How to enable debugging by USB on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: detailed instructions with pictures and tips

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but its owners often face the need to enable USB debugging for firmware, unlock the bootloader or work with ADB. Without this mode, it is impossible to perform many technical operations, from installing custom firmware to recovering data via fastboot.

In this article, you will find not only the standard instructions for activating debugging, but also solutions to typical problems: why the option for developers does not appear in the settings, how to bypass the MIUI lock when connecting to a PC, and what to do if the computer does not see the device even after turning on the mode. We will also analyze the unique MIUI bug 12.5 on the Redmi Note 9 Pro, which can spontaneously shut down after restarting.

The instructions are suitable for all Redmi Note 9 Pro versions (including the global and Chinese versions), and are also relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14. If you are a beginner, watch for warnings to avoid blocking the phone.

Why do you need to debug USB on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro

USB debugging mode allows you to access low-level Android features through your computer.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock) for installing custom firmware;
• 📱 Install APK-file ADB (adb install app.apk);
• 🔧 Recover data after resetting through TWRP;
• 🐞 Testing apps in Android Studio;
• 🔄 Switching the device through the Mi Flash Tool.

On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, debugging is also required to bypass OEM lock (if activated), work with Magisk for root rights, and even for some ways to overclock the Snapdragon 720G processor.

⚠️ Attention: Including debugging by USB It reduces the security of the device. Do not connect the phone to unverified computers - this can lead to data theft or malware installation.

Preparation: What to do before turning on debugging

Before you activate the mode, follow a few mandatory steps:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version. Old firmware (below MIUI 12.0.3) may not have the right options in the developer menu.
2. Install drivers for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro on PC. Download them from the official Xiaomi website (section "Drivers").
3. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable (faulty cables may cause device unauthorized errors).
4. Turn off Data Protection in the MIUI settings (if enabled). This feature blocks access to system files.

If you plan to unlock the bootloader, additionally:

• 🔗 Link your Mi Account to your phone (required!);
• 📅 Wait 72 hours after tethering (Xiaomi's requirement to unlock);
• 🔋 Charge the battery by at least 60% (to avoid failures during firmware).

Update MIUI to the latest version

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Connect your phone to the original cable

Disable "Data Protection" in the settings

Link Mi Account (if you need to unlock)-->

Step-by-step: how to enable debugging by USB

The debugging mode activation algorithm on the Redmi Note 9 Pro consists of three stages:

Step 1: Unlock the Developer Menu

The default option is hidden. To open it:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone;
2. Find the line MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row;
3. After the notification “You became a developer!”, return to the main settings menu.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI (For example, 12.5.2), after the 5th tap, a captcha may appear. Enter the symbols from the picture and continue pressing until the success message appears.

Step 2: Activate debugging over USB

Now a new section will appear in the settings:

1. Open the settings → Additional → for developers;
2. Scroll down and find the USB Debugging option.
3. Transfer the slider to the right and confirm the action by pressing OK in the warning window.

If the option is inactive (grey), check:

• 🔌 Is the phone connected to a PC (on some versions) MIUI Debugging is only enabled when connected);
• 🔒 Are superuser rights allowed (if the phone is rooted);
• 📱 Is the Guest Account Mode Enabled (disables system settings).

Step 3: Allow access from the computer

When you first connect to the PC, a request will appear for a trusted device:

1. On the phone screen, select Allow debugging over USB;
2. Check Always Allow from this computer (so as not to confirm access every time);
3. Press OK.

If the window doesn't appear:

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable;
• 🖥️ Restart the computer;
• 📱 Turn on/off File Transfer mode (MTP) notice-curtain.

💡

If your computer still can’t see the device after debugging, try manually updating drivers through Windows. Open Manager → Other devices → Android, right-click and select Update Driver.

Table: Common mistakes and their solutions

How to check that USB debugging works

To ensure that the mode is activated correctly:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Enter the command: Adb devices
3. If you see a serial number (for example, 1234abcd device) in response, the debugging works.

Additional commands for verification:

• 📋 Viewing Logs in Real Time: Adb Logcat
• 📱 Adb shell getprop ro.product.model (should output Redmi Note 9 Pro).

If the teams are not working:

• 🔌 Check the cable connection;
• 🖥️ Reset the service ADB: adb kill-server && adb start-server
• 📱 Reboot your phone and repeat the steps.

💡

If the adb device command shows unauthorized, but the phone does not appear a request for permission, try resetting the network settings (Settings → Network and Internet → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).

USB Debugging is not included: what to do

If you have completed all the steps but the debugging has not been activated, check the following points:

1. Blocking with antivirus or MIUI

On some versions of MIUI (especially Chinese ones), the system can block access to the developer menu.

• 🛡️ Temporarily disable the antivirus on the PC;
• 📱 In the Redmi Note 9 Pro settings, disable Data Protection and Battery Optimization for ADB;
• 🔄 Restart your phone to Safe Mode (hold the power button) → "Safe mode") and try again.

2. Damaged system files

If the Developer menu opens but the options are inactive:

• 🔧 Perform a reset settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings);
• 📲 Flick your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All option);
• 🔄 Update your firmware manually through Recovery.

Security: How to protect data when debugging is enabled

Debugging over USB opens up access to system files, so:

• 🔒 Never connect your phone to public computers (at cafes, airports, etc.);
• 📱 Turn off debugging when you don’t need it (Settings) → For developers → Debugging by USB);
• 🔑 Use a strong password or pattern lock on your phone;
• 🛡️ Install the app ADB AppControl for managing rights of connected devices.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 14+ When you connect to a new PC, the system requests confirmation via Mi Account. If you forget the password from your Xiaomi account, you can't debug it, you need to reset through fastboot.

If you are transferring your phone for repair:

• 📱 Turn off the debugging. USB;
• 🔄 Get out of the Mi Account;
• 🔒 Set a temporary password on the lock screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about debugging on Redmi Note 9 Pro