Developer mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden settings section that gives you access to advanced system functions. It is designed to test applications, debug, optimize performance and fine-tune the interface. Without this mode, you can not unlock the bootloader, get root rights or use tools like ADB.
Turning on the developer mode on Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi flagship models (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) takes less than a minute, but requires knowing the exact sequence of actions. This article provides an up-to-date guide for MIUI 14/15 (including global and Chinese firmware), as well as warnings about the potential risks of incorrect settings.
Why do I need a developer mode on Xiaomi?
Most users are unaware of the existence of this section, but it is useful in several scenarios:
- 🔧 Debugging by USB — mandatory for work with ADB, Unlock the bootloader or firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
- ⚡ Accelerating animations – reducing screen transition times (useful for older models like Redmi) 9A).
- 📱 Display emulation – changing resolution or pixel density (DPI) interface-adapt.
- 🔒 Unlocking OEM — necessary step before obtaining root rights or installing custom firmware.
- 📡 Network settings - forced inclusion 5G, Change the type of network or disable VoLTE.
However, some settings in developer mode can cause the phone to run unstable, overheat or even lose warranty, such as forcing 4K@60fps on models that don’t support this hardware (Redmi Note 10 Pro) to trigger artifacts on the screen.
⚠️ Note: Change the Minimum width settings or Force GPU rendering (forced rendering on the GPU) It can cause malfunctions in the shell. MIUI. Before experimenting, back up your data.
Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on the developer mode
The activation process is the same for all modern Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the model, the main thing is to use the current version of MIUI (at least 12).
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to About Phone (usually at the bottom of the list).
- Find the MIUI version string and tap it 7 times in a row.
- After 4-5 taps, a notification will appear: "You are almost there!".
- At press 7, the system will display a message: “You became a developer!”
If after these actions the section For developers did not appear in the settings, check:
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in Settings) → Updating the system).
- 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes changes apply after a reboot.
- 🔍 Make sure you are using the version. MIUI, Not the Android version or the device model.
Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged |
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|
Backup of important data |
Close all background applications-->
On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13T), the path may be due to a custom shell. If the standard method did not work, try an alternative:
Settings → System → Additional → About the phone → MIUI version (7 taps)Where to find the developer’s settings after activation?
After successful inclusion, the For Developers section appears mainly in the settings menu, but its location depends on the MIUI version:
| MIUI version | The way to partition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–14 | Settings → Additional → For Developers | On some firmware, the section is called Advanced Settings. |
| MIUI 15 (HyperOS) | Settings → About the phone → Additional → For developers | In new versions, the section can be hidden - use the search by settings. |
| POCO Launcher | Settings → System → For Developers | On the POCO X6 Pro and new models, the path is simplified. |
If the partition is missing after the system update, repeat the activation procedure (7 taps according to the MIUI version). On Chinese firmware (China ROM), the path may be different - use the translator to find the item (developer settings).
Redmi Note 12/13|
POCO X5/F5|
Xiaomi 13/14|
Another model-->
The main settings of the developer mode: what can be changed?
The Developer section contains dozens of options, but most of them are for power users.
1. USB debugging (USB debugging)
It's necessary to connect your phone to your PC via ADB, unlock the bootloader, or use tools like Scrcpy to enable:
- Activate the debugging switch over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the window that appears.
2. Unlocking OEM (OEM unlocking)
Required to unlock the bootloader before installing the customized recavator firmware (TWRP) or obtaining root rights.Warning: on new models (Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Redmi K70), this option can be blocked before the Mi Account is linked.
3. Accelerating animation
Changing the speed of transitions between screens makes the interface visually faster.
- Window animation scale → 0.5x
- Transition animation scale → 0.5x
- Animator duration scale → 0.5x
💡
If the interface starts to slow down after the animation changes, return the values to 1x - some applications (for example, TikTok or Instagram) conflict with accelerated animation.
4. Forced 4K or 120Hz Entry
On flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F5 Pro) you can manually turn on the maximum resolution or refresh rate of the screen, even if the system limits them.
⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 11 and other budget models, forced 90Hz on via Force peak refresh rate can cause overheating and lag. Check screen support in device specifications.
What happens if you reset your phone settings?
When you reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Reset), the developer mode is automatically turned off.
- ❌ All changes in the section For developers are reset.
- ❌ Debugging by USB and OEM unlocking deactivated.
- ✅ The very ability to turn on the developer mode (through 7 taps) is preserved.
If you plan to sell the phone, it is recommended to turn off the developer mode manually:
- Go to Settings. → For developers.
- In the upper right corner, press the switch (it will turn gray).
- Confirm the disconnection in the dialog window.
How to return the developer mode after resetting?
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even when you follow the instructions, you're going to have problems, and you're going to look at the typical situations.
1.No notice appears after 7 taps
Causes and solutions:
- 🔋 Low battery power – connect your phone to charge and try again.
- 📱 System Failure – Reboot the Device.
- 🔄 Outdated firmware - update MIUI last-minute.
2.The "Developers" section disappeared after the update
This is because of the hidden settings reset in major updates.
- Repeat the activation procedure (7 taps).
- If it doesn’t help, reset settings (Settings → Additional → Reset → Reset settings, without deleting data).
3. USB debugging doesn't work
Problems with ADB are often related to:
- 🖥️ If you have no drivers, install Mi. PC Suite or drivers ADB manually.
- 🔌 Faulty cable - try another one USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🔒 Blocking antivirus – temporarily disable protection on PC.
💡
If the phone is not identified in ADB, check if File Transfer (MTP) mode is enabled when connecting to the PC.
Security: Which developer settings are best left unaffected?
Some of the options in the Developer section can disrupt the stability of the phone or create vulnerabilities. Avoid changing the following options:
| Setting up | Potential risk |
|---|---|
| Do not turn off the screen during charging | Overheating of the battery and reducing its service life. |
| Forced use of GPUs | Increased energy consumption and lag in games. |
| Turn off the absolute volume level | Incompatible with some Bluetooth devices. |
| Enable the HCI Bluetooth log | Leakage of confidential data through logs. |
It is particularly dangerous to change settings associated with Wi-Fi or mobile network if you do not understand their purpose, for example, forced VoNR (voice over 5G) on unaccompanied models will lead to communication problems.
⚠️ Attention: Disable setting HW overlays (disabling hardware overlays) can cause graphic artifacts on devices with Snapdragon processors 7xx/8xx. Changes are recommended for testing only.