How to enable USB debugging on Xiaomi: a complete guide with pictures and error solutions

USB debugging mode on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark sub-brands) is a hidden feature for developers that allows access to advanced settings through the computer. Without it, you can not flash the device through Fastboot, get root rights, unlock the bootloader or use tools like ADB and Scrcpy. However, the manufacturer hides this mode deep in the menu, and on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), its activation requires additional manipulation.

In this article, you will find current ways to enable USB debugging for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), driver installation instructions, and solutions to common errors like “Device not recognized” or “ADB device offline.” We will understand why some Xiaomi smartphones can block the option of debugging over USB gray dots, and how to get around this without the risk of “bricking” the device.

Why do you need to debug USB on Xiaomi?

USB debugging isn't just a geek thing, it's needed in a number of practical scenarios:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader before firmware custom software (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 📱 Install root rights via Magisk or SuperSU for deep customization.
• 🖥️ Managing a smartphone with a PC through ADB (For example, transferring files without restrictions MIUI high-screen FPS).
• 🐞 Fault Diagnostics: Error Logging, Sensor Testing, Recovery from a “Soft Brick».
• 🎮 Using gamepads or emulators (e.g., connecting DualSense to Black Shark 5 Pro).

Without debugging enabled, many operations are simply impossible. For example, trying to flash the Xiaomi Mi 11 through the Mi Flash Tool without unlocking the bootloader and activating debugging will lead to an Anti Rollback error and potential loss of warranty.

Preparation of the smartphone: turn on the developer mode

Before you activate debugging over USB, you need to unlock the hidden menu for developers. On all Xiaomi smartphones (regardless of the model), this process is the same, but there are nuances for different versions of MIUI:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (on HyperOS it can be called the OS version).
3. After the notification “You became a developer!” appears, return to the main Settings menu.
4. Now there will be a new section – Additional settings → For developers (on MIUI 14 the way can be Settings → About phone → All settings → For developers).

Attention! On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T Pro or POCO F5), nothing happens after the 7th tap.

• Check if the Power Saving Mode is on – it can block activation.
• Restart the device and try again.
• If you use MIUI Global Stable, upgrade to the latest version – there was a bug in the old builds with the developer menu hidden.

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

Once the developer mode is activated, you can start debugging. Follow the instructions carefully - errors at this stage can lead to a blockage of the connection to the PC.

1. Go to the developer menu: Path: Settings → Additional settings → Developer (or Settings → About Phone → All settings → Developer on MIUI 14).
2. Find the USB Debugging option: Scroll down to the Debugging block. If the option is gray and inactive, see How to unlock gray debugging over USB.
3. Activate the switch: After turning on, a warning will appear - press OK.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC: Use the original cable (cheap cables often don't support data transfer). On the screen, the request "Allow debugging over USB?" will appear - tick Always allow from this computer and click Allow.

Critical moment! If at this stage you see a message "Device not recognized" on your PC - the problem is the drivers. download the official Xiaomi drivers from the MIUI Downloads site (Driver section) or use the universal Google USB Driver package.

💡

If debugging suddenly shuts down after the reboot, check the OEM Lock settings in the developer menu. On some models (e.g. Redmi K50 Gaming), it resets automatically.

What to do if USB debugging is gray and inactive?

On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12+ (especially flagships like Xiaomi 13 Pro or Mix Fold 2), the USB debugging option can be blocked in gray, due to the manufacturer's security policy. Here are 3 proven ways to unlock:

Method 1: Unlock with Mi Unlock Tool

If you plan to unlock the bootloader, this method kills two birds with one stone:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool and log in to Mi Account.
2. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the device is off).
3. In the program, press Unlock - after successfully unlocking the bootloader, debugging over USB will become active.

Method 2: Resetting security settings

Suitable for devices without binding to the Mi Account:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
2. Select Network and Security Reset (does not delete data!).
3. After the reboot, check the developer menu – the option should become active.

Method 3: Manual editing of settings (requires root)

For advanced users:

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1


adb shell settings put global adb_enabled 1

These commands force debugging, but only work on rooted devices.

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If debugging is still inactive after all the manipulations, check if Guest Mode or Private Mode is enabled in the security settings, which block access to system functions.

Installation of drivers and connection verification

Even if USB debugging is enabled on a smartphone, without the right drivers on a PC, the connection will not work.

For Windows:

1. Download Android SDK Platform-Tools (includes ADB and Fastboot).
2. Install the drivers: 🖥️ For Xiaomi: Mi USB Driver. 🤖 Universal: Google USB Driver.

Device Manager

Xiaomi

Android

Other devices

For macOS/Linux:

Drivers are not required, but you need to configure the udev rules (for Linux):

echo 'SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="2717", MODE="0666", GROUP="plugdev"' | sudo tee /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules


sudo udevadm control --reload-rules




sudo udevadm trigger

Connection check:

1. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Enter the command: Adb devices
3. If you see a serial number (e.g., 1234abcd device) in the answer, the connection is successful. If unauthorized, unlock access on the smartphone screen.

⚠️ If, after connecting, the smartphone starts charging, but is not defined as USB-Try the device: Use another device USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC. Turn off Debugging by USB, Reboot your smartphone and turn it on again. In the developer menu, activate the configuration. USB default → File transfer (MTP).

Solving Common Errors When Debugging on USB

Even after you set it up correctly, you can still get errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

• 🔌 Device not recognized (Code 43): Reason: driver conflict. Solution: Remove all Xiaomi drivers through Device Manager. Install Zadig and replace the driver with libusb-win32.

ADB device offline

The reason: unstable connection.

adb kill-server


adb start-server




adb reconnect offline

Debugging is disabled after rebooting

Reason: Reset security settings. Solution: In the developer menu, turn off Automatic Debugging Disable (if any) or link the device to Mi Account.

Command not allowed

The reason: blocked bootloader. Solution: unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires waiting 7-168 hours after the account is attached).

On Xiaomi smartphones with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) When connecting to the PC, an error may occur "USB-Connection is unstable. This is due to the new energy saving policy - disable the option "Optimize" USB-Connection in the Developer Menu.

Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them

Enabling USB debugging opens up potential vulnerabilities for your device, and here are the key risks and precautions:

• 🛡️ Data Leakage: Connecting to an untrusted PC could allow an attacker to copy your files or install spyware.Always use adb pull/push consciously.
• 🔓 Unauthorized access: If you lose your smartphone with debugging enabled, an attacker will be able to unlock it through ADB (For example, the adb shell input text 1234 & input keyevent 66 command PIN-Turn off debugging after use!
• 💥 Soft-brick: Incorrect Fastboot commands (such as fastboot erase system) can cause a loss of performance.Always check commands before executing.

⚠️ Attention! On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Pro) enable debugging by USB Automatically disables Memory Tagging Extension (MTE), This can reduce the protection against exploits. ADB Rebooting the device is recommended.

To minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Use the adb pair for encrypted connectivity (available in Android 11)+).
• 📱 Turn on the lock. OEM In the developer menu after the manipulation is completed.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI/HyperOS — The new versions are closing vulnerabilities related to ADB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about debugging on USB on Xiaomi