How to open a developer menu on Xiaomi: hidden settings for experienced users

Hidden menu of the developer on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — It's a powerful tool for fine-tuning the system, which the manufacturer specifically hides from the general public. USB, Change the interface animation, enable OEM-unlocking for firmware custom Recovery or even forced to include 4K@60fps But it's not easy to find, because unlike standard settings, the path to this menu is masked.

In this article, you’ll learn more than just how to turn on developer mode on any Xiaomi device (including new models). 2023-2026 But you can also figure out the key options that you should activate to improve performance or debug. MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14, So all the steps are relevant to today's firmware, and if you're afraid of breaking something, don't worry: at the end of this article, there's a section on how to turn off the developer menu and get everything back to factory settings.

Why is the developer menu hidden by default?

Manufacturers (not just Xiaomi, but Samsung, Google, OnePlus) deliberately hide these settings for three key reasons:

• 🔧 Risk of unstable operation: Incorrect parameters (e.g. forced activation) GPU-rendering MIUI Optimizations can lead to lags, overheating or even loss of warranty.
• 🛡️ Security: Options like this OEM Unlock or USB Debugging opens access to system files that an attacker can use when physically accessing a phone.
• 🧪 Function testing: Some parameters (e.g. Force Dark Mode or Disable) HW Overlays are experimental and may not work properly.

But for power users, this menu is a storehouse of possibilities.

• 📱 Speed up interface animation (make transitions between screens instantaneous).
• 🔄 Enable Always-on Display on unsupported models.
• 🎮 Activate Game Driver to improve performance in games.
• 🔌 Unlock Fastboot for custom firmware ROM.

⚠️ Note: Changing the settings in the developer menu can lead to irreversible consequences, including device bric (complete inoperability). HW Overlays on some MediaTek chipsets triggers graphic artifacts that are only fixed by resetting to factory settings.

How to open the developer menu on Xiaomi: a universal way

This guide works on all Xiaomi devices, including:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/14 series including 13 Ultra, 14 Pro)
• 📱 Redmi Note 12/13 redmi K60/K70
• 📱 POCO F5/F6, POCO X5/X6 Pro
• 📱 Outdated models on MIUI 11-12 (Like Mi. 9, Redmi Note 8 Pro)

The steps are the same for all versions. MIUI (12 to 15) and Android (10 to 14). Follow the exact sequence:

1. Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (on some models – About Device).
3. Find the line Version MIUI and tap it 7 times in a row (some firmware may require 10 taps).
4. After a few clicks, a pop-up window will appear with the words “You became a developer!” (or Developer mode enabled in English firmware).

A message on the screen reads, “You’ve become a developer!”

In the main menu "Settings" appeared a new section "For developers"

Version. MIUI It is covered with green (on some firmware)-->

If nothing happens after 7 clicks:

• 🔄 Make sure you are using the version. MIUI, not by device model or assembly number.
• 📱 Restart your phone and try again.
• 🔧 On some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), the path may be different: try tapping the Build Number).

Xiaomi 13/14 series

Redmi Note 12/13

POCO F5/F6

Another Xiaomi model

Another brand's device-->

Where to look for a developer menu after activation?

After successful activation, the new partition may be in different places depending on the version. MIUI:

If you do not see the "Developers" section** after activation:

1. Use the search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen) and enter a query for developers.
2. Restart the device – sometimes the partition only appears after the reboot.
3. Check if the section in Settings is hidden → Annexes → Application management → Settings (enable the display of system applications).

💡

If you use the developer menu frequently, add it to quick settings: swipe down from the top edge of the screen, click Edit and add the developer tile.

Top.-5 Useful options in the developer menu for Xiaomi

Not all options on this menu are equally useful. We have selected the 5 most popular options that will improve the performance of your smartphone without risking stability:

1. USB Debugging (USB Debugging)

Required for:

• 🖥️ Connections to Android Studio or ADB.
• 🔧 Install custom firmware through fastboot.
• 📱 Transfer files using scrcpy (managing phone from PC).

How to turn on:

1. Activate the tumbler Debugging by USB.
2. Confirm the permission to connect to the computer (a pop-up window will appear on the first connection).

2. Unlocking OEM (OEM Unlocking)

Required for:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader before the firmware TWRP custom-made ROM.
• 📦 Magisk installations for root rights.

⚠️ Attention: Activating this option resets all data on the device (including photos and apps) when the bootloader is first unlocked. Xiaomi also links the unlock to the Mi Account - without it, it will be difficult to return the device to a factory state.

3. Accelerating interface animation

By default. MIUI Uses animated transitions with delay 1x. You can reduce it to 0.5x or shut down completely:

• 🎯 The scale of window animation → 0.5x or Otklaz.
• 🎯 Scale of transition animation → 0.5x or Otklaz.
• 🎯 Duration of the animator → 0.5x

Effect: Apps open instantly, but the interface may seem less smooth.

4. Forced activation 4K@60fps video

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) option 4K@60fps It's hidden by default in the camera, to unlock it:

1. Find the Disable Camera option hal3 and turn it off.
2. Reset the device.
3. Open the camera – now in the video settings should appear mode 4K@60fps.

5. disabling MIUI Optimization

This option is responsible for:

• 🔄 Automatic Closing of Background Applications.
• 📱 Limiting productivity to save battery.
• 🔧 Blocking some system changes (for example, changing fonts without root rights).

Disabling can improve multitasking, but increases battery consumption 10-15%.

💡

Before changing the parameters MIUI Optimization or Disablement HW Overlays back up data – these settings most often cause unstable system operation.

Dangerous settings: what not to touch without need

Some of the options on the developer menu can permanently disable a device or make it vulnerable to attacks.

• 🚨 Force GPU Rendering – Forced rendering through GPU can cause overheating and lag on weak chipsets (for example, Snapdragon) 6xx or Helio Gxx).
• 🚨 Disable HW Overlays – Disables hardware acceleration graphics, leading to brakes and artifacts.
• 🚨 Stay awake – the screen will not turn off when charging, which reduces the life of the device AMOLED-display.
• 🚨 Mock Locations – allows you to fake geolocation, but can block some applications (for example, banking or games like the Internet). Pokémon GO).
• 🚨 USB Configuration – Change of regime with MTP on PTP or RNDIS Can disrupt file transfers.

It is especially dangerous to change the settings associated with:

• 🔌 Fast Charge (Battery Saver) – the risk of battery damage.
• 📡 Mobile Data Always Active, Aggressive Wi-Fi to Mobile Handover.
• 🔒 Security (Verify Apps over) USB) — Disabling application verification makes the device vulnerable to viruses.

How to turn off the developer menu on Xiaomi

If you no longer need advanced settings or want to return the phone to factory status (like before selling), there are two ways to do this:

Method 1: Reset via settings (without data loss)

1. Open the Settings. → For developers.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Resetting Settings.
3. Confirm the action – the section will disappear from the settings menu.

Method 2: Completely reset to factory settings (delete all data!)

Use this method if:

• 🔧 You have changed your critical parameters (for example, MIUI Optimization, and the phone started to slow down.
• 📱 Want to sell or transfer the device to another person.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (released after 2022), a factory reset may require you to enter a password from Mi Account, even if you haven't tied it!

Frequent problems and their solutions

When working with the developer menu, users often encounter errors.-5 problems and ways to correct them:

If your problem is not described in the table, try:

• 🔍 Finding a solution in forums XDA Developers (specify device model and version) MIUI).
• 📱 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
• 🔧 Reverse changes via Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions