Why do you need USB debugging and when to turn it on?
USB debugging mode is a hidden Android feature that opens access to system tools through a computer connection. On Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, it is required to perform operations that are impossible in the standard interface: from installing custom firmware to recovering data after a crash.
This mode should be included in three key cases:
- 🔧 To unlock the bootloader before the firmware through the Mi Unlock Tool (mandatory condition for installation) TWRP or LineageOS).
- 📱 In the case of ADB-commands to remove embedded applications, change screen resolution, or reset a pattern lock.
- 🖥️ To work with programs like Scrcpy (managing your phone from a PC) or Vysor (screen mirroring).
It’s important to understand that activating USB debugging doesn’t block the warranty itself, but some actions performed through it (such as unlocking the bootloader) can lead to loss of warranty service. On Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and later, the on-boarding process is different from older devices – more on this below.
Preparation: What to do before turning on debugging
Before you go to the settings, make sure that the basic conditions are met:
Download your phone to at least 50%|Use the original. USB-cable (not cheap analogues)|Update. MIUI last-minute|Install the drivers. ADB on PC (if you plan to connect)-->
Pay special attention to cable: many users experience an unauthorized ADB error because of poor-quality wires. Official cables from Xiaomi have an authentication chip that prevents connection problems.
If you plan to use debugging to work with a PC, download in advance:
- 💻 Platform Tools (official package from Google with the ADB and Fastboot).
- 🔌 Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers (current for Windows; on) macOS/Linux drivers not required).
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On the POCO F5 and Redmi K60 models, after upgrading to MIUI 15, USB debugging can automatically turn off when you reboot. To avoid this, immediately turn on the option to Allow OEM Unlock in the same menu after activation of the developer mode.
Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on the developer mode
USB debugging is hidden in the developer menu, which is disabled by default, to activate it:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (on some models - 10 times).
- You will be notified: You have become a developer.
On new devices (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the path may be different:
Settings → More → About the phone → All the characteristics → MIUI versionIf nothing happens after multiple clicks, check:
- 📱 Is the mode for children turned on (it blocks access to hidden settings).
- 🔒 Is there a password / pattern lock (some firmware requires unlocking the screen before activating the developer mode).
Xiaomi 13/14 series|Redmi Note 12/13|POCO F5/X5|Redmi K60/K70|Another model-->
Including debugging by USB: detailed analysis
After activating the developer mode:
- Return to the main settings menu.
- Go to Additional Settings → For developers (on MIUI 15 may be called the Developer).
- Find the USB Debugging option and move the slider to the right.
- In the confirmation window that appears, click OK.
On devices with MIUI 14+ Android 13+ After activating debugging, the system may request input PIN-Mi Account code or password is additional protection against unauthorized access.
If the USB debugging option is not on the menu, try:
- 🔄 Reboot your phone (sometimes the menu is not fully loaded).
- 📲 Update the firmware to the latest version (on older versions) MIUI option may be hidden).
- 🔍 Manually find the search bar in Settings and enter "debugging".
| Xiaomi model | The Way to Debugging on USB | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14, 13T | Settings → Additional → For Developers | Requires confirmation on PIN + Mi Account |
| Redmi Note 12, Note 13 | Settings → About the phone → MIUI version (7 taps) → For developers | There may be no option to allow OEM unlocking |
| POCO F5, X5 Pro | Settings → System → For Developers | Debugging is disabled after restarting (MIUI bug 14) |
| Redmi K60, K70 | Settings → Memory → For developers (on some firmware) | Requires a connection to Mi Account to unlock the bootloader |
What to do if the USB debugging is not enabled?
Connecting to PC and confirming debugging
After turning on debugging on the phone, connect it to the computer through USB-The phone will be on the screen:
Allow debugging over USB?
Keyprint: XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XXCheck Always Allow from this computer and click Allow, which will eliminate the need to confirm the connection every time.
To check the success of the connection:
- Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
- Go to the folder with the platform-tools (where adb.exe is located).
- Enter the command: Adb devices
If you see a serial number (e.g., 1234abcd device) in the answer, the debugging works correctly. If it displays unauthorized instead, follow these steps:
- 🔌 Turn off and reconnect the cable.
- 📱 Reboot the phone.
- 💻 Remove old drivers ADB on the PC and install them again.
- 🔄 In the menu For developers, find the option to withdraw debugging permissions USB and click on it, then reconnect.
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If you connect your phone to a new PC, always check the RSA key print. Scammers can swap it for data theft!
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even after debugging is enabled correctly, users face challenges, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
⚠️ Warning: If, after connecting to a PC, the phone starts to overheat or discharge quickly, turn off debugging and check the device for viruses. ADB crypto-mining.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| device not found in ADB | Drivers not installed or cable is faulty | Install Xiaomi USB Drivers and try a different cable |
| Debugging is disabled after rebooting | bug MIUI 14/15 on some models | Before restarting, turn on Allow OEM Unlock |
| adbd cannot run as root | No root rights (required for some) ADB-team) | Get root access through Magisk or use alternative commands |
| The phone is not specified in the Mi Unlock Tool. | Unlocked bootloader or unbound Mi Account | Link your account to Settings → Xiaomi account and unlock the bootloader |
On Android 14 devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70 Pro) a new security system has been introduced: the first time you connect to a PC, you need to confirm through biometrics (fingerprint or facial scan). PIN-code.
Security: How to protect data when using debugging
USB debugging offers a lot of opportunities for managing your phone, but it also poses security risks.
- 🔒 Never connect a phone with debugging enabled to a public one. USB-Attackers can use them to steal data.
- 📱 Turn off debugging when you don't need it. You can do this from the Developer Menu or through the adb disable-verity command.
- 🛡️ Use two-factor authentication for your Mi Account. This will protect you from unauthorized unlocking of the bootloader.
- 🔍 Check the list of Authorized Devices in the Developer Menu regularly and remove unknown PCs.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 and newer function Debugging by USB If banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) have stopped working after debugging is activated, temporarily disable debugging or add applications to exceptions through Settings. → Confidentiality → Special access.
If you're handing over your phone for repair, be sure to turn off USB debugging and perform a factory reset, which will prevent your data from being accessed via ADB.