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

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but even years after its release, its capabilities can be expanded thanks to hidden settings. The developer mode gives access to dozens of additional options, from performance optimization to fine-tuning animations and debugging applications. However, many users do not know how to activate it, or are afraid of accidentally disrupting the system.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide to all versions of MIUI (including global and Chinese firmware), and understand why this mode is even needed, how to avoid typical errors when you turn on, what settings should be changed first, and what to do if the mode suddenly disappears after an update.

If you want to speed up your smartphone, connect ADB for deep customization or just experiment with the system, this is the guide for you. All steps are tested on the Redmi Note 4 (mido and nikel models), but will also work for other Xiaomi devices based on MIUI 8-14.

What is a developer mode and why it is needed

Developer Mode (or Developer Mode) is a hidden Android settings section designed to test and debug apps. On Xiaomi, it also includes unique MIUI features that aren't in standard settings. Here are the main reasons to activate it:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB: necessary to connect to ADB, Fastboot or work with Android Studio.
• ⚡ Accelerating animation: Reducing the transition time between windows (good for older devices).
• 📊 Performance monitoring: displaying the load CPU, GPU and use of memory in real time.
• 🔒 Unlocking the bootloader: the first step to install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS).
• 🛠️ Resetting settings without data loss: selectively resetting cache or app settings.

On the Redmi Note 4, the developer mode is particularly useful because of hardware limitations: it can turn off background activity of unnecessary system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music), which saves battery power, and it also hides settings for calibrating the sensor (if the screen does not respond well to touch) and optimizing the network (for example, forced transition to 4G instead of 3G).

However, not all functions are equally secure, for example, changing the Dalvik VM settings or disabling MIUI Optimization can cause the system to run in an unstable way, and we'll come back to this in the Risks section.

Preparation: checking the version of MIUI and smartphone model

Before activating developer mode, it’s important to make sure your Redmi Note 4 runs on a supported version of MIUI, which not only affects the on-boarding process, but also the functionality available.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to MIUI version. Remember the number (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.3).
3. Tap 5-7 times on the line "Device model" (for example, Redmi Note 4 or mido). If you see the word "You are now a developer!" - the model is correctly defined.

The Redmi Note 4 has two major modifications:

If you have a nikel model, consider that it is harder to unlock the bootloader, and some features of the developer mode may not be available, and check if the device has antirollback protection (if so, do not update via Fastboot!).

Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on the developer mode

The activation process is the same for all versions of MIUI, but may vary slightly depending on the location of the firmware. Follow the instructions carefully - if you skip the step, the mode will not turn on.

1. Open the settings: go to Settings → About the phone.
2. Find the MIUI version: tap 7 times in a row on the line MIUI Version. After 3-4 taps, a countdown will appear (for example, 4 taps remain).
3. Confirmation: After the 7th tap, you will see a notification You are now a developer! or Developer mode has been enabled.
4. Search for a new section: go back to the main Settings menu. → For developers (or additional settings) → Developer options).

If the section doesn't appear:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📱 Check if the item is hidden in the search for settings (enter the developer in the search bar).
• 🔧 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (sometimes bugs interfere with activation).

On Chinese firmware (China ROM), the path may be different: Settings → Advanced Settings → Developer. If you have Xiaomi.eu or custom firmware, the section is usually called Developer options and is at the bottom of the settings menu.

The main settings of the developer mode: what can be changed

Once activated, you will have access to dozens of settings, we will analyze only the most useful and safe for Redmi Note 4, and also warn about those that are better not to touch.

🔹 Safe settings (recommended)

• 📱 Debugging by USB: Turn it on if you plan to connect to a PC for firmware or debugging. → Debugging by USB.
• ⚡ Window/transition animation: scale down to 0.5x To speed up the interface. → Scale of animation.
• 🔄 Do not turn off the screen while charging: useful for testing or watching videos. → Stay on.
• 📊 Show the download. CPU: It shows the CPU usage schedule in the notification panel. → Show the download. CPU.

⚠️ Dangerous settings (for experienced only)

• 🚫 Turn off optimization MIUI: It can lead to lags and overheating. → Turn off optimization MIUI.
• ⚠️ Change the size of Dalvik VM: The wrong values will cause app failures. → Dalvik heap size.
• 🔥 Allow fictitious locations: could disrupt Google services.Path: For developers → Fake locations.

💡

On the Redmi Note 4 with Snapdragon 625 processor, it is strongly recommended not to disable MIUI Optimization - this will lead to constant reboots!

Pay special attention to the Network section in the developer settings.

• 📶 Forced to turn on 4G (If the network is constantly switching to 3G).
• 🔗 Disable autoconnection to open Wi-Fi (good for security).
• 📡 Enable modem modem to test Internet speed.

If you're not sure what the setting is, don't change it. Many of the settings in developer mode don't have a description, and changing them can lead to bootloop or data loss.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after the developer mode is successfully activated, Redmi Note 4 users face challenges, and let’s look at some of the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.Developer Mode Disappears After Update

This is standard MIUI behavior: after major updates, the system settings are reset to return the mode:

1. Again, tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
2. If the partition does not appear, reset the application settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Reset the settings.

2. USB debugging doesn't work

The problem is usually related to drivers or MIUI locks:

• 🖥️ Set up Mi. PC Suite on the computer.
• 🔑 Turn on Unlock. OEM In the developer settings (if you plan to firmware).
• 🔄 Reconnect the cable by selecting File Transfer Mode (MTP).

3.The smartphone overheats after changes

This happens if you have disabled MIUI Optimization or changed the settings of the Dalvik VM.

1. Open it to the developers.
2. Find the problem setting and reset it (or turn on MIUI Optimization back).
3. Reset the device.

💡

If after changes in the developer mode, the smartphone began to slow down, reset the cache: Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Cash.

4. Changes do not persist

Sometimes MIUI resets the developer's settings after a reboot.

• 🔧 Include Settings Protection in For Developers → Protection of settings.
• 🔒 Set a screen lock password (without it, some parameters are not saved).

⚠️ Note: If you have enabled Unlocking OEM For the firmware, but you change your mind, turn it off again, and this option reduces the security of the device, because it allows you to bypass the bootloader protection.

How to turn off the developer mode

If you no longer need additional settings, the developer mode can be deactivated, which is also useful for security, as it disables potentially dangerous features (such as ADB or OEM Unlock).

Method 1 (soft):

1. Open the settings → Additional → for developers.
2. In the upper right corner, press the switch (it will turn gray).
3. Confirm the blackout.

Method 2 (full reset):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap it on. ⋮ → Reset the settings.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

Once disabled, the Developer section will disappear from the settings menu. To return it, you will have to tap the MIUI version again. Note: some settings (such as USB Debugging) are also reset after you turn off the developer mode.

⚠️ Note: If you have disabled the developer mode, but activated Unlock before that OEM, To deactivate it, turn on the developer mode again and manually turn off the option.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions