How to completely turn off the developer settings on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Developer mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a powerful tool for fine-tuning the system, but often users activate it accidentally or forget to turn it off after use. Left on, developer settings can create security risks, interfere with application performance, or even lead to unstable device operation. For example, changing animation settings or background processes without understanding the consequences often causes the MIUI interface to freeze.

In this article, you will find three official ways to deactivate the developer mode, from simply resetting through settings to completely removing activation traces through ADB. We will also discuss why menus can remain visible even after switching off, and what to do if standard methods do not work. All instructions tested on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and are relevant for models from 2020-2026.

Why you should turn off the developer mode on Xiaomi

Activated Developer Mode gives you access to system settings that are not designed for the average user, and here are the key reasons why it should be deactivated:

• 🔒 Security vulnerabilities: parameters such as debugging USB or Unlock. OEM Allow attackers to access device data through a physical connection.
• ⚡ Decreased performance: changing the limits of background processes (Do not remain active) can lead to spontaneous closure of applications.
• 📱 Application conflicts: Some programs (such as banking or secure games) block work on devices with developer mode enabled.
• 🔄 Unpredictable bugs: experiments with settings GPU-Acceleration or screen resolution often causes graphic artifacts.

In addition, on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5), active developer mode prevents the receipt of updates by air (OTA).

Method 1: Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which is suitable if you haven't made critical changes to system settings.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (on some models – About Device).
3. Find the MIUI version line and tap it 7 times in a row, and the system should show the message "You're already a developer!" - this confirms that the menu is active.
4. Go back to the main Settings menu and find the new Additional (or Advanced Settings) section.
5. Inside it will appear the item Developer options - open it.
6. In the upper right corner, press the switch (it will be illuminated in blue) to turn off the mode.
7. Confirm the action in the dialog box by clicking Off.

After that, the developer menu will disappear from the main settings, but on some firmware (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.4), the item may remain visible, but inactive - this is normal and does not require additional actions.

Method 2: Reset (if the standard method does not work)

If after disabling through the developer menu settings, the display continues or errors occur (for example, "Application of settings error occurred"), a partial reset will be required. This method does not affect user data, but returns system parameters to factory values.

Attention, before discharge:

⚠️ Save backup copies of important data (photos, contacts, SMS). Although resetting does not delete files, in rare cases a complete reset may be required (Wipe Data).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Delete All Data!).
3. Enter the screen unlock password (if installed).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.

After restarting the device, check for the lack of a developer menu. If the problem persists, try the third method (via ADB).

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If the first two methods didn’t work, you’ll need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level device management tool that works for Xiaomi models with unlocked bootloader or root rights, but can work on standard firmware as well.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚙️ Included Debugging by USB developer-specific.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the smartphone to the PC and allow debugging (on the screen of the device will appear a request).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
4. Execute the developer mode disable command: adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0
5. Reboot the device: adb reboot

If you can still see the developer menu after rebooting, try the additional command:

adb shell pm clear com.android.settings

It clears the Settings app cache, which often solves the problem.

💡

Before using ADB, check if the bootloader is locked on your device. On some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 Ultra), unlocking requires waiting 7-15 days after the account is tied.

What to do if the developer modes are not in the settings, but it is active

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the developer menu is not displayed in the settings, but the system behaves as if it is turned on (for example, debugging notifications appear or applications are blocked).

If none of the methods worked, the cause may lie in custom firmware or a modified core, in which case it is recommended:

1. Install the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Check the device for root rights using the Root Checker app.
3. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is valid).

Xiaomi models, which most often have problems with disabling the developer mode

On some Xiaomi devices, the developer menu behaves out of the box due to firmware or hardware limitations, and here is a list of models where users are most likely to encounter difficulties:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 11 / Mi 11 Ultra – after upgrading to the new version MIUI 13 menus can be duplicated in two settings.
• 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro/Pro Max – Resetting doesn’t always clear the developer flag.
• 📱 POCO F3 / F4 GT — Global firmware requires additional team ADB shutdown.
• 📱 Xiaomi 12T / 12T Pro – Developer mode can be activated spontaneously after connecting to a PC.
• 📱 Redmi K50 / K50 Pro – on Chinese firmware menu hidden deeper (path: Settings) → Memory. → Additionally).

For these models, it is recommended to combine methods: first a standard shutdown, then a reset setting, and only if it does not help - use ADB.

💡

On devices with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi Note 12 5G), ADB commands may require additional drivers.Install MediaTek USB VCOM drivers before connecting.

How to check if the developer mode is turned off

To make sure that the developer menu is completely deactivated, perform the following checks:

1. Visual check: Open Settings and scroll down — no Developer Settings. Go to About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times. No message should appear.

Checking through ADB

adb shell settings get global development_settings_enabled

If the command returns 0, mode is off. If 1, additional action is required.

Application test

• Install DevCheck from Google Play and check the Developer Mode status.
• Run a secure game (like Genshin Impact) – if it doesn’t give out errors about an uncertified device, it’s okay.