The USB debugging mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool for developers and power users to interact with the device via a computer. However, the mode on creates vulnerabilities from unauthorized access to data to the possibility of installing malware. If you previously activated this feature for firmware, rooting or testing applications, but now it is not necessary, it should be deactivated to minimize the risks.
In this article, we will discuss how to disable USB debugging on different versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), what to do if the option is inactive, and how to check if the mode is actually deactivated.
Why to turn off debugging on USB on Xiaomi
Debugging by USB (USB Debugging opens low-level access to the system through the protocol ADB (Android Debug Bridge is useful for debugging apps or modifying firmware, but dangerous in everyday use:
- 🔓 Vulnerability to attacks: By connecting your smartphone to an infected PC or public charging, an attacker can install spyware or steal data without your knowledge.
- 📱 Unauthorized Changes: Through ADB You can delete system files, reset settings, or even block the device.
- 🚨 Conflicts with updates: on some versions MIUI Initiation of debugging blocks installation OTA-update.
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption: Background processes ADB They may consume additional resources.
Even if you trust all the devices you connect your smartphone to, it is recommended to disable debugging immediately after use, except when you are actively working with ADB or Fastboot (for example, when you are running your firmware through the Mi Flash Tool).
How to disable debugging by USB: the standard way
On most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark), debugging is disabled via the developer menu.
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row until the notification “You’ve become a developer!” appears.
- Return to the main Settings menu and select a new section Additional → For developers (the HyperOS path may differ: Settings → Advanced Settings → Developer settings).
- Scroll down to the Debugging block and uncheck the checkmark from the Debugging item via USB.
- Confirm the action by clicking Disable in the dialog box.
After this debugging mode, it'll be deactivated, but there's a nuance:
- 🔄 On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 for Redmi Note 10) after disabling the tick may appear again when connecting to the PC. USB (below).
- 🔒 If the option is inactive (shadowed in gray), then the device is installed OEM Unlock or Mi Unlock is active. They also need to be disabled.
☑️ Checking debugging
What to do if the debugging does not turn off
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the checkmark "Debugging by USB" is not removed or returns after a reboot.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The tick returns after connecting to the PC | Cash. USB-permit not revoked | Delete all the saved ones. USB-devices in settings → For developers → Withdraw permits USB-debugging |
| Option shaded in grey | OEM Unlock or Mi Unlock is active | Disable OEM Unlock in the Developer Menu and Reboot the Device |
| The debugging is turned on itself after the update. | Resetting developer settings | Log in to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points → Resetting Settings |
| There is no "Developers" clause. | Menu hidden after reset | Re-slip 7 times on the MIUI version in the About Phone section |
If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
- Confirm the reset and restart the device.
- Check the debugging status again.
💡
On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the path to the developer menu may be different. If you don't find a section, search for the developer settings.
How to check if the debugging is actually disabled
Just unchecking the tick is not enough, you need to make sure that the mode is completely deactivated.
- 🖥️ Connect to a PC: Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB. If there is no connection notification in the Windows tray ADB-Device Manager does not have an Android item ADB Interface - debugging is disabled.
- 📱 Team team. ADB: On PC, open the command line and type: Adb devices If the list is empty – debugging is turned off.
- 🔍 System Logs: Install the Logcat Reader app from Google Play and check for no entries with the adb tag.
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for POCO F3), even after debugging is disabled in the settings, it can remain active until the device is fully restarted.
What happens if you don’t turn off the debugging before selling a smartphone?
Additional security measures after debugging is disabled
Disabling debugging is just the first step. To fully protect your device, do the following:
- Take it all back. USB-permissions: Go to Settings → For developers → Withdraw permits USB-Debugging and press Remove. That will delete all the saved "trusted" computers.
- Disable OEM unlock: In the developer menu, find OEM unlock and deactivate it. This will prevent unauthorized unlocking of the bootloader.
- Delete Unknown Certificates: In Settings → Security → Encryption and credentials → Trusted credentials, check the certificate list. Delete suspicious ones.
- Update your firmware: Outdated versions of MIUI may contain vulnerabilities exploited through ADB. Update to the latest stable version.
If you have previously connected your smartphone to public charging (at airports, cafes), be sure to reset USB-Attackers can use modified permits. USB-ports for Juice Jacking attack, when malicious commands are transmitted through the cable.
💡
Even after disabling debugging via USB, some applications (such as Magisk or TWRP) can retain superuser rights. For complete security, check through Root Checker and delete the root rights if necessary.
Debugging by USB on a locked bootloader: myths and reality
Many users mistakenly believe that debugging over USB is safe if the bootloader is locked.
- 🔓 ADB It works regardless of the bootloader status, and you can copy files, install them. APK and even get system logs without unlocking.
- 📲 Data Leakage: Even Without Root Rights Through ADB contact, SMS Call log (if you have physical access to the device).
- 🔄 Protection: On some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3) through ADB You can activate hidden engineering menus, which makes it easier to attack further.
The only reliable way to protect is to completely shut down debugging and recall all USB-If you need access to the permit temporarily ADB (For example, for backup via adb backup, enable debugging only for the duration of the operation and immediately disable it.
Frequent errors when disabling debugging and how to avoid them
When working with the developer settings, users often make mistakes that lead to the opposite result.
⚠️ Warning: Never turn off the debugging USB When you run your firmware through the Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot, it interrupts the process and can cause the device to "brick" (unable to turn on!
- 🔄 Incomplete reboot: After debugging is turned off, many forget to restart the smartphone. MIUI Changes shall take effect only after rebuttal.
- 📵 Ignoring Notifications: If a request for debugging permission appears after connecting to your PC, always click “Cancel”, even if the tick in the settings is removed.
- 🔧 Resetting just USB-Permissions: Revoking permission for a particular PC is not the same as turning off debugging.
- 📲 Using third-party tweaks: Apps like QuickShortcutMaker can trick the system into showing a false debugging state.
If after all the manipulations, the debugging is still active, try temporarily turning it on and then turning it off again. This resets the cache of ADB services.