Where are the developer settings on Xiaomi: a complete guide with pictures

Developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a hidden settings section that gives you access to advanced features of the system. Here you can activate debugging over USB, change the interface animation, enable options for testing applications and even overclock performance. But where do you find these settings if they are hidden by default?

In this article, we will detail how to turn on the developer mode on any device with a MIUI shell (versions 12, 13, 14), where to look for this section in the menu, and what features are available there, and how to turn off the developer mode if it is no longer needed, and what risks can arise if you carelessly change the settings.

Why the developer settings are hidden by default

Xiaomi, like other Android device manufacturers, hides the developer mode from ordinary users for a reason. This section contains parameters that, if used improperly, can:

• 🔧 Disrupt system stability – changing animations or background processes can lead to lags or reboots.
• 🛡️ Reduce security - enabling debugging by USB Opens access to device data when connected to a computer.
• 📉 Deteriorate battery life – some options (such as Do not turn off the screen) drain the battery faster.
• 🚨 Lead to loss of warranty – if the smartphone fails due to changes in the developer settings, the service center may refuse to repair.

However, the developer mode is useful for:

• 🔍 Application testing (e.g., through ADB).
• ⚡ Speeding up the interface by disabling animation.
• 📱 Unlocking the loader before the firmware.
• 🎮 Optimizing performance in games.

⚠️ Note: If you are not sure about the purpose of a particular option, it is better not to touch it. Certain parameters (for example, Restriction of background processes) can lead to incorrect operation of messengers and social networks.

How to Enable Developer Mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO

The activation process is the same for all devices on MIUI, regardless of model – be it Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to About Phone (usually at the bottom of the list).
3. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row.

After the seventh click, a notification will appear: "You became a developer!", which means that the section has been successfully activated. Now you have to find it in the settings menu.

If you fail to press 7 times (for example, the system does not respond), check:

• 📱 You're clicking on Version. MIUI, Not the model number or Android version.
• 🔄 Perhaps your device has already enabled the developer mode – check the menu Additional settings.
• 🔒 Some firmware (e.g. global) may require a password or pattern lock.

Where are the developer’s settings after activation

Once the developer mode is successfully enabled, the section will appear in the main settings menu, but its location may vary depending on the MIUI version:

If you can’t find the section manually, use the search by settings:

1. Open the Settings.
2. In the top row, enter a request: for developers or developers.
3. The system will show a direct path to the partition.

On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 with pure Android) the path may be different: Settings → System → For developers.

The main functions in the settings of the Xiaomi developer

The Developer section contains dozens of options, but most of them are for testing and debugging, and we have highlighted the most useful options for ordinary users:

🔧 Optimizing productivity

• 🎯 Limiting background processes – reduces the number of applications running in the background (useful for weak devices).
• ⚡ Windows animation, transition animation – shutdown speeds up app opening.
• 🖥️ GPU-Acceleration – may improve performance in games, but increases heat.

📱 Debugging and PC Connection

• 🔌 Debugging by USB — mandatory for work with ADB, loader-free.
• 🔒 Unlocking OEM — You need to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• 📡 Wi-Fi debugging – allows you to control the device without cable.

🔍 Diagnostics and logic

• 📝 Error log – useful for tracking app failures.
• 📊 Process statistics – shows which applications consume the most resources.
• 🔄 Failure to save action – speeds up work, but can lead to data loss.

⚠️ Warning: Turning on the option Do not turn off the screen will result in a quick discharge of the battery. Use it only when connected to charging.

💡

If you have enabled USB debugging but your computer can’t see the device, check if you have Mi PC Suite or ADB Drivers installed. Switching the connection mode from Charging to File Transfer can also help.

How to turn off the developer mode on Xiaomi

If you don't need the advanced settings anymore, you can deactivate them.

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → For developers.
2. In the upper right corner, press the switch (it will turn gray).
3. Confirm the shutdown if the system requests a password.

After that, the section will disappear from the settings menu, and to return it, you will have to click on the MIUI Version 7 times again.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global), you can only turn off developer mode by resetting: Settings → Additional → Reset → Reset settings. Attention: this will delete all user data!

Frequent problems and their solutions

Sometimes users have difficulty working with the developer mode, and let's look at the most common ones:

❌ The "Developers" section disappeared after the update MIUI

After major updates (e.g. from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), the settings may reset.

1. Activate the mode again by pressing the MIUI version 7 times.
2. If it doesn’t help, reset your settings (but it will delete all the data!).

❌ The debugging doesn't work. USB

If your computer doesn’t see the device in ADB, check:

• 🔌 Cable – Use original or certified cable USB Type-C.
• 🖥️ Drivers - install the Mi PC Suite or Google USB Drivers.
• 🔄 Connection Mode – Select File Transfer (MTP) notice-curtain.
• 🔒 Debugging permission – at the first connection, confirm access on the smartphone screen.

❌ The device overheats after changes in settings

If after turning on the GPU-acceleration or changing the Background Process Limitation, the smartphone began to warm up, return the settings to the original state:

1. Open the Settings. → For developers.
2. Find the parameter that has been changed (for example, GPU-acceleration).
3. Return the slider to the default or off position.

💡

If after changes in the developer settings, the smartphone began to brake or overheat, the best solution is to reset the settings of this section to factory (⋮) and select Reset settings.

Security: What not to do in the developer settings

Some settings can harm your device or your data, and this is something you should not include unless you need to:

• 🚫 Allow sham locations – this will allow apps to tamper with your coordinates, which is dangerous for privacy.
• 🚫 Turn off the absolute volume level – can damage speakers at high volume.
• 🚫 Do not save actions – applications will close when folded, which will disrupt their work.
• 🚫 Enable Strict Mode – the screen will flash when the processor is booted, which irritates and drains the battery.

Also be careful with:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader – this cancels the warranty and opens access to system files.
• 📲 Installation from unknown sources – increases the risk of infection with viruses.
• 🔄 Background check – can slow down the device.

⚠️ Note: If you have turned on the debugging USB, But if you don't use it, disable it, it allows the connected computer to take full control of the device, which is dangerous if you steal or lose your smartphone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions