USB-Debugging on Xiaomi Redmi: how to turn on in 5 minutes (all models 2018-2026)

Regime. USB-debugging on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a hidden function, without which it is impossible to perform many technical operations: from firmware through fastboot to data recovery using the help of ADB. Even though the manufacturer hides this option in the developer menu, it takes less than 5 minutes to activate it if you know the exact sequence of actions. MIUI The instructions from old articles often lead to a dead end: buttons move, item names are updated, and on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro).+) Additional security checks are being made.

In this article, we will discuss three working ways of inclusion. USB-Debugging on Xiaomi Redmi (relevant to the MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), including bypassing typical bugs like “Failed to enable debugging on the USB» or the absence of the item "For developers" in the settings. Separately, we will focus on the unique feature of Xiaomi smartphones 2023–2026 years: mandatory binding of the Mi Account before unlocking the bootloader, which is directly related to the USB-If you're planning to stitch the device or use it. ADB For modifications of the system - without this article can not do.

Why do you need it? USB-debugging on Xiaomi Redmi?

USB-Debugging is a bridge between a smartphone and a computer that allows you to:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware through fastboot or TWRP.
• 📱 Recovering deleted data with the help of ADB pull.
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader to deeply configure the system.
• 🐞 Debugging apps in Android Studio (relevant for developers).
• 📡 Modify system files without root rights (e.g., modify build.prop).

No one on. USB-debugging even standard operations like resetting a pattern lock through ADB For example, if you forget your Redmi password, 10C, The only way to get around the lock is to connect to a PC with activated debugging, and the same goes for installing Magisk to get root rights: no. USB-Xiaomi will not allow you to execute the command fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img.

⚠️ Attention: Inclusion USB-Debugging resets all previously issued permissions for connected computers, if you previously confirmed access to the device on your PC, after restarting or updating. MIUI You'll have to do it again.

Preparation: What to do before turning on debugging

Before activating USB-Debugging, follow the mandatory preparatory steps:

1. Check out MIUI version: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have MIUI 12 or older, the path to the developer menu may be different.
2. Connect Mi Account: Starting with Redmi Note 11 (2022), Xiaomi requires an account to be linked to unlock the bootloader. USB-The debugging will work with limitations.
3. Install drivers: Download Mi PC Suite or ADB drivers for your model.

If you plan to use ADB or fastboot, download Google’s Platform Tools in advance. Unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ drive (e.g., C:\platform-tools) to make it easier to work with the command line.

Method 1: Standard Enablement with Developers (MIUI 14/15)

This is the main method that works on 90% of Xiaomi Redmi devices (from 2018 Redmi 5 to Redmi Note 13 Pro).+ 2026) The instructions are relevant to MIUI 14 and newer, including HyperOS.

Activate Developer Mode (7 taps by build number)

Connect your phone to your PC via USB (File Transfer Mode)

Allow debugging in the window on the phone that appears

Reboot the device after activation-->

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap the MIUI Version 7 times quickly. You’re a developer! notification will appear. On some models (e.g. Redmi K60 Ultra), the path may be different: Settings → Additional → About Phone.
2. Find the Developer Menu: Go back to the main settings menu and open Settings → Additional → Developer. If not, check if you have activated the mode correctly (sometimes you need to restart).
3. Turn it on. USB-Debugging: Scroll down to the Debugging section and activate the Debugging by Switch USB». Confirm the action by pressing “OK” in the window that appears.
4. Connect to a PC: Connect your phone to your computer via USB-Cable (preferably original) In the notification curtain, select "File Transfer" mode (MTP)». On the phone screen, a request for debugging permission will appear - tick "Always allow from this computer" and click "Allow».

If you've got Android ADB Interface on your PC after you've connected to your PC, you can check this with the command:

adb devices

The serial number of your Redmi should be displayed.

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If the adb device command doesn’t work, try reinstalling drivers manually through Device Manager, pointing the path to the platform-tools folder.

Method 2: Alternative method for MIUI 12 and older (unless there is a Developer's option)

On some firmware (especially Redmi with MIUI 12.5 Enhanced), the developer menu can be hidden even after the 7-tape version, in which case the search workaround will help:

1. Open Settings and enter “debugging” in the top search bar.
2. In the results, select “Debugging by USB” (even if the “Developers” option is not on the menu).
3. Activate the switch and confirm the action.

If the search does not give results, try resetting the settings (not data!) of the phone:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Resetting.
2. Select “Reset all settings” (not “Reset to factory”!).
3. After the reboot, repeat the 7 taps according to MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi with HyperOS (2026) may require reassignment of the Mi Account after resetting. USB-The debugging will be turned off after rebooting.

Method 3: Enable ADB debugging (if the phone doesn't respond to touch)

If the Redmi screen is not working, USB-The debugging was enabled earlier, you can activate it remotely through ADB. This method is also suitable for devices with a broken display or a suspended interface.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
• 📱 Phone with unlocked bootloader (if debugging wasn't enabled earlier, method won't work).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi to your PC and open the command line in the platform-tools folder.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is determined, move to the next step. If not, try another cable or USB port.
3. Activate debugging command: adb shell settings put global adb_wifi_enabled 1 Next: Adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS These commands simulate on-screen taps and enable debugging over Wi-Fi (if it was disabled).

If the phone doesn’t respond, try restarting it to fastboot mode and perform:

fastboot oem unlock-go

This will unlock the bootloader (but erase all the data!). USB-debugging will be available.

Table: Common mistakes and their solutions

Safety: risks USB-Debugging and how to minimize them

USB-debugging gives the connected computer full access to the system, which means that the attacker can:

• 📲 Install spyware without your knowledge.
• 🔑 Stealing data (photos, passwords, messages).
• 💣 Delete or damage system files.

To protect yourself:

1. Turn off debugging after use: go to Settings → For developers and deactivate the switch.
2. Use reliable PCs: Connect your phone only to trusted computers. In public places (Internet cafes, repair shops), debugging is best avoided.
3. Set up OEM lock: In the developer menu, turn off “OEM unlock” if you don’t plan to flash the device.
4. Set a password for your Mi Account: This will prevent unauthorized unlocking of the bootloader.

⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi introduced additional verification when connecting to a new PC. Now, the first connection requires you to enter a password from your Mi Account, even if you are not connected to the new PC. USB-It's already on, and it protects against attack by switching devices.

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Never connect Xiaomi Redmi with the enabled USB-They can be used by attackers to steal data through the BadUSB attack".

FAQ: Frequent questions on USB-Debugging on Xiaomi Redmi