Developer mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool for power users, but often turns on accidentally, for example, when trying to speed up the interface animation or activate debugging over USB. However, once activated, this menu remains in the settings, cluttering the list and creating the risk of accidental changes in critical parameters. If you no longer need advanced features or want to return the standard view of settings, our guide will help you completely disable the developer mode on any Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device.
Unlike many instructions on the web, we will look at not only the basic way to reset, but also alternative methods — including hiding the menu without losing data. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), and also warn about the possible consequences of incorrect actions. For example, on some Xiaomi models, resetting developer settings can lead to blocking debugging over USB before rebooting.
Why the developer mode is not turned off in the standard way
Many users find that after disabling the toggle, the Developer Mode does not disappear in the menu settings, which is due to the MIUI architecture: the system retains access to hidden functions until the developer flag is completely reset, and the reasons for this behavior are:
- 🔄 Caching settings: MIUI Stores the mode state in a separate configuration file that is not updated when manually disabled.
- 🛠️ Active debugging sessions: If previously connected ADB or using tools like Scrcpy, the system can block deactivation.
- 📱 Features of firmware: On custom or beta versions MIUI (for example, MIUI China) menus can remain visible even after reset.
It is important to understand that simply turning off the toggle in Settings → Additional → For developers, it does not remove the menu from the list. To completely hide, you need to reset the activation flag, which is set when you repeatedly click on the build number, this process is different from the standard “off” mode.
⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, disabling the developer mode can lead to loss of access to fastboot and ADB Before you do anything, make sure you have a backup of important data.
Method 1: Reset the developer’s settings without data loss
The safest method is to reset only the developer mode settings without affecting personal data, which works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later:
- Open the settings → Additional → for developers.
- Scroll down and find Reset developer options (or Reset developer options in English firmware).
- Confirm the action by entering a password/pattern lock if required.
- Reset the device.
Once you reboot, the Developer Menu will disappear from the settings list. If you don't have a Developer Settings Reset, move on to the next one.
Check that USB debugging is disabled |Close all applications that use ADB (Scrcpy, Vysor, etc.) |Save screen settings (resolution, refresh rate) | Make sure the device is charged at least 30%
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On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) after reset, it may be necessary to re-activate the developer mode to access ADB.
Method 2: Completely reset all settings (Hard Reset)
If the previous method didn't work, you'll have to reset completely, and this one is guaranteed to remove the developer menu, but it also cleans up:
- 📱 All installed applications and their data
- 🔑 Google and Xiaomi accounts
- 📁 Settings for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network
- 🎨 Design themes and wallpaper
Instructions for discharge:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose Delete all data (or Factory Reset).
- Enter the password from your Mi Account if the device is tied.
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
| Xiaomi model | Time to reset | Is a Mi Account Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | 3-5 minutes | Yeah, if he was tied up. |
| Xiaomi 12T/13 | 5-7 minutes | Yes. |
| POCO F4/F5 | 4-6 minutes | Not (unless the protection is activated) |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6 | 6-8 minutes | Yes. |
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later after the reset, you may need to re-assign your Xiaomi account to unlock the bootloader.If you use custom firmware, keep a backup of the persist partition.
Regularly (once a week) | Sometimes (once a month) | Only for specific tasks | Never used | I don't know what it is-->
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don't work, you can turn off the developer mode via ADB. This method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights.
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
- 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices Make sure the device appears in the list.
- Follow the command to reset the developer flag: adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0
- Reboot the device: adb reboot
After you reboot the Developer Menu should disappear. If it hasn't, try the extra command:
adb shell pm clear com.android.settings💡
Before using ADB, make sure that the latest drivers for your Xiaomi model are installed on your PC. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website or use Google USB Driver universal drivers.
What to do if the developer mode appears again after the update
On some Xiaomi devices (especially with MIUI 13/14), the developer menu can spontaneously activate after a system update.
- Repeat resetting the developer settings (Method 1).
- Reverse to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot if the update caused bugs.
- Use the patch for Magisk (root only): Magisk Module: Disable Dev Options
If the problem is repeated after each update, we recommend:
- 📵 Turn off automatic update installation in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔍 Check the logs of updates on forums XDA Developers or 4PDA before installation.
Why does MIUI turn on the developer mode?
How to hide the developer menu without turning off (alternative method)
If you need to leave access to the developer’s functions, but hide the menu from the main settings, you can use the workaround:
- Activate Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Return to the main settings menu and remove the Developer shortcut from the list (click the icon and drag it to the cart if your version of MIUI supports it).
- Now the menu will be available only through the search by settings (enter “developer” in the search bar).
This method works on MIUI 12.5 and later, and on older versions, you can't remove the shortcut, but you can turn off the display via ADB:
adb shell pm hide com.android.settings/development.DevelopmentSettingsFrequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you turn off the developer mode, users often make mistakes that can lead to data loss or locking the device.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Resetting settings without backup | Loss of photos, contacts, messages | Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive for backup |
| Interruption of the discharge process | Hanging on the MI logo (bootloop) | Wait for completion or reflash through Fastboot |
| Use of ADB without rights | Error of permission denied | Check if USB debugging is enabled and if drivers are installed |
One of the most dangerous mistakes is resetting the settings on the device with the bootloader locked and Mi Account protection turned on, in which case, after a reboot, the phone may require you to enter a username / password from your Xiaomi account, even if you did not tie it to it, to avoid this:
- 🔓 Make sure your Mi Account is untied in Settings → Accounts.
- 📋 Check the status of the bootloader through the command: fastboot oem device-info (line Device unlocked: true means unlocking).
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Before any manipulation of the developer mode, disable debugging over USB and close all applications that use ADB (such as Scrcpy or Platform Tools).