How to Enable and Configure Developer Mode on Xiaomi Phone: The Complete Guide

Developer mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden settings section that gives access to advanced features of the MIUI operating system. Without it, it is impossible to debug through ADB, unlock the bootloader, test performance or change system parameters that the manufacturer has hidden from ordinary users. However, many owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi face problems: where to find this mode, how to activate it without the risk of resetting, and what options are really useful for everyday use.

In this article, we’ll look at not only the standard developer mode switching on, but also the hidden nuances for different versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), explain which settings can be changed without risk to the system and which should not be touched. Separately, we’ll focus on unlocking OEM, a critical step for custom recavereator or rooting firmware that is often overlooked. If you plan to work in depth with a smartphone, this instruction will become your navigation map.

Why you need a developer mode on Xiaomi

Most users don't even realize that their Android smartphone is capable of more than the standard interface offers. The developer mode reveals these capabilities, but it's important to understand that not all of them are equally useful.

• 🔧 Debugging by USB (ADB): without this, it is impossible to connect the phone to a computer to install appendices outside of Google Play, modify system files or restore data.
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or obtaining root rights through Magisk.
• ⚡ Performance optimization: turning animations on/off, limiting background processes, or forced activation GPU-play-off.
• 📡 Network Testing: Manual Switching Between Communication Standards (2G/3G/4G/5G), displaying the signal level in dBm or forced use of VoLTE.

But there is a downside: careless changes can lead to unstable work (such as turning off important Google services), overheating (forced activation of all CPU cores), or even locking the device (incorrectly configuring OEM unlock).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ Xiaomi 13 Ultra, when you activate the developer mode, automatically turns off the Find Device function. Before turning on, check if your Mi Account is linked to the device, otherwise you will not be able to track it if you lose your phone.

How to turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The activation process is the same for most Xiaomi models, but there are nuances depending on the version of MIUI. Below is a universal algorithm that works on devices from Redmi 9A to Xiaomi 14 Pro:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About phone section (on some firmware - About the device).
3. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row. After 3-4 clicks, a notification will appear “X steps left to become a developer”.
4. After the 7th press, you will see the message You became a developer! – this means that the hidden menu is activated.

Now go back to the main Settings menu, and the new Developer section will appear in one of two places:

• 📌 In the main settings list (between Security and Accounts).
• 📌 In the section Additional (on older versions) MIUI 12).

Check the battery power (minimum 30%)

Connect to Wi-Fi (to download ADB drivers if necessary)

Remember the password from your Mi Account (required to unlock the OEM)

Shut down. VPN (It can block access to certain settings)-->

If the section does not appear, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🔍 Use search by settings (enter “developer” in the search bar).
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version (on the MIUI 14+ HyperOS menu is guaranteed to be displayed).

Redmi Note 10/11/12 series series

Xiaomi 11/12/13/14 series

POCO F3/F4/F5

Redmi 9/10/13C

Another model-->

Where is the developer mode on different versions of MIUI?

The manufacturer regularly changes the menu layout, which causes confusion, and the table below shows the current paths for popular firmware versions:

On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), after activation of the developer mode, the system can request an SMS confirmation or fingerprint scan, a security measure that was added in 2026 to protect against unauthorized access to system settings.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware designed for the Chinese market (e.g., with suffix) CN In the model number, the developer menu can be blocked without being tied to the global Mi Account. ROM.

The key settings of the developer mode: what can and cannot be touched

Once you activate the mode, you'll see dozens of parameters, most of which are for testing and debugging, and we've highlighted useful options for ordinary users and dangerous ones that can disrupt the stability of the system.

Useful settings (can be changed)

• 🔌 Debugging by USB: Turn it on if you plan to connect your phone to Android Studio or use it. ADB.
• 🔓 Unlocking OEM: required to unlock the bootloader (see next section).
• ⚡ Do not turn off the screen while charging: convenient for watching video or navigation.
• 🎮 Enforcement of use GPU: Improves performance in games, but increases battery consumption.
• 📶 Displaying the signal level in dBm: accurate data on the quality of communication (useful in areas of low coverage).

Dangerous settings (not recommended to touch)

• ⚠️ Disabling the verification MIUI: It can cause problems when updating the firmware.
• ⚠️ Changing the size of the log buffer: increases the memory load.
• ⚠️ Forced shutdown of system applications: risk of losing functionality (e.g., camera or system applications) NFC).
• ⚠️ Activating “Do Not Optimize” for all applications: reduces battery life.

💡

If you have enabled USB debugging but your computer can’t see the device, check the ADB drivers and try reconnecting your phone in File Transfer (MTP) mode.

The Inactive Apps option is a special highlight, which displays programs that the system considers unnecessary and can delete their data. Don't turn off system services (such as MiuiDaemon or Google Play Services) here, which will lead to a crash of the interface.

How to unlock OEM on Xiaomi: Preparing for firmware

The option to unlock OEM (or OEM Unlocking) is the key to modifying the firmware.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 📱 Install custom Recovery (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk.

Inclusion process:

1. Go to Settings. → For developers.
2. Find the OEM Unlock option and move the slider to the right.
3. Confirm the action with a password / pattern lock.
4. Reboot your phone (required!).

Once activated, you will see a warning: The bootloader is unlocked. This can lead to data loss. This is normal - the system informs about the risks. However, on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), the OEM unlock is reset after restarting - this is a MIUI bug that is only fixed by firmware through Fastboot.

⚠️ Warning: On HyperOS devices (2026) when unlocking OEM The system can request confirmation via Mi Account. If the account is not tied to the phone in advance, unlocking will not be possible without resetting to factory settings.

Debugging by USB: connecting Xiaomi to a computer

USB debugging (or ADB Debugging) allows you to control your phone from your PC, install app bypasses Google Play, backups, and recover data to turn it on:

1. Activate the Developer Mode (see above).
2. Go to Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Move the slider and confirm the permission.
4. Connect your phone to your PC via the original cable (important!).
5. On the phone will appear a request to Allow debugging via USB? – tick Always allow from this computer and click Allow.

To check the connection:

1. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Enter the command: Adb devices
3. If the connection is successful, you will see the serial number of the device.

💡

Always use the original USB-Xiaomi's debugging cable. Cheap cables often don't support data transfer, only charging.

If the adb device command returns an empty list:

• 🔄 Reinstall the drivers ADB (Download from Google's website).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
• 📱 Enable File Transfer Mode (MTP) notice-curtain.

Resetting the developer settings: when it is needed

If after experimenting with settings, the phone began to brake, overheat or give out errors, it may be worth resetting the developer's parameters to the factory.

1. Go to Settings. → For developers.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Reset settings.
3. Confirm the action.

This will return all parameters to the default state, but will not affect:

• 📱 Installed annexes.
• 📁 Personal data (photos, contacts).
• 🔒 Wi-Fi passwords.

If the reset didn’t help and the phone continues to run unstable, you’ll have to do a full factory reset via Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset. Be sure to back up your data before doing so!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi developer mode