Xiaomi Debugging Mode: How to Enable in 5 Minutes (MIUI 12-14)

The USB debugging mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden feature that makes it impossible to perform half of the technical tasks without it, from fastboot firmware to ADB data recovery. Even though the manufacturer hides this option in the developer menu, it takes less than a minute to activate it — if you know the exact algorithm. The problem is that the MIUI interface changes with each version, and instructions on the network often become outdated or contain errors.

In this article, we will discuss the current ways to enable debugging mode for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including the 2023-2026 models on Android 13/14). Particular attention will be paid to the typical errors that the system can block access to debugging, and how to circumvent them. If you plan to unlock the bootloader, flash custom software or use tools like Scrcpy, you can not do without this setting.

Why do I need a debugging mode on Xiaomi?

Debugging by USB (USB Debugging is the bridge between your smartphone and your computer that allows you to use it:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) via fastboot or TWRP.
• 📱 Control your device from a PC (for example, via scrcpy to mirror the screen).
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader in the official way (required for most modifications).
• 📊 Recovering deleted data with the help of ADB (For example, Dr.Fone or Tenorshare).
• 🛠 Test apps in Android Studio or debug them via logcat.

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, debugging automatically shuts down after rebooting unless the "Allow OEM debugging" option is activated. This is a security measure, but it often confuses users - especially when the computer stops "seeing" the phone in ADB after a reboot.

Without the debugging enabled, you can't:

• ❌ Install Magisk for root rights.
• ❌ Sweep TWRP or other custom recovery.
• ❌ Use tools like XiaomiTool V2 loader-free.

Preparation: What to do before turning on debugging

Before you activate the debugging mode, follow the mandatory steps:

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)

Connect your phone to charge (battery > 50%)

Install the latest system updates

Download and install ADB drivers on PC (if you plan to connect)

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If you are going to connect your phone to your computer, set in advance:

• 🖥 Drivers. ADB (Download from the official Google website or through SDK Platform Tools).
• 🔌 Mi PC Suite (optional, but helps avoid device recognition issues).
• 🔒 Disable the antivirus (sometimes it blocks the connection to the ADB).

Important: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5) may require additional confirmation on the lock screen after debugging. If this is not done, PC connection will not be possible.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 14 after activation of debugging system can request PIN-It's a security measure -- don't ignore it, or you can access it. ADB will be blocked.

Step-by-step: how to turn on debugging mode on Xiaomi

The algorithm is the same for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.

1. Open Settings and go to About Phone (sometimes called About Device or About Device).
2. Find the MIUI version line and tap it 7 times in a row, and then a notification will appear: "You became a developer!"
3. Return to the main Settings menu and open a new section Additional → Developer Settings (some firmware calls it For Developers).
4. Scroll down and find the USB Debugging option. Switch the slider to the On position.
5. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the window that appears.

If the Developer Settings section doesn’t appear after 7 clicks, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Check if the partition is hidden in the settings (sometimes it hides under the System) → Advanced settings).
• 🔧 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (in old builds there are bugs).

On MIUI 13/14 after debugging, an additional switch may appear to Allow OEM debugging - it also needs to be activated, otherwise unlocking the bootloader will be impossible.

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If the device is not visible to the computer after debugging, try changing the USB connection mode to File Transfer (MTP) or Charge Only (then turn on debugging again).

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even after enabling debugging correctly, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

If you connect to a PC and you see a message that says, "Allow debugging over USB?" and you tick "Always allow from this computer," you should always put it on, otherwise you'll have to confirm access every time you connect.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) K60 or POCO X5 Pro after updating to MIUI 14 may require a reset if debugging stopped working.This is due to a change in Xiaomi's security policy.

How to check that the debugging is working correctly

To make sure that the debugging mode is activated correctly, follow the following steps:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type in: adb devices
3. If debugging works, you'll see the serial number of the device in the list, for example: List of devices attached 1234abcd5678 device

If the device is displayed unauthorized, it means:

• 📱 You have not confirmed access on your phone screen.
• 🔑 RSA-The key is not saved (try to disconnect / connect the cable again).
• 🔧 On the PC installed outdated drivers ADB.

To check the connection with the device, you can also enter a command:

adb shell getprop ro.product.model

It should return the model of your smartphone (for example, 2304FPCDCG for Redmi Note 12 Pro+).

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If the adb device command returns an empty list, check the cable, port USB And drivers. Often the problem is a faulty cable or a faulty one. USB-hub.

Additional settings for developers on Xiaomi

In the Developer Options menu, there are other useful options that will be useful when working with ADB or modifying the system:

• 🔓 Allow unlocking OEM — required to unlock the loader.
• 📶 Disable the absolute signal level – shows the real network level in dBm.
• 🔄 Do not turn off the screen when charging - convenient for long operations on the ADB.
• 🚀 Accelerated animation (scale) 0.5x) — speeds up the interface.
• 📡 Include the journal HCI Bluetooth – needed to debug Bluetooth problems.

Nana MIUI 14 new option appears — USB-If you often connect your phone to your PC for debugging, set the value here (MTP) Or just charge (then manually turn on debugging).

Warning: Do not activate options that you do not know the purpose of, for example, Inactive Applications or Background Processes can cause unstable system operation if you set incorrect values.

Security: Risks of enabled USB debugging

Debugging mode provides full access to the system, so its inclusion is fraught with risks:

• 🕵️ Data Leakage: If the phone is connected to an infected PC, an attacker can copy personal information through the computer. ADB.
• 🦠 Malware installation: Through debugging, you can install applications without the user’s knowledge.
• 🔓 Bypass locking: On unlocked devices, you can reset the pattern lock or PIN.

To minimize the risks:

• ✅ Turn off the debugging when you don’t need it.
• ✅ Use only trusted computers.
• ✅ Do not connect your phone to a public one. USB-Ports (for example, airports).
• ✅ Set a password on the lock screen (without it some functions) ADB not).

On Xiaomi with MIUI 14, USB debugging automatically shuts down after 7 days without using, unless the "Always Allow Debugging from This Computer" option is activated.This is an additional security measure, but it can interfere if you regularly work with ADB.

⚠️ Warning: If you sell or transfer your phone to another person, be sure to turn off debugging and reset your settings, otherwise the new owner will be able to access your data through the new owner. ADB, Even if you have manually removed them.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the debugging mode on Xiaomi