How to log into the developer menu on Xiaomi devices: all ways

Developer mode on Xiaomi devices is a hidden settings section that allows access to advanced system functions. It is necessary for debugging applications, overclocking the processor, changing interface animations or testing new MIUI features. However, by default this section is hidden to prevent accidental changes in parameters that can disrupt the stability of the gadget.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate the developer menu on Redmi smartphones, POCO and Mi, as well as on Xiaomi TVs TV Android TV. You will learn not only the standard way of inclusion, but also alternative methods for devices with non-standard firmware or trimmed settings. ADB, which allow you to unlock the developer mode even in case of system failures.

Why you need a developer mode on Xiaomi

Many users mistakenly believe that the developer menu is only for programmers, but it is also useful for ordinary Xiaomi device owners, and these are the main reasons for activating it:

• 🔧 Speed up the interface: You can disable or reduce the animation of transitions between windows, making the smartphone more responsive.
• 📱 Unlocking the bootloader: the first step to install custom firmware or obtain root rights.
• 🔄 Forced screen resolution change: useful for testing applications or adapting the interface to large displays.
• 📡 Debugging by USB: mandatory point of connection to ADB or Fastboot.
• 🔋 Battery charge control: enabling a percentage display of charge level or limiting maximum charge to extend battery life.

On Xiaomi Mi TV or Redmi Smart TV, the developer mode allows:

• 🖥️ Install applications from third-party sources (APK), not available on Google Play.
• 🎮 Connect gamepads or keyboards for games through emulators.
• 🔊 Customize sound effects at the system level, not just in applications.

⚠️ Attention: Changing the settings in the developer menu can lead to unstable device operation, overheating or rapid battery discharge. For example, turning off background restriction will increase energy consumption, and overclocking the processor will increase the temperature of the chip.

The standard way to include on Xiaomi smartphones

On most MIUI devices (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11), the activation algorithm is the same.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to About Phone (usually at the bottom of the list).
3. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row.
4. After the notification “You became a developer!” return to the main settings menu.

Now, a new item will appear in the Additional (or System and Device → Additional on new versions) section, For Developers. In some firmware, it may be called Developer Settings.

Check the battery power (minimum 30%)

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network

Close all background applications

Backup of important data-->

If nothing happens after 7 taps, check:

• 🔹 Are you correct in the version of the MIUI, not in the model of the device.
• 🔹 Do not lock the screen (sometimes the system requires you to enter the screen) PIN graphical).
• 🔹 Is the firmware updated to the latest version (on older versions) MIUI It may take up to 10 taps).

Redmi (Note/Pro series)

POCO (F/X/M)

Mi (flagship series)

Black Shark (Gaming Smartphones)

Another model-->

Activation on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi TV)

On Xiaomi TVs, the process of turning on developer mode is different from smartphones. It uses a combination of buttons on the remote or a sequence of actions in the menu. The instructions are suitable for Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Redmi Smart TV X and others based on Android TV.

Method 1: Through system settings

1. Open the Settings (button with a gear on the remote).
2. Go to About the device. → Information on POs.
3. Find the Build Number string and highlight it (don't press OK).
4. Press the OK button 7 times on the remote.

Method 2: Button combination (for older models)

Some TVs (such as Mi TV 3) need to:

1. Press the Menu + Volume Down buttons on the remote at the same time.
2. Hold them for 5-10 seconds until the service settings menu appears.

Once activated successfully, the Developer section will appear mainly in the settings menu, often hidden under Preference or System on TVs.

Alternative activation methods (ADB, Fastboot)

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to a firmware failure or manufacturer restrictions), you can turn on the developer mode via the ADB (This method requires a computer and USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC in File Transfer mode.
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the adb folder and type:

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear).

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1


adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings

After these commands are executed, the developer menu will open automatically. If there is a device unauthorized error, check the USB debugging permission in the smartphone notifications.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB To change system settings can lead to soft-brick (the device does not boot, but responds to the connection to the PC).Always check commands before execution and create backups through adb backup.

What to do if the developer menu disappears after the update

Sometimes, after the MIUI update, the Developer section disappears from the settings, because the system drops some flags when you install a new firmware, and you can solve the problem in two ways:

Method 1: Re-activation

Just repeat the procedure with 7 taps on the MIUI Version. Usually this is enough to make the partition appear again.

Method 2: Resetting through ADB

If the re-activation does not work, follow the command line:

adb shell settings delete global development_settings_enabled


adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1

Method 3: Manually run through Activity

On some versions of MIUI, a direct command is used:

adb shell am start -a android.settings.DEVELOPMENT_SETTINGS

💡

If after the update, not only the developer settings, but also other sections (for example, Special features) are missing, try resetting the Settings app cache through Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.

Useful settings in the developer menu for Xiaomi

Once you successfully activate the developer mode, you will have access to dozens of hidden settings, and we have selected the most useful ones for everyday use:

• 🔄 Limit background processes: Set a process maximum 2 value to increase battery life (but some applications will reboot more often).
• 📱 Do not turn off the screen while charging: Useful for watching videos or using a navigator in the car.
• 🔧 Enable debugging on USB: Definitely working with ADB or Fastboot.
• 🎨 Forced activation GPU-Acceleration: May improve performance in games, but increase energy consumption.
• 🔊 Turn off absolute volume: Allows you to independently adjust media volume and notifications when connecting Bluetooth headphones.

On Xiaomi TVs, the following are particularly in demand:

• 🖥️ Installation of unknown sources: For installation APK-files (such as Kodi or Stremio).
• 🔍 Enables network debugging mode: Allows you to control the TV through ADB Wi-Fi without cable connection.
• 🎮 Mouse key emulation: Convenient for playing or working with emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP).

💡

Changing the setting of Windows animation to Disabled or 0.5x visually speeds up the interface, but does not affect the actual performance of the processor.

Security and Risks in Using the Developer Mode

Despite the obvious advantages, the developer menu has several dangers:

1. System Unstable: Changing the parameters of the kernel or graphics accelerator can lead to bootloop (infinite reboot).
2. Security vulnerabilities: The enabled USB debugging allows attackers to access device data when connecting to an infected PC.
3. Loss of warranty: Some Xiaomi service centers may refuse warranty repairs if they detect signs of system changes.

To minimize the risks:

• 🔹 Turn off the debugging. USB, when she's not needed.
• 🔹 Do not change settings that you do not know the purpose of (e.g. persist.sys.ui.hw).
• 🔹 Before experimenting, back up through Settings → System system → Backup.

On Xiaomi TVs, it is particularly dangerous:

• 🔹 Turn on Factory Verification Mode – this can reset the device to test firmware without the possibility of a return.
• 🔹 Change the parameters HDMI-CEC, If you are not sure about their purpose (this can disrupt the remote control).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the developer menu on Xiaomi