"Cats" in Android 11: what is it, how to delete and why you need them

If you updated your smartphone to Android 11 and suddenly found something mysterious in the settings or interface cats —do not rush to panic. This is not a virus, not a system failure, and certainly not a joke from the developers (although there is some humor here). “Cats” in Android 11 are part of the hidden functionality associated with debugging mode, unlocking the bootloader and even data recovery. But for most users, their appearance comes as a surprise.

In this article we will look at what these cat icons mean, why they appear on the screen, how they are remove, if they interfere, and whether they can be used for hidden features smartphone. We’ll also tell you why some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung) hide these functions deeper than Google in “pure” Android.

What do cats mean in Android 11 and why do they appear? They appear in three main cases:

IN Android 11 (and partly in Android 10) cat icons are a visual symbol USB debugging mode (USB Debugging) or activation Options for developers (Developer Options). They appear in three main cases:

• 🐱 Connecting to a PC via ADB — if you have ever enabled USB debugging and connected your phone to a computer for debugging, the system may show a notification with a cat.
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader —on some devices (for example, Pixel or OnePlus) the cat signals an unlocked bootloader.
• 🔄 Data recovery —in the menu Recovery Mode cat can mean access to hidden recovery options.

It is important to understand that the cat itself is not an error, but indicator. It means that the device has activated functions that are usually hidden from the average user. For example, if you see a cat in Settings → About phone, this may mean that someone previously turned on Developer Options (usually you need to click on the build number 7 times).

How to remove a cat from notifications and settings menu

If a cat is disturbing or arouses suspicion, it can be removed in several ways. The main thing is to understand that you are not disabling the “cat” itself, but the function that calls it.

Method 1: Disable USB debugging

The simplest method:

1. Go to Settings → System → For Developers (if there is no item, then there are no developer options activated).
2. Find the option USB Debugging and disable it.
3. Reboot your device.

After this, the cat icon should disappear from notifications. If not, check other settings.

Method 2: Reset settings for developers

If the cat remains even after disabling debugging, try resetting all developer options:

1. Open Settings → System → For developers.
2. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots (⋮) and select Reset settings.
3. Confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting the developer options will return all hidden settings to the default values default. If you previously configured, for example, Do not turn off the screen while charging or GPU acceleration, you will have to enable them again.

Method 3: Checking whether the bootloader is unlocked

On some devices (for example, Google Pixel or Xiaomi) the cat appears if unlocked bootloader (Bootloader. This is normal for enthusiasts who install custom ROMs, but may be a security risk.

To check bootloader status:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold down the key combination to enter in Fastboot Mode (usually Volume down + Power).
3. Connect the device to the PC and enter in the command line:

   fastboot oem device-info

4. Find the line Device unlocked: true/false.

If the bootloader is unlocked (true), but you don’t need it - you can block it back through the command:

fastboot oem lock

⚠️ Attention: Lock the bootloader will lead to a complete data reset (factory reset)! Make a backup first.

Hidden opportunities that the cat opens up in Android 11

Not everyone knows, but the cat in Android 11 — this is not just an icon, but key to hidden functions. If you're ready to experiment, here's what you can do:

• 🔧 Advanced debugging - access ADB to control the phone from a PC (for example, installing applications without confirmation or changing system files).
• 📱 Display emulation —you can force change the screen resolution or pixel density (DPI) for testing applications.
• 🚀 Animation acceleration —disable or accelerate system animations for faster interface operation.
• 🔒 Fake locations —the ability to replace GPS coordinates (useful for games like Pokémon GO).

To activate these functions:

1. Enable Developer mode (click on Build number in Settings → About phone).
2. Return to the main settings - a new item will appear For developers.
3. Activate the necessary options (for example, Keep the screen on or Enable HCI log).

Cat in Recovery Mode: what to do if it appears during boot

If the cat appears not in the settings, but when booting the phone (on the screen with the inscription No command or Android Recovery), this means that the device has entered recovery mode. This can happen after:

• ⚡ Unsuccessful firmware update.
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings via Hard Reset.
• 💻 Commands adb reboot recovery.

In this case, the cat is not a problem, but hintTo exit. from Recovery Mode:

1. Hold Power + Volume up for 10 seconds.
2. If a menu appears, select Reboot system now using volume buttons and confirm with the power button.
3. If the phone does not respond, connect it to the charger and try again after 5 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: If the phone only boots into Recovery Mode and does not turn on normally, this may indicate that the firmware is damaged. In this case, flashing it via Fastboot or ODIN (for Samsung).

What happens if you select Wipe Data in Recovery?

This option will completely delete all data from the device (photos, applications, accounts). Use it only if the phone does not boot and other methods do not help. After the reset, you will need to configure it from scratch.

Manufacturers and their “cat” features

Not all brands implement the display of a cat in the same way Android 11. Here's how it works for popular manufacturers:

Brand	Where the cat appears	How to remove	Features
Google Pixel	In Settings → System and when unlocked bootloader	Disable OEM Unlock i USB Debugging	The cat can be gray or colored depending on the status of the bootloader
Xiaomi	B Settings → About phone → MIUI version (with developer activation)	Reset MIUI settings in Advanced → Recovery and reset	On some models cat replaced by rabbit (for example, in MIUI 12)
Samsung	Only in Download Mode (Odin mode)	Exit through Volume Down + Power	Cat replaced by Android robot with a shovel
OnePlus	B Developer Options and when connected to a PC	Disable Advanced Reboot	Cat can be stylized as brand red color brand

If your manufacturer is not in the table, check the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA-Developers) - for some brands (for example, Realme or Oppo) the cat can be hidden deeper or replaced with another symbol.

Security: can a cat in Android 11 be a virus?

No, the cat itself is not a virusBut its appearance can. be symptom that:

• 🕵️ Someone accessed your phone through ADB (for example, in a service center).
• 📱 You installed custom firmware or modified software.
• 🔓 The bootloader is unlocked on the device, which simplifies the installation of malicious software.

To check the phone for suspicious activity:

1. Open Settings → Applications and check the list of installed apps for unknown ones.
2. Run an antivirus scan (for example, Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
3. Check Settings → Accounts for the presence of unfamiliar accounts.

If you did not activate Developer Options on your own, but the cat appeared - Reset the phone to factory settings via Settings → System → Reset. This will remove all potentially dangerous changes.

Frequent errors when working with “cat” functions

Many users, trying to remove the cat or use hidden functions, make mistakes that can lead to data loss or phone blockingHere are the most. common:

• 🚫 Disconnection OEM Unlock on an unlocked bootloader - this can lead to brick (turning the phone into a “brick”).
• ⚠️ Resetting settings via Recovery without backup —all data will be deleted, including photos and contacts.
• 🔌 Connecting to untrusted PCs with debugging enabled —risk of data theft or installation of spyware.
• 📉 Change DPI without knowing the consequences can break the display of the interface.

To avoid problems:

1. Always make a backup before changing system settings.
2. Do not activate functions whose purpose you do not understand.
3. Use ADB only from proven ones sources.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about cats in Android 11

Why did a cat appear in the settings after updating to Android 11?

Most likely, during the update it was automatically activated Options. developer or turned on USB debuggingThis is normal - just turn off unnecessary functions in the menu For developers.

Is it possible to remove the cat permanently?

Yes, if you disable all functions related to developer mode and reset the settings. However, on some firmware (for example, MIUI) the cat can appear during certain actions (for example, when entering Fastboot).

The cat appeared after repairs in the service center. Is this normal?

Yes, the master could turn on USB Debugging for diagnostics. But if you do not trust the service, reset your phone and change the passwords from accounts.

Is it possible to overclock a phone using a cat?

No, the cat itself does not affect performance. But Developer options you can disable animation or force use GPU to speed up the interface.

There is no cat on my Samsung, only a robot. Is this an error?

No, Samsung replaces the cat with your robot in Download ModeThis is normal and does not require correction.