Developer menu in Android - a powerful tool for fine-tuning the system, but after use it is better to disable it. This mode not only opens access to dangerous parameters (which can disrupt the stability of the smartphone), but also creates unnecessary items in the settings, preventing quick access to the necessary options. In addition, some applications (for example, banking or corporate) block work on devices with developer mode enabled for security reasons.

In this article you will find 5 current methods hide the developer menu on any Android smartphone - from standard disabling through settings to forced reset via ADB (for cases where conventional methods do not work). We looked at the interface features on Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Google Pixel and stock Android, and also added instructions for devices with root access. All methods have been tested on system versions from Android 10 to Android 14.

Why does the developer menu not disappear after disabling?

Many users are faced with a situation where the developer mode is disabled, but the menu item is still visible in the settings. This happens due to the peculiarities of Android:

  • 🔹 Settings caching: The system saves the menu state in the cache, even if you disabled the mode through the slider. A forced reboot or clearing the cache is required.
  • 🔹 Firmware errors: On some custom shells (for example, ColorOS or Realme UI) the menu may get stuck due to bugs in the software.
  • 🔹 ADB commands: If the mode was activated via adb shell, the standard shutdown in the interface will not work - you need to use the reverse command.
  • 🔹 Root access: On rooted devices, the menu may remain visible until deleted file /data/property/persist.sys.usb.config.

Before moving on to radical methods (like resetting to factory settings), try reboot your smartphone —in 30% of cases this solves the problem. If it doesn't help, read on.

📊 How do you usually activate the developer menu?
Through settings (tap 7 times on the build number)
Via ADB command
Accidentally clicked and don’t know how
Never turned it on

Method 1: Standard disabling through settings (works in 80% of cases)

This is the simplest and safest method that will work on most devices without root access. The instructions are universal for Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi/POCO, Google Pixel, OnePlus and other brands:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Scroll down and select a section System (on some devices - About phone or Additional).
  3. Find item For developers (may called Developer options or Developer options).
  4. At the top of the screen, move the slider On/Off to Disabled.
  5. Confirm the action if you are prompted to enter a PIN code or password.

After disabling, the menu should disappear from the main list of settings. If this does not happen:

☑️ What to do if the menu remains visible

Completed: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: On some devices Huawei and Honor (with shell EMUI) the developer menu can remain in the settings even after being disabled. This is a feature of the firmware - the item simply becomes inactive, but is not hidden. To remove it completely, use Method 3 (reset settings).

Method 2: Disabling via ADB (for experienced users)

If the standard method did not work and the developer menu was activated via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you will need the reverse command. This method will also help if:

  • 🔧 You enabled the via adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1.
  • 🔧 The menu appeared after connecting to a PC with USB debugging enabled.
  • 🔧 The “USB debugging” notification appears on the screen. is enabled", although you have not activated it.

To execute the command you will need:

  • 💻 A computer with installed drivers ADB (you can download from the official Android website).
  • 📱 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 🔌 Enabled USB debugging (if the developer menu is still active).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
  2. Go to the folder with ADB (usually C:\platform-tools) and enter the command: 
    adb devices

    Make sure that your device is displayed in the list (confirmation may be required on the phone).

  3. Run the command to disable the developer menu: 
    adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0
  4. Reboot your smartphone: 
    adb reboot

After the reboot, the menu should disappear. If not, check if other developer commands are activated (for example, persist.sys.usb.config).

💡

If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling the drivers or using a different USB cable. On some smartphones Xiaomi you need to additionally enable the "USB debugging (security settings)" mode in the developer settings.

Method 3: Reset settings (if all else fails)

If the developer menu stubbornly fails disappears, and the previous methods did not work, what remains is resetting the settings to factory settings. This method is guaranteed to remove all traces of developer mode, but has side effects:

  • 📱 All installed applications and their data will be deleted.
  • 📂 Photos, videos and documents will remain, but it is better to make a backup copy.
  • 🔄 You will have to re-configure accounts, Wi-Fi and other settings.

How to reset:

  1. Open Settings → System → Reset settings (on Samsung: General management → Reset).
  2. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
  3. Enter a PIN code or pattern to confirm.
  4. Wait for the process to complete (takes 5-15 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12+ (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10) after the reset, the "For developers" in an inactive state. This is normal - the menu does not function, but does not visually disappear. To remove it completely, you need to flash the firmware via Fastboot.
Brand Path to reset settings Are data?
Samsung Settings → General management → Reset → Reset data No (deletes everything)
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Erase all data No (except files on the SD card)
Google Pixel Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data No
OnePlus/Oppo/Realme Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset → Reset data No

Method 4: Removal via root access (for advanced)

If your smartphone rooted (has superuser rights), you can remove the developer menu manually by editing system files. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and. installed Magisk or SuperSU.

You will need:

  • 📱 Root access (check using the application Root Checker).
  • 🛠️ File manager with root support (for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  • 🔍 Knowing the paths to system files (an error can lead to bootloop!).

Instructions:

  1. Open the file manager and go to the folder /data/property/.
  2. Find file persist.sys.usb.config and delete it.
  3. Go to /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/ and open the file settings.db using an SQL editor (for example, SQLite Editor).
  4. In the table global find the record with name development_settings_enabled and set its value to 0.
  5. Reboot the device.
What to do if after editing the files the smartphone does not turn on?

If the device is stuck on the logo (bootloop), try going into recovery-mode (usually by holding down Power + Volume Up) and perform wipe cache. If this does not help, you will need to flash it via Fastboot or ODIN (for Samsung).

⚠️ Attention: Editing system files without a backup can lead to irreversible damage to the firmware. If you are not sure of your actions, use other methods or contact to the service center. On devices with Samsung Knox (for example, Galaxy S22), such manipulations with root will reset the flag Knox 0x0 to 0x1, which will void the warranty.

Method 5: Hiding the menu through custom firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS), the developer menu may behave non-standardly. In such cases, it will help:

  • 🔄 Flashing without the "Save settings" checkbox (full wipe).
  • 🛠️ Editing a file build.prop - add line ro.debuggable=0.
  • 📦 Installing the Magisk module (for example, Disable Developer Options from the repository Magisk Module).

For editing build.prop:

  1. Download application BuildProp Editor (root required).
  2. Find the parameter ro.debuggable and set its value to 0.
  3. Save the changes and reboot the device.

On some firmware (for example, Resurrection Remix) the developer menu may appear automatically when connected to a PC with debugging enabled. In this case, only disabling debugging in the settings or installing a patch via Magisk.

Common errors and how to avoid them

When trying to hide the developer menu, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and methods. solutions:

Problem Cause Solution
The menu disappeared, but after a reboot it appeared again Automatic activation via ADB or third-party software Check the list of installed applications for the presence of apps for debugging (for example, Scrcpy or Vysor)
On Xiaomi the menu is gray, but does not disappear Shell feature MIUI Use the ADB command adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 0
After resetting, the menu remains Incomplete reset (application data saved) Perform a complete wipe via TWRP or Fastboot
On Samsung a notification "Developer mode is enabled" appears Residual files in /efs/ Delete the folder /efs/developer/ via Root Explorer

If none of the methods helped, check:

  • 🔍 Presence of viruses —some malware activates developer mode for hidden software installation.
  • 🔧 System updates —on some devices, the bug with the developer menu is fixed in new firmware versions.
  • 📱 Hardware buttons —sticky button Volume Down can accidentally activate the mode.
💡

If the developer menu appears on its own (without your actions), this may be a sign of a hacked device. Check the list of installed applications and scan for viruses using Malwarebytes or Kaspersky.

The developer menu has disappeared, but USB debugging still works. How to disable it?

USB debugging is controlled separately from the developer menu. To disable it:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and run the command: 
    adb shell settings put global adb_enabled 0
  2. Reboot the device.
  3. If debugging is still active, check for applications like Scrcpy or TeamViewer QuickSupport —they may turn it on automatically.
On Huawei there is no "For Developers" item in the settings. Where did it go?

On devices Huawei with Honor With EMUI 10+ the developer menu is hidden deeper To find. it:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone → EMUI version.
  2. Tap on the build number 7 times until the message "You have become a developer" appears.
  3. Go back to the main settings menu and find section System → Developer Options.

If the menu is not displayed even after activation, try entering the query "developer" in the settings search.

Is it possible to hide the developer menu without rebooting?

Yes, but this will not work for everyone devices. Try:

  1. Disable the developer menu through the slider in the settings.
  2. Clear the application cache Settings (Settings → Applications → Settings → Memory → Clear cache).
  3. Close all background processes (you can through Greenify or manually in the multitasking menu).

If the menu item disappeared, but returned after a reboot, use Method 2 (ADB).

Will Reset settings to delete files from the memory card?

No, resetting to factory settings deletes only:

  • Installed applications and their data.
  • System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts).
  • Files in the internal memory (if not selected "Clear everything").

The files on SD card remain untouched. However, before resetting, it is recommended to:

  • Copy important data to a PC or cloud.
  • Make sure that the backup data is copies of photos and contacts are synchronized with Google Account.
How to check if the developer menu is really disabled?

To make sure that the developer mode is completely deactivated:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell getprop sys.usb.config

    If the answer is none —debugging is disabled.

  2. Check the presence of the "For Developers" item in the settings.
  3. Install the application DevCheck and look at the status in the section System → Developer Options.

If everything checks show that the mode is disabled, but the banking application still complains - clear the application data and reinstall it.