the difference that the commands for entering codes are sent to the mobile operating system automatically, determining its version and model of the gadget after calling the “Engineer Mode” command.
Before using the program, it is strongly recommended to create a backup of the firmware; it is not for nothing that it has been removed from the application store - many dozens of users have “killed” the firmware of their devices due to inept and careless handling of the software. In addition to calling options, the program allows you to:
- free up permanent and RAM memory;
- restart recovery;
- manage autostart;
- backup, restore and edit IMEI;
- display detailed information about the smartphone hardware.
To gain access to all the features of Mobileuncle MTK Tools, as well as the capabilities of the options, you should acquire root rights for your mobile device.
Composition of the extended interface
Engineer Mode for the user is presented in the form of a multi-tab window, where each tab contains certain types of functions.
Telephony
The first tab contains functions for performing general phone setup: testing the network and obtaining information about the network technologies used, changing GPRS parameters, configuring the camera, and a lot of sub-items that are incomprehensible to a beginner.
Connectivity
Responsible for changing parameters and displaying information about ports for communication:
- Bluetooth;
- Wi-Fi module;
- FM receiver if available.
You can request comprehensive information about each module, test its operation, change the configuration and look through the logs.
Hardware Testing
The title of the section indicates that there are tools for working with hardware: testing it, extracting any information about hardware components, changing their operating modes.
On Android, it supports more than a dozen audio playback modes for various conditions (games, calls, alarms).
As for the camera, a huge range of parameters is available here, which includes changing preview videos and specifying the default video frame rate and many other items.
To check the stability and performance of the central processor, you can run a processor stress test through it.
Changing its voltage and operating frequency in order to overclock or save the battery should be done with extreme caution and being aware of the possible risks.
The processor has the option of putting it into sleep mode under certain conditions, as well as turning off the display.
Engineer Mode also contains a huge number of items for retrieving information and debugging the operation of the processor, touch display, RAM, and sensors.
There are functions to stop removable flash memory and change the operating mode of the USB port.
Location
For those who like to use GPS capabilities, who sometimes lack its settings, there is an abundance of items available in this tab.
Resetting to original settings
It has never happened to anyone that the thirst for experimentation led to small disasters.
If something goes wrong during use, everything can be returned back, especially if a backup copy of the firmware was made.
Even if you haven’t acquired it, you shouldn’t lose heart, we’ll reset the device to factory settings and that’s it.
- The first and most reliable way is to roll back the system state to reserved.
- Resetting the firmware via recovery (BackUp and Wipe).
- Download Mobile Uncle, call “Restart to Recovery Mode” and click on “BackUp”
The engineering menu is truly an indispensable tool for fine-tuning a smartphone/tablet, allowing you not only to take full control of your gadget, but also, sometimes, to return one of the non-working functions. However, its careless use can lead to problems.
We are all familiar with the rich settings of Android devices - each smartphone or tablet can be customized by activating or disabling certain functions, adjusting certain parameters. But few people suspect the existence of such a thing as the Android engineering menu. It is hidden from view, since there is nothing special for the average user to do here. But if you are an experienced user or want to gain experience in fine-tuning the device and operating system, then this menu will be useful to you.
Service menu options
Let's figure out why we need an engineering menu in a smartphone? The answer is simple - for very fine tuning of the device. For example, increasing the volume on Android is only possible through the engineering menu. Here you need to visit the audio settings item and play with the presented parameters. Here it is possible to manually adjust the sound volume in various modes and at various volume levels. Let's look at an example:
- You find that your smartphone's speaker starts to wheeze at maximum volume;
- We go to the engineering menu using one or another command;
- Go to the audio settings and change the volume in the specified mode and in the specified gradation;
- We exit the engineering menu and check the results - the volume should decrease.
Is it possible to make such fine adjustments only through the standard setup menu? Naturally, there is nothing of the kind here.
Here you can adjust the sound in the headphones, adjust the sensitivity of the microphone, and perform other actions with the sound. Before getting into the settings, you need to find detailed instructions that will help you make the adjustments as correctly as possible, without the risk of damaging the speakers with a microphone or completely depriving your smartphone/tablet of your voice.What other functions are there in the engineering menu? Checking network modules, adjusting the reception range, setting up auto-answer, testing the modem, setting up connections with other devices, setting up the receiver, testing the camera, sensor, screen, battery and other modules. Geolocation settings are placed in a separate hidden menu - here you can check the functionality of the GPS chip, enable/disable A-GPS, and check other settings. It is also possible to adjust fonts, play with USB settings and perform other actions.
Please note that the service menu on Android is intended for professionals who are aware of their actions. If you came here out of idle curiosity, try not to touch parameters you don’t understand and don’t rearrange the settings sliders.How to enter the engineering menu on Android
Entering the engineering menu on Android is most often done using special commands, similar to the most common USSD commands. The difference is that you don’t need to press the call button at the end - after typing the command, it will automatically transfer to the specified menu. The universal code for the engineering menu on Android is *#*#3646633#*#*. It works on many phones and allows you to instantly enter service settings.
Some smartphones and tablets do not respond to the above command. So you can try the following options:
Device manufacturer | Team |
Sony | *#*#7378423#*#* |
*#*#3646633#*#* | |
*#*#3649547#*#* | |
Philips | *#*#3338613#*#* |
*#*#13411#*#* | |
ZTE, Motorola | *#*#4636#*#* |
HTC | *#*#3424#*#* |
*#*#4636#*#* | |
*#*#8255#*#* | |
Samsung | *#*#197328640#*#* |
*#*#4636#*#* | |
*#*#8255#*#* | |
Prestigio | *#*#3646633#*#* |
LG | 3845#*855# |
Huawei | *#*#2846579#*#* |
*#*#14789632#*#* | |
Alcatel, Fly, Texet | *#*#3646633#*#* |
Smartphones and tablets with a MediaTek processor (most Chinese devices) | *#*#54298#*#* |
*#*#3646633#*#* | |
Acer | *#*#2237332846633#*#* |
You can enter the engineering menu on Android immediately after entering the command. There is no dependence on the operating system version - the codes are valid for Android 2.2, Android 4.4 and other versions of Android OS. If the code does not fit, you should look for other combinations.
Some commands lead not to the service menu, but to the testing menu - it allows you to check the screen, sound, wireless modules, microphone and much more. Menus for testing can be English or Russified.Some manufacturers deprive smartphones and tablets of access to the engineering menu, replacing it with numerous commands for testing modules or configuring certain parameters. For example, this is what Samsung does - many new models do not have a single service menu. Information about available service teams can be found on specialized resources and on the websites of service centers.
To access the engineering menu, you can use special applications. A typical example is the application Mobileuncle MTK Tools. It will allow you to gain separate access to device settings and operating system settings. The application is really convenient, but it has a drawback - it only works on devices with MTK processors.
Setting up Android through the engineering menu is associated with certain risks. For example, beginners always have the opportunity to accidentally disable this or that functionality. When understanding the purpose of certain items, you need to familiarize yourself with the appropriate instructions. Otherwise, equipment failure may occur. If you are afraid of damaging or breaking something, do
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, 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 originally 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 enter 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 it.
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 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 can be 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 entire 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.