Are you trying to connect a Xiaomi smartphone to a computer for firmware, unlocking a bootloader or debugging apps, but can't find USB debugging in the settings?This feature is hidden in the developer menu, which is disabled by default on all devices running MIUI. Even if you're an experienced user, the location of the item can vary depending on the shell version (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15) and the smartphone model - whether it's Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 or Xiaomi 14.
In this article you will find not only exact ways to debug settings for different versions. MIUI, But also solving the typical problems: why the computer can't see the device, how to get around Mi Unlock locking, and what to do if the debugging itself shuts down after the reboot. MIUI 14 on Android 13, which is why ADB-Teams may not work without prior setup USB-configuration.
1. How to open a developer menu on Xiaomi (Redmi/POCO)
Before you look for USB debugging, you need to activate the developer mode. This process is the same for all Xiaomi models, but there are nuances for older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5).
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to About Phone (on some models – About the device).
- Find the MIUI version string and tap it 7 times in a row.
- After the notification appears, you become a developer! return to the main settings menu.
Nana MIUI 14+ You may need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-If nothing happens after 7 clicks, check:
- 🔹 Mi Account – the device must be linked to the Xiaomi account (otherwise the system will block access).
- 🔹 Updates – on some firmware (e.g. Redmi) 9A s MIUI 12.0.8) must first be updated.
- 🔹 Region – if the smartphone is purchased in China, the developer menu can be called (use translator).
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If the Developer Mode is activated, the For Developers item does not appear in the settings, try clearing the Settings app cache through Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Where is the USB debugging in MIUI (Step-by-step for all versions)
Once you activate the developer mode, find the new section in the settings, and its location depends on the version of MIUI:
| MIUI version | The Way to Debugging on USB | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–12.5 | Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB | You may need to scroll down – the item is hidden under other options. |
| MIUI 13–14 | Settings → About the phone → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB | On some models (POCO X5), the section is called Advanced Settings. |
| MIUI 15 (Android 14) | Settings → System → For developers → Debugging by USB | Added permit check USB-configuration (see section 4). |
| Global ROM (any version) | Settings → Additional settings → Developer options → USB debugging | In English, the names of the menu may differ. |
Turn on the USB debugging switch and confirm the action in the window that appears. If the gray item is inactive, then:
- 🔌 USB-The cable is faulty – try another one (original from Xiaomi or certified) USB-C).
- 🖥️ No drivers. ADB — Install official drivers from Google.
- 🔒 Lockdown OEM — Some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) require additional unlocking. OEM same-menu.
3.Why the computer can't see Xiaomi when debugging is enabled
You've enabled USB debugging, but you can't detect your smartphone when you connect to your PC, and this problem occurs 60 percent of the time, and it's related to:
⚠️ Attention: On Windows 10/11 Often unsigned drivers are protected. Before connecting, disable the driver digital signature verification via Run → shutdown /r /o → Diagnostics → Additional parameters → Loading parameters → Reboot. → F7.
Check the following points:
- USB Connection Mode: When you first connect in the notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP) or Charging Only – debugging does not work in Camera (PTP) mode.
- ADB-Server: Make sure that the PC is running ADB. If the list is empty, restart the server: adb kill-server adb start-server
- Firewall/antivirus: Kaspersky, Avast, and the built-in Windows Defender can block ADB. Add an exception to the adb.exe file.
Nana MIUI 14+ A new level of protection is added – permission USB-If you connect to a window that says "Trust this computer?", you must press "Allow." ADB-Commands will not be executed.
What if the ADB issues an error called "unauthorized"?
4. debugging by USB to unlock the bootloader (Mi Unlock)
If you plan to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, standard debugging activation isn't enough. Xiaomi has added additional checks:
- 🔓 Mi Account Link: Device must be linked to account for at least 7 days (on some models, 30 days).
- 📱 Time Sync: Date and time on your smartphone should match Xiaomi servers (enable Autodetermination in settings).
- 🌐 Firmware region: In Chinese ROM (China ROM) Unlocking can be prohibited without official permission.
Instructions for Mi Unlock Tool:
- Enable debugging over USB (see Section 2).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trusted status (the window to allow debugging?).
- Download the official Mi Unlock Tool and log in under the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
- Run the utility, follow the instructions. If you see a Couldn't unlock error, check it out: 🔸 Account is tied to the device for more than 7 days. 🔸 Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi is enabled on the smartphone (for verification by servers). 🔸 You're using the original. USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).
Link Mi Account to device | Enable debugging via USB| Install ADB| Drivers Download Mi Unlock Tool| Connect to stable Internet
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5. Solving 5 Frequent USB Debugging Errors
Even after you set it up properly, debugging can work incorrectly, and we'll look at the common mistakes and how to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| device unauthorized | The smartphone has not saved RSA-key. | Remove adbkey.pub and reconnect (see spoiler section 3). |
| device offline | Driver conflict or USB 3.0. | Connect to the port. USB 2.0 or turn off the others USB-device. |
| Debugging is disabled after rebooting | Resetting the developer's settings. | Enable Prohibit Automatic Shutdown in the Developer Menu. |
| no devices/emulators found | ADB-server not running. | Run adb start-server in the command line. |
| The computer does not see Xiaomi in Adb devices | No data transfer mode has been selected. | In the notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP). |
On MIUI 14, Android 13, a new bug appeared: USB debugging not responding. It's related to a security policy change.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → All applications.
- Find the settings (app), open the Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- Reboot your smartphone and turn on the debugging again.
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On Xiaomi with Android 13+ debugging USB may not work unless permission to install unknown applications for a specific USB-This is a security requirement of Google, not Xiaomi.
6. Alternative ways to enable debugging (if the standard one doesn't work)
If the developer menu is unavailable or debugging is not activated, try workarounds:
Method 1: ADB (if USB is already recognized)
If the smartphone is determined in adb devices, but debugging is turned off, do:
adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettingsThis will force the developer menu to open.
Method 2: Reset settings (if the developer menu is missing)
On some firmware (MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10), the developer menu may disappear after the update.
- Make a backup copy of the data.
- Go to Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting all settings (does not delete files).
- After rebooting, activate the developer menu again (see Section 1).
If nothing helps, try resetting to factory settings (see Section 6).