Debugging by USB Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: How to turn it on in 3 minutes

Debugging mode by USB Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S โ€” This is a hidden function, without which it is impossible to perform many technical operations: from firmware through fastboot to data recovery using the help of ADB. But the manufacturer hides this option in the developer menu, which is disabled by default. Why? improper use of debugging can open access to system files for malicious applications or lead to loss of warranty in unauthorized manipulation of firmware.

In this article you will find not only step-by-step instructions for turning on debugging, but also answers to key questions: what to do if you want to do it. MIUI Does not see how to connect to a PC, how to get around the error "USB-Debugging is not authorized, and why some versions of the Redmi Note 10S We'll also look at what tools you need to work with. ADB And how to check that debugging is actually activated, and if you're planning to unlock a bootloader, install custom firmware, or just test apps, this guide is for you.

What is debugging for USB Why do you need it on the Redmi Note? 10S

Debugging by USB (USB Debugging is a mode that allows your smartphone to interact with your computer at the system command level:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Install custom firmware through TWRP or fastboot
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Unlock Bootloader (mandatory step for firmware)
  • ๐Ÿ” Recovering deleted data with the help of ADB pull
  • ๐Ÿž Test apps in Android Studio directly on your device
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Use tools like Scrcpy to control your phone from a PC

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S This mode is especially important due to the features of the firmware MIUI. For example, without debugging is impossible:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Bypassing restrictions MIUI Optimizations that block the background of applications
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Remove pre-installed system applications (bloatware) without superuser rights
  • ๐Ÿ”“ Get root access through Magisk

โš ๏ธ Attention: Including debugging by USB disables part of the protective mechanisms MIUI. If you connect your phone to an untrusted PC, an attacker can access your data through a network of intruders. ADB. Always turn off debugging after work is completed!

It is important to understand that on the Redmi Note 10S (The rosemary model works differently than on older Xiaomi devices. MIUI 13+ a digital signature verification is added when connecting to a PC, and MIUI 14 there was a mandatory fingerprint confirmation for authorization ADB.

๐Ÿ“Š Why you need to debug for USB?
Installation of custom firmware
Unlocking the loader
Data recovery
Application testing
Other

Preparing for the inclusion of debugging: what to do in advance

Before you activate debugging, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid errors like "Device not recognized" or "ADB device offline":

  1. Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI. On older versions (below). MIUI 12.5) Some developer menu options may not be available.
  2. Install drivers for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S PC-only: ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ For Windows: Download Mi PC Suite or drivers ADB Android SDK ๐Ÿง For Linux: Add the udev rule for Xiaomi (the command below)
echo 'SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="2717", MODE="0666", GROUP="plugdev"' | sudo tee /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules

Connect the phone.

USB Type-C

Activate file transfer mode

MTP

If you plan to use it ADB, Download Google's Platform Tools and unpack them into a separate folder. ADB enter in the command line:

adb devices

If the device is not displayed, the problem is in the drivers or cable.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before connecting to your PC, turn off the โ€œCharge Onlyโ€ option in the Redmi Note notification curtain. 10S. Otherwise, the system will block the data transfer.

Step-by-step instructions: how to enable debugging by USB on the Redmi Note 10S

The debugging activation process consists of two steps: first, unlock the developer menu, and then enable the debugging itself. Follow the instructions carefully, skipping steps will lead to errors.

Step 1: Activate the Developer Menu

  1. Open Settings on your Redmi Note 10S.
  2. Go to About Phone (may be called About Device in new versions) MIUI).
  3. Find the item Version. MIUI And you tap it 7 times in a row, and after 3 or 4 taps, you'll get a notification saying, "You're almost a developer!".
  4. Keep pressing until you see the message: โ€œYouโ€™ve become a developer!โ€

Step 2: Enabling debugging over USB

  1. Return to the main settings menu.
  2. Open the Additional Settings section โ†’ For developers (or just developers, if you use them) MIUI 14).
  3. Find the debugging option by USB and move the slider to the right.
  4. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the warning window.

A notification will appear on the screen: "Allow debugging by USB?" Always make sure you connect to a trusted PC, and once confirmed, that computer will have access to your phone's system commands.

โ˜‘๏ธ Checking before debugging

Done: 0 / 4

Step 3: Authorization on PC (important!)

After debugging:

  1. Connect the Redmi Note 10S computer-to-computer.
  2. The phone will be asked: "Allow debugging by USB from this computer?".
  3. Check "Always allow from this computer" and click "Allow".

If the authorization window does not appear:

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Turn off and reconnect the cable.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset the service ADB Adb kill-server and/or adb start-server
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Reboot the phone.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On the Redmi Note 10S s MIUI 14 The first connection may require a fingerprint or pattern lock confirmation, ADB It will work with restrictions.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after debugging is activated correctly, users face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
device unauthorized in adb devicesNo authorization request on the phone has been confirmedDisconnect the cable, reconnect and allow debugging in the notification
no devices foundDrivers are not installed or the cable is faultyInstall Mi PC Suite or check the cable on another device
Developer's menu missing after updateResetting MIUI settings after updateRepeat activation (7 taps according to MIUI)
ADB: error: closedPort 5037 is in another process.Perform adb kill-server and restart ADB
The phone is not visible in Android StudioNot included in the installation mode through USBIn the developer menu, activate the Installation through USB and debugging by USB

If after all the manipulations ADB still not working:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 on the back of the PC).
  • ๐Ÿ“‹ Check if the antivirus is blocking debugging (for example, Avast or Kaspersky can block it). ADB).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reinstall Platform Tools to a different folder (no path gaps).
What if the debugging is turned on but ADB canโ€™t see the device?
The problem may be in the conflict of versions. ADB. Remove all older versions (for example, from the folder) C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk) Install the latest version from the official Android SDK. Also check if the phone is on โ€œOnly Chargeโ€ mode โ€“ it blocks data transfer.

Additional settings for developers on Redmi Note 10S

Besides debugging the USB, The Redmi Note Developer Menu 10S There are a lot of useful options hidden. These are the ones that most users will need:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Unlocking OEM (OEM Unlocking) - required to unlock the bootloader. MIUI This option can be blocked before the Mi Account is linked.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Modem mode (USB-configuration โ€“ allows you to select the type of connection: MTP, PTP, RNDIS Audio Source.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Disabling optimization MIUI (MIUI Optimization โ€“ removes restrictions on the background operation of applications (useful for Telegram, Viber and other messengers).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Inclusion 4x MSAA โ€” Improves graphics in games, but increases the load on the processor.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Network speed display โ€“ shows the current download/return speed in the status bar.

Some options may be missing or otherwise named depending on the version. MIUI. For example, in MIUI 14th OEM Unlocking moved to the Special Features sub-menus.

For experienced users, it is useful:

  • ๐Ÿ” Logistics GPS (GPS Logging โ€“ records location data in a file.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Process Stats โ€“ Shows application activity in the background.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Background Process Limit โ€“ allows you to limit the number of processes running in the background (useful for battery saving).

โš ๏ธ Attention: Change of parameters MIUI Optimization or Background Process Limit can cause the phone to run unstable. If you have lags after the changes, return the settings to the default values.

๐Ÿ’ก

On the Redmi Note. 10S s MIUI 13+ debugging USB It requires fingerprint confirmation every time you connect to a PC, and it's a security measure that you can't turn off.

How to turn off debugging by USB and return the settings to the factory

If you have completed the work with ADB If you're planning to transfer your phone to a service, you're advised to disable debugging, and that's going to protect your data from unauthorized access:

Method 1: Through the Developer Menu

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Additional settings โ†’ For developers.
  2. Find the debugging option by USB And turn it off (slider to the left).
  3. Confirm the action if a request appears.

Method 2: Reset settings (if the developer menu is not available)

If you accidentally blocked access to the developer menu or want to clear all settings completely:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ About the phone โ†’ Reset settings.
  2. Select Reset all settings (not to be confused with Reset to factory, which will delete all data!).
  3. Confirm the reset. Once the reboot is over, the developer menu will be disabled.

If you want to completely remove debugging traces (e.g. before selling your phone), do:

  1. Reset to factory settings (Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Delete all data).
  2. After reset, do not restore data from the backup โ€“ this can return the developerโ€™s settings.

On the Redmi Note. 10S s MIUI 14 After a reset, you may need to re-activate your Mi Account to unlock some features (e.g, OEM Unlocking).

Security: Risks of Including Debugging USB And how to minimize them.

Debugging by USB It opens up a lot of possibilities for customizing your phone, but it also creates vulnerabilities:

  • ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ Data Leak: Connecting to an infected PC could allow an attacker to copy your files through ADB pull.
  • ๐Ÿ”“ Unauthorized access: Viruses can be used by the virus ADB install.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Loss of warranty: Manufacturer may refuse warranty repairs if it finds traces of use ADB system-modification.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Firmware failure: Incorrect fastboot commands or ADB They can turn a phone into a brick".

How to defend yourself:

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Use only trusted PCs to connect with debugging enabled.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Disable debugging after completion of work (see previous section).
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Do not share authorization keys (adbkey.pub file in.android folder on PC).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Install. PIN-code/pattern lock without it MIUI 14 will not allow authorization ADB.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update regularly MIUI โ€” New versions are closing vulnerabilities ADB.

If you suspect your phone has been compromised ADB:

  1. Shut down the debugging immediately.
  2. Check your phone for viruses using Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.
  3. Perform reset to factory settings (see previous section).

๐Ÿ’ก

Before connecting to someone else's PC, back up your data via adb backup or Mi Cloud, which will protect your files even if the device is compromised.

FAQ: Frequent questions about debugging on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S

๐Ÿ”น Why does the PC not see the phone after debugging?
The problem may be: Lack of drivers (install Mi) PC Suite or Google USB Driver. Faulty cable (try the original Xiaomi cable); Port lock with antivirus (disable protection while connected); Also check that file transfer mode is selected in the notification curtain (MTP), Not just charging.
๐Ÿ”น Can I turn on debugging without a developer menu?
No, it's impossible. The developer menu is the only legitimate way to activate the debugging. If it's gone after the update, try: Reset (Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Reset the settings. Reactivate the menu again (7 taps according to version) MIUI). On some firmware (e.g. custom) the developer menu may be blocked, in which case only the flashing will help.
๐Ÿ”น How to Check if the Debugging Is Really On?
Connect your phone to your PC and execute in the command line: Adb devices If you see the serial number of the device in response (for example, 1234abcd Debugging works. If the device is not in status or is written unauthorized, check: Have you confirmed the authorization request on the phone? ADB (Re-launch the adb kill-server and adb start-server).
๐Ÿ”น Why when connecting to a PC, the phone asks to confirm the fingerprint?
It's a security function. MIUI 13+. So ADB It's working in full, you have to: Confirm the connection with your fingerprint or your pattern lock. If the fingerprint is not configured, the system will suggest that you create it. This check can't be disabled, it protects against unauthorized access to the phone through the phone. ADB.
๐Ÿ”น Can I turn on the debugging on a locked phone?
No, to activate debugging by USB Required: Unlocked screen (PIN, Access the Settings menu if the phone is locked and the debugging was not enabled in advance, unlock it through the ADB In this case, only resetting through Recovery (but it will delete all data) will help).