Developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi: how to turn it on and why it is necessary

The developer’s hidden settings on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones open up access to dozens of additional features that the manufacturer hides from ordinary users. It’s not just a “technical thing” for programmers – you can fine-tune the system animations, speed up the interface, unlock debugging capabilities and even extend the battery life. But how do you get there if the menu item is hidden by default?

In this article, we will discuss three official activation methods (including the method for new versions). MIUI 14/15), We will explain which settings should be changed first and which should not be touched, and you will also learn how to return the factory animation settings if after experiments the smartphone began to “brake”, and why some functions may disappear after updating the firmware. The instructions are suitable for all Redmi models - from the budget Redmi 9A up to the flagship Redmi K60 Pro.

Why include developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi?

Most users are unaware that their smartphone is not working at full capacity, and the developer mode (Developer Options) allows you to:

• 🔧 Speed up the interface: disable or reduce the animation of transitions between screens (saves up to 15% of the time when navigating).
• 📡 Unlock Hidden Networks: Forced to Activate Ranges 5G Wi-Fi 6 if they are disabled by default.
• 🔋 Extend battery life: limit background activity of applications that “eat” the charge in standby mode.
• 🖥️ Connect to the PC on ADB: necessary for firmware, root rights or recovery of bricks after unsuccessful updates.
• 🎮 Emulate clicks: useful for automatic testing of games or scripts (e.g. in AutoTouch).

However, there is a downside: careless changes can lead to overheating of the processor, accelerated battery discharge or even loss of warranty (if you activate debugging by the system). USB So before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Memory. → Backup.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After activation of the developer mode, a warning about an “uncertified device” may appear in Settings → Google. This is not a mistake -- just confirm that you understand the risks.

Method 1: Standard Activation through "Version" MIUI" (It works on 90% of devices)

This is the most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 8 and newer, the instructions are the same for the Redmi 10C, Redmi Note 11 Pro and even older models like the Redmi 5 Plus:

1. Open the Settings app (cog on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device on newer versions).
3. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row.
4. After 3-4 clicks, a pop-up window will appear with the countdown: “There are 4 steps left to become a developer!”
5. On the 7th press, the system will display a notification: “You became a developer!”

Now go back to the main Settings menu - there will be a new item → For developers (or just developers) MIUI 14+). If it is not, try restarting your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. global) MIUI EU) After activation of the developer mode, you may need to enter a password from the Mi Account. If you forgot it, restore it through the official website.

Method 2: Activate via "Assembly Number" (for MIUI 14/15 and new Redmi)

In the latest versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 14), the manufacturer has slightly changed the path to hidden settings. If the first method did not work, try this one:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the line Assembly number (usually under the MIUI version).
3. Press it 5-7 times before the notification appears.
4. If the system requests a pattern lock or PIN, enter it (this is protection against accidental activation).

On new Redmis (such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+), an additional window may appear after that with a warning: "Developer Mode provides access to settings that may affect the performance and security of the device. Continue?".

If the Developer For option does not appear after activation, check if it is hidden in the Additional section. On some firmware (for example, custom ones), it may be called Developer settings.

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If after updating MIUI the developer mode is gone, repeat the activation procedure - resetting settings to factory also turns off this mode.

Method 3: Activation through ADB (if the first two methods fail)

In rare cases (such as test firmware or after a reset), standard methods may not work. ADB. For that:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Enable USB Debugging in the settings (if available).
3. Connect Redmi to your computer and type in the command line: adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1
4. Reboot your smartphone.

After that, the For Developers item should appear in the settings. If the command did not work, try the alternative:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB The new Redmi models (released after 2022) require an unlocked bootloader, and you need to link your Mi Account to your device and wait 7 days.

What developer settings can be safely changed?

Not all options in the Developer menu are equally useful. We have compiled the TOP-5 safe settings that will not harm the smartphone, but will improve its performance:

• ⚡ Accelerate animation: Disable or reduce: The scale of window animation → The animation is disabled or 0.5x Scale of transition animation → 0.5x Duration of the animator → Disabled Effect: the interface will respond to the presses instantly.
• 📶 Forced activation 4G/5G: Just turn it on. LTE or NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA (if supported) to avoid automatic switching to slow networks.
• 🔋 Background Process Limitation: Set a Maximum 2 process in Process Limits – this will reduce battery consumption.
• 🖥️ Turn on "Do not turn off the screen": Useful for reading or watching videos - Do not turn off the screen when charging.
• 🛠️ Error Log: Activate Enable Error Log if you want to track app failures.

Here is what you should not touch without experience:

• Disable MIUI checks – may disrupt the system.
• Background restriction of operations – some applications will stop updating.
• GPU-Acceleration – can cause artifacts in games.

How to turn off the developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi?

If you no longer need advanced settings or want to hide them from outsiders, there are two ways:

1. Through the settings menu: Go to Settings → Developer → In the upper right corner, click on the switch (it will turn grey). Confirm the action by clicking Disable.
2. Through Setting Reset (if the first method didn’t work): Open Settings → Additional → Reset. Select Reset all settings (does not delete files!). After the reboot, the developer mode will be deactivated.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI China) may require re-activation by clicking on the MIUI Version after the developer mode is disabled if you want to return the settings back.

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Turning off the developer mode does not reset the parameters you have changed (such as animation speed).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful activation, Xiaomi Redmi users encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If after changes in the developer settings, the smartphone began to overheat, discharge in 2-3 hours or reboot on its own, follow the following steps:

1. Return all the changed parameters to the default values.
2. Clear the system cache through Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Cash.
3. If the problem remains, make a reset to factory settings (don’t forget about backup!).

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Before experimenting with the developer's settings, write down the initial values of the parameters on paper or take screenshots, which will help you quickly get everything back.

Bonus: How to unlock the bootloader for ADB (if required)

On new Xiaomi Redmi models (released after 2021), the bootloader is required to be unlocked to use ADB or custom recovery firmware (TWRP). The procedure takes 7 days and includes the following steps:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account. Make sure your account is confirmed by email/phone.
2. Activate OEM Unlock: Enable Developer Mode (as described above). Find the OEM Unlock and enable it. Confirm the action by clicking Allow.

Wait 168 hours (7 days).

Mi Unlock Tool

Note that unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device and may take away warranty, and some models (such as the Redmi K60) will also stop encrypting data and contactless payments (NFC) after this procedure.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi can block accounts that too often unlock downloaders on different devices.If you plan to sell a smartphone, it is better to return the bootloader to its original state through fastboot oem lock.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions