How to completely disable the developer mode on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a powerful tool for fine-tuning the system, but not all users need it all the time. Once activated, this menu stays in the settings, takes up space and can accidentally lead to changes in critical parameters, for example, improper setting up debugging over USB or window animation can cause malfunctions in the device.

Turning off developer mode on Xiaomi is more difficult than turning on: there is no standard switch on the menu, and some “tips” from the Internet suggest resetting your phone to factory settings. In fact, there are simpler and safer ways – from hidden commands in settings to using ADB. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models.

Why the Developer Mode Doesn't Disappear on Its Own

Unlike many Android features, the developer mode is not automatically deactivated, and this is due to the MIUI architecture: after activating it with 7 clicks on the Build Number, the system creates a permanent flag in the configuration files, and even if you stop using the menu, it will remain in the settings until:

• 📱 No reset to factory settings (erases all data).
• 🔧 System files will not be manually changed (root rights required).
• 🔄 No update to the firmware with a complete rewriting of the section /data.
• 💻 No shutdown command will be sent through ADB.

The manufacturer doesn't add a "Disable" button, because the developer mode is designed for power users who need to be aware of the consequences of their actions, but that doesn't mean you can't get rid of it, you just need to know the right steps.

Method 1: Disconnect via Settings Reset (without data loss)

The most reliable method that works on all versions of MIUI is to reset only settings (not to be confused with a full reset!) and removes all user settings, including the developer mode flag, but does not affect:

• 📁 Personal files (photos, videos, documents).
• 🎵 Music and downloads.
• 📱 Installed apps (but application settings will reset).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (not “Reset to factory”!).
3. Confirm the action with a password / pattern lock.
4. After the reboot, check the Settings menu → Additional – there will be no “For Developers” item.

Save your Wi-Fi passwords (they will reset) |

Backup SMS/MMS (if important) |

Remember the screen settings (brightness, color profile)|

Check that your Mi Account is not linked to your device (if you plan to sell)

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⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) After resetting your settings, you may need to re-activate your Mi Account. Make sure you remember your password!

Method 2: Use ADB (for advanced users)

If resetting seems too radical, you can turn off developer mode via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a technique that requires a computer but does not affect user data, suitable for MIUI 13/14 and devices with an unlocked bootloader.

Steps:

1. Install. ADB-pc-tool.
2. Enable USB Debugging in the developer menu (if not already disabled).
3. Connect the phone to your computer and do the following at the terminal:

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0


adb shell pm clear com.android.development

Once the device is restarted, the "Developers" option will disappear from the settings. If the command does not work, try an alternative option:

adb shell settings delete global development_settings_enabled

Method 3: Manual editing of system files (requires Root)

For users with unlocked bootloader and rights SuperSU/Magisk There is a way to remove the developer mode by editing the file settings_global.xml. This method is risky – an error can cause the device to reboot cyclically, so only use it if other methods have not helped.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases.
3. Open the settings.db file in the SQL editor (e.g., SQLite Editor).
4. Find the key recording. development_settings_enabled and change the meaning to 0.
5. Save the changes, restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 settings.db file can be protected by SELinux. Before editing, follow the command: su setenforce 0 But remember: disabling SELinux reduces system security!

Method 4: Update the firmware (to remove the developer menu)

In some cases, the developer mode disappears after the MIUI update through the official installer.

• 📲 The firmware is installed on top of the current version (not via Fastboot).
• 🔄 Update affects system partitions (not beta versions).
• 🔧 Previous activation of the developer mode was not performed through ADB.

How to update:

1. Download the latest stable firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Move the file to the root of the phone’s memory and rename it to update.zip.
3. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

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If after the update the developer mode is still active, try to manually delete the file before installing the firmware. /data/property/persist.sys.development_settings (root).

Method 5: Hiding the Developer Menu without Disabling (alternative)

If you don’t need to completely remove the developer mode, but only hide it from accidental clicking, you can use launchers that support hiding system applications (for example, Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher), this method does not disable the function, but makes it unavailable through the standard menu.

How to hide it:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the empty space on the home screen → Settings → Apps and notifications.
3. Find the Settings (cog icon) in the list and turn off the display.
4. Now access to the developer menu is only possible through search in the settings.

The advantage of this is reversibility: you can return the standard launcher at any time and access the menu, but debugging by USB and other functions will remain active, so the method is only suitable for visual concealment.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to turn off developer mode, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common solutions:

• 🔄 Developer menu reappears after reboot → It is likely that the device has automatic activation software (e.g. QuickShortcutMaker.
• 🔌 ADB can't see the device → Check if the debugging is on USB and whether drivers are installed (see spoiler above).
• 📱 After resetting, access to the Mi Account disappeared → Restore your password through the official website or contact support.
• ⚙️ Teams don't work. ADB on MIUI 14 → Try turning it off first. MIUI Optimization in the Developer Menu.

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If none of these methods worked, check to see if the device has custom software (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) installed, in which case disabling the developer mode may require flashing to stock MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions