Smartphones Xiaomi based MIUI hides powerful tools for developers under several layers of settings. These features allow you to test applications, optimize performance, and even modify system software - but they are disabled by default. Enabling developer mode provides access to ADB, advanced diagnostics, animation settings and many other parameters that the manufacturer hides from ordinary users.

The activation process differs from standard Android due to the proprietary shell MIUI, and errors at this stage can lead to blocked functions or even reset settings. In this guide, we will look in detail at how to safely enable developer mode on any device Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark), what settings should be changed first, and how to avoid typical problems when working with debugging USB and unlocking the bootloader.

Important: Some features (such as unlocking the bootloader) may void your warranty or cause data loss. We will indicate all the risks in advance so that you can make an informed decision.

Why it is more difficult to enable developer mode on Xiaomi than on other Android devices

Unlike "pure" Android, where you just need to click on the build number 7 times, MIUI adds additional security steps. This is due to:

  • 🔒 Xiaomi Security Policy: the company is actively fighting against unauthorized firmware modifications that can disrupt the operation of services (for example, Mi Account or Mi Pay).
  • 📱 Different versions of MIUI: the interface and path to the developer settings may differ in MIUI 12/13/14 and hyper-shell HyperOS (from 2026).
  • 🔧 Additional locks: some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro or POCO F5) require account linking Mi before unlocking the bootloader.

In addition, after enabling developer mode MIUI it can be automatically disabled when updating the system or resetting settings. This is done to protect users from accidental changes, but creates inconvenience for developers.

📊 Which Xiaomi model are you using?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO F4/F5
Xiaomi 13/14
Black Shark 5/6
Other model

Step-by-step guide: how to enable developer mode on Xiaomi

The activation process consists of three stages: unlocking the hidden menu, confirming the action and enabling debugging. Follow the instructions carefully - skipping steps may lead to. errors.

  1. Open Settings → About phone.

  2. Find the item MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a rowAfter 3-4 clicks, the notification “X steps left to become” will appear. developer."

  3. Enter password or pattern (if installed) to confirm.

  4. Return to main menu Settings —a new section will appear there For developers (can be located in the submenu Advanced or System).

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra or POCO X5 Pro), after activating the developer mode, a reboot is required. If the section For Developers does not appear, check if it is hidden in the settings search (magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).

A new section "For Developers" has appeared in the settings|

The version is displayed MIUI marked "Developer"|

Options are available in the menu USB debugging and OEM unlocking|

The system does not prompt you to re-enter the password when entering the section-->

Key settings for developers in MIUI: what can and cannot be touched

After activating the mode, you will have access to dozens of parameters, but changing them at random is dangerous. Below is a table with safe and risky options:

Setting What it does Risk Recommendation
Debugging USB Allows you to connect to a PC via ADB for installing APKs, logs and testing Low Enable only when connecting to trusted PCs
Unlocking OEM Allows unlocking the bootloader for installing custom firmware High (data reset, loss of warranty) Enable only before unlocking, disable after
Do not turn off the screen Screen stays on when charging (useful for testing) Medium (risk of OLED burn-in) Use only when necessary
Background processes Limits the number of people running in the background applications Low Can be reduced to 2-3 to save battery
Enable HCI log Saves Bluetooth logs for debugging Medium (fills memory) Enable only to diagnose problems with Bluetooth

Attention: enabling the "OEM Unlock" option on some models (for example Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60) requires linking your account Mi and waiting 7–15 days before the bootloader is actually unlocked. This mechanism is introduced to protect against theft.

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If the option OEM unlocking is inactive, check whether an account is associated with the device Mi and whether the "Search for device" mode is enabled in the security settings.

How to connect to Xiaomi via ADB: setting up USB debugging

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is the main tool for interacting with the device via the command line To set up the connection:

  1. Enable USB Debugging in the menu For developers.

  2. Connect your smartphone to the PC via the original cable (cheap cables may not support data transfer).

  3. Install on your PC Android SDK Platform-Tools (or use the portable version adb.exe).

  4. Open the command line in the folder with adb and execute:

    adb devices

    If the device is not displayed, update the drivers or reconnect the cable.

  5. Confirm permission for debugging on the smartphone screen (the "Allow debugging by USB?").

Frequent problem: MIUI may block the ADB connection after 10-15 minutes of inactivity. To avoid this, in the menu For Developers disable the option Revoke debugging permissions.

What to do if the PC does not see Xiaomi via ADB?

1. Check if the file transfer mode (MTP) is enabled when connecting.

2. Install the drivers Mi USB Driver from the official website. Xiaomi.

3. Try another USB port (preferably USB 3.0 on the back of the PC).

4. In the menu For developers enable USB default configuration → Transfer files.

5. Reboot both the smartphone and the PC.

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi: risks and step-by-step process

Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader) is necessary for installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), obtaining root access or restoring the "brick". However, this process:

  • ⚠️ Resets all data on the device (including internal memory).
  • 🔓 Invalidates warranty (even if you later lock the bootloader back).
  • 🛡️ May block some functions (for example, Mi Pay or Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD).

If you are prepared for these consequences, follow the official instructions:

  1. Link your account Mi to the device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.

  2. Enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging in the menu for developers.

  3. Download Mi Unlock Tool (official version only!).

  4. Run the utility on your PC, log into the same account Mias on the phone, and follow the instructions.

  5. Connect the smartphone in mode Fastboot (turn off the device, then press Volume down + Power).

Critical: with In 2023, Xiaomi introduced a mandatory wait of 168 hours (7 days) between account linking and unlocking. This timer cannot be bypassed - attempts to reset the time will lead to account blocking.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), unlocking the bootloader may lead to loss of official support. updates. Before the procedure, check the current restrictions on MIUI official website.

Useful ADB commands for Xiaomi developers

After setting up ADB, you can control the device via the command line. Here are the most useful commands for Xiaomi:

  • 📱 APK Installation: 
    adb install path/to/file.apk
  • 🔄 Reboot to fastboot: 
    adb reboot bootloader
  • 📊 View logs: 
    adb logcat | "keyword"
  • 🔧 Reset MIUI settings (without data loss): 
    adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

    ⚠️ This command will reset only the launcher, not the entire device.

  • 📡 Enable/disable mobile data: 
    adb shell svc data enable/disable

To work with MIUI-specific functions (for example, theme settings or camera super resolution), use commands with the package com.miui. The full list can be obtained through:

adb shell pm list packages | grep miui
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Command adb backup on Xiaomi often does not work correctly due to MIUI restrictions. For backup, use third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root).

Typical problems and their solutions

When working with developer mode on Xiaomi here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Problem Cause Solution
ADB does not see the device Missing drivers or incorrect USB mode Install Mi USB Driver, enable File transfer (MTP)
"OEM unlocking" is inactive Account is not linked Mi or "Search for device" is enabled Link your account and turn off search in Settings → Memory and devices → Search for device
Error "Couldn't unlock" in Mi Unlock Tool 168 hours have not passed since linking account Wait 7 days or use another account Mi
No network after unlocking Erased IMEI or modem modules Restore IMEI via QCN or flash modem separately
Google Pay does not work after unlocking The security level has been reset Widevine or SafetyNet Install Magisk and the module Universal SafetyNet Fix

If after manipulating the developer mode the device stops booting ("brick"), try:

  1. Press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery.

  2. Connect via fastboot and flash the official firmware:

    fastboot flash all firmware.zip

  3. Use Mi Flash Tool with option Clean All (erases all data!).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to enable developer mode without a password?

No. Starting from MIUI 12, Xiaomi requires you to enter a password, PIN code or pattern to activate developer mode. This is done to protect against unauthorized access, first reset it via Mi Account (linked email/phone).

Why did the developer mode disappear after the MIUI update?

This is a feature MIUI: after major updates (for example, from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14) The developer settings are reset. You need to re-click 7 times on MIUI version V Settings → About phone. The options inside the mode (for example, USB debugging) will be saved.

How to hide developer mode from strangers?

There is no built-in function for hiding this partition, but you can: MIUI There is no built-in function for hiding this section, but you can:

  1. Disable display of the partition via ADB:

    adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0

  2. Use a launcher that supports hiding icons (for example, Nova Launcher).

  3. Set a password for settings (Settings → System → Password for settings).

⚠️ These methods do not protect against advanced users, but they will accidental detection is less likely.

Is it possible to get root on Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader?

No. To obtain root access, you must unlock the bootloader. Alternative methods (for example, through vulnerabilities in the kernel) either do not work on modern ones MIUIor temporarily provide high-risk rights. "brick". The only reliable way is unlocking + installation Magisk.

How to return the warranty after unlocking the bootloader?

Officially, Xiaomi records the fact of unlocking in the hardware chip (efuse), and even repeated blocking will not return the warranty. centers may “turn a blind eye” to unlocking if the problem is not related to the software part (for example, a broken screen). Before visiting the service center, reset the device to factory settings and lock the bootloader back via fastboot oem lock.