Developer mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden section of settings that opens access to advanced features of the MIUI operating system. It is designed to test applications, debug through ADB, change system parameters and optimize performance. Without this mode, you can not activate debugging over USB, change interface animation or unlock the bootloader for custom firmware.
Turning on developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO takes less than a minute, but requires strict follow-up. Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), the path to settings may vary slightly. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including solutions for cases where the Build Number button is inactive or absent from the menu.
Important: some parameters in developer mode can disrupt the stability of the device or cause failures. GPU-rendering for all applications increases the load on the processor, and disabling MIUI Optimization can cause errors in system services. Use these settings only if you understand their purpose.
Why you need a developer mode on Xiaomi
Developer mode is not just a secret menu for geeks, it's useful in a number of practical scenarios:
- 🔧 Debugging through USB — mandatory for work with ADB, Unlocking the bootloader or firmware through Fastboot.
- ⚡ Acceleration of animations – reducing the transition time between screens (for example, with the use of a computer). 1x before 0.5x) Makes the interface visually faster.
- 📱 Application testing – enabling “Do not turn off screen” or “Fictitious locations” options for developers.
- 🔒 Unlocking the bootloader is the first step to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or obtain root rights.
- 🎮 Gaming Optimizations – Forced Use GPU for rendering or disabling restrictions MIUI productivity.
For example, if you notice that Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile is slowing down on your Redmi Note 12 Pro+, in developer mode you can turn on the option “Forced use of the GPU” or disable the MIUI restriction on background processes. This can give a gain of 10-15 FPS without overclocking the processor.
⚠️ Note: Changing the "Background Process Limitation" setting may cause applications (such as music players or messengers) to automatically close when folded. Set the "Standard Limit" value if you are not sure of the consequences.
How to turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
The activation process is the same for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including Xiaomi 13T Pro, Redmi Note 11, POCO F5, etc.) The main difference is the location of the item “Build Number” in the new versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS.
Charge your phone at least 30% | Connect to Wi-Fi (to check for updates) |Close all background apps | Make sure your phone doesn't have any important unsaved data-->
Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device in HyperOS).
- Find the line MIUI version (in HyperOS - System version).
- Tap the build number (or version number) 7 times in a row. After the first 3-4 clicks, a pop-up notification will appear with the countdown: "There are 4 steps left to become a developer!"
- After pressing 7, the system will show a message: “You became a developer!”
- Return to the main Settings menu, and a new section will appear, For Developers (or Advanced Settings → For HyperOS Developers).
If the "Assembly Number" item is missing or inactive, try the following solutions:
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
- 📱 Check the device model: on some regional firmware (for example, for Xiaomi for Russia), the item may be called "Software Version".
- 🔧 Reset your settings (if you have previously changed system fonts or themes through the MIUI Theme Editor).
What to do if you can not turn on the developer mode?
Where is the developer mode in MIUI and HyperOS?
Once activated successfully, the Developer Form can be hidden in different locations depending on the shell version, and the following are the current paths for popular versions:
| MIUI/HyperOS version | The Path to Developer Regime | Examples of models |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12/13 | Settings → Additional → For Developers | Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 11 |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → About Phone → MIUI → Additional settings (3 points at the top) → For developers | POCO X5 Pro, Redmi K60 |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → About the phone → System version → Developer settings | Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ |
| Global ROM (Europe) | Settings → System → Advanced → For developers | Xiaomi 12T, POCO F4 GT |
On some firmware (e.g., Xiaomi for Russia), the section may be called "Developer Settings" or "Developer Settings." If you don't see it on the menu, search for the settings (the magnifying icon at the top of the screen) and type in "Developer" query.
MIUI 12|MIUI 13|MIUI 14|HyperOS 1.0|I don't know-->
The main settings of the developer mode: what can be changed
There are over 50 options on the developer menu, but most of them are designed to test system components, and we've identified the 10 most useful options that ordinary users will need:
- 🔌 Debugging by USB (USB Debugging – Allows PC connection via ADB for firmware or system modification.
- ⚡ Animation of windows / transitions - reducing the value of the 1x before 0.5x Accelerates visual effects.
- 📱 Stay awake – the screen does not go out when charging (useful for viewing instructions).
- 🔒 Unlocking OEM (OEM Unlocking – required to unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 🎮 Forced. GPU-rendering – can improve performance in games, but increases heat.
- 📡 Fictitious locations – allows emulation GPS-coordinates (e.g. for Pokémon GO).
- 🔄 Background Process Limitation – Controlling Multitasking (caution: Can Close Applications).
- 📶 Modem mode – includes advanced mobile network settings (useful for mobile networking) 4G/5G roaming).
⚠️ Attention: Option "Disable optimization" MIUI" (Turn off MIUI optimization causes navigation gestures and design themes to fail, and only enable them if you plan to install custom software.
For gamers, settings are especially useful:
- “Forced 4x MSAA” – anti-aliasing in games (improving graphics, but reducing FPS).
- “Switch off the absolute volume level” – allows you to adjust the volume of Bluetooth headphones regardless of the phone.
- "Enable Strict Mode" - highlights the screen when applications are delayed (useful for diagnosing lags).
How to turn off the developer mode on Xiaomi
If you no longer need advanced settings, the developer mode can be deactivated, which will hide the section from the Settings menu and disable all the options used (except those that require manual reset, such as USB debugging).
Methods of shutdown:
- Go to Settings. → For developers.
- At the top of the screen, find the Developer Mode (or Developer Settings) switch and turn it off.
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
If the switch is missing (as it happens in HyperOS), reset the developer settings:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Press Three dots (⋮) → Show system-based.
- Find the Settings app and select Storage → Clear Data.
This will return all settings to factory values, but it won't delete user data. If you still see the Developer section after you turn it off, restart the device.
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Before you turn off the developer mode, take screenshots of your current settings. Some settings (such as USB debugging) require you to reactivate after you reset.
Developer Mode and Security: Risks and Warnings
Activating developer mode opens up system features that can weaken the device’s security, and here are the key risks and how to minimize them:
- 🛡️ Debugging by USB: If enabled, an attacker with physical access to the phone can copy the data via ADB. Always turn it off after use.
- 📍 Fake Locations: Apps (e.g. banking) can block an account if a spoof is detected GPS.
- 🔓 Unlocking OEM: Simplifies installation of unofficial software, but resets all data on the phone when first turned on after unlocking.
- 🔄 Background Process Limitation: May result in loss of notifications in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
To reduce the risks:
- Use a password or pattern lock to unlock the screen (not just a fingerprint).
- Disable USB debugging after you have finished working with ADB.
- Do not enable the "Allow OEM Unlock" option unless you plan to flash your phone.
- Periodically check the list of "Installed Debugging Applications" in the developer menu.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro with firmware for China) enable OEM Unlocking requires you to link your Mi Account and wait 7 days before unlocking the bootloader.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When working with the developer mode, users often face typical problems, and we have collected the most common and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The mode is not activated after 7 presses | Outdated version of MIUI or corrupted system files | Update the software through Settings → Update the system or reset the settings |
| No "Assembly Number" item on the menu | Regional firmware (for example, for India or China) | Use search by settings or install global firmware |
| USB debugging doesn't work. | Not installed ADB drivers on PC or enabled Charging Only | Install Mi PC Suite or select File Transfer mode when you connect |
| The "Developers" section has disappeared after the update | Resetting settings when upgrading MIUI | Re-activate the mode (7 clicks on "Assembly Number") |
| You can't change the interface animation. | The option "Limit background processes" is enabled | Turn off the restrictions in the developer menu or reboot the phone |
If after turning on the developer mode, the phone began to brake or overheat, check the following settings:
- Turn off the Forced. GPU-rendering "4x MSAA".
- Return the animation values to 1x.
- Turn off the "Do not turn off the screen" if it is constantly active.
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Before you change any settings in developer mode, write down the initial values, which will help you quickly return the settings to factory settings if you have problems.