Developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a hidden toolbar that gives access to advanced system settings. Without it, you can not unlock the bootloader, enable USB debugging for firmware via fastboot, change animation settings or activate hidden MIUI functions. However, finding this mode is not so easy: the manufacturer deliberately hides it from ordinary users to prevent accidental changes in critical parameters.
In this article, you will find out exactly where the developer mode is in different versions. MIUI (from 12 before 15), How to turn it on on on Xiaomi models 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5 And the risks of activating these settings, and we'll look at the step-by-step picture instructions, the frequent on-set errors, and how to fix problems if the mode suddenly disappears after the upgrade. MIUI 15: Changed path to the developer menu for some regions.
Why is the developer mode hidden in Xiaomi and why you need it?
The manufacturer hides the developer mode for two key reasons: First, it is protection from accidental changes: an inexperienced user can turn off critical services, which will lead to unstable smartphone operation or even a βbrickβ (complete inoperability). Second, some features (for example, unlocking the bootloader) cancel the warranty β Xiaomi thus reduces the number of calls to service centers due to the fault of users.
However, the developer mode is necessary to:
- π§ Unlock the bootloader before firmware via fastboot or installing custom recavery (TWRP)
- π Including debugging by USB work-in ADB (For example, to remove system applications)
- β‘ Changes in the speed of interface animation (acceleration of work) MIUI)
- π‘ Testing of network parameters (forced activation) 5G VoLTE)
- π Reset the Mi Unlock counter (if you have previously tried to unlock the bootloader)
Without activating this mode, you will not be able to use tools like XiaomiTool or MiFlash, as well as installation packages from third-party developers. It is important to understand that some operations (for example, changing the kernel parameters) can disrupt the device β so it is recommended to back up through Settings β Memory β Backup before experimenting.
Where is the developer mode in MIUI: the path for different versions
The location of the developer menu depends on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone. In recent updates (starting with MIUI 14), the path has been changed - now it can vary even depending on the firmware region.
| MIUI version | The path to the menu | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 15 (2026) | Settings β About the phone β MIUI version (7 taps) β Additional β For developers | Some models (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra) require you to first click βAll settingsβ |
| MIUI 14 (2023) | Settings β About the phone β MIUI version (5 taps) β Additional β For developers | POCO F5 and Redmi Note 12 may need to be rebooted after activation |
| MIUI 12/13 (2021β2022) | Settings β About phone β MIUI version (5-7 taps) β Advanced settings β For developers | On older models (Redmi 9, POCO X3) sometimes triggered with a delay. |
| MIUI 11 and below | Settings β About the phone β Version of the core (5 taps) | Some firmware requires a password from your Mi Account |
If after several attempts the menu does not appear, check:
- π± Firmware Region: on Global Versions (MIUI Global path may be different from Chinese (MIUI China).
- π System updates: Re-activation is sometimes required after an update (the menu is reset).
- π Administrator rights: If the device is owned by an organization, access can be blocked by Android Enterprise policies.
π‘
If you donβt see the βMIUI versionβ item in the βAbout Phoneβ menu, try first clicking on βDevice Modelβ 5 times β on some firmware this will unlock hidden options.
Step-by-step: how to turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi
The activation process takes no more than 2-3 minutes, but requires precise follow-up of instructions. Below is a universal algorithm for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 14/15:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (on some models - About Device).
- Find the line MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row, after 3-4 clicks will appear pop-up notification "You're almost there!", and after the 7th - "You became a developer!".
- Return to the main Settings menu and open the Additionals section (or Advanced Settings on older versions).
- At the bottom of the list, there's a new item, for developers. Put it on.
- Activate the switch at the top of the screen (entry may be required) PIN-code-key).
If the menu does not appear after these actions, check:
Make sure you are using the "Version" version. MIUI", Not the Android version"|
Try using 5 presses instead of 7 (some firmwares have 5)|
Restart the device and try again |
Check if there are restrictions through Digital Well-Being or Parental Control"-->
On models with MIUI 15 (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70) after activation, additional confirmation may be required via Mi Account. If you do not have a Xiaomi account attached, the system will prompt you to create it or log in.
What to do if you ask for a password from your Mi Account?
Frequent errors when turning on the developer mode and how to fix them
Even with the correct instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common errors and solutions:
β οΈ If after activation of the developer mode, the smartphone began to brake or overheat, check whether experimental functions like GPU-Acceleration or Background Process Limitation: These parameters may conflict with optimizations MIUI.
Problem 1: The Developer Menu disappeared after the update.
- π Solution: Repeat the activation process (7 taps according to the Version) MIUI). After the update, the system resets access to hidden settings.
Problem 2: When you click on the MIUI version, nothing happens.
- π± Solution: Check if the phone has a third-party shell (e.g. ColorOS on some clones) and try to press faster β some firmware requires taps at intervals of no more than 1 second.
Problem 3: A message appears that says βThis function is disabled by the administrator.β
- π Solution: The device is running Android Enterprise or Mi Work. To unlock, you need to delete the organization profile in Settings β Accounts. β Delete the work profile.
Problem 4: After the developer mode was turned on, the mobile Internet disappeared.
- π‘ Solution: You may have changed your network settings in the Developer section. β Mobile network: Return the preferred network type to the value LTE/3G/2G (motor-car).
If none of the solutions worked, try resetting your network settings through Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Network resets. It won't delete your data, but it will return network settings to factory settings.
What settings in the developer mode can be changed without risk
Not all settings on the developer menu are equally dangerous. NΔkterΓ© changes can improve the performance of the smartphone without causing crashes. Here is a list of safe settings that you can activate:
- β‘ Accelerate animation: Change the values in the animation scale to 0.5x Or turn it off altogether (no animations) and it makes the interface faster.
- π Background Processes: Limit the number of background applications to 2-3 in the Process Limitation section β this will save battery life.
- π± Touch responsiveness: Include Touch Show and Pointer Location to debug the problems with the wheelbarrow.
- π Sound Effects: Turn off Absolute Volume if you have trouble adjusting volume in your headphones.
Here are some dangerous settings that you should not touch without need:
- π¨ Disable the check MIUI β This can disrupt the system applications.
- β οΈ Fictitious locations will cause disruptions to Google Maps and other geolocation services.
- π₯ Do not save operations β disable the activity log, which will complicate the diagnosis of problems.
If you accidentally change a critical setting, you can reset the developer's settings to factory settings.
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Show System.
- Find Settings (application with gear) and click Storage β Clear data.
β οΈ Attention: Settings will reset all your personal settings (wallpaper, sounds, shortcuts) and the developer mode will also turn off and have to be activated again.
How to turn off the developer mode on Xiaomi
If you don't need advanced settings anymore, you can deactivate the developer mode, and it's also useful to do this before you sell your phone or drop it off at a service center.
Method 1: Through the settings menu
- Open the settings β Additional β for developers.
- At the top of the screen, move the developer mode slider to the off position.
- Confirm the action if there is a request to enter a password.
Method 2: Resetting (if the first method does not work)
- Go to Settings β Memory β Reset settings.
- Select Reset all settings (not to be confused with Reset to factory!).
- Confirm action. This will delete all personal settings, but it won't affect files and apps.
Once the developer mode is disabled, some features (such as USB Debugging) will become unavailable until activated again, and the developer option from the settings menu will disappear.
π‘
If you plan to sell the phone, be sure to turn off developer mode and delete all Mi/Google accounts.The new owner will not be able to activate some features (like Find Device) if the device remains tied to your profile.