Debugging mode via USB on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a hidden feature, without which it is impossible to connect the smartphone to the computer for deep tuning, firmware via fastboot or using tools like ADB. Despite the fact that the manufacturer hides this option in the developer menu, its activation takes less than 5 minutes, if you know the exact sequence of actions.
The problem is that many users encounter errors when trying to enable debugging: the system may not show the developer menu after repeatedly clicking on the build number, or USB-The device is not recognized by the PC even after successful activation. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard way to turn on, but also the solution of typical problems, from the lack of response to taps to failures when connecting to the Mi Flash Tool.
Important: The instructions are relevant for all versions MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14), but on Chinese firmware (China) ROM) You may need to take additional steps if your Redmi Note is not available. 8 Pro is blocked by the operator or has custom software, some steps may differ.
Why do I need to debug USB on Xiaomi
USB debugging allows you to access low-level Android features that are usually hidden from the user.
- 🔧 Install custom firmware through TWRP or fastboot.
- 📱 Connect to the smartphone through ADB To debug applications or change system files.
- 🔓 Unlock Bootloader (mandatory step before firmware).
- 🖥️ Use the Redmi Note 8 Pro as a software testing device (e.g., through Android Studio).
- 📡 Recover data after reset if the screen does not respond to touch.
Without debugging enabled, even official Xiaomi utilities (such as the Mi PC Suite) won’t be able to back up or update the firmware manually, and for enthusiasts who want to install LineageOS or Pixel Experience, this mode is a first and must-have step.
⚠️ Attention: Including debugging by USB It reduces the security of the device, and if the smartphone is connected to an untested PC, an attacker can access personal data or install malware. Always turn off debugging after work is done!
Preparation: What you will need before turning on debugging
Before you go to the settings, make sure you have everything you need:
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro with a battery charge of at least 50% (to avoid disconnection during the process).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original or certified – cheap cables may not transmit data).
- 💻 Windows computer 10/11, macOS or Linux (to check the connection).
- 🛠️ Xiaomi drivers (if the PC does not recognize the device – download Mi) PC Suite).
If you plan to use ADB or fastboot, install the Android SDK Platform-Tools in advance. You will also need a Mi Account tied to the device to unlock the bootloader (see a separate section for this).
Battery charge >50%|
Original. USB-cable|
Xiaomi | drivers installed
Downloaded Android SDK Tools (if necessary) |
Mi Account is linked to phone (to unlock)
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Important for owners of Chinese firmware (China ROM): on some versions of MIUI, the developer menu can be blocked without linking the Mi Account. If after 10 clicks on the build number, nothing happens, check if you are logged in.
Step 1: Activate the Developer Menu
By default, the “Developers For” option is hidden in the settings of the Redmi Note 8 Pro. To unlock it:
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to the About Phone section (usually at the bottom of the list).
- Find the MIUI version string and tap it 7 times in a row.
After the seventh click, a notification will appear: "You became a developer!" If the message does not appear, check:
- 🔹 You're just tapping the Version. MIUI, not in the model of the device.
- 🔹 Some firmware requires a tap 10 times (for example, on the MIUI China).
- 🔹 The device is not blocked by corporate policy (relevant for work phones).
What to do if the developer menu does not appear?
After successful activation, a new section will appear in the main Settings menu - "For Developers" (usually above or under the option option).
Step 2: Enabling debugging over USB
Now that the developer menu is available, you can enable debugging:
- Go back to the main Settings menu and select Developer.
- Scroll down to the debugging block.
- Activate the debugging switch over USB.
- In the confirmation window that appears, click OK.
On some versions of MIUI, the system will request a password or a graphical key, which is a standard security measure. If you haven't set a screen lock, first set it to Settings → Lock and Protect.
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If after turning on debugging smartphone is not determined by PC, try to change the mode USB-When you first connect, you'll see an option in the notification curtain -- select File Transfer (MTP) or Image transmission (PTP).
A critical detail for the Redmi Note 8 Pro: USB debugging automatically turns off when you connect to a new computer, which means that even if you have already activated it before, you will need to re-confirm the trusted device when you first connect to another PC (a pop-up will appear on the smartphone screen).
Step 3: Checking the PC Connection
To make sure that the debugging is working correctly, connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer and follow the following steps:
- Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
- Go to the folder with the platform-tools (where the ADB is installed): cd C:\platform-tools
- Enter the command to check connected devices: Adb devices
If debugging is enabled correctly, you will see the serial number of your Redmi Note 8 Pro in the following format:
List of devices attached
abc1234567890deviceIf the list is empty or the status of unauthorized appears, it means:
- 🔸 On the smartphone, a request for a trusted connection is not confirmed (check notifications).
- 🔸 Xiaomi drivers are not installed (download them from the official website).
- 🔸 Use a non-original cable (try another one).
⚠️ Note: If the adb device response appears offline, this may indicate a version conflict. ADB. Update the platform-tools to the latest version or reboot both devices.
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even after successful debugging activation, Redmi Note 8 Pro users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and fixes:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The developer menu does not appear after 7 taps | Unoriginal firmware or lock by the operator | Update MIUI to the official version or reset the settings |
| Adb devices are unauthorized. | Request not confirmed RSA-key | Disconnect / connect the cable and confirm the request on the smartphone screen |
| The computer can't see the device. | Lack of drivers or faulty cable | Install Mi PC Suite or try another cable |
| Debugging shuts down itself after restarting | Resetting or updating MIUI | Re-enable debugging in the developer menu |
If none of the solutions worked, try resetting to factory settings (don’t forget to back up!). To do this, go to Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset.
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The Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI China firmware may require additional Mi Account binding to the developer menu, without which some features (such as unlocking the bootloader) will not be available.
In addition: unlocking the loader
Debugging on USB is just the first step for those who want to install custom firmware. Unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8 Pro will require:
- Link your Mi Account to your device (in Settings → Xiaomi Account).
- Apply for unlocking through the official Xiaomi website.
- Connect the smartphone to the PC in fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power when the phone is turned off).
- Run the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.
Important: Xiaomi has introduced a restriction - unlocking the bootloader is possible only 72-168 hours after the account is linked. This period cannot be circumvented by official methods.