Debugging by USB on Xiaomi Redmi: how to turn on in 5 minutes (with photos and videos)

Why debugging USB on Xiaomi Redmi is not just a tick in the settings

The USB debugging mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a bridge between your device and your computer, allowing you to access hidden Android features. Without it, you can’t install custom firmware, unlock the bootloader, test apps through ADB or recover data after a crash. But the manufacturer hides this option deep in the menu, and on new models (for example, the Redmi Note 12 or Redmi K60), the onboarding algorithm has changed.

In this article, we will provide an up-to-date guide for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), taking into account the features of Chinese and global firmware, and we will analyze not only the standard activation method, but also workarounds for cases where the USB Debugging button is inactive or disappears after an update, and also unique codes for quick access to the developer menu on Redmi, which are not in the official documentation.

⚠️ Warning: Incorporation of debugging by USB After activating this mode, do not connect the phone to public charging or other people's PCs - this can lead to data theft or installation of spyware.

Preparation: What to do before turning on debugging

Before you go into the settings, make sure your Redmi is ready to change.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Connect your phone to reliable Wi-Fi (required for verification) MI-account)|Update MIUI Up to the latest version (in Settings) → The phone)|Download the drivers ADB for Windows/Mac (If you plan to connect to the PC)-->

On older versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12.5), the debugging algorithm is different, and on HyperOS, additional security checks have been added. If your Redmi runs on Chinese firmware (CN ROM), you may need to be linked to Mi Account, without which some options will be blocked.

Also, prepare a USB cable. You'd better use a Xiaomi original or a certified USB-C/Micro-USB (depending on the model). Cheap cables often don't transmit data, but only charge, which will interfere with ADB.

Redmi Note 10/11/12|Redmi 9/9A/9C|Redmi K40/K50/K60|Redmi A1/A2|Another model-->

Step 1: How to Unlock the Developer Menu

By default, the USB debugging option is hidden in the Developer Menu, which is also hidden. To activate it, follow the following sequence of actions (works on all Redmis from Note 5 to Note 13 Pro+):

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version line and tap it 7 times in a row, and a notification will appear on the screen: You became a developer!
3. Return to the main Settings menu and a new Additional (or Advanced Settings on HyperOS) section will appear.
4. Inside, find the Developer for the Developer.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or Redmi A1) Nothing happens after the 7th tap, in which case, try tapping the other way around. MIUI, A: Assemblage Number (below) If that doesn't work, use an alternative method:

After the Developer Menu appears, take your time to turn on debugging, and it is recommended to disable one option that can block access to ADB:

⚠️ Critical setting: In the Developer Menu, find the Undo Permissions option USB-If you don't, you'll have to reconfirm access after each connection to the new PC, which will make it harder to work with fastboot or TWRP.

Step 2: Enabling USB debugging and setting permissions

Now, to the main thing, in the Developer menu, find the following options and activate them:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB — The main box that you need to include.
• 🔄 Unlocking OEM — It is necessary to unlock the bootloader (if you plan to install custom firmware).
• 📱 Configuration USB By default, select File Transfer (MTP) or PTP, if debugging doesn't work.
• 🔒 Permit verification USB — Turn off to avoid constant requests when connecting to a PC.

Once you have USB debugging enabled, the system will show a warning: "Let us debug over USB?" And the important thing here is to read the text carefully -- if it says "Always allow from this computer," check the box and click "Allow." If you don't, you'll have to confirm access again every time you connect.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with HyperOS may have an additional window asking you to enter your Mi Account password after debugging. This is normal because Xiaomi protects your devices from unauthorized access. If you forget your password, restore it here, otherwise debugging will not work.

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If the phone is not installed after the debugging is activated in ADB, Try a regime change. USB-To do this, pull the notification curtain down, press on USB to transfer files and select Image Transfer (PTP). Sometimes this solves the driver problem.

Table: Differences in inclusion of debugging on different versions of MIUI

The USB debugging activation algorithm may vary depending on the firmware version, and below is a comparison table for the popular MIUI and HyperOS versions:

If your version of MIUI is not listed in the table, use the universal method: tap the Build Number until the notification appears. On some models (for example, Redmi K30 Pro), the developer menu may be called Developer options - this is normal, the debugging algorithm remains the same.

Solving the problem: why USB debugging doesn't work

Even when the debugging is enabled correctly, ADB may not see the device, and here are the most common reasons and ways to address them:

• 🖥️ No drivers on PC: Download the official Xiaomi drivers here or use the universal Google USB Driver.
• 🔌 Cable problems: Try another USB-cable (preferably original) cheap cables often don't support data transmission.
• 🔒 Antivirus Block: Disable Antivirus on PC – It Can Block ADB potential threat.
• 📱 Reset permissions: If you reset your phone settings, you will have to turn on the debugging again.
• 🔄 Incompatible version ADB: Update Android SDK Platform-Tools to the latest version on Google.

To check if your PC sees your Redmi, do the following at the command line:

adb devices

If you see the serial number of the device, the debugging works. If you see an unauthorized number instead, it means that the phone has not confirmed access (check notifications). If the device does not show at all, there is a driver or cable problem.

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On Redmi with HyperOS, after resetting to factory settings, USB debugging automatically turns off even if the developer menu remains active. Remember to turn it on again!

Security: How to protect data after debugging is enabled

USB debugging offers a lot of opportunities for Redmi to configure, but it also poses security risks.

1. Turn off debugging when you don't need it. Go back to Settings → For developers and uncheck Debugging on USB.
2. Use strong passwords to unlock the screen. A pin or pattern lock is easy to pick up through ADB if the phone is connected to someone else's PC.
3. Don't connect to public ones. USB-Attackers can use them to steal data through airports, cafes, trains. USB-mount.
4. Install the USB Condom app (available on XDA Developers) which blocks USB data transfer, leaving only charging.

If you are renovating or selling your phone, be sure to disable USB debugging and reset to factory settings, otherwise the new owner will be able to access your data via ADB backup or other tools.

⚠️ Warning: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) When you turn on the debugging, you get a notification saying, "Device unlocked for debugging. It doesn't mean the bootloader is unlocked.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about debugging on USB on Xiaomi Redmi