Why you need a developer mode on Xiaomi devices
Developer Mode is a hidden part of the MIUI operating system (or HyperOS in new models) that opens up access to advanced settings, which are usually hidden from the average user to prevent accidental changes that can disrupt the stability of the device. However, for enthusiasts, testers or those who want to customize their Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO more deeply, this mode becomes an indispensable tool.
It can be used to:
- 🔧 Enable debugging on USB work-in ADB custom-made;
- 🎚️ Configure interface animation (transition speed, scaling);
- 📡 Optimize network settings (e.g., force-activate VoLTE or 5G);
- 🔋 Manage background processes to save battery power.
But it's important to understand that not all options on this menu are safe. Some settings can lead to a loss of warranty if the device is damaged as a result of changing them, for example, unlocking the bootloader or changing the kernel settings requires caution.
How to turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi smartphones
The activation process is the same for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models running MIUI 12/13/14 or HyperOS. The main condition is that the device must be unlocked (not in Mi Account Lock mode).
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to About Phone (or About Device in HyperOS).
- Find the MIUI version (or HyperOS version) and tap it 7 times in a row.
- After the seventh press, a notification will appear: You have become a developer!
If the menu doesn’t appear immediately, check:
- 🔄 Reset the device;
- 📱 Make sure you don’t have a guest mode or a child mode;
- 🔒 Some firmware requires you to enter a password from Mi Account.
Check out the MIUI/HyperOS version
Make sure your phone is charged (>30%)
Disable VPN or proxy (can block access to settings)
Remember the password from Mi Account (required to unlock the bootloader)
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When activated, it will appear in the main settings list called Developer Options (or Developer Options in English), which may be hidden in the Additional section on some devices.
What to do if you can not turn on the mode?
Activation of the developer mode on Xiaomi TV and Mi Box
Xiaomi Mi TVs and Mi Box media players also support developer mode, but the process of enabling it is different, useful for installing third-party apps (like Kodi or IPTV), setting up ADB or changing screen resolution.
Instructions for Xiaomi TV (including Mi TV 4/5 Pro, Mi TV Q1/Q2):
- Open the Settings (button with a gear on the remote).
- Go to About the device. → Updating the system.
- Find a string with the firmware version (e.g. MIUI TV 2.0.123) and click on it 5 times in a row.
- You will be asked, “You are a developer!”
For the Mi Box S or Mi Box 4K:
- Go to Settings. → About the device.
- Select Version Information and click on the Assembly Number 7 times.
- Return to the main settings menu – there will be a new item for developers.
On Xiaomi TVs, the developer mode is often required to:
- 📺 Installations APK-File Commander or Send Files to File TV;
- 🎮 Connecting gamepads via Bluetooth;
- 🔌 Settings ADB over Wi-Fi for remote debugging.
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On Xiaomi TV, after activation of the developer mode, you will be able to change the standard screen resolution (for example, from 4K to 1080p for compatibility with older consoles), this is useful if the image is “cut” or not displayed correctly.
The main functions of the developer mode: what can be configured
Once you activate the mode, you will have access to dozens of hidden settings, and let’s look at the most useful and safe ones that won’t harm the device when used correctly.
| Function | What do you need? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| USB debugging | Connection to a PC to work with ADB, install custom firmware | Vulnerability to malware when connected to untrusted devices |
| Allow OEM Unblocking | Unlock the bootloader to install TWRP or LineageOS | Resetting all data and loss of warranty |
| Keep the screen down. | The screen remains on when charging (useful for presentations) | Overheating of the matrix with prolonged use |
| GPU-acceleration | Enforcement of use GPU rendering 2D-charting | Increased battery consumption and overheating |
| Limit of background processes | Limiting the number of working applications | Closing important services (for example, messengers) |
Settings are especially useful for optimizing performance:
- 🛠️ The scale of animation (setting the value) 0.5x speed up);
- 📶 Forced to turn on 4G/5G (if the network is unstable);
- 🔊 Turn off absolute volume (for proper Bluetooth headphones).
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Changing the parameters of Background Process Limits and Do Not Save Actions can lead to spontaneous closure of applications. Use these options only if you understand the consequences.
How to turn off the developer mode on Xiaomi
If you no longer need advanced settings, the developer mode can be deactivated, which is also useful for security, as some features (such as USB debugging) can be used by attackers.
Methods of shutdown:
- Through Settings: Go to Settings → Developer For. At the top of the screen, find the Developer Mode switch and turn it off.
- Reset: Go to Settings → System → Reset. Select Reset all settings (application data will be saved).
Some firmware (HyperOS) may require:
- 🔄 Reboot the device after disconnection;
- 🔒 Re-activate the Mi Account protection if it has been disabled.
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If the Developer For option is not in the settings after disabling, the reset was successful. To return it, repeat the activation procedure (7 clicks on the firmware version).
Dangerous settings: what not to touch without experience
Some of the options on the developer menu can disrupt the device or cause data loss, and we've compiled a list of the riskiest options that you shouldn't change without a clear understanding of the consequences.
⚠️ Attention: Change of parameters Selection of working time GPU or disconnect HW-Overlays can lead to graphic artifacts, overheating or even a "brick" of the device (permanent inoperability).
List of potentially hazardous functions:
- 🚨 Allow fictitious locations – can break the geolocation;
- 🚨 Disable permission check – risk of installing malware;
- 🚨 Enable Strict Mode - Blinking screen when the processor is booted;
- 🚨 Change the size VM — Incorrect values will lead to failures.
Be especially careful with:
- 🔧 Loader settings (OEM Unlocking: Unlocking without knowing the procedure can turn your phone into a brick";
- 📡 Network parameters: forced inclusion 2G Or disabling VoLTE will deprive you of communication;
- 🔋 Battery Optimization: Disabling background processes to save charge can disrupt messengers.
What if the device stopped turning on after the changes?
Developer Mode and Security: How Not to Lose Guarantee
Many users are afraid to turn on the developer mode for fear of losing the warranty. In fact, activating this menu does not cancel the warranty by itself - problems arise only when changing critical parameters or unlocking the bootloader.
What is allowed without risk:
- ✅ Enabling/disabling Debugging by USB;
- ✅ Changing the speed of animation;
- ✅ Setting the limit of background processes.
What is prohibited (will result in loss of warranty):
- ❌ Unlocking the loader (OEM Unlock);
- ❌ Installation of custom firmware (TWRP, LineageOS);
- ❌ Change the parameters of the kernel or build.prop.
⚠️ Note: If you unlock the bootloader and then contact the service center under warranty, specialists may refuse repairs, in which case only re-locking the bootloader (if the device is still switched on) will help).
How to check if the loader is blocked:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume down before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the device to the PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info
- If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the warranty is already lost.