Developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: how to turn on and what gives hidden menu MIUI

Why do I need a developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4?

Developer mode in Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden menu that gives access to advanced settings of the MIUI operating system. On the Redmi Note 4 model (codenamed mido), this mode allows you to activate functions that are not available in the standard interface: debugging over USB, overclocking the processor, managing animation and even changing network parameters.

Without the developer mode, you will not be able to:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware through fastboot or TWRP
• 📱 Connect to a PC to debug applications (for example, through Android Studio)
• ⚡ Optimize performance by disabling background processes
• 📡 Change the regional network settings (for example, to unlock) 4G-range)

It’s important to understand that settings in this menu can lead to unstable device performance or even loss of warranty, but for power users, developer mode is the key to full control of the Redmi Note 4.

Preparing a smartphone before turning on the developer mode

Before activating the hidden menu, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 meets the minimum requirements:

If your smartphone is running on custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the path to developer mode may be different, in which case, look for the About phone item in the main settings menu.

⚠️ Note: Some third-party firmware may already have the developer mode activated by default. Check for the Developer option in the main settings menu before executing the instructions.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the developer mode on Redmi Note 4

The activation process takes no more than 1 minute and consists of 5 simple steps:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device in some versions of MIUI).
3. Find the line MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row, after the first 3-4 clicks will appear pop-up notification with the countdown of the remaining taps.
4. After pressing 7, the system will display a message: “You are now a developer!”
5. Return to the main Settings menu, and a new Developer Options item will appear.

If nothing happens after 7 clicks:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try again.
• 📱 Make sure you are using the version. MIUI, not on the other lines
• 🔧 Check if Allow change of system settings in security (relevant for corporate devices) is disabled)

Where to find and how to use the Developer Menu

Once activated, the Developer section will appear in one of three locations (depending on the MIUI version):

1. In the main Settings menu (between Additional and About phone)
2. Submenu Additional. → For developers
3. Search by settings (enter “developer” in the search bar)

Inside the menu you will find more than 50 options, broken down into categories:

The most popular options for Redmi Note 4:

• 🔌 Debugging by USB — for PC connection and use ADB
• ⚡ Limiting background processes – to save battery
• 📶 Network type selection – forced inclusion 4G/LTE
• 🎮 Simulation of additional screens – for multitasking testing

⚠️ Note: Change in settings Background processes restriction can lead to missing notifications in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and email clients. The recommended value for Redmi Note 4 is no more than 2-3 processes.

Top.-5 Useful features of the developer mode for Redmi Note 4

Let’s take a look at the most practical settings that will be useful to most users:

1. Accelerating interface animation

By default, MIUI uses 1x latency animation to make the interface faster:

1. Go to For Developers → The scale of animation
2. Set the values of Windows animation, transition animation and animator duration at 0.5x or Off.

Effect: Apps will open instantly and scrolling will become smoother.

2. Forced 4G Enablement (LTE)

If your Redmi Note 4 is constantly switching to 3G, 4G coverage is stable.

1. Open for developers → Network → Preferred type of network
2. Select LTE Only (or LTE/3G/2G if you need compatibility)

3. debugging over USB without confirmation

To ensure that you do not confirm your PC connection every time:

1. Activate Debugging by USB in the Developer Menu
2. Below, find the item Cancel authorization debugging USB and uncheck it

4. Unlocking the alarm clock when the phone is turned off

By default, Redmi Note 4 does not wake the user if the device is turned off.

1. Turn on the alarm clock when the power is off
2. Make sure that the alarm settings set the parameter Works when the phone is turned off.

5. Optimizing the battery for gaming

To extend the battery life during gameplay:

1. Enable Limit Background Processes (maximum 3 Processes)
2. Activate Forced Use GPU-rendering for graphically loaded applications
3. Turn off transition animation in games

💡

If after the changes the smartphone began to overheat, return the settings Restricting background processes and GPU-Optimal temperature for the Redmi Note 4 under load - up to 45°C.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users face problems.

1.The "Developers" item disappeared after the MIUI update

The reason could be a reset after the update.

• Repeat the activation procedure (7 taps according to the MIUI version)
• Check if the item is hidden in the menu
• If it doesn’t help, reset your settings through Settings → Additional → Resetting (app data will be saved)

2. USB debugging doesn't work

The problem is often with the lack of drivers on the PC.

• 🖥️ Whether Mi is installed PC Suite or drivers ADB (Download from the official Xiaomi website)
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (original from Redmi Note 4)
• 🔄 Switch the connection mode to File Transfer (MTP) notice-curtain

3.The smartphone overheats after changes to the developer menu

Overheating occurs due to:

• ⚡ Activation Do not turn off the screen when charging
• 🔧 On-line. GPU-rendering for all applications
• 📡 Enforcement of use LTE low-light

Solution: Return settings to the original state and disable unnecessary options.

4. no changes are saved to the developer menu

It's because of:

• 🔒 Corporate policy restrictions (if the phone is issued by the employer)
• 🛠️ Incorrect access rights (relevant to rooted devices)
• 📱 Cache failure settings

Try clearing the Settings app cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Find the settings (cog icon)
3. Select Clear the cache and restart the device

💡

If after all the manipulations, the developer menu never appeared, check the integrity of system files through Settings → Additional → Diagnostic → System Check. In extreme cases, you may need to flash the device.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions