Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI hide dozens of useful features from users — they can only be activated through the developer’s settings. This mode allows you to fine-tune animations, debug USB, manage background processes, and even speed up the device. But how to turn it on if the item is not in the standard menu?
Many people mistakenly believe that the developer mode is only for programmers, and in fact it is useful for everyone: you can turn off MIUI Optimization (which eliminates lags in games), turn on Force GPU Rendering for smooth interfaces, or activate USB Debugging to work with ADB. And also unlock the hidden option of changing the font size to 0.8x, which is not available in normal MIUI settings.
We will figure out how to open the developer options on any Xiaomi device - from the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra to the budget Redmi Note 12. Instructions are universal for all versions of Android 10-14 and MIUI 12-14, including global and Chinese firmware.
Why Developer Mode Is Not in Default Settings
Xiaomi is not hiding this section because of technical limitations, but for two key reasons:
1.Protection against accidental changes: Some parameters (for example, OEM Unlocking or Disable HW Overlays) if configured incorrectly can lead to GUI failures or even to bootloop (locked device on).
2.Compliant with Google Policy: Since 2018, Android has required you to hide options that could compromise security (e.g., debugging over USB opens access to system files via ADB).
Interesting fact: some Chinese firmware (China ROM) may not have a Developer option even after activation, due to local regulatory requirements, in which case only reflashing to the global version of MIUI will help.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for the European Region (EEA) After upgrading to Android 13+ Additional password/pattern lock confirmation may be required when you first enter developer mode.
Step-by-step: how to enable the developer parameters
The procedure takes less than a minute and is the same for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models.
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the About phone section (on some firmware - About the device).
- Find the MIUI version string and tap it 7 times in a row.
- After 4-5 taps, a pop-up notification will appear: “You’re almost there!”
- Keep tapping until you see a message saying, “You’re a developer!”
If done correctly, a new option will appear in the Settings menu, for developers (or Developer options in English firmware), and on some devices it may be in the submenu Additional.
Stick strictly to the text "version" MIUI", not the whole line|Check that you press exactly 7 times (the counter is reset after 3 seconds of inactivity)|Restart your phone and try again.|Update. MIUI Up to the latest version, if you use outdated firmware-->
Where to look for developer parameters after activation
The menu location depends on the MIUI version and regional firmware, and here are all the options:
| MIUI version | The path to the menu | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–14 (Global) | Settings → Additional → For Developers | On some devices, the option may additionally be called Advanced Settings. |
| MIUI 13–14 (Chinese) | Settings → About the phone → MIUI version → Additional settings | A Cyrillic keyboard is required to search by settings. |
| POCO Launcher | Settings → System → For Developers | On POCO F5 and newer menus can be hidden under Special Features. |
| Android One (Mi A3) | Settings → System → For Developers | On pure Android, the path is standard, without MIUI features. |
If the menu is not displayed even after successful activation, try:
- 🔍 Enter the search for the settings query "Assembly number" or "developer".
- 🔄 Reboot the device – sometimes MIUI Does not update the interface instantly.
- 📱 Install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher) if you use a custom shell.
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On Xiaomi 13T Pro and Redmi K60 Ultra, after upgrading to HyperOS, the path to the developer menu has changed: now it is in Settings → About Phone → All Options → For Developers.
Top.-5 useful functions in the parameters of the developer
Now that access is open, let's figure out which settings to change first. Careful: some options can affect the stability of the work.
1. Accelerating interface animation
By default, MIUI uses 1x latency animation, which creates a "brake" effect.
- 🎯 Find parameters: Window animation scale, Transition animation scale, Animator duration.
- 🔢 Set the value 0.5x for all three points.
Effect: The interface will respond to gestures instantly, but some transitions will become less smooth.
2. Disabling MIUI Optimization
MIUI Optimization (on by default) limits background processes and can cause lags in games or applications.
- Find the option to Disable MIUI Optimization (in English firmware - Turn off MIUI Optimization).
- Reset the device.
On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Redmi K50 Gaming, this increases FPS in games by 10-15% due to the release of CPU resources.
3. Forced GPU-rendering
The Force GPU Rendering option forces the system to use a GPU to display all interface elements.
- 🎮 Removal of inhibitions in 3D-play-off.
- 📱 Smooth scrolling in the browser or social networks.
Cons: can increase battery consumption by 5-10%.
4. Unlocking OEM
The OEM Unlocking item is necessary if you plan to:
- 🔓 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk.
- 📱 Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
⚠️ Warning: Activating this option resets all data on the device (factory reset)! We recommend you to pre-create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
5. Logistics of errors
Enable error logging is useful for crash diagnosis. Once activated, all system errors will be recorded in /data/anr/traces.txt, which can be sent to support Xiaomi or analyzed independently.
Accelerating animation|Disabling optimization MIUI|Force GPU Rendering|OEM Unlocking|Other-->
What to do if the developer’s settings are gone after the update
After major MIUI updates (e.g. 13 to 14), the menu may disappear.
| Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|
| Resetting settings after update | Repeat the activation procedure (7 taps according to the MIUI version). |
| Regional restrictions (EEA/China) | Install global firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. |
| Conflict with Custom Recaveri (TWRP) | Restore stock recavities via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery.img |
| System file error | Reset through Settings → About Phone → Reset settings. |
If the menu disappears after rooting the device, check the integrity of the file /system/build.prop. Sometimes Magisk or Xposed modules delete the string ro.debuggable=1, which hides the developer's parameters.
How to return the developer menu to MIUI 14 after resetting
Dangerous settings: what not to touch without need
Some parameters can lead to unstable operation or even “bricking” of the device, here is a list of highly discouraged options for beginners:
- 🚨 Disable HW Overlays – causes graphic artifacts and overheating GPU.
- 🚨 Force 4x MSAA — Increases the load on the processor without any visible improvement in quality.
- 🚨 Background process limit – limiting background processes to 1-2 will lead to constant reboots of applications.
- 🚨 USB Configuration – Change of regime with MTP on PTP or RNDIS Can disrupt file transfers.
- 🚨 Mock Locations – activation without special applications (for example, Fake) GPS) will cause geolocation errors.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi K60 Pro change the Minimum width parameter (in the Drawing section) to the value above 480dp It causes the interface to zoom out. It's going to require a reset through the standard. ADB: adb shell wm density reset
If you accidentally change the critical setting and the device starts to brake or overheat, do:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the settings in the list and click Erase Data.
- Reboot the phone – it will reset all changes in the developer’s settings.
Xiaomi developer mode with HyperOS: what has changed
The new HyperOS shell, which debuted on Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70, retained access to the developer’s settings, but made a few key changes:
- 🔄 Path to the menu: now Settings → The phone. → All parameters. → For developers.
- 🔒 Additional authentication: Entering is required at the first entrance PIN-fingerprint.
- 📊 New options: there is a section Memory Optimization for manual settings of RAM management.
- 🚫 Removed outdated features: for example, Stay awake (screen does not turn off when charging) is now in Special features.
Important: On HyperOS, disabling MIUI Optimization no longer gives you the same performance boost as on MIUI 13.
- 🔥 Dynamic Performance Mode – Adaptive resource allocation for games.
- 🔄 Background ANR — Reduces delays when switching between applications.
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On HyperOS, the Force Dark Mode option now works correctly even in applications that do not support a dark theme (for example, in some banking programs).