How to enable USB debugging on Xiaomi Mi A2: a complete guide to error solutions

Xiaomi Mi A2 — One of the few smartphones of the brand, running on pure Android One instead of the brand shell MIUI. This simplifies many processes, but also adds nuances when setting up the modes for developers. USB on this device is required to install custom firmware, unlock the bootloader, work with ADB-But it's not as easy to turn it on as it is on other Xiaomi models, because there's no "Developers" menu in the default settings.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step instruction with key steps, a breakdown of common errors (such as when the PC can’t see the device), and alternative ways to activate debugging if the standard method didn’t work. We have taken into account the features of the Mi A2, taking into account its firmware based on Android 9/10 Pie and later updates. If you plan to unlock the bootloader or flash your smartphone, you can not do without debugging on USB.

Why is there no developer menu on Xiaomi Mi A2?

Unlike smartphones with MIUI, where the developer menu is activated after 7 times clicking on the build number, the Mi A2 uses Android One, Google's "naked" Android. Here the algorithm is different:

• 🔍 There is no hidden menu – it must be created manually through settings.
• 📱 The build number is hidden deeper: Settings → System system → The phone. → Assembly number.
• 🔧 Additional settings may not be available if the device has not been updated for a long time.

Also, there is a bug on the Mi A2 that disappears after resetting the developer menu and has to be activated again, which is due to the peculiarities of how Android One works on Xiaomi devices. If you have previously used smartphones with MIUI, the process may seem counterintuitive - but it is quite predictable if you know the nuances.

Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before turning on debugging

Before activating the debugging mode, follow the mandatory preparatory steps:

1. Check the Android version. On the Mi A2, debugging works steadily on Android 9 Pie and later. If you have an old firmware, update it through Settings → System → System Update.
2. Make sure you charge the battery. The minimum level is 50%, otherwise the PC may not recognize the device.
3. Use the original cable. Cheap. USB-cables often do not support data transfer, only charging.
4. Turn off the screen lock (if possible). PIN-The code or pattern lock may interfere with ADB-team.

Pay special attention to drivers. On a Windows PC, you need to install Mi USB Driver or universal Google USB Driver drivers. Without them, the computer will see the Mi A2 as an "unidentified device." For macOS/Linux, no additional drivers are required, but you may need to configure the udev rules.

Install drivers for Xiaomi Mi A2|

Update the firmware to the latest version|

Charge your phone to at least 50% |

Connect the original USB-cable|

Disable screen locking (if possible)-->

Step-by-step: how to enable debugging by USB on Xiaomi Mi A2

Follow the algorithm in strict order:

1. Activate the developer menu: Open Settings → System → About the phone. Find the build number and click on it 7 times in a row. Once the "You've become a developer" notification appears, go back to the main settings menu.
2. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → System → Developer’s Device (the menu will appear after step 1). Scroll down and activate the USB Debugging switch. In the confirmation window that appears, click Allow.
3. Connect to PC: Connect Mi A2 to your computer via USB. On your phone screen, select File Transfer (MTP) mode. Open again for developers and check the connection status in the Debugging by USB section.

If, after connecting to a PC, a request appears on the smartphone screen to Allow debugging over USB? with an RSA key, be sure to tick "Always Allow from this computer" and click "Allow." This will eliminate repeated confirmations.

Solution: PC does not see Xiaomi Mi A2 in debugging mode

If after enabling debugging, the computer does not recognize the device, check the following points:

To diagnose the connection, use the commands in the terminal (Windows/Linux/macOS):

adb kill-server


adb start-server




adb devices

If the device never appeared after restarting the ADB server, try changing the USB mode on your phone: File Transfer (MTP) → Photo Transfer (PTP) → Charging only and back.

💡

If you are using Windows 10/11, Turn off the "Fast Charging" function in the Device Manager for USB-It can block data transmission.

Alternative ways to enable debugging if the standard method doesn't work

If the developer menu isn’t activated or debugging isn’t enabled, try these methods:

• 🔄 Resetting to factory settings (with data saved): Go to Settings → System system → Settings reset. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. After the reset, reset, reset the developer menu.

QuickShortcutMaker

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Find the action com.android.settings.DevelopmentSettings.
3. Create a shortcut on the home screen and open the hidden settings.
4. 💻 ADB-Recovery commands (for advanced users): adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings

On the Xiaomi Mi A2 with Android 10 and later firmware, you may need additional permission for ADB in the Security and Privacy menu. If after all the manipulations, debugging does not turn on, check if access to the developer settings through device policies (relevant for corporate phones) is blocked.

Security: Risks of enabled USB debugging

USB debugging mode opens up potential vulnerabilities:

• 🔓 Unauthorized access to data when connecting to someone else’s PC.
• 📲 Installation of malware through ADB-team.
• 🔄 Resetting settings or flashing without your knowledge.