Activating USB debugging (ADB) on Xiaomi devices offers users a wide range of deep customization capabilities, which are essential for installing applications that are incompatible with the current Android version, removing system debris, creating full backups, and even unlocking the bootloader. Without the developer mode enabled, these tools are blocked by standard operating system tools.
Many Redmi and POCO owners have difficulty finding the right settings, as the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have a specific menu structure different from stock Android. Unlike other vendors, it requires additional steps to verify the user's identity, and this is done for security reasons to prevent unauthorized access to device data in case of loss or theft.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of activating hidden functions, connecting to a computer and solving typical errors, you will learn how to properly configure the command line environment and which commands are the basic ones for starting interaction with the file system of a smartphone.
What is ADB and why you need it on Xiaomi smartphones
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a universal command-line tool that allows a computer to interact with an Android device. For Xiaomi owners, it is a key tool that allows you to bypass many of the limitations imposed by the manufacturer on the system, with it you can remove applications that are not deleted by standard methods, change the screen resolution, take screenshots of the system and manage power.
One of the main reasons for activating this mode is the need to unlock the bootloader. Without first enabling debugging over USB and linking the account to the device through special Xiaomi services, you will not get root rights or install custom firmware. This is a fundamental step for any modding.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Careless removal of critical system components can make it impossible to boot the device. Always check the purpose of the packet before removing it.
ADB also allows you to transfer files faster than standard MTP and install apps bypassing the Google Play Store, allowing developers to test their apps on a real device, and for ordinary users, a way to bring back the life of an old smartphone by cleaning it up with excess software.
Preparing the device and computer for work
Before you start setting up hidden menus, you need to prepare the workplace. You will need a Xiaomi smartphone, Redmi or even a smartphone. POCO, computer with Windows, macOS or Linux operating system, as well as serviceable USB-It is advisable to use an original cable or certified analogue capable of transmitting data, and not only charging the battery.
The computer must be installed relevant USB-Android drivers: In most cases, when you connect a modern smartphone, the system will automatically find the necessary components, but for stable operation. ADB It is better to install the platform tools officially. Also make sure that the device is enabled file transfer by default, if required by your version of the shell.
A critical step is to back up the data, and while debugging itself is safe, the subsequent superuser rights act carries risks, and save important contacts, photos and documents to the cloud or to an external medium.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
How to Enable Developer Mode on MIUI and HyperOS
The first step in the USB debugging process is to enable a hidden menu for developers. In Xiaomi shells, this default item is hidden from the eyes of the average user. To activate it, go to the Settings menu and select About Phone.
At the top of the screen, find the line MIUI Version or OS Version. You need to quickly click on this line 7 times in a row. After a few clicks, the system will start counting the remaining clicks. If you have a password set to the lock screen, the system will ask you to enter it to confirm actions.
Once you've completed it, you'll see a pop-up notification saying, "You've become a developer!" and now, in the main settings menu, in the "Additional" section, you'll see a new "Developer" item, and that's where all the debugging switches are.
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If the click counter resets, try changing the click rate: fast, slow, fast. Sometimes the system requires just that sequence to activate hidden functions.
Activation of debugging over USB and security setting
When you go to the Developer Menu, scroll down to Debugging. Find the USB Debugging option and activate it with a slider. The system will issue a warning that the mode is for developers and ask for confirmation. Click OK.
At this stage, MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS owners will face an additional layer of protection: Xiaomi requires a mandatory authorization through a Mi Account. If you are not already logged in, the system will require you to do so, and you also need to turn on the Internet (mobile or Wi-Fi), since the device must contact the activation server.
When you turn on the tumbler, you'll see a security risk warning window. Read the timer carefully (usually 10 seconds) and press "Accept." Now the debugging mode is active, but you'll need another step to work with a particular computer. RSA-key.
⚠️ Note: Never accept debugging requests USB Attackers can use this access to steal data or install malware without your knowledge.
Connection to PC and authorization RSA-key
Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable. In the connection notification USB Select the File Transfer Mode (MTP). If you’re using Windows, open Device Manager and make sure there are no unknown devices with yellow exclamation marks on the list.
When the first connection with debugging enabled on the smartphone screen will appear dialog box "Allow debugging by USB?». It will display a digital fingerprint (RSA-Make sure you check the "Always allow from this computer" box and click OK.
If the window doesn’t appear, check the cable or try another one. USB-Sometimes it helps to restart the service. ADB A successful connection is confirmed by the status of "device" when executing the command adb devices in the command line.
What to do if the device status is "unauthorized"?
ADB’s Guide to Key Commands for Xiaomi
Once you've connected successfully, you can control the device. Below is a table of the most useful commands to get started, type them in the terminal or command line, before going to the tool folder of the platform.
| Team team. | Description of action | Example of use |
|---|---|---|
| adb devices | Shows a list of connected devices | Checking the connection status |
| adb shell | Opens the command shell on the device | Executing Linux commands on your phone |
| adb install app.apk | Installs the application from the file | Installation of modified versions of the software |
| adb pull /path/to/file | Copying a file from phone to PC | Preservation of system logs |
| adb reboot bootloader | Reboots the device in Fastboot | For firmware or unlocking |
To remove system applications, you use the command adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet. You can find the name of the package through special analyzer applications or the adb shell pm list packages command. Be extremely careful when removing components with the prefix com.miui or com.android.
You can also use ADB to change the pixel density (DPI) with wm density, which allows you to resize the interface, or force a dark theme to be included for applications that don't support it, a powerful tool for personalization.
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The adb reboot bootloader command is a gateway to low-level operations, and only use it if you understand what Fastboot mode is and why you need it.
Solving Frequent Connection Problems
One common problem is that the computer sees the phone as a charger only, in which case check if the USB mode is selected in the notification curtain, sometimes enabling the USB debugging mode (security settings) mode in the developer menu, if this option is available in your version of the software, helps.
If drivers are not automatically installed, try manually updating them through Device Manager by selecting Android Device -> Android ADB Interface. Xiaomi devices sometimes require the installation of specific Xiaomi USB Driver drivers, which can be found on the official developer forum.
In cases where ADB You can't see the device at all, check the antivirus or firewall on your computer, they can block the connection, and try to disable all the extra ones. USB-devices, leaving only the keyboard, mouse and smartphone.