Developer settings on Xiaomi: where to find, how to enable and what you can configure

Menu of developer settings on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones POCO โ€” This is a hidden partition that gives access to advanced operating system functions. MIUI. You can activate it here. USB-debugging ADB, To change the animations of the interface, optimize performance, or even unlock hidden gesture capabilities, but many users don't know how to find it, because by default this partition is hidden.

In this article, we will not only show where the developer settings on Xiaomi are in different versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), but also explain which options to include to improve the smartphone, and which are better not to touch unnecessarily. You will also learn how to reset the developer settings to factory if something went wrong, and what hidden commands MIUI You can use this menu through this menu.

Why the developer settings are hidden by default

Manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are hiding this section for a reason, because changing the parameters incorrectly can lead to:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Unstable system performance โ€“ for example, if optimisation is disabled MIUI or change the limits of background processes.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Accelerated battery discharge โ€“ some options (like constant processor activity) ignore energy saving.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Security vulnerabilities โ€” USB-debugging OEM Can be used for unauthorized access to data.

However, without this menu, it is impossible to perform many technical operations: from firmware through Fastboot to performance testing using the help of the device. ADB. Xiaomi has left the possibility of activating it, but made it unobvious to ordinary users.

Yes, for USB-debugging|Yeah, to speed up animation.|No, I didn't know about that possibility.|I tried it, but I didn't understand.-->

How to enable developer settings on Xiaomi (step-by-step instruction)

The activation process is the same for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO, It may be slightly different depending on the version. MIUI Or HyperOS. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
  2. Go to About Phone (or About Device in HyperOS).
  3. Find the MIUI version (or HyperOS version) and tap it 7 times in a row.
  4. After the seventh press, a notification will appear: You have become a developer! or Developer Mode is activated.

Now go back to the main Settings menu โ€“ there will be a new section โ†’ Developer settings (or just for developers in HyperOS).

Make sure the battery is over 50 times charged%|Backup of important data|Remember the password from your Mi Account (may be required to unlock)|Shut down. VPN (Some functions may not work through a proxy)-->

Important! On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) after activation of the developer mode, you may need to enter a PIN or password from the device for confirmation.

Where to look for developer settings in different versions MIUI hyperos

The menu location may vary depending on the firmware, and the following are the current paths for popular versions:

Firmware versionThe path to the menuFeatures
MIUI 12โ€“14Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Developer settingsThe menu can be hidden under the item "All parameters"
HyperOS 1.0+Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ HyperOS version โ†’ Developer settingsRepeated pressing of the HyperOS version after activation
POCO LauncherSettings โ†’ System โ†’ Additional โ†’ For DevelopersOn some models, the menu is called โ€œAdvanced Settingsโ€.
Xiaomi for the global market (EU/Global ROM)Settings โ†’ Additional settings โ†’ Developer optionsIn English, but the structure is the same.

If you donโ€™t see the menu even after activation, try:

  • ๐Ÿ” Use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen) and enter the query "developer".
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Restart the device โ€“ sometimes the menu only appears after the reboot.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Make sure you donโ€™t have a lightweight version. MIUI (for example, MIUI Lite where some functions are disabled.

๐Ÿ’ก

Suddenly disappeared after an update, repeat the activation process (tap on the MIUI version 7 times again).

Top.-5 useful features in the settings of the Xiaomi developer

Now that you know where to find the developer settings on Xiaomi, letโ€™s figure out what you can customize them to improve the performance of your smartphone. Here are the most useful options that do not require deep technical knowledge:

1. Accelerating interface animation

By default. MIUI It uses smooth animations when you open apps and switch between screens, and you can speed them up or turn them off:

  • ๐ŸŽฏ The scale of window animation โ†’ set up 0.5x or disconnect.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Scale of transition animation โ†’ equal.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Duration of the animator โ†’ 0.5x maximum speed.

This will make the interface more responsive, especially on weaker models like the Redmi. 9A or POCO C31.

2. Unlocking OEM and USB-debugging

These options are necessary for:

  • ๐Ÿ”“ Unlock the bootloader (needed to install custom firmware).
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Connections to ADB (For example, to remove embedded applications).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Installations TWRP or Magisk for root rights.

To include:

  1. Activate the Unlock switch OEM.
  2. Turn on USB debugging.
  3. Confirm the debugging permission when connecting to the PC.
What happens if you turn on the unlock OEM needlessly?
This option allows you to unlock the bootloader, which can result in the reset of all data on the device (including internal memory).In addition, some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) can block work on unlocked devices due to security risks.

3. Optimization of productivity

In the developer menu there are options that help to โ€œoverclockโ€ the smartphone:

  • ๐Ÿš€ Do not unload active applications โ€“ prevents the closure of background tasks.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Limit of background processes โ†’ Set a Standard Limit or No Limits (but this will increase battery consumption).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Enforcement of use GPU โ€” Speeds up graphics rendering (useful for games).

4. Network and connection settings

For experienced users, the following are available:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Modem mode โ€“ allows you to select the preferred type of network (for example, only the network is selected). 4G/LTE).
  • ๐Ÿ”— Carrier aggregation โ€“ improves mobile internet speed (if supported by an operator).
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Turn off the absolute volume of Bluetooth โ€“ solves the problems with volume control in wireless headphones.

5. Diagnostics and Logic

If your Xiaomi is buggy, you can include:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Error log โ€“ records critical system failures.
  • ๐Ÿ” Process statistics โ€“ shows which applications load the processor.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š GPU-rendering โ€“ visualizes problem areas of the interface (useful for developers).

๐Ÿ’ก

Do not enable the option โ€œDo not unload active appsโ€ on weak smartphones (for example, Redmi). 8A or POCO M2) โ€” This can lead to lag and overheating.

What NOT to touch in the developer settings (risky options)

Some parameters can damage the device or make it vulnerable, and this is something you should not change without understanding clearly.

  • โš ๏ธ Disable the check MIUI โ€” This disables the system protection from modifications, which can lead to a knock (inoperability) of the device.
  • โš ๏ธ Background process without restrictions โ€“ will allow applications to work bypass optimization, which will drain the battery in a few hours.
  • โš ๏ธ Change the size of the log buffer โ€“ an incorrect value can fill the memory with system logs.
  • โš ๏ธ Disable data protection MIUI โ€” Make your files vulnerable to malicious applications.

โš ๏ธ If you have enabled the Allow Fictitious Locations option, some applications (such as Yandex.Navigator or Google Maps) may stop correctly identifying your location.

Another dangerous option โ€“ Selecting a regime USB It's the default. If you install it here. MTP (Transfer files) and connect your smartphone to a public USB-In a port (for example, at an airport), attackers will be able to copy your data without your knowledge.

How to Reset Developer Settings to Factory

If, after experimenting with the developer menu, your Xiaomi is slowing down, overheating, or behaving unstablely, you can go back to the original state.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Developer settings.
  2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (โ‹ฎ) and select Reset settings.
  3. Confirm the action โ€“ all changes to this menu will be canceled.

Method 2: Completely reset the device (if the first method did not help)

If the smartphone has become unstable after changes in the developer settings, you may need a complete reset:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ About the phone โ†’ Reset settings.
  2. Choose Delete all data (this will delete all apps, photos and settings!).
  3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

โš ๏ธ On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) After resetting the developer settings, you may need to re-activate the menu (7 press MIUI/HyperOS).

Hidden commands and chips through developer settings

In addition to the standard options, you can activate hidden features in the developer menu that few people know about.

1. Sensor and display test

To check if there are no broken pixels or sensor issues on the screen:

  1. Turn on Show touches - the screen will display points when touched.
  2. Activate Color Mode โ†’ Display test to check color rendering.

2. Improve call quality

For clearer communication on networks 4G/5G:

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Enable VoLTE (if supported by the operator).
  • ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Activate Voice Improvement in Calls (May Need a Reboot).

3 Unlocking hidden gestures

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) you can include additional gestures:

  • ๐Ÿ‘† Double touch to wake up โ€“ unlocking with a double tap on the screen.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Gesture to call Google Assistant (if it is disabled by default).

4. Battery diagnostics

To find out the actual state of the battery:

  1. Turn on Battery Status (shows wear in percentage).
  2. Activate the battery log for detailed flow statistics.
How to find out the actual capacity of the battery?
In the developer menu, turn on Battery Status, then go to Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery status: The current capacity value (e.g., 3800 mAh out of 4,000 mAh) will be indicated).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the developer settings on Xiaomi

โ“ Why After Updating MIUI Developer settings are missing?
This is normal behavior after major updates (e.g., with a MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) the developer menu is reset. To return it, tap it again 7 times on the Version. MIUI in the section About the telephone.
โ“ Can I turn on the developer settings without a password?
On most Xiaomi models (especially with the MIUI 12+) require input PIN-A code, password or pattern lock to activate a menu.
โ“ What to do if USB-debugging is off?
Try: Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm debugging permission. Install official Xiaomi drivers on your computer. In the developer menu, turn off and turn on Debugging again. USB. If it doesnโ€™t work, check if the antivirus or firewall is blocking the debugging.
โ“ How to turn off developer settings if they are no longer needed?
To hide the menu (but not reset the settings), do: adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0 Or just ignore it โ€“ having a menu doesnโ€™t affect performance.
โ“ Why after changing the developerโ€™s settings, the smartphone began to slow down?
Chances are you have enabled options like Do Not Unload Active Apps or Forced Use. GPU Reset these parameters to the original state or reset the developer menu (described above).