Developer mode on Xiaomi: how to turn it on and why it is needed

Developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a hidden toolbar that gives access to dozens of additional Android and MIUI settings. From debugging via USB to changing the interface animations, these features are useful not only for programmers but also for experienced users who want to squeeze the maximum out of the device. However, by default this section is hidden so that the newcomer does not accidentally change the critical parameters of the system.

To enable the developer mode on any Xiaomi model (whether it is the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra or the budget Redmi Note 12) you can in 2-3 minutes, following the universal instructions. The main thing is to know the exact sequence of actions, since different versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15) and Android (11, 12, 13, 14) the path may differ slightly. In this article we will analyze all the current methods, warn against typical errors and show which settings should be changed first after activation.

Why do I need a developer mode on Xiaomi?

Many users mistakenly believe that the developer option is only useful for programmers, and it is actually useful for anyone who wants to:

• 🔧 Speed up the work of the smartphone – disable unnecessary animations, limit background processes.
• 📱 Change the behavior of the interface – turn on gestures instead of navigation buttons, adjust screen zoom.
• 🔄 Unlock the bootloader is the first step to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🖥️ Connect to the PC - activate the Debugging USB work-in ADB or Fastboot.
• 📡 Optimize the network – forcefully enable 4G/5G, change the default type of network.

Without developer mode, it is impossible to perform many operations, for example, unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi through the official Mi Unlock Tool tool or enable support. HD-Calls on operators like MTS or Beeline, and even if you don't plan on going into the settings, activating it doesn't hurt -- it doesn't affect performance or eat up battery power.

⚠️ Note: Changes to some parameters in the developer mode (e.g, OEM Unlock or Force GPU Rendering) can cause system instability or resets. Always fix current values before experimenting!

Preparing a smartphone before turning on the developer mode

Before you start activating, make sure your device is ready:

Update. MIUI last-minute|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|Charge your phone at least 50%|Make a backup copy of important data-->

Pay particular attention to the firmware versions. On Xiaomi with MIUI Global or MIUI Europe, the path to settings may differ from the Chinese versions (MIUI China), for example, in Redmi K60 Pro in Chinese firmware, the About phone item is called, and in the global one is About phone.

If you have an outdated model (such as Xiaomi Mi A1 or Redmi 4X), upgrade it to the current version of Android via Settings → System Update. On devices older than 2018 (with Android 8-9), an additional step may be required - including the "Developers" item through the engineering menu (we will discuss this below).

Xiaomi 13/14 series|Redmi Note 11/12|POCO F4/F5|Old model (up to) 2020 year-end)|other-->

Method 1: Standard About Phone Activation (MIUI 12-15)

This is a versatile method that works on 95% of Xiaomi devices with Android 10 and later.

• 📱 All Xiaomi smartphones (11T, 12, 13, 14 episodes)
• 📱 Lineak Redmi Note (10, 11, 12), Redmi K (40, 50, 60)
• 📱 Devices POCO (F3, F4, F5, X3, X4, X5)

Sequence of action:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Find the line Version MIUI (MIUI Version) and tap it 7 times in a row.
4. After 3-4 clicks, a pop-up will appear with the countdown: 4 steps left to become a developer!
5. On the 7th press, the system will display a notification: You are now a developer!

If nothing happens after 7 clicks:

• ❌ Make sure you are following the version. MIUI, Not the Android version or the device model.
• ❌ Check if the protective glass or cover is blocking the pressings.
• ❌ On some firmware (MIUI China may require a password from your Mi Account.

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If you can not tap 7 times quickly, try using two fingers alternately - the system will count the pressing even with a slight delay.

Method 2: Alternative method for older models (Android 8-9)

On Android 8 Oreo or Android 9 Pie devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 8, Redmi 5 Plus, POCO F1), the standard method may not work.

1. Open the settings → Additional → for developers.
2. If there is no item, go to Settings → All settings → System → About phone.
3. Tap 7 times on the Build Number, not the MIUI version.
4. After activation, go back to the main settings menu – there will be a new section for developers.

On some Chinese firmware (MIUI China Stable), the path may be different:

Settings → Memory and device → All specifications → Assembly number (stamp 7 times)

⚠️ Note: On Android 7 Nougat and older devices (e.g. Xiaomi Redmi) 4A) After activation of the developer mode, it may be necessary to allow OEM-Unlock manually. Otherwise, if you try to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, you will get a Couldn't unlock error.

Where to find the developer mode after activation?

After successful inclusion, the Developer Options section appears in different places depending on the MIUI version:

If the partition does not appear even after successful activation, try:

• 🔍 Reset the device.
• 🔍 Enter the search for settings query "developer».
• 🔍 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (sometimes interface bugs hide the item).

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On some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), the developer mode may be called Developer settings and is located in the System & Device section.

Which settings should be changed first?

After activating the developer mode, more will open in front of you. 50 We've selected the top of the parameters.-10 The most useful ones that will not harm the system, but will significantly improve the user experience:

• ⚡ Disable animation: Set the window animation scale, the animation scale transition and the animator duration on 0.5x Or off. – the interface will be much faster.
• 🔄 Turn on OEM-Unlocking: Necessary to unlock the bootloader (OEM Unlocking. Without it, you can't install it. TWRP custom-made.
• 🖥️ Activate debugging by USB: Item USB Debugging is needed to work with ADB, Fastboot and programs like Scrcpy (managing a phone from a PC).
• 📶 Forced to turn on 4G/5G: In the Mobile Network section, select Preferred Network Type → LTE/5G Only for a stable Internet.
• 🔋 Limit background processes: The item Don't keep activities will free up RAM, but may close applications when switching.

Be careful with the following parameters:

• ❌ Force GPU Rendering – can cause graphic artifacts in games.
• ❌ Disable HW Overlays – will lead to overheating and rapid discharge of the battery.
• ❌ Background process limit - limit to 1-2 The process will make multitasking impossible.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even when you follow the instructions, users have problems.

1. no notification appears after 7 taps

Causes and solutions:

• 🔹 You're tapping the wrong item. Some firmwares need to click on the Build Number, not the Version. MIUI.
• 🔹 You have a lightweight firmware installed (MIUI Update to the full version.
• 🔹 Smartphone blocked by corporate policy (relevant to work phones). Try resetting your settings.

2 Developer Mode Disappears After Update

It's normal behavior. MIUI. After a major update (e.g., with a MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) section may be absconded:

1. Again, tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
2. If it doesn’t help, reset your settings through Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset application settings.

3 You cannot enable OEM Unlock or USB Debugging

On new devices (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12), these options can be blocked until:

• 🔹 Mi Account Links (Go to Settings) → Xiaomi account and log in).
• 🔹 Internet connection (the system checks security certificates).
• 🔹 Waiting 7 days after the first account link (relevant to unlock the bootloader).

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If the OEM Unlocking option is inactive, try connecting your phone to a PC with the Mi Unlock Tool installed – sometimes this will unlock the option.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions