How to Save Developer Settings on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with 5 Working Methods

Why Developer Settings Are Resetting and How to Avoid It

Developer Options on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are powerful tools for fine-tuning, debugging and optimizing performance. However, many users face a problem: after a MIUI update, factory reset or even a conventional reboot, these parameters disappear. The reason lies in the Android architecture: the developer's settings are stored in a separate file /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db, which is often cleared when system changes occur.

In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to save developer settings on Xiaomi devices, including exporting through ADB, backing up MIUI, manual file backup and using third-party utilities. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI (from MIUI 12 to HyperOS) and models - from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 flagships. You will learn how to avoid losing critical parameters such as OEM unlock, USB debugging or Background process limitation.

⚠️ Important: Some methods require an unlocked bootloader or root rights. If your device is warranty, check the risks in the "Precautions" section».

Method 1: Exporting settings through ADB (without root)

The most versatile way is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the MIUI version and does not require superuser rights. You will need a computer with ADB drivers installed and USB debugging enabled on your phone.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute a command to check the connection: Adb devices Make sure the device appears in the list.
2. Export the developer settings to the file dev_settings_backup.xml: adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db./settings_backup.db adb shell "sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db '.dump global'" > dev_settings_backup.sql
3. Use the following: Adb push to recover dev_settings_backup.sql /sdcard/ adb shell "sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db < /sdcard/dev_settings_backup.sql"

⚠️ Note: After recovery, you may need to restart. Some settings (e.g., Windows animation) will only be used after the system restarts.

Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC|Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Connect your phone to your PC in file transfer mode|Check the connection with the team `adb devices`-->

Method 2: Backup with MIUI Backup

MIUI has a built-in backup tool, but by default it doesn't save the developer's settings. To include them in the backup, you need to modify the configuration file. This method works on MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS, but requires root or unlocked bootloader rights.

Steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Backup and create a regular backup.
• 🔧 with the help of Root Explorer or ADB edit the file /data/data/com.miui.backup/files/backup_list.xml, line:

<item name="developer_options" path="/data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db" />

• 🔄 Reboot the device and recreate the backup – now it will include the developer’s settings.

💡 Useful advice: If you don’t have root, you can use it. TWRP I want to edit a file:

1. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
2. Download to TWRP and mount the /data partition.
3. Edit it. backup_list.xml through ADB file manager in TWRP.

adb shell chmod 660 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db

Method 3: Manual backup of settings files (with root)

For users with super-user rights, the most reliable way is to directly copy the settings files, which guarantees 100% security of settings, including hidden options that are not exported through ADB.

What files should be copied:

Backup instructions:

1. Use Root Explorer (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer) to access folders.
2. Copy the specified files to SD-map.
3. To restore the files, return them to their places and set the right rights:

chmod 660 /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db


chown system:system /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If you don’t have root rights but you have an unlocked bootloader, you can use specialized utilities, such as Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or MIUI Backup Tool, which allows you to export the developer settings in a convenient format.

The best backup utilities:

• 🛠️ Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools – supports export/import settings through ADB, including developer settings. It runs on Windows, Linux and macOS.
• 📦 Swift Backup (requires) TWRP) — Creates full backups of applications and system data, including settings.
• 🔄 OAndBackupX – Open source backup software that supports saving Android settings without root (but with limitations).

Examples of Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools:

1. Download the utility from GitHub and unpack.
2. Connect your phone in ADB mode.
3. Select Backup → Developer Settings.
4. After the export is complete, the file will be saved in the backup folder on the PC.

Manual export via ADB|Use of MIUI Backup|Swift Backup, Xiaomi ADB Tools |Shiftback with root|Not yet tried-->

Method 5: Cloud-based Save via Tasker (for Advanced)

Tasker or Automate can be used to automatically save developer settings to the cloud, a method that is suitable for those who frequently update firmware or experiment with custom ROMs.

The configuration algorithm in Tasker:

1. Create a task with Run Shell action:
2. Add the Upload File action to download the backup to Google Drive or Dropbox.
3. Set the trigger on a schedule (for example, once a week) or when connecting to a charge.

⚠️ Note: When using Tasker, make sure that:

• The device has enough charge (minimum 30%).
• Saving to the cloud is enabled in Xiaomi account settings.
• Battery optimizations for Tasker are disabled in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Autostart.

Precautions and frequent errors

Saving developer settings is a process that requires caution, and errors can lead to data loss, a cyclical reboot, or even a device lockdown.

On devices with a blocked bootloader, file recovery `settings.db` through ADB It can cause all system settings to reset to factory settings. MIUI, Checking the integrity of system files.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:

• 🔌 Incorrect access rights – after file recovery, check the permissions with the ls command -l /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/. They have to be rw-rw.---- (660).
• 🔄 Version incompatibility – do not restore backup settings.db with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14.Use SQLite Editor to manually transfer only the desired parameters.
• 🚫 Ignoring backup — always backup current settings before experimenting. ADB:

adb backup -f settings_backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all -system

1. Export the developer settings through ADB.

2. Save the file `settings.db` to the external drive.

3. check the performance of the backup on another device (if possible).-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions