Where to look for the "For Developers" item on Android and how to enable it

Developer mode on Android is a hidden section of settings that provides access to advanced operating functions systems. Here you can activate USB debugging, change animation parameters, enable OEM unlocking to unlock the bootloader, or even simulate a secondary display. But by default, this section is hidden from users to prevent accidental changes that could disrupt the stability of the device.

If you want to optimize the performance of your smartphone, test applications via ADB, or just get acquainted with the capabilities that Android offers developers - this article will help. We will look in detail at how to find and activate The “For Developers” item on different versions of Android, including interface features on devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other brands. You will also learn which settings should be touched with caution, and which can be safely used to fine-tune the gadget.

Why the “For Developers” item is hidden by default

Google specifically hides this section to protect inexperienced users from potentially dangerous changes. For example, activation USB debugging on an unprotected device could allow attackers to access data through a computer connection. And changing the parameters Window animation scale or Transition animation scale can make the interface less responsive.

In addition, some functions in this menu directly affect:

• 🔒 Security: unlocking the bootloader (OEM Unlocking) erases all data and may void the warranty.
• ⚡ Performance: forced GPU rendering or limiting background processes changes system behavior.
• 📱 Compatibility: enabling USB Debugging may conflict with some applications (e.g. banking).

Nevertheless, for experienced users and developers this section is an indispensable tool. It allows you to:

• 🐞 Test applications via Android Studio.
• 📊 Monitor CPU and memory usage in real time.
• 🔧 Configure network settings (for example, enable Mobile data always active for a stable Internet connection).

⚠️ Attention: Changing some parameters (for example Disable HW overlays) may lead to graphical artifacts or overheating of the device. Always fix the initial settings before experiments.

How to enable developer mode on standard Android (Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia)

On "pure" Android (devices from Google, Motorola, Nokia and other brands with a minimal shell), the activation process is the same. You will need:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to section About phone (or About tablet).
3. Find the item Build number (usually at the very bottom).
4. Tap on it 7 times in a row.

After the seventh tap, a notification will appear: "You have become a developer!". Now a new item will appear in the main settings menu - For developers (usually before System or in the section Additional).

If the item does not appear right away, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the device.
• 🔍 Use search in settings (magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).
• 📱 Check if the section is hidden in the submenu (for example, System → Advanced).

On some devices (for example, Google Pixel 6/7after activation you may need to enter a PIN code or pattern to confirmation.

Activation features on Samsung smartphones (One UI)

On devices Samsung with a shell One UI Here are the step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to About device (or Phone information).
3. Find Software information.
4. Tap on Build number 7 times.

After activation, the section For developers will appear in the main settings menu, but not immediately in a visible place. find it:

1. Return to the main menu Settings.
2. Scroll down and click Additional functions.
3. At the very bottom there will be item Developer options.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy S22 s One UI 5.0+) the section may be called Developer mode and require password confirmation at the first login.

If you don’t see the section even after 7 taps, try:

• 🔍 Enter the query “developer” in the search settings.
• 🔄 Restart the phone.
• 📋 Make sure that you tap on Build number, and not on Android version.

Activation on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco (MIUI)

On smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi i Poco with shell MIUI the algorithm for enabling developer mode also has nuances. Follow the instructions:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to O phone.
3. Tap on MIUI version 7 times in a row.
4. Enter the screen unlock password (if prompted).

Then in the menu Settings a new section will appear Advanced, and inside it - For developers. On some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 13/14) the path may be like this:

Settings → About phone → All settings → MIUI version (7 taps) → Return → Additional settings → Developer options

Important: on Xiaomi the section can be hidden if:

• 🔐 The device is linked to an account Mi Account with restrictions (for example, in China).
• 📱 Unofficial firmware is used.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI the partition may be "reset" - re-activation will be required.

Where to look for developer mode on other brands (Huawei, Honor, Oppo, Realme)

Manufacturers with their own shells (EMUI, ColorOS, Realme UI) also modify the path to developer mode. Below is a brief summary for popular brands:

On devices Huawei i Honor c EMUI 10+ may be required to enter a PIN or password after activation. Also, some functions (for example, OEM Unlocking) may be blocked on Chinese versions of firmware.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Huawei with HarmonyOS (instead of Android), the path to developer mode may be different. In some cases, this section is completely absent.

Which settings in developer mode can be changed without risk

Not all parameters in the section For developers are equally dangerous. Here is a list of functions that can be activated or configured without serious consequences for the device:

• 🔄 USB debugging (USB Debugging): required to work with ADB i Android Studio. Enable only when connected to trusted PCs.
• 📊 Keep the screen on (Stay awake): useful when testing or charging, but reduces battery life.
• 🎯 Show touches (Show taps): displays pressure points on the screen (useful for creating screencasts).
• 📱 Allow dummy locations (Mock Locations): allows you to test applications with GPS emulation.
• ⚡ Limit background processes: may improve battery life, but some applications will close more often.

But these settings better not to touch unless necessary:

• 🔓 OEM Unlocking: unlocking the bootloader erases data and may violate the warranty.
• 🔄 Force GPU rendering: may cause graphical glitches and overheating.
• 📵 Disable HW overlays: affects the performance of the interface.
• 🔧 Background process limit: aggressive restrictions will lead to frequent application restarts.

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0

How to disable developer mode

If you no longer need advanced ones settings, the section can be deactivated. Methods depend on the version of Android:

Method 1: Through settings (Android 9.0 and later)

1. Go to Settings → For developers.
2. Toggle at the top of the screen slider On/Off to position Off.
3. Confirm the action.

Method 2: Via reset settings (universal)

1. Open Settings → System → Reset.
2. Select Reset settings (not Factory reset!).
3. Confirm the reset - this will delete all user settings, including developer mode.

Method 3: Via ADB (for advanced users)

Connect the device to the PC and run the command:

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung c One UI), disabling developer mode through the slider does not remove the section from the menu - it simply becomes inactive. To completely hide it, you will need to reset the settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about developer mode