How to enable debugging mode on USB on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: full instruction with nuances

USB debugging mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a hidden feature, without which it is impossible to perform most technical operations, from firmware via fastboot to work with ADB or restore data via TWRP. Many users face the problem: there is simply no “Developers” item in the settings menu, and without it it it is impossible to activate debugging. The reason lies in Xiaomi’s policy, which by default hides these options from the average user.

In this article, we will not only show you how to turn on the developer mode and activate it. USB-We'll also look at the common mistakes that get in the way of this, like why after a few taps on the build number, nothing happens, or what to do if you're going to debug by the build number. USB" Inactive (grey) and we'll focus on the nuances of the firmware. MIUI Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) because some versions of the software have unique limitations.

If you plan to unlock a bootloader, install custom firmware, or use tools like Magisk, this is a must-do first, but remember: activating debugging opens up potential security vulnerabilities if it is exploited by an attacker with physical access to the phone.

1. How to unlock the Developer Menu on Redmi Note 8 Pro

The default option is "Developers" hidden in MIUI, and to activate it, you have to do a simple but not obvious procedure. Importantly, the number of taps has to be accurate, because the system won't work if you make one click less or more.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings on your Redmi Note 8 Pro.
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Find the MIUI version string and tap it 7 times in a row.
4. After the seventh tap, a notification will appear: “You became a developer!”

If nothing happens after 7 clicks:

• 🔹 Make sure you are following the version. MIUI, not in other fields (e.g., "Device model").
• 🔹 Some of the majors (e.g., global) MIUI 12.5) may need to tap 10 times.
• 🔹 Check if the phone has a lock password – without it, the developer menu will not open.

After you successfully activate the Settings main menu, a new section will appear — Additional → For developers. If it is not, restart the device.

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On some versions of MIUI, the "Developers" section may be called "Advanced Settings" or "Special Features".

Step-by-step instruction for inclusion USB-debugging

Now that the developer menu is unlocked, you can start debugging, and it's important that this process requires confirmation through a graphical key, a PIN, or a password if they're installed on the device.

Action:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers.
2. Scroll down to the Debugging section.
3. Activate the debugging switch over USB.
4. In the window that appears, confirm the action by pressing OK.

If the switch is inactive (grey and not pressed), the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔹 The device does not have a lock password (a prerequisite for MIUI).
• 🔹 Enables the option to Prohibit debugging in security settings.
• 🔹 The device is connected to the PC, but not authorized (you need to confirm a trusted connection on the smartphone screen).

Once you activate debugging, when you connect to your computer, a request for debugging permission will appear on your smartphone screen. Always make sure you connect to a trusted PC, which will protect your data from leakage.

3. Typical errors and their solutions

Even after debugging is activated correctly, Redmi Note 8 Pro users often face problems, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Special attention should be paid to situations where debugging stops working after the MIUI update, which is due to Xiaomi’s security policy, which resets some permissions, in which case it is enough to re-enable debugging in the developer menu.

4.Security: risks of inclusion USB-debugging

Activating debugging mode opens up wide-ranging customization opportunities, but it also creates potential vulnerabilities. An attacker with physical access to an unlocked phone can:

• 🔹 Install malware through ADB.
• 🔹 Copy personal data (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🔹 Unlock the bootloader and install an informal firmware.

To minimize the risks:

1. Turn on debugging only when necessary and turn it off after use.
2. Never connect a phone with debugging enabled to public charging or someone else’s PC.
3. Use a strong lock password (at least 6 characters).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (e.g. Chinese) debugging USB It can be locked at the kernel level, and you will need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool.

5. Checking the debugging performance

To make sure that USB debugging works correctly, follow the following steps:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer via USB-cable.

2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux).

3. Enter the command:

adb devices

4. If debugging works, you'll see the serial number of the device in the list. Example output:

List of devices attached


a1b2c3d4e5f6    device

If the device is displayed unauthorized, then you have not confirmed the trusted connection on the phone screen.

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If the adb device command returns a blank list, check the drivers, cable, and USB connection mode (must be MTP or PTP).

6. Additional settings for developers

In addition to debugging via USB, the menu "For developers" has other useful options that can be useful when working with the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 🔹 Unlocking OEM — It is required to unlock the bootloader (without it, the Mi Unlock Tool will not work).
• 🔹 Do not turn off the screen – convenient when firmware or testing.
• 🔹 Display touches – visualizes touch points on the screen (useful for recording video instructions).
• 🔹 Regime. USB by default – allows you to select File Transfer, Charging or MIDI.

For example, if you plan to unlock the bootloader, be sure to activate OEM Unlock. Without this step, the Mi Unlock Tool will give you an error:

Couldn’t unlock. The device is not supported by mi unlock

You can also turn off Automatic System Update if you are using custom firmware and do not want MIUI to overwrite it when you update it.

7. Frequent questions and answers

8. Conclusion: What to do next?

Now that your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro has USB debugging activated, you can:

• 🔹 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 🔹 Install custom restoration (TWRP).
• 🔹 The device is installed via fastboot or ADB Sideload.
• 🔹 Getting root rights with Magisk.

Remember: any manipulation of system files can lead to loss of warranty or “bricking” of the device. Always back up the data before firmware and follow the verified instructions.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 Pro with Mediatek Helio processor G90T Unlocking a bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting due to Xiaomi's policy.