Xiaomi Developer Mode: How to Open Hidden Settings in 3 Minutes

The developer menu in Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden settings section that gives you access to advanced system functions. USB-debugging ADB, Change network settings or even unlock additional camera capabilities, but by default, this partition is hidden from users to prevent accidental changes to critical settings.

It’s possible to turn on developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO in a few steps – regardless of the model (be it Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5). However, the process is slightly different depending on the version of MIUI and Android. In this article, we will discuss the current ways for 2026, warn against typical errors and show how to get it back if something goes wrong.

⚠️ Important: changing some settings in the developer menu can lead to unstable phone operation, overheating or even loss of warranty. For example, activating the option Do not turn off the screen while charging reduces battery life, and turning on GPU-Acceleration for all applications can cause graphic artifacts.

Why you need a developer mode on Xiaomi

Many users open this section only to unlock. USB-Debugging - without it it is impossible to connect to the phone through ADB, customize (TWRP) Or get root rights, but the possibilities are actually much wider:

🔧 UI acceleration: Disabling animations (Window animation, transition animation) makes the phone visually faster.
📡 Advanced network settings: forced inclusion 4G/5G, displaying the signal strength in dBm, activating VoLTE for operators where it is disabled by default.
📸 Hidden Camera Features: On Some Models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro) can be unlocked in the RAW or manually adjusting.
🔋 Charging control: limiting the maximum battery level (useful to extend its lifespan).
🐞 Debugging applications: Enabling a developer error log or forcing background processes to stop.

Another useful feature is the ability to emulate a secondary display (via Wireless Display), which comes in handy if you connect your phone to a TV or monitor, but standard Miracast mode is unstable.

⚠️ Attention: on devices with MIUI for Russia (firmwareware) RU) Some options may be blocked by the manufacturer, for example, you can not change the network region (Preferred network type) to models sold by authorized dealers in the Russian Federation.

📊 Why do you use the developer mode most often?

For USB-debugging ADB

To speed up animation.

Network settings (4G/5G)

Unlocking Hidden Camera Functions

Other

How to open the developer settings on Xiaomi: a universal way

The activation algorithm is the same for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-15 and Android 11-14. Exceptions are only some models for the Chinese market (CN-version), where the path may differ.

Follow the following steps:

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
Go to About Phone (usually at the bottom of the list).
Tap the MIUI version 7 times in a row. After the first 3-4 clicks, a pop-up notification will appear with the countdown: 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 – there will be a new section Additional → For developers.

If you POCO-smartphone, POCO X5 pro POCO F4), path may be slightly different:

Settings → About the phone → Device Information → MIUI version

⚠️ Attention: on some firmware (MIUI Global Stable) after activation of the developer mode requires a reboot of the phone to the section appears in the menu. If it is not, check the folder Additional or search by settings (the magnifying icon at the top).

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Charge your phone at least 30%

Connect to Wi-Fi (to download additional drivers when you have a USB-debugging)

Backup important data (in case of failure)-->

Once successfully enabled, the Developer Form can be hidden in different places depending on the version of MIUI.

MIUI version	The path to the menu	Notes
MIUI 12–13	Settings → Additional → For Developers	On some models (Redmi 9, POCO M3), the section may be called Advanced Settings.
MIUI 14	Settings → About the phone → Additional → For developers	You need to tap the Assembly Number (not the MIUI version) first.
MIUI 15 (Android 14)	Settings → System → For Developers	On Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70, the path is simplified - the section is placed in the root menu System.
POCO Launcher	Settings → System → Advanced → For developers	It is used on the POCO X6 Pro and new models with the HyperOS shell.

If you can’t find the section, search for the settings:

Open the Settings.
Slip the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner.
Enter the request: for developers or developers.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi with firmware for the Chinese market (CN) The developer menu can be blocked without the ability to unlock without root rights.

How to turn it on USB-Debugging and other key functions

Now that you've found the developer menu, let's look at the most popular options. USB-debugging - without it it is impossible to connect to the phone through a computer for firmware or debugging applications.

Step-by-step instruction for inclusion USB-debugging:

Open the section for developers.
Find the USB Debugging option (usually at the top of the list).
Activate the switch and confirm the action in the pop-up window by pressing OK.
Connect your phone to your PC via cable. You'll see a request for debugging permission on the screen -- check the box to Always Allow from that computer and click Allow.

If USB-Debugging is not enabled or the computer cannot see the device:

🔌 Check the cable – it should support data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable).
🖥️ Install Mi drivers PC suite ADB Drivers on the computer.
🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
🛠️ In the developer menu, enable the debugging option by USB (security settings) and select Always in the permission request.

Other useful options in the developer menu:

🎯 Do not turn off the screen – the screen will remain on when charging (useful for viewing instructions).
📶 Modem mode - forced inclusion 4G/5G versus automatic choice.
🖼️ GPU-Acceleration – may improve performance in games, but increases heat.
🔍 Show touches – displays touch points on the screen (useful for recording video instructions).

💡

If you often connect your phone to different computers, turn on the option to Allow debugging over USB when unlocking – this will eliminate the need to confirm access every time.

How to turn off the developer mode on Xiaomi

If you no longer need advanced settings or want to return the phone to factory status (for example, before selling), the developer menu can be deactivated.

Method 1: Through resetting settings

Open Settings → System → Resetting settings.
Choose Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Reset to Factory, which will delete all data!).
Confirm the action. Once you reboot, the developer section will disappear.

Method 2: Manual (without reset)

Open the developer menu (Settings → Additional → For developers).
In the upper right corner, tap on the three-point menu (⋮).
Select Reset or Turn off Developer Mode (depending on the MIUI version).

⚠️ Attention: on some firmware (MIUI 14+) After manually turning off the developer menu, the path to it disappears from the settings. To return it, you have to re-tap the Version. MIUI (first-on).

What happens if you reset the developer's settings?

When resetting all modified parameters (for example, disabled animations or enabled) USB-debugging) will return to default values, but it does not affect the installed applications, files or accounts. If you previously allowed debugging for a particular PC, after the reset you will have to confirm access again.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes have problems with the developer menu, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

1. no menu appears after 7 taps

Causes and solutions:

📱 Wrong version. MIUI: firmware (MIUI For Europe, you need to tap the wrong version MIUI, a) by the Build Number (Build Number).
🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: on Xiaomi for corporate clients (models with the prefix Corporate) the developer menu is blocked.
🛠️ System failure: restart your phone and try again. If it doesn't work, check firmware integrity through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

2. USB-debugging doesn't work

What to do:

🖥️ Install official Xiaomi drivers on PC.
🔄 In the developer menu, turn on the debugging by USB (Select the security settings and always select.
🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
📱 On the phone in the developer menu, activate Allow debugging by USB unlock.

3.The phone overheats after changes

If you're on. GPU-Acceleration, Background Processes without Limits or Changed Optimization Parameters MIUI, The phone may start to warm up and discharge faster. Return settings to default values or reset the developer menu (see previous section).

On Xiaomi 12T and Redmi K50 Gaming models, forced inclusion of maximum processor performance (Force GPU rendering) can lead to trottling (automatic frequency reduction) due to overheating.

💡

Before you change any settings in the developer menu, write down the initial values or take screenshots, which will help you quickly get it back if the phone starts to work unstable.

Hidden features for experienced users

If you’ve already figured out the basic settings, here are some advanced tricks that are available through the developer menu:

1. Unlock camera restrictions

On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) you can enable shooting in RAW or manual ISO setting even in the standard camera app:

For developers → Enable advanced camera settings (Camera2 API)

After activating this option, additional modes will appear in the camera app (for example, Pro Mode with manual focus).

2. Acceleration of charging

On phones with support for fast charging (Xiaomi 14 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro) you can force the maximum power:

For developers → Optimization of charging → Fast charging (enable)

⚠️ Warning: This shortens battery life. Use only when absolutely necessary.

3. Change in the region of the network

If your Xiaomi is not catching 5G or VoLTE, try changing the network region:

For developers → Network Region → Select a country (e.g., USA or Germany)

After the change, restart the phone. This option can be blocked on MIUI for Russia.

4. Disabling MIUI Optimization

MIUI aggressively shuts down background applications to save battery life.

For developers → Optimization MIUI → Disconnect

This will increase battery consumption, but apps (such as instant messengers or music players) won’t be constantly rebooted.

How to return MIUI optimization if the phone is running out quickly?

Simply include it back in the developer menu, but some apps (like Telegram or VK) may require additional permissions under Settings → Apps → Permissions → Auto Run.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi developer mode

Can I turn on the developer mode on a locked phone (if I forgot the pattern lock)?

No, activating the developer menu requires unlocked access to settings. PIN-code, first perform reset via Recovery Mode (clip the Power supply) + Volume up when the phone is off. Note that this will delete all data.

Why did the “Developers” section disappear after the MIUI update?

For major system updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), the developer settings are reset. To return the menu, re-tap 7 times on the MIUI version in the About Phone section.

How to turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi Pad 6 or other tablets?

On Xiaomi tablets (such as Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro or Redmi Pad SE), the algorithm is the same: Settings → About tablet → MIUI version (stamp 7 times). The developer menu will appear in the System section.

Can I unlock the bootloader through the developer mode?

No, it requires official permission from Xiaomi to unlock the bootloader (via Mi Unlock site). USB-debugging OEM-Unlocking (Option Unblocking) OEM customized).

Why is it that my Xiaomi doesn’t have a developer option even after 7 clicks?

Possible reasons: You have a corporate firmware version (business models). The phone runs on custom firmware (like LineageOS), where the path to the menu may be different. Child Mode or Parental Control is activated to block access to system settings. Try updating your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Phone → System Update.