Debugging by USB Xiaomi: How to turn on and configure in 5 minutes

You have bought a new smartphone Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, But we've got a problem: the computer can't see the device, and the software is like, ADB Do you think Fastboot is going to work? 90% of these cases are solved by enabling debugging on the Internet? USB — It's a hidden feature that you can't go deep with Android without. MIUI, If there is no standard setting for this item?

This article is not just an instruction, but a complete guide taking into account all the nuances. MIUI 12/13/14, And we'll take a look at some of the common mistakes that we've made, like when debugging is on but it's not working:

• 🔍 Where is the “Developers” section hidden and how to activate it
• ⚙️ Step-by-step debugging for different scenarios (ADB, Fastboot, file transfer)
• ⚠️ Why Windows Can't See a Device Even After Debugging (And How to Fix It)
• 📱 Features for models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, etc.)

Plus, at the end — FAQ And we're going to use this to answer the questions that people ask the most, and if you're a beginner, don't be afraid of the terms, because we explain everything in simple language.

Important: debugging by USB — It is not the same as file transfer mode (MTP). The first one is for system-level interaction with the PC (install firmware, unlock the bootloader), and the second one is just for copying photos and music. If you just need to copy files, you don't need debugging!

1. How to Enable Developer Mode on Xiaomi

Before you activate debugging, you need to "unlock" the hidden menu for developers. MIUI This process is a little different from pure Android:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the line MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (on some models - 10 times).
3. After the notification appears, you become a developer! return to the main settings menu.

Now a new item will appear in the settings - additional → For developers, on older versions. MIUI (Up to 12) it could be called Advanced settings. → For developers.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) post-update MIUI 14 developer menus may disappear, in which case repeat taps on the firmware version or reset network settings (Settings) → Connections → Resetting the network).

If nothing happens after 7 taps, check:

• 📱 Is there no operator-side shell (e.g, MIUI These versions often block access to hidden settings.
• 🔄 Is not activated Mode for children or Simple Mode in settings.
• 🔒 Is the phone locked with a password / pattern lock (on some firmware, this prevents activation).

💡

If the developer menu disappeared after the update, try to enter the request “build number” in the search for settings and tap the item found 7 times.

2. Step-by-step adjustment of debugging by USB

Now that the Developer Menu is available, you can turn on debugging.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
2. Find the debugging option by USB (usually at the top of the list) and move the slider to the right.
3. In the confirmation window that appears, click OK.
4. Connect your phone to your PC via the original cable (important!) and the phone screen will be prompted to Allow debugging. USB? — Check the box Always allow from this computer and click Allow.

If the request for permission does not appear:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 blue).
• 📱 Restart your phone and PC.
• 🔄 In the developer menu, enable the option Cancel authorization USB-Debugging, then disconnect and reconnect the cable.

Make sure that the USB debugging is enabled

Use the original Xiaomi cable

Install Mi drivers PC Suite on PC

Unlock the phone screen before connecting

Turn it off. VPN/proxy on phone and PC-->

For models with a locked loader (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ etc.) an additional step may be required: activate Unlock in the developer menu OEM (If the item is active, some teams will not be able to do it. ADB won't work.

3. Problem Solving: Why Debugging Doesn't Work

Even after you turn on debugging, you may encounter errors, and here are the most common solutions.

If you are using Windows 11, disabling driver signatures can help:

bcdedit /set testsigning on

(After restarting your PC, remember to return the settings (bcdedit) /set testsigning off) after installing the drivers.

⚠️ Note: Some models (Black Shark 5, POCO X5 Pro after updating to MIUI 14 debugging by USB It can be unstable because of a bug in the core. MIUI 13 or use Wireless ADB (It is included in the same developer menu).

4. Debugging by USB loader-free

If your goal is to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware, routine debugging is not enough.

1. Enable debugging over USB (as described above).
2. In the developer menu, activate Unlock. OEM (If the item is inactive, see below).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb reboot bootloader
4. After rebooting to Fastboot mode, check the connection: fastboot devices

If the item Unlock OEM blocked (in gray), which means:

• 🔒 The bootloader is already unlocked (check through fastboot oem device-info).
• 📱 Phone is linked to Mi Account – authorization required.
• ⏳ Less than 7 days have passed since the first account was linked (Xiaomi restriction).

For Xiaomi models 12/13 Redmi Note 11/12 s MIUI 14 The unlocking process has changed: you now need to send a request through the official Mi Unlock application (you can download it on the Xiaomi website:

• 📅 From the moment of linking the account to the phone should pass 168 hours (7 days).
• 🌐 The phone must be connected to the Internet via SIM-Card (Wi-Fi is not suitable!).
• 🔑 Mi Unlock and Mi phone must have the same Mi Account.

5. Wireless debugging (Wi-Fi) ADB)

If you are tired of constantly connecting the cable, MIUI There's a wireless debugging function. It's a protocol. TCP/IP And it lets you control the phone over the local area network:

1. Connect your phone to the PC by USB Make sure the debugging works (adb devices show the device).
2. Enter a command to switch to Wi-Fi mode ADB: adb tcpip 5555
3. Turn off the cable and connect to IP (You can find it in the settings. → The phone. → General information → Status: adb connect 192.168.x.x:5555

Advantages of wireless debugging:

• 🚀 There is no need to permanently connect/disconnect the cable.
• 📶 It works even if it does. USB-port damaged.
• 🔄 You can connect from multiple devices (for example, from a laptop and a PC at the same time).

Limitations:

• 🔋 Battery discharges faster (10-15% per hour of active use).
• 🌐 Requires stable Wi-Fi (when changing the network connection breaks).
• 🔒 It doesn’t work for Fastboot, just for Fastboot. ADB.

To disable wireless debugging, use:

adb disconnect

Or reboot your phone.

6.Security: risks of enabled debugging USB

Debugging by USB — It's a powerful tool, but it's a low-level tool that allows you to access the system, which means that if you use it carelessly, you can use it:

• 🛡️ Delete all data with one command (e.g. adb shell rm) -rf /data).
• 🔓 Install malware if you connect your phone to an infected PC.
• 🔧 Break firmware by changing system files without knowing the consequences.

Safety regulations:

• 🔐 Enable debugging only on trusted computers.
• 🚫 Never connect a phone with debugging enabled to a public one. USB-Ports (airports, cafes, etc.).
• 🔄 After completion of the work, turn off debugging in the settings.
• 🛡️ Use antivirus on your PC (such as Kaspersky or Bitdefender).

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 14 and newer Xiaomi has added protection against unauthorized access: if someone tries to connect to your phone on your phone ADB Without your knowledge, the system will require you to enter PIN-The lock screen code, even if debugging is enabled, will not save you from attacks through physical access to the unlocked device!

If you are transferring your phone for repair, be sure to turn off debugging by USB And make a reset to the factory settings (Settings). → The phone. → Resetting. Service centers often use ADB for diagnosis and your data may be compromised.

7. Alternatives to debugging USB beginner

If you only need debugging for file transfers or backups, consider safer alternatives:

For most users, these methods cover 90 percent of tasks without the risks associated with debugging. APK-file, just download it to your phone and open it through any file manager - no debugging is necessary!

If you need debugging to unlock the bootloader or install TWRP, There are no alternatives, you have to follow the instructions above, but remember, these actions are warranty-free and can lead to a brick device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about debugging USB on Xiaomi