Developer mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool that opens access to hidden settings MIUI, It allows you to fine-tune performance, debugging and even unlock additional features, and many users don't even realize that their device can do more than speed up the animation of the interface to enable it. USB-debugging ADB.
However, activation of this mode is not always an obvious process. Depending on the version of the MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15) and the model of the smartphone (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the steps may differ slightly. Moreover, after resetting the settings or updating the firmware, the developer menu again hides - it will have to be turned on again. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, warn against typical errors and tell you how to return access if something goes wrong.
Important: some settings in developer mode can disrupt the stability of the smartphone or lead to loss of warranty. For example, changing the settings of OEM Unlock or Force GPU Rendering without understanding the consequences is fraught with failure.
Why do I need a developer mode on Xiaomi?
Many users mistakenly believe that the developer menu is only for programmers or those who are engaged in firmware, in fact, even the ordinary owner of Xiaomi it can be useful for:
- ⚡ Speed up the interface by disabling or reducing window animation scale (Window animation scale, Transition animation scale).
- 🔄 Forced activation GPU-Acceleration for smooth gaming (but it increases battery consumption!).
- 📱 Inclusions USB-Debugging to connect to the PC through ADB (necessary to unlock the loader or install custom firmware).
- 🔒 Unlocking. OEM Unlock – a mandatory step before firmware through Fastboot.
- 📡 Manual selection of the network (2G/3G/4G/5G) Or enable Band Selection to improve the signal.
- 🔊 Setting the sound quality through Disable absolute volume (useful for wireless headphones).
In addition, the developer menu can disable automatic system updates if they interfere, or enable Demo Mode – a demo mode that hides notifications and personal information in screenshots.
But there is a downside: careless changes can lead to:
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption (for example, when forced) GPU rendering).
- 📵 Problems with connecting to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.
- 🚨 Losing warranty if you unlock the bootloader or change critical settings.
How to turn on the developer menu on MIUI 14/15
The activation process is the same for most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (including models from 2023-2026: Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO F5, etc.).
- Open the Settings app** (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (on some firmware it may be called About Device or Phone Information).
- Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row. After the first 3-4 clicks, a pop-up notification will appear with the countdown: “There are 4 steps left to become a developer!”
- After the 7th press, you will see a message: “You have become a developer!” – this means that the menu has been successfully unlocked.
- Go back to the main Settings menu** and find a new Additional (or Advanced Settings) section, and inside it, a Developer's Device item will appear.
If you have MIUI 12 or older, the path may be slightly different: once the developer menu is activated, you sometimes need to restart your phone to make the item appear in the settings.
☑️ Preparation for the inclusion of the developer mode
Where to look for a developer menu after activation?
Once the developer mode is successfully enabled, you still need to find it, and depending on the MIUI version, the location can vary:
| MIUI version | The path to the developer menu | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 14/15 (2023–2026) | Settings → Additional → For Developers | On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K60) the item can be in Settings → System → Advanced settings. |
| MIUI 12/13 | Settings → About the phone → MIUI version → Additional → For developers | Sometimes you need to click on the build number instead of the MIUI version. |
| MIUI 11 and below | Settings → Advanced settings → For developers | On very old versions, you may need to reset to factory settings to appear. |
| Global ROM (Europe) | Settings → Additional settings → Developer options | In English, the names of menu items are translated. |
If you don’t see the developer menu after 7 clicks on the MIUI version, try:
- 🔍 Use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen) and enter the query “developer».
- 🔄 Reboot the phone – sometimes the item appears only after the reboot.
- 📱 Check if the section in Settings is hidden → Annexes → Application management → Settings (you can reset the cache of the application "Settings»).
💡
If you have a custom firmware POCO (like Pixel Experience), the path to the developer menu may be different. In such cases, the general-purpose method usually works: Settings → System → About Phone → Build Number (click 7 times).
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
It doesn't always go smoothly. Here are the most common problems and solutions.
⚠️ Attention! If after activating the developer menu, the phone starts to brake or overheat, check if you accidentally turn on the screen or do not turn off the screen. GPU-Acceleration for all applications. These settings put a lot of workload on the processor.
- 🚫 No notification appears after 7 clicks Reason: You are not clicking on the Version MIUI, And you can go to another line (like the Device Model), and you have an informal firmware installed where this method is disabled, and your phone is locked by corporate policy (like on your desktop device), and you can see if you're clicking on the Version. MIUI. If it doesn’t help, try updating your firmware to the latest version.
- 🔒 Developer menu missing after update This is normal behavior - after major updates MIUI The developer menu is reset. It needs to be re-enabled using the same instruction.
- 📵 Can't turn it on. USB-Debugging (grey switch) This means that the phone is not unlocked bootloader or is not tied to the Mi Account. To unlock: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in. From the developer menu, find Mi Unlock Status and link the device to the account. Wait 72-168 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy).
What to do if the developer menu is blocked by the device administrator?
Security: what settings in the developer menu is better not to touch
Developer mode offers great opportunities, but also risks, and here is a list of dangerous parameters that can lead to unstable work or data loss:
- 🛡️ OEM Unlock – Unlocking the bootloader resets all data and can deprive you of guarantees.
- 🔄 Force GPU Rendering – Forced graphics acceleration increases battery consumption and can cause artifacts in games.
- 📴 Turn off absolute volume – can break the sound adjustment in Bluetooth headphones.
- 🚨 Do not turn off the screen - leads to overheating and rapid discharge of the battery.
- 🔧 Wi-Fi debugging – opens up vulnerabilities if your phone is connected to a public network.
Also avoid changes in the following sections:
- Network settings (may disrupt mobile internet connection)
- Background processes (process restriction will result in application closure).
- Logization (enable log recording will fill the memory with unnecessary files).
⚠️ Attention, if you're on. USB-debugging, but not using it, disable this option. It allows you to connect through USB A device (such as an infected PC) can access your phone data without your knowledge.
💡
Before changing any settings in the developer menu, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. This will save your photos, contacts and messages if something goes wrong.
How to turn off the developer menu on Xiaomi
If you no longer need a developer mode or want to hide it from outsiders, there are two ways to do it:
- Reset the developer menu settings: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the Settings app and select Storage. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache. Reboot the phone and the developer menu disappears.
⚠️ This method will reset all personal settings (wallpaper, sounds, shortcuts, etc.).
Manual shutdown (no reset):
In the developer menu itself, there is an on/off switch at the top. Disable it, which hides the menu, but does not reset the changes you make (such as the animations you have disabled).
If you sell or transfer your phone to another person, turn it off. USB-debugging and resetting the developer menu through the first method, which will protect your data from unauthorized access.
Additional features: hidden chips of the developer menu
In addition to the standard features, the Xiaomi developer menu contains several useful Easter eggs and undocumented features:
- 🎮 Gamer mode: turn on Force 4x MSAA Improved graphics in games (but this will increase battery load).
- 📡 Manual network management: in the Mobile network section, you can manually select ranges 4G/5G better-signal.
- 🔊 Monitor CPU: Turn on Show the loading CPU, to see the processor's use in real time (useful for lag diagnosis).
- 📱 Demo Mode: Hiding notifications and personal information in screenshots (useful for streamers or reviews).
- 🔋 Background Limitation: In the Applications section, you can limit background activity for individual programs, saving charge.
On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K70 Pro) in the developer menu there is a hidden option Device Desktop Mode, which allows you to connect the phone to the monitor as a full-fledged PC (similar to Samsung DeX).
For activation:
- Turn it on. USB-debugging.
- Connect your phone to the monitor via USB-C to HDMI adapter.
- In the developer menu, find Force desktop mode and turn it on.