Developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi: how to turn on and what gives

The hidden capabilities of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones give you access to fine-tuning, debugging apps, and even overclocking performance. But to take advantage of them, you first need to activate the developer mode β€” a special menu hidden from ordinary users. In this article, you will learn how to turn on the developer options on any Redmi device (from Redmi Note 4 to Redmi 13 Pro), what features become available after activation, and how to avoid typical errors.

The procedure takes less than a minute, but has nuances depending on the version. MIUI. We'll go through each step in detail, provide visual cues, and explain why you need these settings at all, if you want to speed up the animation of the interface, test beta versions of firmware, or connect your phone to the interface. ADB for deep customization - without the developer mode can not do.

What is a developer mode and why it is needed

Developer Options is a hidden menu in Android designed to test and debug apps. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is supplemented with features specific to the shell. MIUI. Here’s what you can do after activation:

  • πŸ”§ Speed up the interface: disable window and transition animations, reducing delays to 0.5x.
  • πŸ“± Emulate other devices: change screen resolution, pixel density (DPI) or the number of processor cores to test.
  • πŸ”Œ Allow debugging by USB: Connect your phone to your computer to work with ADB, Fastboot or Xiaomi Flash Tool.
  • πŸ”„ Force updates: manually check and install firmware through MIUI Updater.
  • πŸ“Š Monitor performance: Include display FPS, utilization CPU/GPU screen response time.

Without this menu, you can't unlock a bootloader to install custom firmware, get root rights, or even just change the animation speed. 9A or Redmi 10C) After activating the developer mode, a warning about an β€œuncertified device” may appear in Google settings – this is normal and does not affect the work.

⚠️ Note: Some features in developer mode (e.g. forced activation) GPU-rendering MIUI Optimizations can cause your phone to run in an unstable way. Only change the settings you know you're going to.

Step-by-step: how to enable developer options on Xiaomi Redmi

The activation process is the same for all Redmi models, but the path to settings may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI. Follow this instruction:

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
  2. Scroll down and select About Phone (on some firmware - About Device or Phone Information).
  3. Find the line Version MIUI And you tap it 7 times in a row, and after the first 3-4 taps, you'll see a pop-up notification saying, "You're almost there!".
  4. After pressing 7, the system will say, "You're a developer!" and now the menu is unlocked.

If you MIUI 12/13/14, After activation of the developer mode, an additional step may be required:

  • Return to the main settings menu.
  • Open the Additional (or Additional) section.
  • Slip on a new item for developers.
  • Confirm access by clicking Enable in the dialog box.

β˜‘οΈ What to do if the developer mode is not turned on

Done: 0 / 4

On Redmi with MIUI The Global (International Firmware) menu of the developer can be called Developer options, and MIUI If you have a Chinese version of firmware without Russification, use a translator to navigate.

Where to find the developer menu after activation

Once the developer mode is successfully turned on, you still have to find it. MIUI location:

MIUI versionThe path to the menuNotes
MIUI 14 (2023–2026)Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For DevelopersPassword/fingerprint confirmation may be required
MIUI 12/13 (2020–2022)Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Additional β†’ For developersOn some models, the item is hidden until the first entry.
MIUI 11 and older (until 2020)Settings β†’ Advanced settings β†’ For developersThe menu may be called "Developer Options"
MIUI China (Chinese firmware)β†’ β†’Use an interpreter to navigate

If the menu suddenly disappeared after the update MIUI, try:

  1. Reset the Settings app settings (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Clear data).
  2. Repeat the activation procedure (7 taps according to the Version) MIUI).
  3. Check if the menu is hidden in the search for settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with Android 13+ (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) The developer menu can be blocked with a password from your Mi Account. If you forget your password, restore it through the official Xiaomi website.

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI you use?
MIUI 14
MIUI 13
MIUI 12
Old MIUI 11.
I don't know.

Top.-5 Useful features in developer mode for Xiaomi Redmi

Now that the menu is available, let’s see what settings are really useful for the average Redmi user:

1. Accelerating interface animation

By default. MIUI It uses smooth transition animations, which can seem slow, to speed up the system:

  • Open it to the developers.
  • Find the items: The scale of window animation β†’ set up 0.5x Or off. The scale of the transition animation β†’ set up 0.5x Duration of the animator β†’ set up 0.5x

These changes will make the interface much faster, especially on budget models like Redmi. 10A or Redmi 9C.

Authorization of debugging USB

If you plan to connect your phone to your computer for firmware, rooting, or working with ADB, turn on:

  • Debugging by USB β†’ flip off.
  • Allow unlocking OEM (necessary to unlock the loader).

πŸ’‘

Before the debugging of the USB Install official Xiaomi drivers on your PC from the site MIUI Download. This will prevent connection errors.

3. Compulsory incorporation GPU-rendering

To speed up the interface (especially on weak devices), turn on:

  • Forced rendering GPU β†’ On.
  • Forced. 4x MSAA β†’ Improves graphics in games, but can reduce FPS.

4. Displaying battery charge in percentage

At least in MIUI This feature is usually available in the basic settings, in the developer menu there is an alternative way:

  • Battery charge percentage β†’ On.

5. Logistic of errors and performance monitoring

To diagnose problems, include:

  • Book of errors β†’ record-breaking.
  • Show loading CPU β†’ displays the processor in real time.
  • Show touch β†’ useful for sensor testing.

πŸ’‘

Do not enable forced rendering at the same time GPU and 4x MSAA on weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 8A or Redmi 9 – this can cause overheating and lags.

Frequent problems and their solutions

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

1.The developer menu is missing after the update MIUI

This is because of the resetting of the major updates.

  • Repeat the activation procedure (7 taps according to the MIUI version).
  • If it doesn’t help, reset the settings of the Settings app (see the instructions above).

2. USB debugging doesn't work

Problems with ADB are often related to:

  • πŸ”Œ Lack of drivers: install Mi PC Suite or manual drivers.
  • πŸ”’ Antivirus Block: Add adb.exe to the exceptions.
  • πŸ“± Incorrect cable: Use the original cable USB-Xiaomi cable.

3. Phone says "Device not certified"

This warning appears after the switch is on. OEM Unlock or debugging by USB. It doesn't affect the job, but if you want to clean it up:

  • Disable Allow unlocking OEM.
  • Reboot the phone.
  • If the message is left, reset through Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Resetting settings (without data loss).

4. no changes are saved in the developer settings

On some firmware MIUI The parameters are reset after the reset:

  • Enable Developer Settings Protection (if there is such a clause).
  • Set a password/fingerprint to lock the screen – this is often a fixed reset.
What to do if you forget the password from the developer menu?
If you set a password to access the Developer Access and forgot it, the only way to reset is to perform a full reset of the phone via Recovery. To do this: 1. Turn off Redmi. 2. + Volume up before the Mi. 3 logo appears. Select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data. ⚠️ All data will be deleted!

Security: What developer settings are best not to touch

Not all settings on a developer menu are harmless, and some changes can lead to:

  • πŸ”₯ Overheating (e.g., forced on all processor cores).
  • 🐒 Slowing down (disabling optimizations) MIUI).
  • 🚨 Loss of warranty (unlocking the loader).
  • πŸ’€ "Brick" devices (incorrect settings) USB-configuration).

Here is a list of dangerous parameters that should not be changed without a clear understanding:

Setting upRiskEffects of consequences
Disable MIUI optimization⚠️ High-pitchedLags, fast battery discharge, shell malfunctions
Enforcement of use GPU (weak-wielding)⚠️⚠️ Medium.Overheating, reducing the time of autonomous work
Allow unlocking OEM (needlessly)πŸ”“ Low.Potential vulnerability for attackers when stealing a phone
Change the DPI screen⚠️ High-pitchedIncorrect display of the interface, failures in applications
Turn on "Do not turn off the screen"πŸ”‹ Low.Fast battery discharge, overheating of the display

If you accidentally changed your critical setting and your phone is unstable, try:

  1. Return the parameter to its original state.
  2. Reset the device.
  3. In extreme cases, reset the settings through Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Resetting settings.
Can I turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi without entering a password?
No, if you have a password, a fingerprint or a pattern lock on your phone, it will require you to enter it the first time you log in to the Developer Menu. MIUI.
Why After Including Debugging USB My computer doesn't see my Redmi?
There are several reasons: Xiaomi drivers are not installed (download from the official website). USB-cable (try the cable from the kit) The developer's settings do not include Debugging by USB (security parameters. Antivirus blocking ADB (Add adb.exe to the exceptions).
How to turn off the developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi?
To remove the Developer Menu: Open Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ App management. Find the Settings app and tap it. Select Storage. β†’ Clear the data. Confirm the action. The developer menu will disappear after the reboot. ⚠️ It will also reset all your personal settings (Wi-Fi, sound, screen, etc.).
Can I turn on the developer mode on Redmi with a locked screen?
No, if the phone is locked (forgot the password/pattern lock), you can’t activate the developer mode. You’ll need to unlock the device through your Mi Account first or reset through Recovery (with loss of data).
Why Redmi Needs a "Allow Unlock" Item OEM"?
This option allows you to unlock the bootloader for: LineageOS, Pixel Experience, root rights through Magisk. TWRP Recovery. ⚠️ Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings and can deprive you of warranties.