Developer mode on Xiaomi devices is a hidden toolbar that gives you access to advanced system settings. Without it, you can not unlock the bootloader, change performance parameters or test new Android features. But how to activate it if there is no such option in the standard menu? This guide will help you understand the process for Xiaomi smartphones, tablets and TVs, including models on MIUI and HyperOS.
It's important to understand that enabling developer mode doesn't require root rights or special knowledge -- just a few steps in settings are enough. However, some features available after activation can affect the stability of the device, such as changing the system animation or disabling application signature verification.
In this article, we will look at:
- 📱 Step-by-step instructions for smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO on MIUI HyperOS
- 📺 Features of the inclusion of the developer mode on Mi TVs TV Xiaomi TV
- ⚙️ The most useful features that become available after activation
- ⚠️ Possible risks and how to avoid them
Why the Developer Mode is Hidden by Default
Xiaomi, like other Android-based vendors, hides the developer mode to protect users from accidental changes that could disrupt the system, because many of the options on this menu are designed to test and debug applications, not for everyday use.
- 🔧 Debugging by USB — It allows you to connect a device to a computer for development, but at the same time opens up potential vulnerabilities for malware.
- 📊 Process statistics – shows detailed information about the operation of applications, but can confuse the inexperienced user.
- 🔄 Dalvik cache reset – speeds up the system after updates, but if used incorrectly leads to crashes.
However, without a developer mode, many useful actions cannot be performed:
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (bootloader) for installing custom firmware.
- 🎮 Activate Game Performance Mode to Reduce Delays.
- 📱 Enable the display of touches on the screen (useful for creating screencasts).
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi devices will be alerted to potential risks when they activate the developer mode, and you can ignore it, but remember: change settings. OEM Unlock or USB Debugging may cause data reset in next update MIUI.
How to turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones
The activation process is the same for most devices on MIUI 12/13/14 and the new HyperOS. The only difference is the location of some menu items.
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (Device Information may be called on HyperOS).
- Find the MIUI Version (or HyperOS Version) string and click on it 7 times in a row.
- After the seventh press, a notification will appear: “You are now a developer!”
If you are unable to activate the mode:
- 🔄 Make sure you are clicking on the Version. MIUI/HyperOS, not on the other lines.
- 📱 In some models (for example, POCO F5) You may need to enter a password or pattern lock.
- 🔧 If nothing happens after 7 clicks, check if there are restrictions in the Settings. → Special facilities → Simplified regime.
Check the battery power (minimum 30%)
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network
Remember the password from your Mi Account (may be required to unlock)
Shut down. VPN (Sometimes it interferes with the definition of the firmware version)-->
After successful activation, a new section will appear in the main Settings menu - For Developers (or Developer options in English firmware), on HyperOS, it can be located in the submenu Additional.
Activation of the developer mode on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Xiaomi TV)
On Xiaomi TVs, the process of turning on developer mode is slightly different from smartphones, due to the features of PatchWall firmware, which is used in Mi TV and Xiaomi TV.
- Turn on the TV and go to Settings (button with a gear on the remote).
- Select the About TV section (or About in English).
- Find the Android TV version bar and click on it 5-7 times using the central remote button.
- A message will appear: "Developer Mode is on."
If this method doesn’t work on your TV, try an alternative method via ADB (requires a computer connection):
adb shell setprop persist.sys.developer_mode 1
adb shell setprop persist.sys.adb_debug 1Once activated, the Developer section will appear in the main settings menu. On Xiaomi TVs, you can:
- 🖥️ Enable debugging on USB third-party.
- 🔄 Change the color reproduction mode (for example, activate) HDR10+ supported).
- 📡 Set up network settings to optimize streaming.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware enable debugging USB This option may result in automatic system updates that sometimes reset settings.
Smartphone (Redmi/POCO/Xiaomi)
Television (Mi TV/Xiaomi TV)
Tablet (Mi Pad)
Smart watch or bracelet
Other-->
The most useful features of the developer mode on Xiaomi
Once you activate the developer mode, you get access to dozens of hidden settings, and we've selected the most useful ones that most users will find useful:
| Function | What do you need? | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| USB debugging | Connect to a PC to install APK, unlock the bootloader | Turn it on only when necessary and turn it off after use |
| Unlocking the OEM | Allows unlocking of the bootloader for custom firmware | Requires an account binding Mi. Data reset after unlocking is mandatory! |
| Keep the screen down. | The screen remains on when charging. | Useful for reviewing instructions or testing |
| GPU-acceleration | Forced use of GPUs for 2D rendering | It can speed up the interface but increases heat |
| Limit of background processes | Limiting the number of working applications | Set a "Standard Limit" to Save Battery |
Some functions require additional explanation:
- 🔋 Animation of windows / transitions - reducing the value to 0.5x Speeds up the interface, but can cause visual artifacts.
- 📡 Aggressive Wi-Fi switching – improves connection stability but increases battery consumption.
- 🔊 Absolute volume – removes volume restrictions on Bluetooth devices (caution: risk of damaging speakers!).
What if the developer mode disappears after the update?
Risks and how to avoid them
Despite its usefulness, the developer mode harbors several dangers worth knowing about:
- Security vulnerabilities: Debugging over USB opens up access to the system through a computer. If you connect the device to a public PC (for example, in an Internet cafe), attackers can steal data.
- Unstable operation: Changing GPU settings or limiting background processes can lead to application crashes.
- Data Reset: On some devices, enabling OEM Unlock will automatically reset the next update.
To minimize the risks:
- 🔒 Turn off the debugging. USB after-use.
- 📱 Do not change settings that you do not know the purpose of (e.g. persist.sys.ui.hw).
- 🔄 Before experimenting, back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices, some developer mode features may work differently than on MIUI. For example, the inclusion of Force 4x MSAA (Anti-aliasing in games on new firmware sometimes leads to graphic artifacts. Before activating, check the reviews about your model in forums (for example, before activating, 4PDA or XDA Developers).
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you activate the developer mode, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No notification after 7 clicks | Simplified mode or restrictions of the administrator | Check the settings → Special features |
| The "Developers" section disappeared after the update | Resetting system settings | Repeat activation or reset settings |
| You can't turn on "OEM Unlock" | The device is tied to the Mi Account | Wait 7 days after the account is linked |
| USB debugging doesn't work | Outdated ADB drivers on PC | Update your Mi PC Suite or install Minimal ADB |
If you have an error that is not in the table:
- 🔍 Check the firmware version in Settings → The phone.
- 🌐 Search for a solution on the official Xiaomi forum (c.mi.com) or 4PDA.
- 📱 Try resetting your settings through Settings → System system → Resetting (select "Resetting" rather than "Delete all data").
💡
If you need to temporarily disable developer mode (for example, before selling a device), just reset the settings through Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting. This will delete the For Developers section without losing data.
Conclusion: when to turn on the developer mode
Developer mode on Xiaomi devices is a powerful tool, but you need to use it with caution.
- 🔓 You plan to unlock the bootloader for installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- 🎮 Want to optimize performance in games (for example, through Force) GPU Rendering).
- 📱 You need to test the application or connect to Android Studio.
- 🔧 You need to change the hidden network settings (e.g., Preferred network type for the network). 4G/5G).
If you're a regular user who doesn't plan to go deep, you don't have to turn on the developer mode, and many of the features on this menu are duplicated in the standard MIUI or HyperOS settings, but are presented in a more secure way.
💡
Developer mode does not give root rights or violate Xiaomi’s warranty, but misuse of certain features (such as unlocking the bootloader) can lead to a loss of warranty.