The hidden capabilities of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are only available once the developer mode is activated, a feature that allows you to fine-tune the MIUI system, speed up animations, test new features, and even unlock the bootloader for custom software firmware. But how to turn it on when the option is hidden deep in the settings?
In this article, you will find current ways to activate the developer mode for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14/15 on Android 13/14), as well as understand what risks it carries and how to avoid typical errors. Instructions are suitable for models from Xiaomi 11T Pro to budget Redmi Note 12 – the main thing is that the device works on the proprietary shell.
What is a developer mode and why it is needed
Developer Mode is a hidden Android settings section designed to test and debug apps, and on Xiaomi smartphones, it gives you access to:
- 🔧 Debugging by USB — mandatory for work with ADB, Unlocking the bootloader or firmware through Fastboot
- ⚡ Accelerating animations – reducing the transition time between screens (useful for older models)
- 📡 Advanced network settings – choosing the type of mobile network (2G/3G/4G/5G), manually activate VoLTE
- 🔒 Background blocking – limiting application activity to save charge
- 📱 Emulations of additional screens – useful for testing adaptive interfaces
Without this mode, you can’t install TWRP, get root rights, or even just disable forced screen dimming in some applications. However, not all features are safe – incorrect settings can lead to overheating, fast battery drain, or MIUI malfunctions.
Preparing the phone before activation
Before turning on the developer mode, follow several mandatory steps:
☑️ Preparation for activation of the developer mode
Pay special attention to the MIUI versions. In older builds (below MIUI 12), the path to the developer settings may be different.
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Scroll down to the MIUI version.
- Remember or write down the build number (e.g. V14.0.4.0.TKHCNXM)
If your version is older than 2 years, we recommend you update via Settings → System → Software Update. This will prevent conflicts with new developer mode features.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models for China (with suffix) CN In the firmware name, you may need to unlock additionally through your Mi Account. Without this, some of the developer’s functions will not be available.
Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on the developer mode
The activation algorithm is the same for all modern Xiaomi smartphones, but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.
- Open the Settings app (cog icon)
- Go to About Phone (usually at the bottom of the main menu)
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row
- After 3-4 taps, a pop-up notification will appear: “You’re almost there!”
- Keep pressing until you see the message: “You’ve become a developer!”
If done correctly, a new Developer section will appear in the Settings main menu (may be in the Additional Submenu or System) and some firmware will have to enter a lock password to confirm.
What to do if there is no notification?
| Xiaomi model | The Path to Developer Regime | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14 series | Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI | Requires fingerprint confirmation |
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Settings → System → About the phone | It may need to be rebooted. |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | Settings → Additional → About the phone | Some firmware needs to be pressed 10 times. |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6 | Settings → Tablet → About the tablet | The developer mode is called "For debugging" |
Where to find the developer settings after activation
Once activated successfully, the Developer section can be hidden in different places.
- 📱 MIUI 14/15: Settings → Additionally. → For developers
- 🔍 MIUI 12/13: Settings → System system → Additionally. → For developers
- 🔄 Older versions: You may need to enable the display of hidden settings through Settings search (enter “developer")
If the section does not appear, try:
- Reboot the phone
- Clear the Settings app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Clear the cache)
- Repeat the activation procedure (7 clicks on the MIUI version)
💡
If you use developer settings frequently, add a shortcut to the home screen: press the Settings icon, select Shortcuts → For Developers.
What Developer Settings Can Be Safely Changed
Not all settings in developer mode are equally useful, but here are some safe options that you can turn on without risking the system:
- ✅ Debugging by USB: Necessary to connect to the PC via ADB. Turn it on only when necessary and turn it off after use
- ✅ Do not turn off the screen while charging: Useful for viewing instructions or videos
- ✅ Showing taps: Visualizes touching screen (useful for creating tutorial videos)
- ✅ Acceleration GPU: Improves gaming performance, but can increase battery consumption
- ✅ Background Processes: Limiting to 2-3 processes saves charge, but some applications will reboot
Here are some dangerous settings that you should not touch without experience:
- ❌ Unlocking OEM: Opens up the possibility of firmware, but reduces security
- ❌ Fake location: Could disrupt geolocation services
- ❌ Disabling the verification MIUI: Risk of installing malware
- ❌ Changing the scale of animation: Values 0.5x can cause lag
⚠️ Note: Setting “Do Not Save Actions” in the App section will result in the loss of all application data after they are closed!
How to turn off the developer mode
If you don't need any more developer features, you can deactivate it.
- Go to Settings. → For developers
- In the upper right corner, press the switch (it will turn grey)
- Confirm the disconnection in the dialog window
Some Xiaomi firmware may require you to reset developer settings through Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset developer settings. This won’t delete your data, but will return all settings to default values.
If the Developer section is gone after disabling, but you need access again, repeat the activation procedure (7 clicks on the MIUI version).
💡
Turning off the developer mode does not reset the settings you changed. To return everything to factory settings, use the "Reset developer settings" option.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When working with developer mode on Xiaomi, users encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No notification after 7 clicks | System failure or old firmware | Update MIUI or clear the Settings cache |
| The "Developers" section disappeared after the update | Resetting settings when updating | Activate the mode again (7 taps) |
| USB debugging doesn't work. | ADB drivers are not installed on PC | Download Mi PC Suite or Google USB Drivers |
| The phone is overheating after the changes | GPU acceleration or background processes enabled | Return settings to factory or disable unnecessary options |
If the phone starts to slow down or discharge quickly after a change in developer mode, reset settings through Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset developer settings. This will return all settings to safe values without losing data.