Enabling USB debugging on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for advanced users who want to install custom firmware, unlock the bootloader or use tools like ADB and Fastboot. Although the process seems simple, beginners often have difficulties: hidden settings, features of the MIUI shell or requirements for the Android version. This guide covers all the nuances from unlocking the developer mode to solving typical errors when connecting to a PC.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi regularly updates the MIUI interface, and the location of menu items may vary depending on the firmware version (for example, MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 paths are slightly different).We took these changes into account and gave current screenshots for Android 13/14 devices. If your smartphone is released before 2020, some steps may require adaptation, we will also talk about this.
Why do you need to debug USB on Xiaomi?
Regime. USB-Debugging allows you to access low-level Android features through a computer:
- 🔓 Unlock Bootloader (required for custom firmware installation such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- 📱 Install APK-file ADB (For example, if the Play Market blocks the application).
- 🔧 Recover data after resetting through TWRP Or OrangeFox.
- 🖥️ Use tools like Scrcpy to control your phone from a PC or record a screen without lags.
- 🛠️ Diagnose malfunctions through Fastboot (for example, when the device is “bricked).
However, there are risks: if you use ADB incorrectly, you can accidentally delete system files, cause a MIUI malfunction, or even lock the device, so only enable debugging if you understand why you need it.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-ray) POCO F5) After activating debugging, a warning about an “uncertified device” may appear in Google’s settings.
Preparation: What to do before turning on debugging
Before you proceed to settings, make sure all the preconditions are met:
Battery charge > 50%|Original. USB-cable (not damaged)|Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC|Charge Savings mode is disabled"|Synchronization of data with Mi Account (in case of resetting)-->
Pay special attention USB-And cable: cheap, uncertified wires often don't transmit data, they just charge the phone. USB 2.0/3.0 and the original connector (for example, Type-C for modern models Xiaomi) 13/14 or POCO X6).
If you’re connecting to Windows, download the official Xiaomi drivers from miui.com or use Google’s universal USB Driver package. On macOS and Linux, drivers are usually installed automatically, but you may need to manually configure udev.
Step 1: Activate the developer mode on Xiaomi
By default, the USB debugging option is hidden in the Developer Menu, which you need to unlock first.
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (on some models – Assembly number).
- After the notification “You became a developer!”, return to the main settings menu.
On devices with MIUI 14/15 and Android 13+, after the 5th tap, you may receive a request for a password from Mi Account. This is protection against accidental activation - enter your Xiaomi account details.
If there is no MIUI option (relevant for some regions), try an alternative route:
Settings → Additional → Special features → MIUI version⚠️ Attention: On smartphones POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) path may be different: Settings → The phone. → Device information → Version. MIUI. If you do not find it, use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).
Step 2: Enabling USB debugging in the developer menu
After unlocking the Developer Menu, follow the following steps:
- Return to Settings → Additional → Developer (or Advanced Settings on older versions of MIUI).
- Activate the USB Debugging switch (could be called USB debugging in English firmware).
- In the confirmation window that appears, click OK or Allow.
You'll see a notification on the screen that you're connecting the device to debugging mode, and you can now connect the smartphone to your PC.
What if the Developer Menu is gone after the update?
Some models (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K60) will need to activate the USB Debugging option in the same menu after debugging is enabled, due to the enhanced security measures in new versions of MIUI.
Step 3: Connect to your computer and confirm your power of attorney
When you first connect to a PC on the screen of the smartphone will be a request for confirmation RSA-It's a normal security procedure, so Android checks that you're connecting to a trusted device:
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
- Select Data Transfer Mode: File Transfer (MTP) or PTP (for some tools like Scrcpy).
- On the screen of the smartphone will appear a window with the question "Allow debugging over USB?". Check Always allow from this computer and click Allow.
If the confirmation window does not appear:
- 🔄 Reconnect the cable (sometimes changing the port helps) USB PC-only).
- 📱 Reboot your phone and reconnect.
- 🖥️ Update Xiaomi drivers on your computer (especially relevant for Windows) 10/11).
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If you frequently connect to different PCs, in the Developer Menu, turn off the option to Revoke Debugging Permissions – this will prevent trusted devices from automatically resetting after rebooting.
Solving Typical Errors When Enabling Debugging
Even after you've set it up properly, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The device was not found in ADB. | No drivers or cable faulty | Install Mi PC Suite or check the cable on another device |
| Unauthorized (unauthorized device) | Unconfirmed. RSA-key | Disconnect/connect the cable and allow debugging again |
| No permissions. | Resetting or updating MIUI | Reactivate the developer mode and debugging |
| Device offline | Conflict with an antivirus or firewall | Add adb.exe to the exceptions of antivirus |
If after the MIUI update the debugging stopped working, try:
- Disable and turn on the developer mode again.
- Execute the command in ADB: adb kill-server && adb start-server
- Delete the adbkey.pub file in the %USERPROFILE%\.android (Windows) folder and re-confirm the connection.
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If your smartphone is not detected in Fastboot (you need to unlock the bootloader), try connecting in EDL mode via test points. This requires special cable and knowledge - not recommended for beginners!
Additional settings for advanced users
In addition to basic debugging, there are useful options in the Developer Menu that will simplify the work:
- 🔄 Disable the check MIUI — Resetting speeds up after changes in ADB.
- 📶 Do not turn off the screen when charging – convenient for long-term operations via Fastboot.
- 🔒 Unlocking OEM — It is mandatory for unlocking the bootloader (in some models it is hidden and requires additional manipulations).
- 🖱️ Turn on the mouse pointer – useful when managing via Scrcpy.
On Android 14 and MIUI 15, a new option, Wireless ADB, allows you to connect to your smartphone over Wi-Fi without a cable, to activate it:
- Enable debugging over USB (as described above).
- Connect your phone to your PC via cable and execute the command: Adb tcpip 5555
- Turn off the cable and connect to IP: adb connect [IP-phone]:5555
⚠️ Attention: Wireless debugging only works on one local area network. Don't use it on public Wi-Fi, it's not safe!