Debugging by USB on Xiaomi Redmi: how to turn on in 5 minutes (works on MIUI 14/15)

The USB debugging mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a hidden feature that can’t be performed without many technical operations, from firmware via Fastboot to data recovery using ADB. Despite the fact that the manufacturer hides this option in the developer menu, its activation takes no more than 5 minutes if you know the exact sequence of actions. The problem is that MIUI regularly changes the location of settings, and in new versions (for example, MIUI 14/15) the algorithm differs from the old instructions from the Internet.

In this article, you’ll find current ways to enable USB debugging for all Redmi models (Redmi Note 10 to Redmi 13C), including bypassing common bugs like a gray menu item or a lack of response to a PC connection. We’ll also look at why some devices require additional bootloader unlocking through the official Mi Unlock tool, and how to do this without the risk of locking your phone. If you’re planning to install custom firmware, restore data, or test apps, this is the guide for you.

Why do I need to debug USB on Xiaomi Redmi?

Debugging by USB (USB Debugging is not just a developer mode, it's the key to the enhanced capabilities of your smartphone:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) via Fastboot or TWRP.
• 📱 Recover deleted files using utilities like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver.
• 🐞 Testing apps in Android Studio or debugging them through ADB.
• 🔓 Unlock the Bootloader (required for root rights or firmware change).
• 📡 Transfer data between devices using Mi Mover or Xiaomi PC Suite in Extended Mode.

What's more, some service centers require on-debugging to diagnose hardware problems, for example, if your Redmi doesn't turn on or is stuck on the logo, experts plug it into a PC via ADB to read the error logs. Without activated debugging, many operations are simply impossible.

⚠️ Attention: Including debugging by USB If you connect your phone to public computers (such as an Internet cafe), always revoke permissions after use via Settings. → Annexes → Permit management.

Preparation: What to do before turning on debugging

Before proceeding to settings, make sure that the mandatory conditions are met:

1. Battery charge is at least 50%. When connected to a PC, the phone can discharge faster, and interruption of the process due to discharge is fraught with failures.
2. The original USB cable. Cheap cables often don't support data transfer, only charging. Use a kit cable or a certified USB-C/Type-C.
3. Xiaomi drivers on PCs, without which the computer will not recognize the device in debugging mode. Download them from the official website: mi.com ("Tools").
4. Installation permission from unknown sources (if you plan to install) ADB-utilities. Activated in Settings → Privacy → Special permits.

If you are using Windows, check device recognition after installing the drivers:

1. Connect Redmi to the PC.
2. Open Device Manager (click Win + X).
3. The Portables section should display the name of your model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+).

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

The debugging activation algorithm on Xiaomi Redmi consists of two steps: unlocking the developer menu and enabling the debugging itself. Follow the instructions strictly in order - skipping steps will lead to errors.

Step 1: Unlock the Developer Menu

By default, the developer's options are hidden.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (on some models - 10 times).
3. The message will be: “You are a developer!”

If nothing happens after 7 clicks:

• 🔄 Check that you are using the version. MIUI, not by device model or assembly number.
• 📱 On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) a pattern lock is required or PIN after 5th press.
• 🔧 If the menu doesn’t appear, restart the phone and try again.

Step 2: Enabling debugging over USB

After unlocking the developer menu:

1. Return to the main settings menu.
2. Select a new section Additional → For developers (on MIUI 14/15, the path may differ: Settings → About phone → Additional settings → For developers).
3. Find the USB Debugging option and move the slider to the right.
4. In the confirmation window that appears, click OK.

If the USB Debugging item is inactive (grey):

• 🔒 Make sure there are no active restrictions on your phone (such as parental controls or corporate policies).
• 📡 Check your internet connection — MIUI Sometimes it blocks the change of this parameter without a network.
• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.

Original cable connected | Xiaomi Drivers Installed | USB | Allowed PC permissions (first connection) | Battery charge >50%-->

Step 3: Confirming a trusted device

When you first connect to your computer, a request will appear on the Redmi screen:

"Let me debug USB?" RSA key: [unique code] Always allow from this computer?

Definitely:

1. Always check the box to allow from this computer.
2. Press Allow.

If you don't, you'll have to confirm access again every time you connect. ADB-commands (for example, to unlock the bootloader) will not work without permanent permission.

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If the request for debugging permission does not appear, try to disable and reconnect the cable, as well as restart the ADB service on the PC with the adb kill-server command in the terminal.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after activating debugging correctly, Xiaomi Redmi users are faced with typical bugs. Here's how to fix them:

If, after all the manipulations, ADB still does not recognize the device, perform:

adb devices

If the answer is empty or unauthorized, it's on the phone side. If the device appears as offline, restart ADB:

adb kill-server


adb start-server

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) K40 Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) When you turn on debugging, you can automatically activate the bootloader lock. That's normal, that's how the security works. MIUI. To unlock the bootloader, use the official Mi Unlock Tool tool.

How to Unlock the bootloader for Full Debugging

If you plan to flash Redmi over Fastboot or install TWRP, debugging over USB is not enough, you need to unlock the bootloader. This process is officially supported by Xiaomi, but has limitations:

• 🔗 Requires the binding of the Mi Account to the device (without this, unlocking is impossible).
• ⏳ Waiting for confirmation can take up to 720 hours (30 days) on new models.
• 📱 After unlocking, all data on the phone will be reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website: en.miui.com/unlock.
2. Log in to your Mi Account on your phone and in the program on your PC.
3. Connect Redmi to your computer in Fastboot mode (turn off your phone, then press Volume Down + Power).
4. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock and wait for the process to be completed.

If the program is running a "Couldn't unlock" error:

• 🔄 Make sure your Mi Account is linked to your phone for at least 7 days.
• 📡 Check your internet connection – Xiaomi servers must confirm unlocking.
• 🔧 Try using a different version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. 5.5.224.24 for newer models).

Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them

Enabling USB debugging opens up potential vulnerabilities for your Redmi.Attackers can:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Install spyware through ADB without your knowledge.
• 📱 Delete or copy personal data (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🔓 Unlock your phone if you have physical access to your device.

To minimize the risks:

1. Revoke permissions after using debugging: go to Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → USB debugging and remove trusted devices.
2. Use strong passwords to unlock the screen (at least 8 characters, with numbers and special signs).
3. Do not connect your phone to public PCs (such as Internet cafes or airports).
4. Check active connections regularly through ADB with the following commands:

adb devices -l

If unknown devices appear in the list, turn off debugging immediately.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI Global, once you've turned on the debugging, can automatically turn off the reset protection to the factory settings, which means that anyone who gets access to the phone can reset it through Fastboot without entering a password. To return the protection, turn off the debugging and reboot the device.

Alternative ways to activate debugging (if the standard one does not work)

If the developer menu doesn’t open or debugging doesn’t turn on, try alternative methods:

Method 1: Mi Account (for new models)

Redmi with MIUI 14/15 sometimes requires additional authorization.

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. In the Mi Cloud section, activate Data Sync.
3. Go back to the developer menu and try to turn on the debugging again.

Method 2: ADB (if the developer menu is not available)

If the developer menu is blocked (for example, corporate policy), you can enable debugging through the command:

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1


adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings

After that, the developer menu will be available.

Method 3: Resetting settings (extreme case)

If none of these methods worked, do a soft reset (does not affect user data):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (not Reset to factory!).
3. After the reboot, repeat the steps to turn on debugging.

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If debugging still doesn't work, the problem may be with the firmware. Install the latest version of MIUI via Settings → System Update or manually through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about debugging USB on Xiaomi Redmi