Why the developer mode is hidden and who needs it
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are powered by MIUI, which hides advanced technical settings from ordinary users, and it’s no accident that incorrect changes in system settings can cause a device to crash, overheat, or even blink (completely inoperable).
The developer mode allows:
- 🔧 Unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience)
- 📱 Manage system animations (accelerate or disable for smooth interfaces)
- 🔄 Force the work GPU into 2D-applications to improve productivity
- 🛠️ Turn on the debugging. USB work-in ADB and Fastboot
It’s important to understand that activating this mode doesn’t invalidate Xiaomi’s warranty, but some actions inside it (like unlocking the bootloader) can. We’ll tell you how to safely enable the developer’s settings and what settings can be changed without risk.
Official way: how to open developer settings on MIUI
The activation procedure is the same for all modern Xiaomi devices (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 and others) running MIUI 12-14. You do not need root rights or additional programs – everything is done through the standard menu.
Follow the following steps:
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to About Phone (usually at the bottom of the list).
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row.
- After 3-4 taps, a pop-up notification will appear: “You are almost there!”
- Keep pressing until you see the message: “You’ve become a developer!”
Check the battery power (minimum 30%)
Close all background applications
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (recommended)
Make sure there is enough free space on your phone (1–2 GB)-->
On devices with MIUI 14 and later, after activation of the developer mode, the system may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account for confirmation. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to system settings. If you do not remember the password, restore it in advance on the official Xiaomi website.
Where to find the developer’s included settings
After successful activation, the new section will appear in the main Settings menu, but its location depends on the version of MIUI:
| MIUI version | The path to settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–13 | Settings → Additional → For Developers | You may need to scroll down the list. |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → About the phone → Additional → For developers | Sometimes the section is hidden – use the search by settings |
| POCO Launcher | Settings → System → Additional → For Developers | On some models, you need to first enable Show system applications |
If the section does not appear, try:
- 🔍 Enter the search for settings query: "For developers".
- 🔄 Reboot your phone (sometimes helps with interface glitches).
- 📱 Make sure you are following the version. MIUI, Not the device model or the kernel.
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If after activation the partition disappeared after updating MIUI, repeat the procedure of pressing according to the firmware version - sometimes the reset occurs automatically.
Top.-5 useful functions in the settings of the developer
Not all options in this section are equally useful. We have selected the 5 most popular options that will be useful to most users:
- Debugging by USB (USB Debugging - Necessary to connect to a PC via ADB, Install custom firmware or data recovery, only if necessary, a potential security vulnerability.
- Useful for testing applications or using the phone as a monitor (e.g. via Scrcpy).The screen will remain on while the device is connected to charging.
- GPU-acceleration (Force) GPU rendering) Forced use of a graphics processor for rendering 2D-The elements can speed up the interface, but increase battery consumption by 5-10%.
- Background process limit: Limiting the number of applications running in the background (optimally: Standard limit or maximum 4 process) helps save RAM.
- Animations of windows and transitions (Window/Transition/Animator animation scale) Set the value 0.5x Or it turns off, makes the interface visually faster but less smooth. 9A) It can improve responsiveness.
What happens if you turn on all the options at the same time?
What to do if the developer mode is not turned on
Sometimes users have problems activating hidden settings, and consider typical situations and their solutions:
⚠️ Note: If you have 7 clicks on the version MIUI Nothing happens, check if the phone has parental controls or job profiles (on enterprise devices) that can block access to system settings.
Problem 1: No response to pressing.
- 📱 Make sure you are following the version. MIUI, Not at neighbouring points.
- 🔄 Try to press slower – sometimes the system does not have time to process quick touches.
- 🛠️ Restart your phone and try again.
Problem 2: A message appears saying, “You are not allowed to do this action.”
- 🔒 This means that the device has enabled administrator restrictions (for example, via Knox or MobileIron).
- 📋 Check in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Device administrators and disable unnecessary programs.
Problem 3: The partition disappeared after the MIUI update.
- 🔄 Repeat the activation procedure (7 clicks on the firmware version).
- 🔍 Search by settings – sometimes the section moves.
- 📥 If nothing helps, reset your settings through Settings. → System system → Resetting settings → Reset application settings.
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If you use custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), the path to developer settings may be different, in such cases, search for Developer options manually or through search.
Security: What developer settings are best not to touch
Not all of the parameters in this section are harmless, some changes can disrupt system stability, increase battery consumption, or even lead to data loss, and we have compiled a list of dangerous options that we recommend not turning on without a clear understanding of the consequences:
| Setting up | Potential risk | When can I use it? |
|---|---|---|
| Do not lock the screen (disable lock screen) | Anyone can access the phone without a password. | Only for testing in a safe environment |
| Allow Fictitious Locations (Allow Mock Locations) | Apps can be substituted GPS-coordinates that disrupt the work of maps and geoservices | Only for developers of applications with geolocation |
| Turn off the absolute volume (disable absolute volume) | Can cause audio distortion in Bluetooth devices | Only if there are problems with volume control in the headphones |
| Enable 4x MSAA (Force 4x MSAA) | Strongly increases the load on the GPU, overheating and battery consumption | Only for testing games (temporary!) |
Be especially careful about the parameters associated with:
- 🔓 Security (e.g., Disable Password Checker or Allow OEM-unlock)
- 🔄 Reset settings (for example, Reset network settings or Clear application data)
- 📡 Network protocols (e.g., modem modem or USB-configuration)
⚠️ Attention: Mode selection option change USB default PTP or MIDI If Xiaomi has ceased to be defined as a drive, return the value of Charging or Transfer of files (MTP).
How to turn off the developer mode on Xiaomi
If you no longer need advanced settings or want to get your phone back to its original state, there are two ways to turn off Developer Mode:
Method 1: Through settings
- Go to Settings. → For developers.
- In the upper right corner, click on ⋮ (three-point).
- Select Turn off the developer settings.
- Confirm the action by pressing OK.
Method 2: Resetting (if the first method does not work)
- Open Settings → System → Resetting settings.
- Select Reset application settings.
- Confirm the reset. This will delete all user settings, but will not affect personal data.
Once disabled, the Developer section will disappear from the settings menu, and to return it, you will have to re-activate the activation procedure (7 clicks on the MIUI version).
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If you plan to sell or transfer the phone to another person, be sure to turn off the developer mode and reset the settings to factory settings.This will prevent access to your data through ADB or other system tools.