How to completely disable the developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: 4 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even years after its release, owners are faced with the need to turn off the developer mode. This hidden partition, activated by repeatedly clicking on the build number, opens up access to dangerous settings: debugging by USB, unlocking the bootloader and changing system parameters. However, after experimentation or accidental inclusion, users often want to return the device to normal state - without unnecessary menu items and the risk of accidental changes.

In this article, we will discuss all working ways to deactivate the developer mode on Redmi. 4X (models with santoni codes and santoni_pro), including options for different versions MIUI (from 8 before 12.5). We'll focus on the typical issues: the gray "Developers" item in settings, reset errors and the consequences of an incorrect shutdown. If you're afraid of "breaking" your phone, don't worry: 90% We will use reversible methods, and we will highlight critical steps with warnings.

Before you start, check the MIUI version on your device: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This is the choice of method. Also prepare a backup of important data - some methods require resetting.

1. Standard method: through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to disable via the settings menu, which works on MIUI 9-12.5 if the developer mode has been activated in the standard way (7 taps on the build number).

1. Open Settings → Additional → For developers (on some versions, the path: Settings → System → Advanced settings → For developers).
2. At the top of the screen, look for the Developer Mode switch (or USB Debugging on older versions).
3. Move the slider to the "off" position.
4. Confirm the action if the system requests PIN-code.

After that, the “Developers For” item should disappear from the Settings → Additional menu. If this does not happen, try restarting the device.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 8 and some custom firmware switch may not be available. in this case, use the methods from the following sections.

2. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If the standard method didn't work or if the For Developers option is still active, a full reset will help, which deletes all user data, but guarantees that it turns off developer mode. 4X any version MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting.
2. Select “Erase all data” (or “Delete all” on new versions).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After resetting, the developer mode will be turned off, but you will have to reconfigure the device: add accounts, install apps, etc.

3. Disconnection via ADB (for power users)

If the developer mode is on, but the switch in the settings is inactive, you can use it. ADB-This method requires a computer and basic command line knowledge. 4X on MIUI 8–12.5.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (part of the Android SDK).
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → For developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Get Redmi on board. 4X computer-to-computer USB-cable (use the original cable!).
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices should appear serial number of the device.
6. Execute the developer mode disable command: adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0
7. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After the reboot, the "Developers" item should disappear. If the team doesn't work, try the alternative:

adb shell am broadcast -a com.android.settings.action.DISABLE_ADB

1. Install Xiaomi drivers from the official website.

2. Change the mode USB-Connection on the phone to "File Transfer» (MTP).

3. Use another USB-port.

4. Disable firewall/antivirus on your computer.-->

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause data loss or soft-brick of a device. Do not follow commands unless you are sure of their purpose.

4. Flashing through Fastboot (extreme case)

If none of these methods work, it leaves you with a complete Fastboot flash, which erases all the data and returns the phone to factory status, including deactivating developer mode, and is suitable for Redmi 4X on any version of MIUI.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (recommended) 7/10/11).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (not a cheap replacement!).
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 4X (Choose a stable version MIUI You can download it from the official Xiaomi website.
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
2. Connect the device to the computer.
3. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip format) into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device (the serial number will appear).
6. Select Clean All (Full Clean) and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once you have firmware, the developer mode will be disabled, but all data (photos, contacts, applications) will be deleted. If you have been linked to your Mi Account, you may need to enter your login and password after flashing.

💡

Fastboot flashing is the only way to get the Redmi 4X back to its purest state if other methods don’t work, but it’s an extreme measure: use it only when you’re confident in your actions or under the guidance of an experienced user.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you turn off the developer mode on Redmi 4X, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common and ways to solve them:

Problem 1: The “Developers” item remains in the settings after disabling

Reason: The system cache is not updated or MIUI has not correctly saved the settings.

Decision:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🧹 Clear the cache of the Settings app: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 If it doesn’t help, reset your settings (Section 2).

Problem 2: Inactive Developer Mode Switch

Reason: On some versions of MIUI, the switch is locked due to security policies.

Decision:

• 🔑 Try to turn it off through ADB (section).
• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest stable version (if available).
• 🔄 Perform a reset settings.

Problem 3: After a reset, the phone requires an old Mi Account

Reason: Mi Account (FRP) protection was activated on the device.

Decision:

• 📧 Enter the account that was tied before the reset.
• 🔓 If you don’t remember your password, restore it at account.xiaomi.com.
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of ownership of the device.

Problem 4: ADB can't see the device

Reason: There are no drivers, incorrect USB mode or antivirus blocking.

Decision:

• 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers manually (you can download here).
• 🔌 Switch the mode. USB on the phone MTP or PTP.
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall on your computer.
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port.

6. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)

If standard methods don’t work, try these options:

Method 1: Retrace to the previous version of MIUI

Sometimes the developer mode gets stuck after the system update, in which case a rollback to an earlier firmware version will help:

1. Download stable firmware for Redmi 4X (e.g. MIUI 10 if you have MIUI 11).
2. Use the Mi Flash Tool to run in Clean All mode.
3. After rollback, check for the “Developers” item.

Method 2: Use of Custom Recovery (TWRP)

Power users can delete files that are responsible for the developer mode via TWRP:

1. Install TWRP for Redmi 4X (model santoni).
2. Load into the recaveri (Loudness up + Nutrition).
3. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Delete the files: /data/data/com.android.settings/shared_prefs/development.xml /data/data/com.android.settings/shared_prefs/global_settings.xml
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Delete system files through TWRP This can cause your phone to run in an unstable way, and only do so if you understand the risks and have a backup.

Method 3: Contacting a Service Center

If all attempts to disable the developer mode have failed, and the phone is unstable (for example, constantly restarting or emitting errors), contact the authorized Xiaomi service center.

Cost of the service: from 500 to 1500 rubles (depending on the region and the complexity of the problem).

7. Consequences of disabling the developer mode

After successfully disabling developer mode on Redmi 4X, you will lose access to a number of features:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB — It is not possible to install applications through ADB Or use tools like scrcpy.
• 📱 Unlock the bootloader – you will not be able to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• ⚡ Accelerate animations – standard delays will return when opening applications.
• 📊 Process monitoring – the ability to track background services will disappear.
• 🔒 Change permissions – you can’t manually configure permissions for applications.

But there are also advantages:

• 🛡️ Increased security – reduces the risk of accidental changes to critical settings.
• 📱 Stability of work - some functions MIUI (For example, battery optimization works better without developer mode.
• 🔄 Fewer bugs – disappear glitches associated with experiments on the system.
• 💰 Easier to sell/gift – the new owner will not face unnecessary settings.

If you need the developer mode again, you can turn it on again: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click 7 times in a row on the line with the build number.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)