How to open developer settings on Xiaomi: full instruction for all models

Developer mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden settings section that allows you to access advanced system functions, which is necessary for debugging applications, changing performance parameters, unlocking the bootloader or testing new MIUI features. However, by default, this option is hidden, and many users do not know how to activate it.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all firmware versions (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), including features for Redmi, POCO and Black Shark. We will also explain the risks of enabling this mode and how to avoid common errors. If you plan to unlock the bootloader, install custom firmware or just want to customize your phone more deeply, this information will be useful.

Why you need to set up a developer on Xiaomi

Developer Options provides access to features that are usually hidden from the average user, and here are the main reasons why it includes:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB — necessary for the operation of ADB, Unlocking the bootloader or firmware through Fastboot.
• ⚡ Performance Management: Forced Activation 4G/5G, Change in screen refresh rate, disabling animations.
• 📱 Application testing: Enabling “Do not turn off screen” or simulated geolocation.
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader is the first step to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔍 Logs and Diagnostics: Access to Logs (logcat) to find errors.

But not all functions are safe, like changing parameters. GPU-rendering can lead to graphic artifacts, and activating "Do not block the screen" will drain the battery in a few hours. 12T and newer inclusion of debugging by USB Automatically disables encryption of user data – this is important to consider when working with confidential information.

⚠️ Note: Certain settings (e.g., "Background Limit Process") may disrupt the stability of the operation MIUI. If you are not sure about the purpose of the parameter, it is better not to change it.

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

The activation algorithm is the same for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on MIUI 14).
3. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row.
4. After 3-4 clicks, a notification will appear: “You are almost at the target!”
5. After pressing 7, you will see a message saying, “You’ve become a developer!”

Now, a new section will appear in the main Settings menu — Additional → For Developers (or just for developers in MIUI 14). If there is no item, check if it is hidden in the settings search (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

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Some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) may need to enter a password from your Mi Account to confirm, a security measure to prevent accidental activation of the mode.

Features for different versions of MIUI

The MIUI interface is updated regularly, and the settings may change, and the key differences for popular firmware versions are as follows:

If you have Xiaomi with Global ROM, the path to settings may be different from the Chinese version (China ROM). For example, on Redmi K50 Gaming with China ROM, the developer section is hidden behind an additional password.

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What to do if the developer’s settings disappear after the update

Sometimes, after the MIUI update, the developer section disappears, because:

• 🔄 Resetting system settings (for example, after OTA-update).
• 🔒 Automatically shut down when changing your Mi Account.
• 🛠️ Firmware errors (often found on beta versions) MIUI).

To return the section:

1. Repeat the activation procedure (7 taps according to the MIUI version).
2. If it doesn’t help, clear the Settings: Settings app cache → Apps → App management → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache
3. On models with MIUI 14, try resetting your network settings (Settings → Connections → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi K60 Pro after resetting settings may require re-assigning Mi Account to unlock some developer features (e.g, OEM Unlock).

The Most Useful (and Dangerous) Features in Developer Settings

Not all of the options in the Developer section are equally useful, but the ones that are most commonly used by experienced users are:

• 🔌 Debugging by USB — mandatory for work with ADB The risk: vulnerability to malicious applications.
• 🔓 Unlocking OEM (OEM Unlocking) - allows you to unlock the bootloader. Risk: data reset when activated.
• ⚡ Limit background processes: limiting the number of applications running. Risk: shutting down important services.
• 🎮 Force it. GPU-rendering – speeds up graphics, but can cause overheating.
• 📡 Preferred network type – forced networking 4G/5G. Risk: Rapid battery discharge.

One of the most dangerous parameters is to keep the screen from shutting down when charging, which is convenient for debugging, but can cause pixels to burn out. AMOLED-screens (for example, on Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi) K50).

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Before changing the parameters GPU-rendering or animations make a backup of data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup. This will help restore the system when it fails.

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 or Redmi K60), enabling the option Forced use of the GPU can lead to overheating and trottling (automatic performance decline).

How to disable the developer settings on Xiaomi

If you don't need the developer mode anymore, you can deactivate it.

1. Go to Settings. → For developers.
2. In the upper right corner, press the switch (slideer).
3. Confirm the disconnection by pressing Turn Off.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for POCO X4 Pro), the partition does not disappear completely, but simply becomes inactive.

1. Clear the Settings app data (Settings → Applications → Settings → Storage → Clear data).
2. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with HyperOS (the new firmware based on Android 14), disabling developer mode can block access to the device. ADB This applies to Xiaomi 14 and Redmi models. K70.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with developer settings, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If your Xiaomi has a notification “Device not certified” after enabling debugging over USB, it means that the phone has not passed the Google Play Protect check. You can fix this by downloading the certificate through Settings → Google → Device is not certified.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

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Enabling the developer settings does not void the Xiaomi warranty, but unlocking the bootloader or changing system files can result in a denial of warranty service.