Developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi: how to turn it on and why it is needed

Developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a hidden feature that allows you to access advanced system settings, which can optimize performance, test new features or even unlock additional features that are not available in the standard MIUI. But how to activate it if there is no corresponding item in the settings menu?

In this article, you will find a step-by-step illustration guide that is relevant to all modern Redmi models (from Redmi Note 10 to Redmi 13C), and understand the risks and benefits of this mode, we have taken into account all the nuances of different firmware versions — from MIUI 12 to HyperOS — so you can turn on the developer mode the first time without errors.

What is a developer mode and why it is needed

Developer Mode is a special section of Android settings designed for testing and debugging applications. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is hidden by default, since most users do not need its functions. However, for experienced users, this mode offers a wide range of opportunities:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB — Connection to a computer to work with ADB (For example, to unlock the loader or install custom firmware).
• 📱 Animation management – speeding up or disabling system transitions to improve performance.
• 🔄 Background processes – limiting the number of running applications to save battery power.
• 🛠️ Simulation of location - change GPS-coordinates without physical movement (useful for testing geo-dependent services).
• 📡 Network settings - forced inclusion 4G/5G change in the type of network.

It is important to understand that some features of the developer mode can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone if you use them without understanding the consequences. For example, disabling important system processes or changing the parameters of the kernel can cause failures or even a “brick” of the device.

⚠️ Note: If you are not sure about the purpose of a particular option, it is better to leave it unchanged, OEM Unlock can reset the device’s protection and make it vulnerable to attacks.

Preparing a smartphone before turning on the developer mode

Before you activate the developer mode, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi is ready for this:

1. Check out the MIUI version. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have HyperOS, the path may be slightly different: Settings → About Phone → Software information.
2. Update your firmware. Outdated versions may contain bugs that prevent you from turning on mode. Update through Settings → Update system.
3. Remove the lock if you have a pattern lock installed or PIN-code, remember it – some developer features require unlock confirmation.
4. Connect to Wi-Fi. This is not necessary, but is recommended, as some options (such as Wireless ADB) require a stable internet connection.

Also make sure there is enough free space on the device – some developer mode operations (such as creating logs) may take up extra space.

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

The developer mode activation algorithm is the same for most Redmi models, but may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to About Phone, and on some devices it may be called About Device or Phone Information.
3. Find the MIUI Version (or HyperOS Version) option and press it 7 times in a row with no more than 1 second between clicks.
4. Confirm the action. After a few clicks, a notification will appear: "You're almost there! There are no clicks left." Continue until you see the message "You're a developer!"
5. Go back to the main Settings menu, and a new section will appear, "Developers" (or "More"). → For developers in HyperOS).

If nothing happens after 7 taps, check:

• 🔹 You're clicking on "Version." MIUI", not other items (e.g., "Device model").
• 🔹 The interval between the presses is not too long. Try pressing faster.
• 🔹 There are no restrictions from the administrator on the device (e.g., corporate policies).

Where is the developer menu after activation?

Once activated successfully, the Developer Form section may be located in different locations depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS.

If you can’t find a section, search by settings: open “Settings” and type “developer” or “developer” in the search bar.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially Chinese) may have the developer menu hidden even after activation, in which case try resetting to factory settings or updating the software.

The main functions of the developer mode: what can be configured

Once you open the Developer Menu, you'll have access to dozens of options, and let's look at the most useful and safe ones:

1. USB Debugging (USB Debugging)

It allows you to connect your smartphone to your computer to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

• 🖥️ Install custom firmware through fastboot.
• 🔓 Unlock the loader (OEM Unlock).
• 📱 Transfer of data between devices.

To include:

1. Activate the "Debugging by USB" switch.
2. Confirm the debugging permission when connecting to the PC.

Permission OEM-unlock (OEM Unlocking)

This option allows you to unlock the bootloader to install unofficial firmware, only enable it if you plan on custom firmware!

• 🔓 The smartphone will become less secure.
• 📵 Some banking applications may stop working.
• 🔄 When you reset the settings, unlock will reset.

3. Animation of windows and transitions

If the smartphone is slow, you can speed it up by turning off or reducing the animations:

• 🎞️ "The scale of the animation of windows - set 0.5x or "Off.".
• ⚡ "Transition animation scale – reduces delays when opening applications.
• 🔄 "Duration of animation" - affects the smoothness of system transitions.

💡

If the interface becomes less responsive after disabling animation, return the settings to the default values (1x).

Background processes

Limiting the number of applications working in the background will help save battery power:

• 🔋 "Background Process Limit – Set a “Maximum 2 Process” for maximum savings.
• ⚠️ But keep in mind that some apps (messaging, mail) may stop updating in the background.

5. Location simulation

Allows you to switch GPS-coordinates without real movement:

• 📍 Testing of geo-dependent applications (e.g, Pokémon GO).
• 🌍 Bypassing regional restrictions in services.

To include:

1. Select "Mok Location".
2. Install a simulation app (such as Fake GPS Location).

💡

Not all apps support wet location, and some (e.g., banking) can block an account if they detect a coordinate swap.

What to do if the developer mode disappears after the update

Sometimes, after a MIUI or HyperOS update, the developer menu disappears, and this happens because you reset the hidden settings to get it back.

1. Repeat activation. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press again 7 times.
2. Check the reset settings. If you reset to factory settings, the developer mode turns off automatically.
3. Update the firmware. In some cases, bugs are fixed in the next versions of MIUI.
4. Use it. ADB. If the menu does not appear, you can try to turn it on using the command: adb shell settings put global. development_settings_enabled 1 (requires a connection to the PC and enabled debugging USB).

If nothing works, contact Xiaomi for support or look for a solution on forums (like 4PDA or XDA Developers).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially Chinese) may have a system-level lock on the developer mode, in which case only a global flashing will help. MIUI.

Security: What developer settings are best not to touch

While the developer mode is useful, some of its features can harm the device or disrupt its stability, and this is not recommended without a clear understanding of the consequences:

• 🚫 "Do not turn off the screen while charging" - can cause the battery to overheat.
• 🚫 "Turn off the absolute volume level – disrupts the sound balance in Bluetooth devices.
• 🚫 "Enable Strict Mode" - flashing screen notifies of long operations, but can be annoying.
• 🚫 "Change the size of the magazine buffer" - increasing the value will fill the memory with logs.
• 🚫 "Disable App Authentication" - Makes the device vulnerable to malware.

Also, avoid changes in sections:

• 🔧 "Network settings (may disrupt mobile internet).
• 🔄 "Execution time settings" (affects performance).
• 📡 "Wi-Fi settings (incorrect settings will cause connection problems).

If you accidentally changed the critical setting and the smartphone started to work unstable, try:

1. Return the parameter to the default value (usually there is a Reset button next to the setting).
2. Reset the device.
3. In extreme cases, reset your settings to factory (but this will delete all the data!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi