For many owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, the issue of activating special functions becomes relevant immediately after buying a device. Often users face the need to connect a gadget to a computer not just to transfer files, but to interact more deeply with the system. This is where the debugging mode comes to the scene, which is hidden from the eyes of the ordinary user in the standard interface.
Finding the answer to the question of where USB debugging on Xiaomi is located can seem confusing due to the features of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. The company's security system specifically hides these settings to prevent accidental interference with the OS, which could lead to instability. However, for advanced users, developers or those who want to install custom firmware, access to these parameters is vital.
In this article, we will take a look at the entire activation path, from unlocking the hidden menu to fine-tuning the connection settings, and learn how to properly prepare the device, what risks exist, and how to avoid the typical mistakes that most beginners face when first trying to connect with Android Debug Bridge.
Activation of the menu for developers
Before you search for the debugging function itself, you need to unlock access to the hidden settings section. By default, the system hides the developer tools so that an inexperienced user does not accidentally change the critical parameters of the processor or memory. The unlocking process is the same for most models, whether it is the old Redmi Note 8 or the flagship Xiaomi 14.
You'll need to go to the basic settings of the phone and find the "About Phone" item, and this is where all the technical information about the device is located. MIUI» (or "Version" OS» This is where you have to put a series of quick touches. You usually have to press. 7-10 once in a row, until a pop-up notice appears on the screen that you have become a developer.
⚠️ Note: If nothing happens after ten taps, check if you have Advanced Launch or Second Space mode. In some cases, activation is only possible from the main user profile.
Once you successfully activate the settings in the main menu, "More," you'll see a new item called "Developers" -- and that's where the function we're looking for is hidden, and without this preparatory step, you'll never be able to do anything else, because the system won't show you the switches you want.
Location of the debugging switch
Once you've logged into the Developer Menu, you'll see a long list of different technical options. Don't be afraid of the abundance of settings, we're interested in a particular section, usually at the top of the list or in the debugging group. The parameter you're looking for is called Debugging by Debugging. USB».
When you first turn on this slider, the system will give you a warning about potential risks. Android Debug Bridge gives you full control of the device from your computer, which theoretically allows an attacker to access your data if the phone is connected to an untrusted PC.
It's important to note that just turning on the switchboard isn't enough. Once you activate the function and connect the cable to the computer, you'll see a dialog box asking for debugging permission on your smartphone screen. RSA-You have to tick the "Always allow from this computer" box and click "OK" or the command line will not be able to communicate with the phone.
- 🔍 Find the item "Debugging by" USB» developer-menu.
- 📱 Connect the original cable to the PC.
- ✅ Confirm the request on the smartphone screen when it appears RSA-key.
- 🔄 If the window doesn’t appear, reconnect the cable or change the port. USB.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the switch is active, but the computer does not see the device. In this case, it is worth checking the installed ADB drivers on the computer. Windows often requires manual installation of drivers, while Linux and macOS often pick up the device automatically.
☑️ Connection check ADB
Setting up USB-configurations and modes
Simply enabling debugging is often not enough to make the software work properly. In the same developer menu, just below the main switch, is the option "Select USB configuration." By default, it may be "Charge" or "MTP", which is not always suitable for debugging.
For stable work with ADB and Fastboot, it is recommended to choose either MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) or RNDIS (USB Ethernet) mode if networking is required. In some cases, especially when you are running through the Mi Flash Tool, you need to use UVC mode or specific settings that depend on the version of MIUI.
| USB mode | Appointment | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Charge only | Just charging. | For safe charging in public places |
| MTP | File transfer | Standard work with files and ADB |
| PTP | Protocol for transmitting photos | For old PCs or specific software for photos |
| RNDIS | USB Ethernet | For debugging over the network (ADB over WiFi) |
Also worth noting is the USB Debugging (Security Settings) feature, which allows you to install applications from unknown sources directly through ADB without additional confirmation on your phone screen, which is convenient for developers, but dangerous for ordinary users.
What is RNDIS and why is it needed?
Problems with drivers and recognition
The most common problem users face when trying to connect with Xiaomi is the lack of computer response. You can turn on all settings, but in Device Manager, the device will appear with a yellow exclamation point or as "Unknown Device."
Often the reason lies in the lack of the right Android Bootloader Interface drivers. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi uses its VID/PID identifiers, which standard Google drivers may not recognize automatically, the solution is to manually install drivers through Device Manager or use specialized software like Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools.
⚠️ Attention: Use of damaged or unoriginal USB-The cable is responsible for 80 percent of the connectivity problems. The cable can charge the phone but not transmit data. Always use a kit cable or a certified cable.
If you see the device manager «QHSUSB_BULK» or a similar name, this means that the phone is in emergency boot mode (EDL). To exit it usually requires to press the volume and power buttons at the same time. 15-20 seconds until the device vibrates and restarts to normal mode.
In case the computer sees the phone, but the ADB gives the list blank, try to run the server reset command. Open the command line and type:
adb kill-server
adb start-serverThen reconnect the cable. It also helps to restart the service "Debugging by" USB» in the phone settings menu itself: turn off the slider, wait 5 seconds and turn on again.
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Use USB 2.0 ports (black) instead of USB 3.0 (blue) on a desktop PC if you have problems with connection stability. Older Xiaomi devices work better with the 2.0 protocol.
Security and permit resetting
Using USB debugging opens up a wide range of possibilities, but it also creates potential vulnerabilities. If you leave the function on permanently and connect your phone to charge in public places (airports, cafes), it is theoretically possible to introduce malware or steal data.
And then over time, the list of computers you've given access to can grow, and if you're selling a phone or just want to clean up the system, you have to reset all the permissions you've given, and that's done in the same Developer menu.
Find the option “Always allow debugging from this computer” (or similar, depending on the translation version) and click “Revoke debugging permissions” button. USB». The system will require confirmation, after which all previously authorized computers will be forgotten, and the next connection request will be made. RSA-The key will reappear.
- 🛡️ Turn off debugging when it is not in use.
- 🔒 Do not leave your phone unlocked when connecting to someone else’s PC.
- 🧹 Regularly reset the list of trusted computers.
- 👀 Watch for pop-up windows with a key request.
Special attention should be paid to the “Selective USB Debugging” feature, which allows access only for certain applications, not for all at once, which increases security, but can interfere with some automation tools that need full access to the system.
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Resetting debugging permissions is a mandatory procedure before selling a device or handing it over for repair to protect your personal data from access through ADB.
Specifics of HyperOS and new versions of MIUI
With the release of HyperOS shell and upgrade to MIUI 14/15, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy. Now activating some debugging functions may require an active Internet connection and logging into a Mi Account. The system checks the status of the device on the server to make sure that it is not wanted or blocked.
In the new versions of the firmware appeared an additional level of protection: «USB-Debugging (Security settings).” This item can be hidden or inactive if you do not log in to your account. The logic of working with Fastboot has also changed: now you often need an unlocked bootloader to flash it, whose status is also checked online.
If you’ve recently updated and can’t find your old settings, search the settings menu and type the word “Debug” or “USB” into the settings search bar, and the system will redirect you to the desired section, even if it’s moved to the bottom of the menu.
⚠️ Warning: New HyperOS devices may have a waiting timer (from 1 minute to 7 days) when they try to turn on debugging, which is protection against ransomware. You have to wait a specified time, you can't interrupt this process.
Developers should also consider that some paths to system files and access rights have been changed in HyperOS, scripts written for older versions of MIUI may not work correctly, and it is recommended to update platform-tools binary to the latest version from Google.