Xiaomi Redmi smartphones hide a lot of useful features under the MIUI shell that ordinary users can not use, one of them is the developer mode, which gives access to advanced system settings, debugging over USB, changing interface animations and much more. Without this mode, you can not unlock the bootloader, flash custom software or even just speed up the smartphone.
But how do you turn it on? Unlike standard settings, it's hidden deep in the system. Moreover, the activation process is different on different versions of MIUI and Redmi models (for example, on the Redmi Note 12 and Redmi 10A paths can vary slightly). This article provides step-by-step instructions with all the nuances, as well as answers to questions about why the mode may not turn on and how to fix it.
⚠️ Important: activation of the developer mode does not void the warranty, but incorrect changes in the settings can lead to malfunctions in the smartphone.
If you’re ready to get a handle on MIUI and take full control of your Xiaomi Redmi, read on. We’ll not only break down the standard way to turn on, but also take a look at alternative methods for when things go wrong.
Why do I need a developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi?
Many users mistakenly believe that the developer mode is only needed by programmers or those who are engaged in the firmware of smartphones, in fact, even the average user can use it for:
🔹 UI speeds – here you can disable or reduce the animation of transitions between windows, making the smartphone visually faster.
🔹 Debugging by USB — Without it, you can not connect to Android Studio or use it. ADB To install applications bypassing Google Play.
🔹 Unlocking the bootloader is the first step to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or root rights.
🔹 Background control – you can limit the number of applications running, which will prolong battery life.
In addition, the following are available in this mode:
- 📱 Secondary display simulation (useful for application testing).
- 🔄 Forced activation GPU-Acceleration for games and graphics applications.
- 📡 Manual network setup (selecting network type, disabling automatic switching between 4G/5G).
- 🔋 Displaying battery power as a percentage (on some models this is hidden in standard settings).
⚠️ Attention: Some functions (e.g, OEM Unlock can be blocked by the manufacturer on new Redmi models (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro).+). This is due to Xiaomi’s policy to combat unauthorized firmware.
Standard way to enable developer mode
On most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (including Redmi 9, Redmi Note 11, Redmi K50 and others), the activation process is the same.
1. Go to Settings → About the phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row.
3. After the notification "You became a developer!" return to the main settings menu.
Now in the Settings → Additional (or Additional settings) will appear a new item – For developers.
🔹 If the item does not appear:
- 🔄 Restart your smartphone – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.
- 📱 Check what you are doing with the version. MIUI, not in other fields (e.g., the device model).
- 🔧 Update the firmware - on older versions MIUI (below 12, the path may differ.
Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)
Charge your smartphone by at least 50%
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (recommended)
Backup of important data-->
Alternative Incorporation Methods (if Standard Incorporated Does Not Work)
On some Redmi models (such as the Redmi A1 or Redmi 10C), the standard method may not work due to the firmware features, in which case, try the following options:
🔹 Method 1: Through ADB
If you have access to your computer, you can enable the developer mode via the ADB command:
adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1After completing this command, restart your smartphone – the item For developers should appear in the settings.
🔹 Method 2: Resetting settings
Sometimes it helps to reset to factory settings (but this is an extreme case, since all data is deleted!).After reset, try tapping again on the MIUI Version.
🔹 Method 3: Update MIUI
On very old firmware versions (e.g. MIUI 10), the path to developer mode may be different:
- Go to Settings. → Advanced settings.
- Select Developer (if there is no item, tap the Build Number in About Phone).
⚠️ Note: on some firmware from third-party developers (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), the developer mode may be enabled by default. Check for the Developer option in the settings before executing instructions.
What to do if the developer mode is not turned on?
If after multiple taps on the MIUI version, the notification “You became a developer!” does not appear, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Notification not to appear | Too slow/inaccurate taps | Tapping fast and strictly in the center of the field MIUI version |
| The item is not displayed in the settings | System cache is clogged | Clear the cache in Settings → Apps → All Apps → Settings |
| It only works after rebooting. | Feature of firmware | Reboot your smartphone and check again. |
| The mode is switched on but reset. | Active function Data Protection | Turn it off in Settings → Privacy |
🔹 Additional advice:
- 📱 Check if there are optimization apps installed on your smartphone (for example, DU Speed Booster, which can block system changes.
- 🔧 If you use MIUI Global Stable, try to switch to MIUI China (but it requires unlocking the bootloader).
- 🔄 On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9T) After the developer mode is turned on, you need to additionally activate the switch at the top of the screen For developers.
What if after the developer mode is turned on, some functions are lost?
How to turn off the developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi?
If you no longer need advanced settings, you can deactivate the developer mode.
1. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
2. At the top of the screen, find the Developer Mode switch and turn it off.
3. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter a password or pattern lock).
🔹 Important: After you turn off, all changes made to the developer mode will remain, for example, if you turn off the animation, it will remain turned off even after the mode is deactivated.
⚠️ Note: on some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) K40) When you turn off the developer mode, the developer option disappears from the menu, and you have to tap the version again to get it back. MIUI.
Top.-5 Useful features of the developer mode for Xiaomi Redmi
Now that the developer mode is activated, let’s figure out what settings should be changed first of all to improve the smartphone.
🔹 1. Accelerating interface animation
Go to Settings → For developers and find:
- Windows animation scale - set 0.5x or turn off.
- The transition animation scale is the same.
- The animator duration scale is reduced to 0.5x.
This will make the MIUI interface noticeably faster.
🔹 2. Compulsory incorporation 4G/5G
If your smartphone is constantly switching between 3G and 4G, record the network type:
- Turn on USB debugging.
- Select Network Type → LTE Only (or NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA... for 5G).
🔹 3. Display of battery charge in percentage
On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) interest is hidden. Enable them through: Settings → Developer → Battery status → Percentage.
🔹 4. Allow installation of applications from unknown sources
By default. MIUI block APK-To unlock files:
- Find the Installation via USB and turn it on.
- In Special Access Rights, allow installation for the desired applications (e.g. File Manager).
🔹 5. Performance optimization for gaming
Activate:
- Forced use of GPU (for graphically loaded games).
- Turn off the absolute volume level (to adjust the volume in games regardless of the system).
💡
If your smartphone starts to slow down after changing your settings, return all settings to the default state, especially for options related to the GPU and background processes.
Security: Which developer mode settings are best left unaffected?
Not all developer mode features are safe for inexperienced users, and some settings may change to:
- 🔄 Unstable operation of the smartphone (for example, disabling Checkup) USB Increases the risk of infection with viruses).
- 📵 Loss of communication (incorrect network settings can block mobile Internet).
- 🔋 Rapid discharge of the battery (forced activation) 4x MSAA increases the load on the processor).
🔹 List of dangerous settings (do not change unless necessary!):
- 🚫 Failure to save actions – may result in data loss.
- 🚫 Disable the check USB — risk of picking up malware.
- 🚫 Secondary display simulation – can cause graphic artifacts.
- 🚫 Forced Application Shutdown – Some System Processes May Not Recover.
⚠️ Note: Redmi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10A) change GPU Watch the temperature of your smartphone after making changes!
💡
Before changing any settings in the developer mode, back up the data. This will help restore the health of the smartphone in the event of a failure.