How to go to the developer settings on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

Developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones gives access to hidden settings that the manufacturer hides from ordinary users. Here you can speed up the interface animation, turn on USB- debugging to work with ADB, change graphics settings or even overclock the processor. But how to get there if the default menu item is hidden?

Many users have a problem: there is no “Developers” section in the settings, although it is mentioned in the instructions, because Xiaomi specifically hides this section to prevent accidental changes in parameters that can lead to unstable operation of the device, but you can activate it in a few seconds, the main thing is to know the correct sequence of actions.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to enable developer mode on different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), including features for specific models, and you’ll also learn which settings can be safely changed and which should not be touched, so as not to turn a smartphone into a “brick”.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t have default developer settings

The manufacturer hides this section for a reason. The developer mode is designed to:

• 🔧 Software Testing – Xiaomi engineers and third-party developers use it to debug applications and firmware.
• ⚡ Performance optimization – here you can turn off background activity of system processes or change the rendering parameters.
• 🔓 bootloader Unlocking – without USB- debugging, you can’t get root rights or flash custom recovery.

However, incorrect settings can lead to:

• 🐢 Slowing down the interface (e.g., if hardware graphics acceleration is turned off).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (when forced GPU rendering).
• 💥 Complete device failure (if you change the kernel settings or overclock the processor without knowing the case).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO F3) after activation of the developer mode, a warning about “uncertified device” may appear in the settings of Google Play. It’s not a mistake – just turn off the option. OEM Unlock after completion of the work.

Interesting fact: In the early versions of MIUI (up to 8th), the developer mode was available by default, but after mass complaints about broken phones after users' experiments, the company decided to hide it.

Method 1: Standard About Phone Activation (MIUI 12/13/14)

This is a universal method that works on 99% of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices regardless of the model and firmware version.

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra (MIUI 14)
• 📱 Redmi Note 12/12 Pro+/12T (MIUI 13/14)
• 📱 POCO F5/F4/X5 Pro (MIUI 14 for POCO)
• 📱 Budget models: Redmi A2/A2+/10A (MIUI 12)

Steps to include:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (on some models – About Device).
3. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row.
4. After 3-4 clicks, a pop-up window will appear with the countdown: “There are 4 clicks left to become a developer.”
5. After pressing 7, the system will display a notification: “You became a developer!”

Press "Back" in the settings|Scroll up and find a new section for developers"|Open it - if you see the slider "Enable", then it worked.|Restart your phone to apply changes-->

Some firmware (such as the global version for Redmi Note 11) may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account after activation, which is an additional protection against accidental activation of the mode.

⚠️ Warning: If nothing happens after 7 taps, check: Is there a baby shell installed (e.g. Mi Kids Mode), is the settings section blocked by the device administrator (relevant for corporate phones), is there a custom firmware without support for MIUI- feature (e.g. LineageOS).

Method 2: Alternative method via "Advanced" (for older versions of MIUI)

If the standard method didn’t work (e.g., on Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 with pure Android or on devices with MIUI 9/10), try this algorithm:

1. Open the Settings. → System system → Additionally.
2. Find the About Phone item (may be called Phone Information).
3. Tap 7 times on the line Build Number (not MIUI!).
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if required.

Differences from the first method:

If both methods failed, you may have modified firmware installed on your device (e.g. Xiaomi.EU or Pixel Experience), in which case the path to the developer’s settings may be different – read on.

MIUI 14 (newest) |MIUI 13|MIUI 12|MIUI 11 or older |I don't know/don't remember-->

Method 3: For custom firmware devices (Xiaomi.EU, LineageOS)

If you have flashed an alternative firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU, LineageOS or ArrowOS), the standard methods may not work.

For Xiaomi.EU:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 10 times on the MIUI logo (not the version!).
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account if required.

For LineageOS/Pixel Experience:

1. Open the settings → System → About the phone.
2. Find the Build Number and click on it 7 times.
3. In some assemblies, you may need to enter a command via ADB: adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1

On some custom firmware (like Havoc-OS), the developer section may be called Developer Options and be in the main settings menu. If you don't find it, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

Where to look for developer parameters after activation

Once activated successfully, the partition can be “hidden” in different locations depending on the MIUI version:

MIUI 14 (2023-2026):

• 📌 Main settings menu → Additional settings → For developers.
• 🔍 Or search by settings: type "developer."

MIUI 12/13:

• 📌 Settings → About Phone → Additional settings → For developers.
• 🔍 Or: Settings → Search → “Developer Mode.”

Old versions (MIUI 9–11):

• 📌 Settings → Advanced settings → For developers.

If a partition is found, but when you open the message "Developer Options disabled", move the slider to the "On" position at the top of the screen.

💡

On some models (e.g., the POCO X3 NFC), the Developer section can be duplicated in two places: in additional settings and in the main menu, and changes made in one section automatically apply to the second.

What developer settings can be changed without risk

Not all settings in developer mode are equally useful, but here are some safe options you can turn on to improve your smartphone experience:

• ⚡ USB- Debugging – required to work with ADB, to run through the Mi Flash Tool or to gain root rights.
• 🔄 Do not turn off the screen while charging - convenient for watching videos or using as an alarm clock.
• 🎮 Enable Forced GPU rendering — speeds up rendering of graphics in games (but can increase battery consumption).
• 📱 Allow secondary display imitation is useful for streamers or when using Xiaomi as a webcam.
• 🔊 Turn off absolute volume – fixes the sound problems in Bluetooth headphones.

Here are some dangerous settings that you should not touch without need:

• 💀 Background process restriction – may result in application crashes.
• ⚠️ Rescaling animation (installation 0.5x) — speeds up the interface, but can cause glitches.
• 🔥 Overclocking/undervolting CPU — the risk of overheating or unstable operation.
• 🚫 Disabling the MIUI check makes the device vulnerable to malware.

💡

The most useful option for ordinary users is USB- debugging, which allows you to install APK via ADB, backup data, and even restore bricks through Fastboot, but remember to disable it after use to avoid vulnerabilities.

On models with AMOLED- screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F4 GT) in the developer parameters, you can enable DC Dimming - this reduces the screen flicker at low brightness, but can affect color reproduction.

How to disable the developer settings on Xiaomi

If you don't need a developer mode anymore, you can deactivate it.

Method 1: Through settings

1. Open the Settings. → For developers.
2. At the top of the screen, move the slider to the off position.
3. Confirm the action (a password may be required).

Method 2: Reset settings (if the first method did not work)

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Choose Reset all settings (not to be confused with Reset to factory!).
3. Confirm the reset – this will remove all user settings, including the developer mode.

Method 3: Through ADB (for advanced users)

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0


adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 0

⚠️ Warning: Some devices (e.g., Redmi K50 Gaming) may not have access to unlock the bootloader after deactivating the developer mode. If you plan to get root or flash TWRP, don't deactivate this mode!

Frequent problems and their solutions

Problem 1: I click on the MIUI version, but nothing happens.

Decision:

• Check if the child shell is installed (turn it off in the account settings).
• Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → System Update.
• If you use corporate policy (for example, on your work phone), contact your administrator.

Problem 2: The section "For developers" appeared, but when you open it says "Settings are disabled".

Decision:

• Reset the device.
• Check if there are restrictions in place through Digital Wellbeing (Settings → Digital Wellbeing).
• Reset the Settings app settings through Settings → Apps → Application Management → Settings → Storage → Clear the data.

Problem 3: After activating the developer mode, the mobile Internet disappeared.

Decision:

• Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• Select your SIM- card and switch Network Type to 4G (recommended).
• If it does not help, disable the option to Disable mobile data when roaming in the developer settings.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

1. Settings → Connections and Sharing → Network Reset.
2. Confirm the reset and restart the device.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions