Developer Mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool for power users, but often turns on accidentally or remains active after you set up the device. If you notice a new section for developers in the Settings menu, and USB debugging notifications are annoying, it's time to deactivate it. Unlike other manufacturers, MIUI doesn't always allow you to turn off this mode in the standard way, so we'll go through all the working methods in detail.
It’s important to understand that simply hiding a menu item doesn’t equal shutting down completely. Some features (such as USB debugging or OEM unlocking) can remain active, creating security risks. This article highlights current ways for MIUI 12/13/14, including workarounds for stubborn devices.
Why is the developer mode not disabled in the standard way?
On most Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13), the developer mode is activated after a 7x tap on the build number in Settings → About the phone. Back-off should happen the same way - but often does not.
- 🔄 Cash system: MIUI Maintains the developer flag state in cache, even after tap reset.
- 🛠️ Rooting: On devices with an unlocked bootloader or Magisk, the mode can be blocked.
- 📱 Version. MIUI: In Android-based firmware 12/13 The logic of the shutdown has changed (see table below).
- 🔒 Security Policy: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) The mode is tied to the Mi Account.
If you do not have a 7x tap on the build number, the Developer section doesn't disappear, don't panic. It's not a failure, it's a feature. MIUI. Below we will look at alternative methods, including resetting settings and ADB-team.
Method 1: Standard Switch Off Through Settings (Works 60% of the time)
So, to start with, the simplest way that works on clean devices without root or modifications, is to:
- Open Settings → The phone.
- Find the line MIUI version (or build number on Android 12+).
- Stick on it 7 times in a row (you should be notified "You are no longer a developer").
If the Developer section has disappeared from the menu, congratulations! Otherwise, move on to the next method.
Disable debugging over USB in the developer settings
Make sure your phone is over 30% charged.
Close all background applications (especially) ADB-tool)
Backup important data (in case of reset)
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⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4 GT, Redmi K50) If you turn off the developer mode, you may lose access to unlock the bootloader. If you plan to flash custom software in the future, don't deactivate it.
Method 2: Resetting settings (without data loss)
If the standard method didn’t work, try resetting only the system settings without affecting user data.This method removes all changes to MIUI, including activation of the developer mode.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Memory → Backup and Reset.
- Select Resetting (not “Reset to factory!”).
- Check only System Settings (remove the marks from "Applications" and "Mediafiles").
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
After the reboot, check the Settings menu - the Developer section should disappear. If not, go to the method with ADB.
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Before resetting, turn off sync with Mi Account in Settings → Accounts to avoid conflicts when re-entering.
| Xiaomi model | MIUI version | Does the standard shutdown work? | Is ADB required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | 12.5–13.0 | Yes (80% of cases) | No. |
| POCO X3 Pro | 12.0–12.5 | No (reset required) | Sometimes. |
| Mi 11 Ultra | 13.0+ | Yes (after update) | No. |
| Black Shark 5 | 13.0 (castom) | No. | Yes. |
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)
If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that is guaranteed to work, but requires a PC connection.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB (temporary activation of the developer mode).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).
- Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
- Execute the developer mode disable command: adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
Once you reboot, the Developer section will disappear. If the team doesn't work, try the alternative:
adb shell am broadcast -a com.android.settings.ACTION_HIDE_DEVELOPMENT_SETTINGSWhat if the ADB can’t see the device?
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13 after ADB-commands may require manual cache reset via Recovery. To do this, hold the Power when you reboot. + Volume Up, select Wipe Cache and confirm.
Method 4: Complete reset to factory settings (extreme case)
If none of these methods work, the last option is hard reset, which will remove all data from the device, so only use it as a last resort.
How to reset:
- Create a backup through Settings → Memory → Backup or Mi Cloud.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select "Erase All Data" (factory reset).
- Enter your password (if required) and confirm.
After the reset, the phone will restart in a “clean” state, and the developer mode will be disabled. On models with a locked bootloader (for example, the Redmi Note 12 for the European market), after the reset, you may need to re-assign to your Mi Account.
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Before you completely reset, make sure you remember the data from your Mi Account – it will be impossible to unlock your phone after the reset without them!
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you turn off the developer mode, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
- 🔙 "Developer mode appears again after reboot" → That means there are still active flags in the system. ADB dump.
- 🔌 "ADB can't see the device" → Check drivers, cable and connection mode (should be) MTP or PTP).
- 🔒 "After resetting, an old password is required" → Nana MIUI 13+ It's a security feature. Use backup. PIN Restoring access through your Mi Account.
- ⚙️ "I can't find the assembly number" → On the new versions MIUI The path has changed: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Information on POs.
If you encounter another error, check its code in ADB Logcat (adb logcat | grep -i error) and look for a solution on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.