Xiaomi Developer Menu: Where to Look and How to Include in 2026

Hidden menu for developers on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO It gives you access to dozens of advanced settings that the manufacturer hides from ordinary users, where you can fine-tune the animation of the system, debug the connections, change the display settings, or even unlock additional features for testing. However, finding this menu is not so easy โ€“ it is hidden deep in the settings and requires special activation.

In this article, we will not only show you where the developer menu on Xiaomi is in the latest versions. MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14, but we'll take it apart:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Step-by-step instructions for enabling developer mode (including carrier-locked models).
  • โš™๏ธ The most useful settings worth changing to improve performance.
  • โš ๏ธ Dangerous parameters that could lead to failures or loss of warranty.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Distinctions in the menu layout on different models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 etc.).

Important: some settings in this menu may cause the device to malfunction or cancel the Xiaomi warranty if you change the settings associated with the bootloader or system partitions.

๐Ÿ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Xiaomi 13/14 series
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO F5/X5
Redmi 10/11 series
Another model

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

The developer mode on all modern Xiaomi smartphones is enabled via the hidden About Phone menu. The algorithm is the same for most models, but there are nuances depending on the version. MIUI:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Scroll down and select the About Phone section (on some firmware - About the device).
  3. Find the line MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (on some models โ€“ by Assembly Number).
  4. After 3-4 clicks, a notification will appear โ€œYou are almost there!โ€, and after the 7th โ€“ a message โ€œYou have become a developer!โ€.

If you MIUI 14/15 HyperOS, the path may be slightly different:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ On Xiaomi 14 and POCO F6: Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Device information โ†’ Version. MIUI.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ On Redmi Note 12 (global firmware): Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Android version.
  • ๐Ÿšซ On some carrier versions (e.g., for Redmi) 10A MTS may need to first unlock Developer Settings via ##4636##.

Check the MIUI version in the settings

Make sure your phone is at least 30% charged.

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (for some models)

Close all background applications

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After successful activation in the main menu Settings will appear a new section โ€” Additional โ†’ Developer settings (or just Developer settings) If you don't have one, try rebooting your device or search for settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

โš ๏ธ Note: Some firmware for Xiaomi (especially Chinese versions) may have a password-locked menu, which requires you to enter a username. PIN-The code or pattern lock you use to unlock the screen.

2. Where is the developer menu after activation?

The location of the section depends on the version MIUI Here are the current paths for popular devices in 2026:

Model/SeriesMIUI versionThe path to the menuNotes
Xiaomi 13/14, 13TMIUI 14/15 (HyperOS)Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Developer settingsYou may need to scroll down.
Redmi Note 12, Note 11MIUI 13โ€“14Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Additional โ†’ For DevelopersOn global firmware, the path is shorter
POCO F5, X5 ProMIUI 14 (POCO Launcher)Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Developer settingsSometimes hidden behind the "More" button.
Redmi 10A, 9AMIUI 12.5โ€“13Settings โ†’ All settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developersBudget models may not have a search for settings

If you canโ€™t find the menu through the interface, use the search by settings:

  1. Open the Settings.
  2. Slip the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner.
  3. Enter the request "developer" or "debug" (in English firmware).

On some custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU or Pixel Experience), the developer menu may be called Developer options and be in the main settings section without nested folders.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the developer menu is missing after the update MIUI, Try to tap again 7 times according to the firmware version - sometimes resetting the settings resets and this flag.

3. Top.-5 Useful settings in the developer menu for Xiaomi

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

  • โšก Accelerate animation: Go to Developer Settings โ†’ Animation speed and set the values of window animation, transition animation and Animator Duration on 0.5x Or off--- that'll make the interface noticeably faster.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Compulsory incorporation 4G/5G:Network โ†’ Preferred type of network select LTE/5G Instead of automatic mode if you have trouble switching between 3G and 4G.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Debugging by USB: Activate Debugging on USB (In the Debugging section, if you plan to connect your phone to ADB or Fastboot for firmware or modifications.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Simulation of additional displays: In Gestures โ†’ Simulate additional displays can be enabled to display the second screen to test multitasking.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Background Processes: Limit the number of background processes in the Applications โ†’ Process limit to 2โ€“3 if you want to save battery life (but this could lead to some applications rebooting).

For gamers, the settings in the Hardware Acceleration section are especially useful:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Enforcement of use GPU: Enable Forced Use GPU-rendering to improve graphics in games (but it will increase battery load).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Disabling optimization MIUI: Deactivate Optimization MIUI In the section Special opportunities, if you notice the lags in 3D-play-off.
What to do if the settings are not saved?
On some Xiaomi firmware, the settings in the developer menu are reset after the reboot. MIUI. To fix the changes: 1. After applying the settings, restart the phone manually. 2. If the reset is repeated, try turning off the Auto-Optimization function in the battery settings. 3. In extreme cases, reset the settings through Settings. โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Reset application settings (does not affect user data).

โš ๏ธ Warning: Changing the OEM unlock settings or unlocking the bootloader in the developer menu will result in a reset of all data on the device and may void the warranty. These options are only needed for custom Recovery firmware (for example, for custom Recovery, TWRP) Not recommended for regular users.

4 Dangerous settings: what not to touch in the developer menu

Along with useful functions, the developer menu hides critical parameters, the change of which can lead to:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฅ Data loss (for example, when enabling Resetting through ADB).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Bootloop looping when changing the parameters of the kernel.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Loss of communication (if you incorrectly configure modem parameters).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Blocking your Mi Account (when manipulating Mi Cloud).

Here is a list of the most risky options that are best not to touch without a clear understanding:

Setting upPotential riskWhen can I use it?
OEM-unlockReset to factory settings, loss of warrantyJust before the firmware through Fastboot
Debugging by USB (without confirmation)Vulnerability to malicious ADB-teamOnly in a controlled environment (e.g. home)
Not to keep up the actionLoss of system logs, difficulties with diagnosisOnly for performance testing
The Forced Use of Dark ModeDisplay failures of some applicationsIf you are a developer and testing a theme
Change of size VMUnstable Multitasking WorkOnly when there is a lack of RAM

Be especially careful with the sections:

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ The hardware is a change in the parameters of the processor or GPU may cause overheating.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Network โ€“ incorrect Band Mode settings or CA (Carrier Aggregation May Deprive You of Mobile Internet.
  • ๐Ÿ” Security - Disabling inspections MIUI Optimization or Verify Apps via USB reduces protection against viruses.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you accidentally changed the critical setting and the phone stopped working correctly, try resetting the developer menu settings via Settings. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Three points. โ†’ Resetting settings.

5. The difference between the developer menu on different Xiaomi models

While the basic features of the developer menu are the same for all Xiaomi devices, there are model-dependent features to be aware of:

๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi 13/14 Series (Flagships on Snapdragon) 8 Gen 2/3)

  • ๐Ÿ”น Additional Options for Ray Tracing in Games (Section Graphics).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Dolby Vision settings for external displays (hidden behind Force Dolby Vision).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Support AV1-dekoding for streaming video (included in Media).

๐Ÿ“ฑ Redmi Note 12 Series (Middle Segment)

  • ๐Ÿ”น No Wireless Display (no Miracast support on some firmware).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Limited settings GPU-Rendering (no Force 90 option) FPS).
  • ๐Ÿ”น The network may not be available in the menu 5G SA camera-based.

๐Ÿ“ฑ POCO F5/X5 (gaming-smartphone)

  • ๐Ÿ”น Advanced Game Turbo settings (included through Special Options).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Force option 120Hz All applications (hidden behind Min refresh rate).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Support LDAC-codec for Bluetooth headphones (included in Audio).

๐Ÿ“ฑ Redmi 10A/9A (budgetary models)

  • ๐Ÿ”น No options for 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Restricted access to the background process limit (maximum 4 process).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Desktop backup password may not be available (no backup support for PCs).

On Chinese versions of firmware (with suffix) CN In the model number, the developer menu may contain additional options for Mi Pay, Mi Home and other services not available in global builds.

๐Ÿ“Š Have you ever changed the settings on the developer menu?
Yeah, I do it regularly.
I tried it, but I didn't change anything.
No, I'm afraid to break my phone.
I didn't know about that menu.

6. How to reset the developer settings to the factory

If youโ€™ve experimented with parameters and want to get everything back to its original state, there are a few ways to do this:

๐Ÿ”„ Method 1: Through the settings menu

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset.
  3. Select App Settings Reset (this wonโ€™t affect your data, but will reset all permissions and settings, including the developer menu).

๐Ÿ”ง Method 2: Through ADB (for advanced users)

If the developer menu is unavailable or hangs, you can reset it via your computer:

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0


adb shell settings put global adb_enabled 0

After completing these commands, the developer menu will disappear from the settings, and it will have to be activated again (7 taps according to the version). MIUI).

โš ๏ธ Method 3: Complete reset (extreme case)

If changes to the developer menu led to unstable operation of the system, perform a hard reset:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ Backup and Reset.
  2. Select Reset and confirm the action.
  3. After the reboot, all settings, including the developer menu, will return to factory settings.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) may require re-assigning your Mi Account to unlock the bootloader after a reset!

7. Frequent questions about the developer menu on Xiaomi

๐Ÿ” Why After Updating MIUI Developer menu missing?
This is the standard behavior of the system in major updates (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI To return the menu, tap again 7 times on the Version. MIUI If this doesn't help, try: Clear the cache of the Settings app (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Settings โ†’ Clear cache. Reboot your phone. In extreme cases, reset your app settings (see section above).
๐Ÿ”’ Can I turn on the developer menu without access to settings?
If the screen is locked or settings are not available, there are workarounds: ๐Ÿ“ž Dial the code ##4636## โ€” This will open the testing menu, where some firmware has a link to the developer settings. ๐Ÿ’ป Connect the phone to a PC with ADB The command is: adb shell am start. -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings ๐Ÿ”ง On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9) You can turn on the menu via Restore Mode, but this requires an unlocked bootloader. Note: these methods may not work on the latest versions. MIUI 15 due to tightening security policies.
โšก What Developer Menu Settings Will Improve Productivity?
To speed up the smartphone, we recommend changing the following parameters: Limit background processes โ†’ Maximum 3 process (savings RAM) Forced use GPU-rendering โ†’ Including (improves graphics in games) Disable optimization MIUI โ†’ On. (cleanses the lags in the animations) Background check. โ†’ Off (reduces processor load) After settings are applied, restart the device so that the changes take effect.
๐Ÿ“ถ How to improve communication through the developer menu (3G/4G/5G)?
If you have a problem with mobile internet, try it: ๐Ÿ“ก In the Network section, select Preferred Network Type โ†’ LTE/5G (switch off the automatic switch to 3G). ๐Ÿ”„ Enable Advanced Mode 4G (If available for your model). ๐Ÿ“ถ Activate Carrier Aggregation to increase speed. on Xiaomi 13 Pro and newer has an option 5G SA (Standalone โ€“ its inclusion can improve the stability of communication in fifth-generation networks.
๐Ÿ”‹ Does the developer menu settings affect battery consumption?
Yes, some parameters can both increase and decrease energy consumption: Battery impact โฌ‡๏ธ Reduces the cost (but can close applications) GPU-rendering โฌ†๏ธ Increases consumption (but improves graphics) โฌ‡๏ธ It saves a little charge on the power 5G SA โฌ†๏ธ Significantly increases consumption For maximum battery savings, disable debugging USB Error logs in the developer menu if you donโ€™t use them.