Developer rights to Xiaomi: how to unlock the hidden capabilities of the smartphone

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones hide dozens of useful features from ordinary users, from fine-tuning performance to custom firmware installation, which only become available after activating developer rights that allow access to system parameters, USB debugging, and even the potential for root rights. But the process of enabling them is not always obvious: the manufacturer deliberately hides these settings to protect the device from inexperienced users.

In this article, you will find the 2026-relevant ways to unlock developer mode for all versions of MIUI (12 to 15), including bypassing possible restrictions on new models of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi. We will discuss each step in detail, from basic activation of hidden menus to solving typical errors (for example, missing the item "Build number" or locking after the update).

What the developer rights to Xiaomi give and why they are needed

The developer mode in MIUI is not just a hidden menu, but a full-fledged tool for deep customization of the device, and here are the key features that become available after activation:

🔧 Debugging by USB: necessary to connect to ADB, Fastboot, work with Xiaomi Flash Tool.
📱 Unlocking the bootloader: the first step to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or get root rights.
⚡ Performance setting: forced inclusion 4K@60FPS for recording, overclocking/undervolting of the processor (on supported models).
🔄 Reset graphics driver: helps with artifacts in games or "hanging" interface.
📡 Additional network settings: choosing a network type (2G/3G/4G/5G), Disabling channel aggregation, manual operator selection.

However, it is important to understand that some features can disrupt the stability of the device, for example, forced on 4K@60FPS on the Redmi Note 12 without proper cooling leads to overheating and automatic shutdown of the camera.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global some of the developer menu items may be hidden or blocked "OEM Unlock is often absent from European firmware – it can only be returned via a ADB-team.

How to turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The process of activating developer rights on Xiaomi is standard for all Android devices, but with the nuances characteristic of MIUI. Follow the instructions carefully - an error at any stage can lead to a locking menu.

Open the Settings app and go to About Phone (on some models – About Device).
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 display a message: "You became a developer!". Now a new section for developers will appear in the main Settings menu.

Newer versions of MIUI 14/15 (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5) may require an additional step:

Check the presence of the section "For developers" in the settings

Turn on the "Developer Mode" switch (top switch)

Allow debugging over USB (item "Debugging over USB")

If necessary, enter PIN-lock-screen code-->

If the Developer section didn’t appear after 7 clicks, check:

📱 Version MIUI: on Chinese firmware (China) ROM) You may need to have a Mi Account.
🔒 Updates: sometimes activated bugs are fixed in new versions of the software.
🛠️ Region of device: some models for India or Europe require a region change ADB.

📊 What Xiaomi model do you use?

Redmi Note 12/13

POCO X5/F5

Xiaomi 13/14

Redmi 10/11

Another model

Where to find the developer settings after activation

Once activated successfully, the Developer Form can be hidden in different locations depending on the MIUI version and device model.

MIUI version	The path to the menu	Examples of models
MIUI 12–13	Settings → Additional → For Developers	Redmi Note 9, POCO X3
MIUI 14	Settings → About the phone → Additional → For developers	Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50
MIUI 15 (Beta)	Settings → System → Advanced settings → For developers	Xiaomi 14, POCO F5 Pro
MIUI for POCO	Settings → System → About the phone → MIUI version → For developers	POCO X4 GT, POCO M5

If the menu is not in the specified sections, try to search for the settings:

Open the Settings and tap the magnifying glass icon (search) in the upper right corner.
Enter the request: "Build number" or "Developers".
The system should provide a direct link to the hidden menu.

What if the developer menu disappeared after the update?

On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11 after upgrading to MIUI 14), the menu may be hidden. Solution: 1. Reset the settings to factory settings (with data saving via Settings → Memory → Backup). 2. Repeat the activation procedure (7 taps on MIUI Version). 3. If it does not help, swipe the device through Fastboot with data saving (fastboot update rom.zip --skip-secondary).

How to enable debugging over USB and avoid connection errors

USB debugging is one of the most popular features of the developer mode, but it is often triggered by errors.

Connect your smartphone to your PC via the original cable (cheap cables may not support data transfer).
In the Developer Menu, find the Debugging by USB and activate it.
In the confirmation window that appears, click Allow and tick the box "Always Allow from this computer."
On PC, install ADB drivers (for example, via Mi PC Suite or 15 Seconds ADB Installer).
Check the connection command in the terminal: adb devices The device must appear in the list with authorized status.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

🚫 Unauthorized in the list of adb devices: delete the adbkey.pub file in the folder %USERPROFILE%\.Android and reconnect the device.
🔌 Device not defined: try another port USB (preferably USB 3.0) or disable others USB-device.
🔒 Item “Debugging of the USB" Inactive: Check if the main developer mode switch is on at the top of the menu.

💡

If adb devices don’t show the device, try restarting the smartphone to Fastboot mode (keep Volume down + Power on) and follow the command fastboot devices. If the device is determined in fastboot, but not in adb – the problem in the Android Composite ADB Interface drivers

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi: risks and instructions

Unlocking the bootloader is a must for custom firmware or root rights, but it has critical nuances:

🔓 Data reset: Unlocking erases all the contents of the device (including internal memory).
🛡️ Loss of warranty: on most models (except for the POCO Global Firmware Warranty Cancelled.
⏳ Previous articleWaiting for Permits: Xiaomi May Block Unblock for 7-30 Days for New Accounts.

Step-by-step instructions for unlocking:

Link your Mi Account to your device (Settings → Accounts → Mi Account).
In the Developer Menu, find the Mi Unlock Status item and link your account to your device.
Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (only for Windows).
Launch the utility, log in to your Mi Account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (it may take a second try in a few days).

⚠️ Note: On devices with firmware for China (China) ROM) Unblocking the bootloader requires you to link your account to the Chinese region. VPN) or use alternative methods of unlocking (for example, through EDL-regime, but it's risky!).

💡

Unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi is an irreversible process. Even after re-blocking some features (such as Mi Pay or Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD) may stop working.

How to get root rights to Xiaomi after unlocking the bootloader

Getting root rights is the final step in getting full control of the device, but it's a lot more complicated than other brands because of the anti-Rollback protection in MIUI.

Method 1: Magisk (recommended)

Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub.
Please. boot.img The new patch from Magisk: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
Restart the device and install Magisk Manager.

Method 2: TWRP (for power users)

Installing a custom TWRP recap allows you to stitch zip archives with root, but requires:

📱 Supported model (list on twrp.me).
🔧 Unlocked loader.
🛠️ Knowledge of fastboot commands (an error can lead to a "brick").

Warnings:

🚨 Widevine's loss L1: After receiving root Netflix, Disney+ Other services will only work in SD-quality.
🔄 Problems with OTA-updates: after root, "over the air" updates can break the system.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users have problems with developing rights to Xiaomi, and these are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
Couldn't unlock the Mi Unlock Tool	The account is not tied to the device or is waiting for permissions	Wait 7–30 days or use alternative methods (e.g. EDL)
The developer menu disappeared after the update	Resetting settings or firmware bug	Repeat activation (7 taps on MIUI Version) or run the old version of MIUI
Fastboot doesn't see the device	No drivers or cable problem	Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers or try another cable
Apps fly out after receiving root	Integrity of system files is violated	Magisk with Preserve AVB 2.0/dm-verity

The “Anti-Rollback” error is especially dangerous when trying to flash the old version of MIUI on rollback-proof devices (such as Xiaomi 12 or Redmi K40).The only solution is to flash only the new version or use special patches (such as the Anti-Rollback Remove Tool, but it is risky!).

adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist persist.img


adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/nvdata nvdata.img

It'll help to restore it. IMEI and serial number in the case of "brick".-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about developer rights on Xiaomi

Can I turn on the developer mode without resetting data?

Yes, activating the developer mode (7 clicks on the MIUI Version) does not cause data loss, but unlocking the bootloader or obtaining root rights erases all the contents of the device.

Why is there no “OEM Unlock” item in the developer menu?

This paragraph is not available on: Devices with MIUI Global Stable (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 Global) models for India or Europe with blocked unlock, devices linked to a Mi Account account in China, solution: change your account region to Global or use ADB-Adb shell settings put global oem_unlock_allowed 1

How to return the guarantee after unlocking the loader?

Officially, no. But some Xiaomi service centers may turn a blind eye to unlock if: The device is stitched on the original MIUI (no root). The bootloader is re-locked via the Mi Unlock Tool. The problem is not related to the software part (for example, a broken screen). In any case, before visiting the service center, reset the device to the factory settings and remove all traces of custom firmware.

Can I get a developer license to Xiaomi without a computer?

Yes, you don't need a computer to activate the developer mode (7 taps on the MIUI Version), but you do need to unlock the bootloader or get root permissions on the PC. Alternative methods (for example, through terminal applications on the phone) are unstable and can lead to errors.

Which Xiaomi models can’t be unlocked?

For 2026, Xiaomi will block the unlocking of the bootloader on: China ROM devices without reference to the Chinese Mi Account. Some models for India (for example, Redmi 9i with IN firmware). Devices purchased from unofficial sellers with “gray” firmware. Before buying, check the model on the Mi Unlock website - there is a list of supported devices.