Debugging mode by USB on Xiaomi smartphones is a hidden feature, without which it is impossible to perform most technical operations: from firmware via fastboot to data recovery via ADB. Despite the fact that the manufacturer hides this option in the menu for developers, its activation takes no more than 5 minutes - if you know the exact sequence of actions.
The problem is that MIUI interfaces (especially versions 14 and 15) change regularly, and instructions from older sources often lead to a dead end. For example, Android 14 has a different path to developer settings than Android 12, and some POCO models require additional bootloader unlocking. This article presents current ways to enable USB debugging for all 2026 Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including bypassing typical bugs.
Why do you need to debug USB on Xiaomi?
USB Debugging allows you to access low-level smartphone functions through your computer.
- 🔧 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) via fastboot or TWRP.
- 📱 Recovering deleted data with the help of ADB pull or specialized utilities like Dr.Fone.
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader for rooting or system modification.
- 🖥️ Manage your smartphone from a PC via scrcpy (screen viewing, keyboard commands input).
- 🛠️ Test apps in Android Studio or debug them via logcat.
However, there are risks: if you use ADB incorrectly, you can erase data, disrupt the system, or even turn your smartphone into a brick. For example, a command to fastboot erase system without a backup will lead to the loss of firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Including debugging by USB shut off MIUI, Don't connect your smartphone to unverified PCs, which can lead to malware installation.
Preparation of the smartphone: unlocking the menu “For developers”
Before you start debugging, you need to activate the hidden menu "Developers" on Xiaomi, this process is standard, but there are nuances for different versions of MIUI:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Find the line MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (on some models – by Assembly Number).
- After the notification “You became a developer!” appears, return to the main settings menu.
On MIUI 15 (based on Android 14), the path may be different: Settings → Additional → About Phone → MIUI Version. If the Developer Menu doesn’t appear, check if it’s hidden in Settings → Additional → Special Features.
What if you don’t say “You’re a developer”?
Step-by-step: how to enable debugging by USB
After unlocking the developer menu, follow the following steps:
- Go to Settings → More → For Developers (or Settings → System → For Developers on Android 13+).
- Activate the debugging switch on USB (USB debugging).
- In the confirmation window that appears, click OK or Allow.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC through the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not support data transmission).
- On the screen of the smartphone will appear the request "Allow debugging by USB from this computer?". Check the box Always allow from this computer and click Allow.
If you don’t have ADB drivers installed on your PC, your smartphone won’t be recognized. Download them from the official Android Studio website or use Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools utility.
The original one is connected. USB-cable|Included menu "For developers"|The "Debugging by" switch is activated USB"|Drivers are installed on the PC ADB|Smartphone recognized in Device Manager-->
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the right actions, USB debugging may not work, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The smartphone is not defined in adb devices | There are no drivers or incorrect connection mode | Install Google USB Driver and select File Transfer (MTP) mode when connecting |
| No request for debugging permission appears | Reset developer settings or MIUI Optimization enabled | Disable MIUI Optimization in the Developer Menu and Reboot the Smartphone |
| Unauthorized in the output of adb devices | Not confirmed confidence in the PC on the smartphone | Disconnect/connect the cable again and confirm the request on the screen |
| Debugging is disabled after rebooting | Active OEM Unlocking function without unlocking the bootloader | Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool or disable OEM Unlocking |
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 13/14 series POCO F5 Pro with Android 14 If debugging is off on its own, check if the smartphone is tied to a Xiaomi account with two-factor authentication.
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If your smartphone isn’t recognized in fastboot, try using a USB 2.0 port on your PC – some motherboards have issues with USB 3.0 when working with ADB.
Features for different Xiaomi models
The process of enabling debugging over USB is universal, but some devices have nuances:
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12/13: Developer menu can be hidden in Settings → Memory. →... (three-point) → Special facilities.
- 📱 POCO F4/F5: Required to turn off MIUI Optimization for stable operation ADB.
- 📱 Xiaomi 12T/13T: On global firmware, a debugging permission request appears only after connecting to the Mi Flash Tool.
- 📱 Black Shark 5/6: We need to turn it on. OEM Unlocking before activating debugging, otherwise fastboot will not work.
On smartphones with a MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi 10C or POCO M5), you need to use the SP Flash Tool utility instead of the standard adb to work with fastboot.
Security: How to protect data when debugging is enabled
Debugging over USB opens up potential vulnerabilities to minimize the risks:
- Turn on debugging only when necessary and turn it off after use.
- Use trusted PCs – Connecting to public computers (such as in an internet cafe) can lead to data theft.
- Set a screen lock password – without it, anyone with physical access to a smartphone will be able to get root rights through ADB.
- Check the list of authorized devices in the developer menu (Revoke USB debugging permissions).
Nana MIUI 15: The function USB Debugging Security, which blocks access to data without fingerprint confirmation or PIN-Activate it in the developer menu.
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Never connect a USB-enabled smartphone to charging stations at airports, hotels or other public places – this is one of the most common ways to hack devices.
Checking the work of debugging by USB
To make sure that the debugging works correctly:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
- Enter the command: adb devices In response, something like: List of devices attached 1234abcd5678 device
- If the device is displayed as unauthorized, confirm trust on the smartphone screen.
- To verify full access, run: adb shell getprop ro.product.model The command must return the model of your device (e.g. 2304FPCD8G for POCO F5).
If no permissions are displayed instead of the model, then the debugging is not enabled correctly or the drivers are installed incorrectly. Reinstall the ADB Interface Driver through Device Manager.