Enable USB debugging on Xiaomi via Fastboot: unlock for ADB without access to settings

Why the standard method doesn’t work and when you need a Fastboot

You try to connect Xiaomi to your computer for firmware, root rights or data recovery, but there is no Settings → USB Debugging on the phone? Or the phone is locked and the screen does not respond to touch? In such cases, the standard path through Developer Options is not available, and the only way out is to use Fastboot mode.

Fastboot is a low-level protocol that allows you to control your device via USB before Android boots. It activates when holding the Volume Down + Power button and gives you access to unlock the bootloader, flashing and, critically for us, enabling USB debugging bypassing the graphical interface. The method works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (from Mi 8 2018 to Xiaomi 14 2026), but requires accuracy: the wrong command can lead to complete data loss or “brick” of the device.

This article provides step-by-step instructions with commands, a model compatibility table, risk warnings, and solutions to common errors (e.g., device unauthorized or no permissions), and how to check if debugging is enabled if the phone is unresponsive to a PC connection.

What you need: preparation of tools

Before you go to the commands, make sure you have everything you need, and without these components, the process will end up in error or, worse, damage the firmware.

• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi – cheap cables often don’t transfer data to Fastboot).
• 💻 Computer running Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux (Windows will require Mi Flash Tool drivers).
• 📱 Battery charge of at least 50% (at low charge, the device may shut down during the process).
• 🔧 ADB and Fastboot (utilities from Android) SDK Platform Tools, you can download from the official Google website).
• 🔐 Unlocked bootloader (if previously unblocked, you will need to link your Mi Account – more about this below).

Pay special attention to drivers. On Windows, there is often a problem when the system does not recognize the device in Fastboot mode.

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and install drivers from the driver folder.
2. Open Device Manager, find Android Bootloader Interface (or a device with a yellow exclamation point).
3. Update the driver manually by specifying the path to the folder with the Mi Flash Tool drivers.

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If your computer doesn’t see Xiaomi in Fastboot, try another one. USB-Port (preferably 2.0) or disable all other port USB-Port conflicts are a common cause of failures.

Step 1: Enter Fastboot and check the connection

To enable USB debugging via Fastboot, you first need to load your phone into the appropriate mode, the procedure is different for working and "brick" (non-on) devices:

• 📱 Phone turns on, but no access to settings: turn off the device, then press Volume down + Power for 5-10 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears).
• 💀 Phone doesn't respond to buttons: plug it into charging for 30 minutes, then try Volume Down combination + Nutrition + Loudness upwards (for some models, for example, POCO F3).

After you log in to Fastboot, connect Xiaomi to your computer. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools and execute the command:

fastboot devices

If you see a serial number (e.g. 1234abcd fastboot) in the answer, connect.

• ❌ List is empty: check cable, port USB, Drivers or try another computer.
• ⚠️ "Waiting for device: Device not detected – restart your phone to Fastboot again.
• 🔄 "no permissions" (Linux/macOS): Follow sudo fastboot devices or set up udev rules.

Step 2: Unlock the bootloader (if required)

On most Xiaomi models (except the Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3 NFC and some others), an unlocked bootloader is required to change system settings through the Fastboot. If you haven't done this before, follow the instructions:

1. Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (it should be linked to your phone!).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Press Unlock.
4. Wait for the SMS with the confirmation code (comes to the number associated with the account).

The unlocking process takes up to 72 hours (as per Xiaomi’s rules for new accounts), and if you see a message saying “Couldn’t unlock, try again after XX hours” wait until the time is set.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps. If the phone still turns on, back up via Mi PC Suite or adb backup (if debugging was enabled earlier).

Step 3: Enable debugging over USB via Fastboot

When the bootloader is unlocked (or if your model doesn't require unlocking), you can start debugging. adb_enabled:

fastboot oem enable-adb

If the team is successful, you will see the answer:

...


OKAY [ 0.123s]




Finished. Total time: 0.123s

However, on some firmware (especially MIUI 13/14), this command may not work. An alternative method is to temporarily download custom boot.img with debugging enabled:

Download stock firmware for your model from Xiaomi Firmware Updater |Extract boot.img file from firmware archive |Install Magisk utility for boot.img modification |Connect phone in Fastboot-->

Instructions for modification boot.img:

1. Download Magisk and open boot.img in it.
2. Enable Preserve AVB 2.0/dm-verity (important for MIUI 12+).
3. Save the modified boot.img how magisk_patched.img.
4. Download it to your phone with the command: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
5. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: After modification boot.img The phone can be loaded longer than usual (up to the end of the day). 5 If the screen flashes or if the words "Orange State" appear, it is normal for a patched boot image.

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If the debugging still doesn’t work after the reboot, check if the settings have reset. In some cases, you need to manually enable Developer Settings (7 times click on the Settings → About Phone Build Number).

Step 4: Checking the work of debugging over USB

After completing the commands, make sure that the debugging is actually activated. Connect the phone to your computer (already in normal mode, not Fastboot) and do:

adb devices

If you get the serial number of a device with device status, it's a success. If you don't, check:

• 🔄 USB-Debugging in Settings: Even after Fastboot commands, you sometimes need to manually enable it in Developer Settings.
• 🔑 Authorization: A window should appear on the phone screen requesting trust in this computer.
• 📱 Data Transfer Mode: Select File Transfer (MTP) notice-curtain.

If adb devices show unauthorized, do:

adb kill-server


adb start-server




adb devices

Then turn off and reconnect the phone, MIUI 14 on Xiaomi 13) may require resetting network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting network settings).

Solving typical mistakes

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be failures, and below are the most common errors and ways to correct them.

If after all the manipulations debugging and did not work, try:

1. Switching to a global version of MIUI (not Chinese) is less restrictive.
2. Use it. ADB over Wi-Fi (if) USB not working: adb tcpip 5555 adb connect IP_phone address:5555
3. Contact the Xiaomi service center (if the device is warranty).

FAQ: Frequent questions