Settings for developers on Xiaomi: where to find and how to turn on

Developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a hidden settings section that gives you access to advanced debugging, performance optimization and testing functions. Without it, you can not unlock the bootloader, flash custom software or use tools like ADB. However, many users face the problem: where to look for these settings, if they are hidden by default?

In this article, we will not only show you how to turn on the developer mode on any Xiaomi device (including the models of 2023-2026), but also understand what features are available there, how to use them correctly and what risks are fraught with incorrect settings. We will also discuss the differences between the silk MIUI Global, MIUI China and HyperOS – new versions of the OS from Xiaomi change the location of some menu items.

How to turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

It takes less than a minute to activate the developer mode on Xiaomi, but requires a precise follow-up. The main rule is: do not skip the steps, the system will not read incomplete actions. Here is a universal algorithm for all models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra):

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (or About Device on HyperOS).
3. Find the MIUI Version (or HyperOS Version) and tap it 7 times in a row. After 3-4 taps, a notification will appear “You are almost there!”.
4. After pressing 7, the system will show a message: “You became a developer!”

Now, a new section will appear in the main Settings menu, Additional (or Advanced Settings), where the Developer For option will be located, and on some firmware (for example, MIUI China), it may be called Developer Settings.

Stick strictly to the inscription "Version". MIUI", not all over the block.|Check if the password/pattern lock is set (without it, the mode will not turn on)|Update the firmware to the latest version|Restart the device and try again.-->

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) If nothing happens after 7 taps, try tapping the Build number, which is sometimes hidden under the additional menu.

Where to look for settings for developers after activation

Once activated successfully, the Developer Form can be hidden in different locations depending on the MIUI/HyperOS version and smartphone model.

If you don't find the section on these paths, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner). Type "developer" and the system will tell you the exact location.

MIUI Global|MIUI China|HyperOS|Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)|I don't know.-->

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A With the firmware for telecom operators), the section For developers can be blocked by the manufacturer's policies, in which case only reflashing to the global or European version will help. MIUI.

Secret codes for quick access to developer settings

Few people know, but Xiaomi has hidden USSD-codes that allow you to instantly open developer mode or check its status, and these commands work on most models, but may not be supported on HyperOS devices:

• 📱 ##4636## — Opens the Test menu with information about battery, network and usage statistics.
• 🔧 ##284## - Quick equipment test (not working on new models).
• 🔍 ##6484## - Status check MIUI and available debugging functions.
• 🚀 ##232338## - displays MAC-Wi-Fi and Bluetooth address (useful for debugging network functions).

To use the code, open the Phone app, type the combination, and press the call button. If the code doesn't work, your firmware doesn't support it. On HyperOS devices instead of using the code. USSD-codes are recommended to be used ADB-commands to access hidden functions.

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If USSD-codes do not work, try to enter them through the application "Engineer Mode", which can be downloaded from the MIUI App Store.

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

The Xiaomi Developer section contains more than 50 options, but most of them are for testing and debugging, and we have highlighted the most useful features that ordinary users will need:

• 🔄 Debugging by USB — mandatory for work with ADB, Unlock the bootloader and firmware through Fastboot.
• 📱 Allow unlocking OEM — includes the ability to unlock the loader (required for the installation of custom firmware).
• ⚡ Acceleration GPU-rendering – can improve performance in games, but increases battery consumption.
• 🖥️ Emulation of additional screens – allows you to test multitasking on devices with support MIUI Desktop Mode.
• 📡 Modem mode – activates hidden data transfer functions (useful for network diagnostics).
• 🔒 Background blocking – limits application performance in the background (saves charge, but can break notifications).

⚠️ Note: Some parameters (e.g. Inactivity when connected to the USB Or background checks, they can disrupt the stability of the system, and only change them if you know exactly what they're responsible for.

How to Reset Developer Settings to Factory

If after experimenting with the developer mode, your Xiaomi began to glittle (for example, notifications began to disappear, animations began to slow down or gestures did not work), you can return everything back in two ways:

1. Partial reset: Go to Settings → Developer → In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Reset. Confirm action.
2. Complete reset (if the first method didn’t work): Open Settings → About Phone → Reset. Select Reset all settings (does not delete files, but returns system settings to factory settings).

If the developer section disappears after reset, it will have to be activated again (7 version-press MIUI/HyperOS).

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Before resetting the developer settings, disable debugging via USB – this will prevent conflicts with devices connected via ADB.

The difference between MIUI and HyperOS: what has changed in the settings for developers

With the release of HyperOS (starting with Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70), the design of the developer’s menu has changed.

HyperOS also has new features, such as:

• 🔧 Performance optimization for gaming – allows you to manually allocate resources for specific applications.
• 📊 Monitoring of use CPU/GPU — displays load graphs in real time.
• 🔄 Quick switching between performance profiles (economic/balanced/productive).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Working with the developer mode is fraught with errors, especially if you are first encountering ADB or firmware. Here are typical problems and solutions:

⚠️ Note: If after activation of the debugging USB computer does not see the device, check if the Mi drivers are installed USB Driver (you can download from the official Xiaomi website), is the smartphone connected in file transfer mode (not Charging)? is allowed to access data on the phone itself (pop-up when you connect).

Another common mistake is not being able to enable OEM Unlock, which happens if:

• 🔒 Device is tied to Mi Account (requires uncoupling via Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• 📱 Smartphone purchased from the operator (you need to unlock the SIM-lock).
• ⏳ Less than 7 days have passed since the device was first activated (Xiaomi’s restriction on new devices).

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If the OEM unlock is inactive, try connecting to the internet via a mobile network (not Wi-Fi) and try again after 24 hours.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions