Developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones POCO — A powerful tool for power users to configure hidden system settings, debug applications and test new features, but once activated, this mode remains available in the settings menu, which can lead to random configuration changes. For example, incorrect editing of parameters USB-debugging or animation of windows can cause failures in the interface or even lock the gadget.
If you no longer need advanced settings or want to protect your phone from unauthorized changes (such as when you transfer a device to another person), it’s best to deactivate the developer mode. In this article, we’ll discuss three official ways to disable it — from simple reset to manual removal via ADB — and explain why the For Developers item sometimes disappears on its own and how to fix it.
Why the Developer Mode Doesn't Turn Off Automatically
Many users mistakenly believe that after a phone reboot or a MIUI firmware update, the developer settings will reset.
- 🔄 Activation through pressing the assembly number - after 7 taps on the item Version MIUI The system is permanently switched on until it is clearly turned off.
- 📱 Factory reset – deletes all user data, but does not always deactivate the developer mode (depending on version) MIUI).
- 🔧 Manual changes to the system – if you made changes through the ADB or edited build.prop files, a standard reset may not work.
Moreover, in some versions of MIUI 14+, the “Developers For” option may disappear from the settings menu after updating the firmware, but still remain active in the background, which creates the illusion of turning off, when in fact functions like USB debugging or OEM unlocks continue to work.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to sell or transfer a phone, be sure to check the status of the developer mode through the command adb shell settings get global. development_settings_enabled. Meaning 1 This means that the mode is active even if it is not on the menu.
Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (official method)
The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on Android 10–14:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to About Phone (or About Device on some models).
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row.
- The system will show a message saying, “You are already a developer!” – meaning that the mode is active.
- Go back to the main settings menu and find a new section for developers** (usually at the end of the list).
- In the upper right corner, click on the switch (or Disable in older versions of MIUI).
- Confirm the action by entering the password / pattern lock (if installed).
After that, the "Developers" section will disappear from the menu. However, in some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 Global), the item may remain, but all functions will be deactivated. To check this, try to enable any option in this section - if it does not save, the mode is successfully disabled.
The "Developers" item has disappeared from the settings |
Options in the section are not saved when switching |
Team team. `adb shell settings get global development_settings_enabled` return `0`|
USB-Debugging is not available when connecting to a PC-->
Method 2: Reset all settings (without data loss)
If the standard method didn’t work (for example, due to firmware bugs), you can use the reset function. Unlike a full factory reset, this method saves user data but removes all configuration changes, including the developer mode.
Instructions:
- Open “Settings” → “About Phone” → “Resetting Settings”.
- Select Network, Sound and Display Reset (on some models, Reset all settings, but not Factory Reset!).
- Confirm the action by entering the lock password.
- After the reboot, check that there is no “For Developers” item in the menu.
This method works 90% of the time, but it has a nuance: it resets all personal settings (brightness, sound profiles, application resolutions, etc.) and record or photograph important settings in advance to quickly restore them.
Through the MIUI settings|
Resetting settings |
Teams ADB|
Nothing helps |
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)
If previous methods have failed (for example, due to custom firmware or root rights), you can deactivate the developer mode via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Platform Tools (includes ADB and Fastboot).
- Turn it on on the phone. USB-debugging (if the developer mode is still active) or use a workaround method to activate it.
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode).
- Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB and execute commands in order: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0 adb shell settings put global adb_enabled 0
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
Once you reboot, the developer mode will be turned off and the item will disappear from the menu. If the commands don't work, try the alternative:
adb shell pm clear com.android.development⚠️ Attention: Use ADB on devices with an unlocked bootloader or root rights may result in a loss of warranty.Before executing commands, make sure you understand the risks.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
What to do if the developer mode is gone, but the functions remain active
Sometimes after the update MIUI or reset the "For Developers" item disappears from the menu, but individual functions (for example, USB-debugging OEM) It's an indication that the regime is not fully shut down:
- 🔍 Check through ADB: adb shell settings get global development_settings_enabled If the result 1 — live.
- 📱 Manual Reset: Reset all settings (see Method 2), but select the option “Delete all settings” (not data!).
- 🔧 Firmware Update: Install the latest version MIUI through settings → System Update: Developer mode bugs are often fixed in new builds.
If the problem persists, the cause may be a modified firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU or PixelExperience), in which case only a complete firmware reflash through Fastboot will help.
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To avoid accidental activation of the developer mode, limit access to the About Phone section through the Security app** (Privacy tab → Application Lock).
Xiaomi models, on which the developer mode is turned off outside the box
Some Xiaomi devices have unique features when working with the developer mode, and the table below shows models where the deactivation process may differ:
| Model | Feature | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | After disabling through settings, the item remains on the menu. | Use it. ADB-Settings put global hidden_api_policy 0 |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro (MIUI 12.5) | The mode is automatically activated after the update | Perform a reset of network settings |
| POCO F3 (Global ROM) | The “Developers” item is duplicated in two places | Disable both sections separately |
| Xiaomi 13 Pro (MIUI 14) | Requires SMS confirmation when deactivating | Connect SIM-card |
If your model is not listed in the table, but the developer mode behaves outside the box, check the official forum Xiaomi – there are often published the latest instructions for new devices.
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 ones and how to solve them:
- 🔄 The "For Developers" item appears again after the reboot Reason: Glue of the system's cache.Solution: Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clearing the cache.
- 🔒 Can't shut it down. USB-Debugging Reason: Active Connections ADB Or Fastboot. Solution: Disconnect your phone from your PC and restart.
Another common mistake is using outdated instructions. MIUI 14+ The method of deleting the file no longer works. /data/property/persist.sys.development_settings, Always check the relevance of the method for your firmware!
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If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or PixelExperience), the developer mode may be disabled by different rules, in which case, refer to your firmware documentation.