How to enable debugging on Xiaomi: instructions for all models (2026)

The USB debugging mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool that unlocks hidden Android features, allows you to install custom firmware, test apps through ADB, and even restore the device after serious crashes. Without this mode, you can not unlock the bootloader, get root rights or flash the device through fastboot. However, the manufacturer hides this option in the developer menu, which is disabled by default.

In this article, you will find current ways to enable debugging for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including devices on MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14). We will discuss not only the standard method through settings, but also alternative options for cases where the developer menu suddenly disappears or the smartphone does not respond to commands.

Why do I need to debug USB on Xiaomi

Debugging by USB (USB Debugging is not just a tick in the settings, it's a complete bridge between your smartphone and your computer:

• 🔧 Install TWRP or other custom recovery
• 📱 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
• 🛠️ Restore the bricks after a failed firmware
• 🤖 Testing apps through Android Studio
• 🔒 Get root rights (for example, through Magisk)

It is important to understand that the enabled debugging makes the device vulnerable to attacks through connected devices. USB-An attacker with physical access to the phone can steal data or install malware without your knowledge, so activate this mode only when necessary and turn off immediately after use.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After activating debugging, the Mi Account settings are automatically reset. Before turning on the mode, make sure to remember the password from the Xiaomi account - otherwise you risk losing access to the device!

Standard method: Include through the developer menu

This is the easiest and most secure method that works on 99% of Xiaomi devices, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14/15 and Android 11/12/13/14:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on some models).
3. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row, after 3-4 clicks, a notification will appear "You are almost there!", and after the 7th, a message will appear "You are a developer!".
4. Return to the main Settings menu – there will be a new section for developers (may be in the submenu Additional).
5. Turn on the debugging switch over USB and confirm the action in the window that appears.

On some devices (e.g. POCO F5), the developer menu may be called Developer Mode or Developer Settings. If you don't find a section, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen) and type in the "debug" request.

Remember the password from Mi Account|

Connect your phone to charge (at least 50% battery) |

Install official Xiaomi drivers on PC|

Shut down. VPN Proxy servers (can block the connection)-->

Alternative methods for incorporating debugging

If the standard method doesn’t work (e.g., the developer menu is gone after an update or reset), try these options:

Method 1: Through ADB (if debugging was enabled earlier)

If you have previously activated debugging, but it suddenly turned off, you can try turning it back on via the command:

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1


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

This command is forced to open the developer menu, even if it's hidden, and then you can manually enable debugging.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for older models)

On devices up to Redmi Note 9, there is sometimes a workaround:

1. In the phone app, type the code: ##4636##
2. Select the item Phone Information
3. Slip on the build number 7 times (similar to the method with the version of MIUI)

⚠️ Note: The engineering menu contains options that may cause the device to lose warranty or fail. Do not edit settings unless you are sure of their purpose!

Standard (via MIUI Version) |

Through ADB|

Through the engineering menu|

None of them helped.-->

Problems in incorporating debugging and their solutions

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

If your problem is not listed in the table, try resetting the network settings (Settings). → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset network settings) or perform a soft reset of the device (reboot via Power → Reboot).

Safety when using debugging over USB

The USB debugging enabled is like an open door to your digital life, and you can use it to:

• 📊 Download all data from the device (photos, messages, passwords)
• 🔄 Install malware without your knowledge
• 📍 Tracking location in real time
• 💳 Access to banking applications

To minimize the risks:

1. Enable debugging only when connected to a trusted PC.
2. Turn off the mode immediately after the work is completed (the switch in the developer menu).
3. Use the OEM Lock (Blocked boot) in normal mode.
4. Set the password on the lock screen (PIN or pattern lock is not suitable!).

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Before transferring your phone to the service center, be sure to disable USB debugging and remove all trusted devices from the Settings menu → Google → Security → Devices with account access. This will prevent unauthorized access to your data.

Debugging on blocked Xiaomi devices

If the smartphone screen does not respond to touch or the device is blocked by a pattern lock, you will not be able to enable debugging in the standard way.

Method 1: Mi Assistant (for devices with unlocked bootloader)

If you previously unlocked the bootloader, you can use the Mi Assistant utility:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Load into fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the device is off).
3. Enter the command: fastboot boot twrp.img (where twrp.img is a custom recovery file for your model)
4. V TWRP Go to Mount. → Enable MTP And copy the file to the phone. disable_miui_optimization.zip.
5. Sweep the zip file through Install in TWRP.

After the reboot, the developer menu will be available even on a locked screen.

Method 2: Through EDL-Regime (requires an authorized account)

For devices with a locked bootloader, the only way is to use EDL (Emergency Download Mode).

• 🔒 Requires authorization through Mi Account (linked to the device).
• 💻 Needs special equipment (Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
• 📄 It may cause loss of warranty.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Xiaomi has been deemed a violation of its license agreement without official permission, and in 2023, the company tightened its policy of unauthorised connection to the company. EDL It may lead to a blockage. IMEI via Xiaomi servers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about debugging on Xiaomi

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USB debugging is not a hack, but a legitimate developer tool. However, misuse of it can lead to data loss, device lockdown or warranty cancellation. Always follow Xiaomi’s official instructions and don’t trust questionable “circumvention” methods from unverified sources.