How to turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi devices: a detailed guide with pictures

Developer mode on Xiaomi devices is a hidden settings section that gives you access to dozens of additional system settings, from USB debugging to interface animation management, these features are indispensable for power users, testers and customization enthusiasts. But how do you activate it when the manufacturer has hidden this option deep in the menu?

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all types of Xiaomi devices, from MIUI smartphones to Mi TVs. We will examine not only the standard way to turn on, but also alternative methods for cases where the usual way does not work, and you will learn what settings in developer mode can lead to unstable system operation if changed without understanding the consequences.

What is a developer mode and why it is needed

Developer Mode is a special section of Android settings that is hidden by default from ordinary users, which appeared in early versions of the operating system as a tool for testing and debugging applications, and has expanded over time to include:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB — mandatory function for connecting to ADB, Firmware through Fastboot or using tools like Scrcpy.
• 📱 Animation management – speeding up or turning off transitions between screens to improve performance.
• 🔄 Background processes – limiting the number of running applications to save battery power.
• 🛠️ Error symbols – displaying notifications about application failures (useful for developers).
• 📡 Network settings - forced inclusion 4G/5G, Change the type of network or disable automatic switching.

On Xiaomi devices, this mode is especially useful because of the specifics of the MIUI shell. For example, here you can turn off aggressive battery optimization, which often kills background processes, or turn on OEM Unlock to unlock the bootloader before you install custom software.

⚠️ Warning: Changing certain settings in developer mode can lead to unstable device operation, increased battery consumption, or even loss of warranty. For example, enabling the option Do not turn off the screen while charging on a continuous basis reduces the life of the display.

The standard way to turn on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI 12-14)

The developer mode activation algorithm on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is the same, but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. Here is a universal guide for modern devices (2020-2026 release):

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to About Phone (sometimes called About Device).
3. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row.
4. After the seventh press, a notification will appear: You have become a developer!
5. Return to the main Settings menu – there will be a new section Additional → For developers.

If you have a MIUI 14 or newer, the path may look like this: Settings → About Phone → All Settings → The MIUI version. On some models (for example, POCO F5), the section is called For Developers without the subcategory “Advanced”.

Check the MIUI version in the settings

Make sure that the battery is >30%

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

Remember the password from your Mi Account (may be required to unlock)

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On older devices (before MIUI 11), the path could be different: instead of the MIUI version, you had to tap the Assembly Number. If after 7 presses nothing happens, try:

• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
• 📱 Make sure you are using the text version. MIUI, Not at neighbouring points.
• 🔧 Update MIUI until the latest version (in some firmware, the developer mode activation bug was fixed in patches).

Alternative Incorporation Methods (if Standard Incorporated Does Not Work)

Sometimes the developer mode is not activated through the MIUI version due to software failures or firmware features, in which case you can use workarounds:

Method 1: ADB (for advanced users)

If you've already installed ADB-driver and connected USB-Debugging (for example, on another device), execute the command:

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1


adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings

After that, the Developer For section should appear in the settings, and this method works even if MIUI has blocked the standard method.

Method 2: Resetting settings (extreme case)

If none of the methods worked and access to the developer mode is critical (for example, to unlock the bootloader), you can reset to factory settings. After the reboot, try tapping again on the MIUI Version.

How to turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV)

On Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV, the process of activating developer mode is different from smartphones. There is no MIUI, but instead uses the PatchWall shell based on Android TV. Instructions for 2018-2026 models:

1. Open the settings (cog icon in the top menu).
2. Go to About the device. → Information on the system.
3. Find the Build Number (or Android TV version) and click on it 7 times using the remote control.
4. After the notification appears, you become a developer! return to the main settings menu.
5. A new section for developers will appear in the section Settings → Device and General.

Some models (e.g. Mi TV 4S 55) may require USB connection, as the remote does not always handle multiple taps correctly. Also note that the path to settings may be different on the Mi TV Stick and Mi Box:

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs enable debugging by USB This can cause you to automatically reset your settings the next time you update your firmware, and this is a feature of PatchWall's security policy.

What settings in the developer mode can be changed without risk

Not all options in the Developer section are equally useful or secure, but here are some options that can be activated without serious system consequences:

• 🔌 Debugging by USB — It is necessary to connect to a PC, but turn it off when not in use.
• 📱 Do not turn off the screen while charging – convenient for viewing instructions, but shortens the life of the device OLED-screen.
• 🔄 Limit background processes – will save battery life, but some apps may stop updating.
• 🎨 Animation of windows / transitions - reducing the value to 0.5x speed up the interface.
• 📡 Forced to turn on 4G — useful in areas with unstable 5G.

Here is what you should not touch without understanding:

• 🚫 Allow fictitious locations – can break the geolocation work in applications.
• 🚫 Turn off the absolute volume level - will lead to incorrect operation of Bluetooth headphones.
• 🚫 Strict mode - flashing screen annoying and does not give real benefit.
• 🚫 Change the size of the log buffer – can fill the memory with system logs.

1. Install official Mi PC Suite drivers.

2. switch the connection mode from Charging to File Transfer.

3. In the section For developers, select the configuration USB default → File transfer (MTP).-->

How to turn off the developer mode on Xiaomi

If you no longer need advanced settings, you can deactivate the developer mode.

1. Open the settings → Additional → for developers.
2. In the upper right corner, press the switch (it should turn grey).
3. Confirm the disconnection in the window that appears.

On some devices (such as the POCO X3 Pro), this method doesn’t work, instead you need to:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Settings (system application) and open the Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Confirm Action.

This will reset all settings, including the developer mode, but will not affect user data.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs, disabling developer mode can lead to automatic reset of network settings (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth!

Frequent problems and their solutions

When working with the developer mode, Xiaomi users often encounter typical errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If, after the debugging is enabled, USB The device starts to overheat or discharge quickly, check if it is connected to any background process on the PC (for example, Scrcpy or the PC). ADB-Disable unnecessary sessions by the team:

adb kill-server

Yeah, to unlock the bootloader.

Yeah, to speed up animation.

Yeah, for debugging apps.

No, I haven't.

I don't know what that is.-->

FAQ: Answers to popular questions