Developer mode on Xiaomi devices is a powerful tool that opens access to hidden system settings, debugging applications and fine optimization of the gadget. Without it, you can not unlock the bootloader, flash custom software or use it. ADB-However, many users have trouble trying to activate this mode: somewhere the menu item is missing, somewhere the system requires a password from the Mi Account account, and somewhere the settings are simply reset after rebooting.
In this article, we will not only discuss the standard way to turn on the developer mode on Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones, but also look at the features of activation on Xiaomi TV, solving typical errors (for example, Error 20 when connecting over ADB), as well as hidden features that become available after unlocking.
Why you need a developer mode on Xiaomi
Developer Mode is not just a hidden menu for geeks, it gives control over parameters that the manufacturer normally blocks for the average user, and here are the key reasons why it is activated:
- 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) is a mandatory step for installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or obtaining root rights.
- 🐞 Debugging by USB (USB Debugging – without it, you can’t use it ADB, Fastboot or tools like Scrcpy to manage your phone with a PC.
- ⚡ Optimizing Performance: Forced Activation GPU-rendering, disabling animations, changing DPI screen.
- 📡 Network Testing: Manually Selecting Network Type (2G/3G/4G/5G), displaying the signal level in dBm, enabling VoLTE or VoWiFi on uncertified devices.
- 🔄 Resetting settings without losing data – for example, resetting MIUI to the factory without deleting files in memory.
On Xiaomi Mi TVs TV The developer mode allows you to install APK-Manual files (e.g. YouTube for Android) TV), tune in HDMI-CEC Or even emulate other TV models to bypass regional restrictions.
⚠️ Attention: Enabling the developer mode on devices with MIUI Global Stable may result in some features being blocked (e.g. Mi Pay or Face Unlock) before rebooting.This is due to Xiaomi's security policy.
The standard way to include on Xiaomi smartphones
The procedure for activating the developer mode on most Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) is the same, but there are nuances for different versions of MIUI.
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row, after 3-4 taps, a pop-up notification will appear: "You're almost there!"
- After pressing 7, the system will show a message: “You became a developer!”
- Return to the main Settings menu – there will be a new section → For developers (or Advanced settings) → For developers in MIUI 14).
If the item for developers did not appear, check:
- 🔍 Version MIUI: on Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The path may be different - settings → Memory. → Version. MIUI.
- 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the menu only appears after the reboot.
- 📱 In some models (for example, POCO F5) I don't need to go down the Version. MIUI, A by the Assembly Number (Build Number).
Check out MIUI (Global/China/EU)
Make sure your phone is charged (>30%)
Connect to stable Wi-Fi (to download ADB drivers)
Shut down. VPN (It can block access to settings)-->
On Xiaomi Mi TV (including Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1), the process is similar, but the path is different:
- Open the Settings. → On TV.
- Find the Android TV version and click on it 7 times (use the remote or Mi Remote app).
- After activation, the section For developers will appear in Settings → Preferences → For developers.
Unlocking debugging over USB and other key features
Just turning on the developer mode is just the first step, and to take advantage of the developer mode, you have to activate specific options. USB (USB Debugging, which is required to work with ADB, Fastboot and other tools.
How to enable debugging by USB:
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Find the USB debugging option and activate it.
- Confirm the permission in the window that appears (the tick "Always allow from this computer" will simplify further work).
Once activated, connect your phone to your PC, and on your smartphone screen, you'll see a request for trust in your device -- press Allow. If that doesn't happen, check:
- 🔌 Cable: Use the original USB-Type C cable (cheap cables often don't support data transfer).
- 🖥️ Drivers: Drivers must be installed on PCs ADB Fastboot (you can download from the Xiaomi website or through the SDK Platform Tools by Google).
- 🔄 Connection mode: on your phone in the notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP).
Check the ADB work by following the command line:
adb devicesIf the device appears on the list, debugging works. If not, try restarting your phone and PC, and updating your drivers.
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If USB debugging is not enabled (button is inactive), try disabling MIUI Data Protection in Settings → Privacy → Special Permits.
Hidden features of the developer mode on Xiaomi
In addition to debugging via USB, there are many useful options hidden in the developer menu, and we have collected the most interesting and useful ones that will be useful for both ordinary users and enthusiasts.
| Function | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the screen down. | The screen remains on when charging. | Useful for reviewing instructions or testing |
| Show the pressing | Displays visual points when touching the screen | Use it to record training videos |
| GPU-acceleration | Enforcement of use GPU rendering 2D-charting | It can speed up the interface but increases battery consumption |
| Turn off the absolute volume level | Separates media volume control and notifications | Useful for Bluetooth headphones |
| Allow location imitation | Allows applications to be replaced GPS-coordinates | Required for Pokémon GO or testing geo-dependent services |
On Xiaomi TVs, it is especially useful:
- 📺 Allow installation from unknown sources – for manual installation APK (For example, Kodi or Smart YouTube TV).
- 🔌 Debugging over the network – allows you to manage TV over Wi-Fi without a physical connection.
- 🎮 Game controller mode – emulates a gamepad for games with Android support TV.
⚠️ Warning: Enabling the Allow Location Simulation option may result in a ban in geo-dependent games (e.g, Pokémon GO). Use it only for testing.
USB debugging
GPU-acceleration
Simulation of location
Keep the screen down.
Other-->
Solving typical problems when activating the developer mode
Even after successful activation of the developer mode, users face errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
1.The "Developers" item disappeared after the MIUI update
This is a typical problem after updating MIUI through OTA.
- 🔄 Repeat the tap procedure on the version MIUI (7 times).
- 📱 If it doesn’t help, reset your settings through Settings. → Additionally. → Resetting settings → Reset settings (without deleting data).
- 🔧 On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) You may need to have a Mi Account.
2. The error "USB Debugging Not Authorized" (Error 20)
This error occurs when the PC is not recognized as a trusted device.
- On the phone, go to Settings → For developers and turn off / turn on debugging via USB.
- On PC, delete the adbkey.pub file in the %USERPROFILE%\.android folder and reconnect the device.
- Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
3.There is no developer menu on Xiaomi TV
On Mi TV and Redmi Smart TV, the problem is often related to regional restrictions.
- 🌍 Change the TV region to India or the USA in Settings → Location.
- 🔌 Use the original remote – some universal remotes don’t transmit clicks correctly.
- 📺 Update your TV firmware to the latest version via Settings → Update of the PO.
What if after activation of the developer mode some functions are lost?
Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them
Developer mode presents opportunities, but also risks, and the wrong settings can:
- 🔓 Reduce data protection: debugging by USB Allows attackers to access files via a connected PC.
- 📉 Deteriorating productivity: forced GPU-Accelerating or turning off animations can cause overheating.
- 🚫 Disrupt services: some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) block work on devices with debugging enabled.
Safety recommendations:
- 🔒 Turn off the debugging. USB, When not needed (especially in public places).
- 🔑 Use strong passwords to unlock your screen and Mi Account.
- 🛡️ Do not install unofficial firmware without creating a backup through TWRP.
- 📱 Check the permissions of applications that request debugging access (e.g., GameGuardian or Lucky Patcher may contain malicious code).
⚠️ Note: Unlocked Bootloader devices cannot use official Xiaomi services such as Find Device or Mi Cloud Backup, due to the company’s policy to combat unauthorized modifications.
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Always turn off developer mode after you’ve finished working with ADB or Fastboot, which will reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your device through vulnerabilities in debugging protocols.
Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi: a connection with the developer mode
Developer mode is the first step towards unlocking the bootloader, which is required to install custom firmware or obtain root rights. However, the unlocking process on Xiaomi has its own peculiarities:
- Activate Developer Mode and enable USB + OEM Unlocking (OEM) in the developer settings.
- Link your Mi Account to your device (required! unlocking is impossible without this).
- Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi and follow the instructions.
Important nuances:
- ⏳ Wait 7 days: new Xiaomi devices require account binding and 168 hours (7 days) waiting before unlocking.
- 🔗 Tethering SIM-Maps: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) require insertion SIM-operator card.
- 📱 Model restrictions: devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) may require additional steps (e.g. confirmation through the SMS).
After unlocking the boot loader, you can:
- 📱 Install TWRP Recovery for backups and firmware.
- 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk.
- 🔄 Switch custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
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If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a “Couldn’t unlock” error, try using the developer tool version (e.g. Mi Unlock Tool 5.5.224.24) and run it in Windows 7 compatibility mode.