Xiaomi Developer Mode: How to Enable and Configure in 5 Minutes

Developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones gives access to hidden MIUI features that the manufacturer hides from ordinary users. It is not just a “secret menu” – it is a powerful tool for fine-tuning the system, debugging applications and even overclocking performance. Without activating this mode, you can not connect the device to ADB, unlock the bootloader or test beta versions of firmware.

In this article you will find the correct instructions for 2026 The year that works on all modern versions MIUI 14/15 (We will discuss not only the standard on-line method, but also alternative methods for lock devices, and also tell you what settings should be changed immediately after activation. MIUI" In new firmware, this is a common reason why users can’t turn on developer mode.

Why do I need a developer mode on Xiaomi?

Many people mistakenly believe that this mode is only useful for programmers, and in fact, even ordinary users can benefit from it:

• 🔧 Accelerating animation: Reducing the transition time between screens makes the interface visually faster (especially relevant for budget models Redmi Note).
• 📱 Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or obtaining root rights.
• 🔄 Forced activation MSAA (4x or 8x) Improved graphics in games on supported devices.
• 🛠️ Debugging by USB: Without it, you won't be able to use it. ADB, Fastboot or tools like Scrcpy to control your PC phone.
• 📡 Manual Network Configuration: Choosing a Mobile Network Type (2G/3G/4G/5G), switching off certain ranges to save battery.

Moreover, some MIUI features are disabled by default in this menu, such as the option “Do not turn off the screen while charging” (useful for using the phone as a navigator) or “Enable Bluetooth HCI Sniff” to diagnose problems with the connection of headsets.

⚠️ Note: Some developer mode settings may impair performance or reset data, for example, enabling the Do Not Save Action option will result in all applications closing when folded, and changing settings GPU without understanding the consequences can cause overheating.

Standard Incorporation Method (MIUI 14/15)

The classic method works on most Xiaomi devices released after 2018. Instructions are universal for Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5 and other models based on MIUI 14/15:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version (usually 7-10 taps are needed for activation).
3. Press it 7 times in a row. After 3-4 taps, a notification will appear: "You're almost there!"
4. After the 7th tap, the system will show a message: "You became a developer!"
5. Return to the main Settings menu – there will be a new section Additional → For developers.

If the MIUI version is missing (this happens in some regional firmware), try an alternative way:

Settings → About the phone → All the characteristics → MIUI version

Make sure your phone is at least 30% charged.

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network

Close all background applications

Check the version. MIUI customized-->

Alternative activation methods

On some devices (especially those with Chinese firmware or MIUI corporate builds), the standard way may not work. Here are 3 proven workarounds:

Method 1: Through Mi Account Settings

This method works if your device is linked to your Xiaomi account:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. In the upper right corner, click on the profile icon.
3. Select Account Settings → Mi Cloud.
4. Scroll down and find the MIUI version (may be called the System Version).
5. Stick it 7 times.

Method 2: Recovery Menu (TWRP)

If you have a custom recap (TWRP) installed, you can activate the developer mode through it:

1. Turn off the phone.


2. Press <power button> + <volume up> to enter TWRP.




3. Go to Advanced → File Manager.




4. Open the file /data/property/persist.sys.usb.config.




5. Add the line: persist.sys.usb.config=mtp,adb.




6. Save the changes and reboot.

⚠️ Note: Editing system files through TWRP This method can lead to loss of warranty or device brilliance if you miss the path or syntax.

Method 3: Through ADB (if USB-The debugging has already been included)

If you previously activated the developer mode but it disappeared after the update, try restoring it via ADB:

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1


adb shell am broadcast -a com.android.settings.ACTION_DEVELOPMENT_SETTINGS

Setting up the developer mode: what to include and what not

Once activated, you'll see dozens of options, most of which don't have a clear description, and we've selected the 5 most useful options for ordinary users and explained what they're responsible for:

• ⚡ Animation window, Animation transition, Duration animator: Set the value 0.5x Or disabled to speed up the interface. 9A, POCO C31) It'll give you a smoother boost.
• 🔌 Debugging by USB: Turn on if you plan to connect your phone to a PC to work with ADB Or Scrcpy. Disable after use - it's a potential security hole.
• 📶 Configuration USB Default: Select File Transfer (MTP) for easy PC work or Charging only if you want to avoid automatic connection.
• 🔒 Unlocking OEM: Turn on in advance if you plan to unlock the bootloader. Once you link your Mi Account to your device, this option may disappear!
• 🎮 Turn it on. 4x MSAA: Improves graphics in games, but greatly reduces battery life.Relevant for Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Black Shark and other gaming devices.

What is better to avoid if you are not an expert?

• 🚫 Do not save actions: Close all applications when folded, break multitasking.
• 🚫 GPU-Acceleration: Incorrect settings will lead to artifacts on the screen or overheating.
• 🚫 Background Processes: Limiting the number of processes will cause constant reboots of applications.

💡

If the phone starts to brake or overheat after the settings change, go back to factory values, and for that, there's a Reset button in the top right corner on the developer menu.

Solving common problems

Even after successful activation, users are faced with errors. TOP-3 problems and solutions:

Problem 1: Developer Mode Disappears After Update

This is a well-known MIUI 14/15 bug, and once the system is updated, the developer menu may disappear, even though it was previously activated.

1. Repeat the procedure with 7 taps according to the MIUI version.
2. If it doesn’t help, reset your settings through Settings → System → Resetting → Reset all settings (app data will be saved).
3. For advanced: edit /data/property/persist.sys.usb.config via Root Explorer by adding the string persist.sys.usb.config=mtp,adb.

Problem 2: USB debugging is not working ("Device Unidentified")

Frequent error when connecting to a PC.

• 🔌 Mi drivers installed USB Driver (download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🔄 Switch the mode. USB file transfer (MTP) notice-curtain.
• 🔒 On PC, disable the antivirus (it can block) ADB).
• 📱 In the developer menu, enable Debugging Authorization Cancel USB, Then connect again.

Problem 3: The “OEM Unlock” option is inactive

This option may be blocked for several reasons:

• 🔐 The device is tied to a Mi Account, but it hasn’t been 7 days since the first binding (Xiaomi’s security restriction).
• 📱 The phone is purchased from a telecom operator (for example, Redmi from MTS) - you need to unlock through the service center.
• 🔄 Firmware modified (e.g., modified, EU ROM) — Try to return the stock version.

💡

If the “OEM Unlock” option is not activated, check the status of your Mi Account on i.mi.com. Your device may be blocked for suspicious activity (for example, frequent attempts to unlock the bootloader).

Security: How to avoid damaging your phone

Developer mode is not only an opportunity, it's a risk, and here are the key security rules:

1. Don’t enable USB debugging on public networks. Attackers can connect to your device via ADB over Wi-Fi and steal data.
2. Don’t change your GPU/CPU settings without understanding the consequences. Wrong values will lead to a bootloop.
3. Turn off the developer mode after use. To do this, there's a switch in the top right corner of the developer menu.
4. Don't share screenshots of the developer menu, they may show unique device identifiers (IMEI, Serial Number).

Especially careful should be the owners of devices with financial data (for example, tied cards in Mi Pay or Google Pay), enabled debugging over USB allows you to bypass some layers of payment systems protection.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (firmware marked with a note) RU) Some developer options may be limited due to legal requirements, such as the ability to disable application signature verification (USB debugging security settings, which blocks the installation of modified security settings APK.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the developer mode on Xiaomi