You notice a strange icon in the form of a brace or an arc in the top corner of your Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco screen — and you don’t know what it is or how to remove it? — this symbol appears for a reason: it signals the enabled function of the developer mode, debugging over USB or other hidden options of the MIUI system. In 90% of cases, the bracket interferes only visually, but sometimes it can indicate more serious settings that affect the performance or security of the device.
In this article, we will discuss all possible reasons for the appearance of brackets on the Xiaomi screen (including models). 2023–2026 And we'll give you step-by-step instructions for removing it, from simple ways through the settings menu to advanced methods for power users. MIUI 14/15, Who can automatically activate this icon without your knowledge.
What does the bracket in the corner of Xiaomi’s screen mean?
The bracket (or arc) in the upper right corner of the screen is an indicator of active debugging mode, and it appears in the following cases:
- 🔧 Developer Mode Enabled (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — push-up).
- 🔌 Debugging activated USB developer-side.
- 📱 Installed ADB-commands or third-party utilities (e.g. Shizuku, Tasker).
- 🔄 Background service is running MIUI, Software testing (often on beta versions of firmware).
- 🛠️ The device is connected to service tools (e.g. Mi Flash Tool or Xiaomi) PC Suite).
On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), the bracket may be displayed along with an exclamation point, which signals a malfunction in the work of debugging functions or a conflict of access rights. It is important to note that the icon itself does not harm the device, but can reduce security (for example, when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks).
⚠️ Note: If the bracket appears without your intervention, check the device for suspicious applications with superuser rights.
Method 1: Disabling the Developer Mode
The most common reason for the bracket is the activated mode for developers to turn it off:
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers (on some firmware, the path may differ: Settings → System → Advanced settings → For developers).
- At the top of the screen, find the Developer Mode switch and deactivate it.
- Confirm the action if the system requests a password or PIN-code.
- Restart the device - the bracket should disappear.
If the "Developers" item is not on the menu, then the mode is not activated (or hidden), in which case the bracket appears for another reason - see the following methods.
Make sure you don't use it. ADB-team|Close all debugging utilities on the PC|Save data if you are planning to reboot.|Check if the mode is connected to the operation of applications (for example, Termux)-->
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14+ Disabling Developer Mode resets all related settings (e.g., unlocking) OEM If you use custom functions, write them down before deactivating them.
Method 2: Deactivation of debugging over USB
If the developer mode is on but the bracket remains, check the USB debugging, a feature that is often activated automatically when you connect to your computer or use service utilities.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings. → For developers.
- Find the option “Debugging by USB” (or “USB debugging” on English firmware).
- Turn off the switch and confirm the action.
- If the option is unavailable (shaded), first deactivate "Allow debugging in the background".
Check if the bracket is gone after you turn it off. If not, restart the device. Some models (like the Poco X5 Pro) require you to physically disconnect the USB cable from your phone, even if it's not connected to your PC.
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If USB debugging is needed for work (for example, with Android Studio), but the bracket interferes - try to enable the option "Hide the debugging indicator" in the settings for developers (available on MIUI 15 and later).
Method 3: Checking MIUI background services
On MIUI firmware 13-15, brackets may appear due to background testing services that Xiaomi uses to collect performance data.
- 📊 After the firmware update (especially in beta versions).
- 🔄 Involved in the programme MIUI Pilot (testing new functions).
- 📱 If the device is connected to the Xiaomi developer account.
To disable these services:
- Go to Settings → Memory → Autostart.
- Find apps called “MiuiBugReport”, “Analytics” or “TestService”.
- Turn off auto-start and background activity for these apps.
- Clear the cache and data through Settings → Applications → Application Management.
If the bracket is associated with MIUI beta testing, it can take up to 24 hours to exit the program, in which case the switch on “No distractions” mode will temporarily help to hide the icon (Settings → Notifications → Do not disturb).
| Reason for brackets | How to clean up | Possible consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Developer mode | Turn off in the settings | Resetting some application permissions |
| USB debugging | Deactivate in the Developer Menu | Inability to use ADB |
| MIUI background services | Disable Auto-Run Test Applications | Stop sending error reports |
| Connection to service utilities | Close programs on PC, restart the phone | Loss of communication with the PC before reconnection |
| Viral SO | Antivirus check, reset settings | Removing malicious applications |
Method 4: Reset security settings (if the bracket does not disappear)
If previous methods have failed, the problem may be a conflict of security settings, which is true for devices where:
- 🔐 Unofficial firmware installed (e.g. xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience).
- 🔧 Root rights (Magisk, SuperSU) were used).
- 📲 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
In this case, a partial reset of security settings will help:
- Go to Settings → Memory and Device → Backup and Reset.
- Select "Reset Security Settings" (or "Reset Security Settings").
- Confirm the action. It will remove all fingerprints, PIN-Debugging codes and data, but will not affect personal files.
- After rebooting, check for the missing bracket.
⚠️ Note: On devices with the bootloader unlocked, the security reset may result in data encryption blocked. Before the procedure, back up via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
What if the reset didn't help?
Method 5: Checking for viruses and malware
Rarely, a bracket may appear due to viral applications that activate debugging to gain superuser rights, especially if:
- 📥 You set up APK unverified.
- 🔓 The device is rooted, but the antivirus is disabled.
- 🌐 The phone connects to public Wi-Fi networks without VPN.
How to check:
- Install Mi Security (embedded antivirus) or a third-party scanner (such as Malwarebytes).
- Run a full system check.
- Pay attention to applications with superuser or device administrator rights.
- Remove suspicious programs and restart your phone.
If the virus is found but not removed, reset to factory settings via Settings → Reset. Rooted devices may need to be flashed.
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Even if the bracket disappears after the virus is removed, it is recommended to change passwords from Google accounts, Mi Accounts and banking applications, as debugging via USB could be used to steal data.
Additional advice and answers to questions
If none of these methods helped, consider the following nuances:
- 🔄 On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) bracket appears when you actively connect to Mi Cloud in sync mode. Try temporarily disabling sync in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
- 📱 If the device is new (especially from China), the bracket may indicate a service mode activated in the factory.
- 🔧 On the firmware MIUI 15 and later brackets are sometimes displayed when using the "Duplicate Screen" (Miracast) function. → Connection and sharing → Screen duplication.
If the problem persists, contact Xiaomi support with the device model and firmware version. Attach a screenshot with a bracket to help specialists determine the cause faster.
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The 4PDA and XDA Developers forums have themes discussing brackets on specific models.Look for a solution for your device's exact name (e.g., "Redmi Note 12 bracket in the corner").