How to enable debugging by USB on Xiaomi Redmi 6: detailed instructions with nuances

Why you need USB debugging on Xiaomi Redmi 6 and when to turn it on

The USB debugging mode on Xiaomi Redmi 6 is a hidden Android feature that allows you to access the advanced capabilities of your smartphone through your computer. Without it, you can't perform many technical operations, from installing custom firmware to recovering data after a crash. But why is this mode hidden from ordinary users?

It's about security: misuse of debugging can lead to Xiaomi's warranty loss, malware installation, or even "bricking" of the device, but for power users, it's an indispensable tool.

• 🔄 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
• 📱 Recover deleted files through ADB
• 🔧 Unlock the Bootloader in an official way
• 🐞 Testing applications in the developer environment (Android Studio)

It's important to understand that on Redmi 6 (model M1804C3DG/M1804C3DE), the debugging process is nuanced because of the MIUI version. If your smartphone is running MIUI 10-12, the instruction will be one, and for MIUI 13+, the other. We'll look at both options.

Preparation of the smartphone: turn on the developer mode

Before you activate debugging, you need to unlock the hidden “Developers” menu. On Xiaomi Redmi 6, this is done through settings, but there is an important point: if you previously reset your phone to factory settings, the developer menu may disappear.

Follow the steps:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the line MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row
3. After 3-4 clicks, a notification will appear: "You are almost at the target!"
4. After pressing 7, you will see a message saying, “You are a developer!”

If the menu does not appear, check:

• ⚠️ Are there any restrictions on settings → Special facilities → Simplified mode (must be turned off)
• ⚠️ Have a child account Mi (adult account required)

Check the version. MIUI on the telephone"|Turn off the simplified mode.|Make sure the battery is charged >30%|Connect the original USB-cable

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Step-by-step: enable debugging by USB

Now that the developer menu is activated, we're going to the main stage. On Redmi 6, the path may differ depending on the MIUI version:

The following steps are the same for all versions:

1. In the menu "For developers" find the item Debugging by USB
2. Activate the switch (should turn blue)
3. In the confirmation window that appears, click OK.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable
5. On the phone screen, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
6. Request for debugging permission will appear again - tick Always allow from this computer and click Allow

⚠️ Warning: If you connect Redmi 6 to a new computer, previous debugging permissions will reset.This is Xiaomi's security measure against unauthorized access.

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Use the original. USB-Xiaomi cable – cheap analogues often do not support data transfer for debugging.

Problems and Errors: What to Do When Debugging Is Not Included

Even with the right actions, Redmi 6 users face typical problems, and the most common solutions are:

• 🔌 Computer does not see device: Check drivers (install Mi) PC Suite? On Windows. 10/11 You may need to disable driver signature verification.
• 🔒 Debugging button is inactive: Restart your phone and re-energize developer mode. Sometimes resetting your network settings helps (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
• ⚠️ Error "Unknown sources": Go to Settings → Confidentiality → Special access → Install unknown applications and allow installation for browser or file manager.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Debugging is gone: Xiaomi sometimes resets the developer settings. Repeat all the steps from scratch.

Special case if you see a message "USB-device is not "identified" in Windows Device Manager:

1. Or the cable is damaged (try another one)
2. There are no Android ADB Interface drivers.
3. The USB port on your PC is faulty (check on another port)

Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them

Enabling USB debugging opens up security vulnerabilities in Redmi 6. An attacker with physical access to your phone and computer can:

• 📲 Install spyware without your knowledge
• 🔓 Get root access and steal data
• 📂 Copy the entire memory of the device

To minimize the risks:

⚠️ Warning: Never connect Redmi 6 with debugging enabled to public charging (at airports, cafes) or other computers.

Safety recommendations:

• 🔐 Turn off debugging immediately after use (Settings) → For developers → Debugging by USB)
• 🛡️ Set the password on the lock screen (PIN graphical)
• 🔄 Regularly check the list of trusted computers in the debugging menu
• 📱 Do not store sensitive data (document photos, passwords) on a phone with debugging enabled

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USB debugging should only be enabled during technical operations, and it is best to turn it off in everyday use.

Checking the work of debugging: ADB teams

To make sure that USB debugging works correctly, run simple commands via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). First download Google's Platform Tools and unpack into any folder on your PC.

Next:

1. Connect Redmi 6 to your computer
2. Open the command line (Win+R → cmd) and go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\platform-tools
3. Enter the Connected Device Check Command: Adb Devices
4. If the debugging works, you’ll see your Redmi 6’s serial number on the list.

Additional useful commands:

If the adb device command returns an empty list, check:

• 🔌 Is the connection mode chosen correctly? USB (must have MTP or PTP)
• 🔄 Restart your phone and computer.
• 📋 Make sure that the debugging menu includes the item Cancel authorization USB-debugging (if any)

Disabling debugging over USB: when and how to do it

Debugging should be turned off in three cases:

1. After completion of all technical operations (firmware, data recovery)
2. Before handing over the phone for repair or sale
3. If you suspect that your device may have been accessed by someone else

The disconnection process:

1. Go to Settings. → For developers
2. Find the Debugging by USB and deactivate the switch
3. In the window that appears, confirm the disconnection.
4. To clean the authorized computers completely, click Cancel Authorization USB-debugging

If you sell or transfer Redmi 6 to another person, it's not enough to just turn off the debugging.

1. Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings
2. Choose Delete all data and confirm
3. After reset, the phone will automatically turn off all developer modes

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After the reset, you may still be linked to your Mi Account. Make sure you untie the device in Settings. → Mi Account → Delete the account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions