Introduction / Why You Need This
Developer Options is a hidden menu in Android containing advanced system settings necessary for app debugging, performance testing, and working with ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Once activated, you'll be able to:
- Enable USB debugging to connect to a computer and work via ADB.
- Install apps from unknown sources (if the security setting is missing elsewhere).
- Control animations, speeding up interface response.
- Record the screen with system sounds.
- Force-stop background apps and much more.
Without this menu, many tools for advanced users and developers become inaccessible. Activation takes less than a minute and does not require root access or installing additional software.
Requirements / Preparation
Before you begin, ensure:
- You have a device running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or newer. On older versions, the path may differ, and some firmware lacks the option entirely.
- The device is unlocked (screen is off but not password/pattern locked).
- Sufficient battery charge (at least 20% recommended).
- You are ready to tap 7 times on a single menu item—this is the main step.
💡 Tip: If you plan to use USB debugging, prepare a USB cable in advance and install ADB drivers on your computer (for Windows) or simply enable debugging in settings—this will save time later.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open the "Settings" App
On the home screen or in the notification shade, find the ⚙️ Settings icon. Tap it.
On some devices (e.g., Xiaomi), the menu may be called "Parameters" or "System Settings".
Step 2: Find the "About Device" Section
Scroll down in the opened menu. The exact section name depends on the manufacturer:
| Manufacturer | Path |
|---|---|
| Stock Android (Pixel, Nokia) | Settings → System → About phone |
| Samsung (One UI) | Settings → About phone |
| Xiaomi/Redmi (MIUI) | Settings → About phone (or Additional settings → About phone) |
| Huawei/Honor (EMUI) | Settings → System & updates → About this device |
| Realme/OPPO (ColorOS) | Settings → About phone |
Find the item containing information about the model, Android version, and build number.
Step 3: Activate Developer Mode via "Build Number"
In the "About phone" section, locate the "Build number" line.
Important: On Xiaomi/Redmi, this item may be called "MIUI version"; on Huawei, "EMUI version" or "Build".
- Tap on "Build number".
- Start tapping quickly, 7 times in a row.
- After 3–4 taps, a toast will appear: "You are now 3 steps away from developer mode".
- After the 7th tap, you'll see a pop-up notification: "You are now a developer!" (or "Developer mode enabled").
If the notification didn't appear, tap 2–3 more times—sometimes 10 taps are required on older firmware.
Step 4: Enable the "Developer Options" Menu
Return to the main settings menu (using the "Back" button or corner arrow).
Now, in the list (usually at the very bottom or near "About phone"), a "Developer options" item will appear.
- Open it.
- At the top of the screen, toggle the switch to the active state (to the right, blue color).
- On some firmware (Android 12+), you'll need to confirm the action by tapping "OK".
⚠️ Important: If "Developer options" doesn't appear, verify you tapped exactly 7 times on the correct item ("Build number," not "Kernel version" or similar). Also try rebooting the device.
Step 5: Configure the Necessary Features
Now all options are available in the menu. Here are the main ones most users need:
| Option | What It Does | When to Enable |
|---|---|---|
| USB debugging | Allows connection to a PC via ADB | For installing apps from a computer, getting logs, root procedures |
| Pointer location | Shows overlay when touch occurs | For debugging your own apps |
| Window/Transition/Animator scale | Reduces or disables interface animations | To speed up phone operation (set to 0.5x or Off) |
| Background process limit | Force-stops apps when they go to background | For battery saving, but may break messenger functionality |
| Unknown sources | Allows APK installation from browsers/file managers | If no separate security setting exists |
Recommendation: Enable only "USB debugging" and, if needed, "Unknown sources". Leave other options disabled unless you understand their purpose.
Verification
- The "Developer options" item is present in settings (usually at the end of the list or in the "System" section).
- When opening the menu, the toggle at the top is active (green/blue).
- If you enabled "USB debugging", upon connecting to a computer with ADB installed, a debugging permission dialog will appear on the device (check "Always allow from this computer").
Additional check:
Connect the device to a PC with ADB installed and run in a terminal/command prompt:
adb devices
If the device appears in the list (status device), debugging is working.
Troubleshooting
Problem: "Build number" doesn't respond or can't be tapped
Solution:
- Ensure you're tapping "Build number", not "Android version" or "Kernel version".
- Tap quickly 7–10 times without pauses.
- On Xiaomi/Redmi, look for "MIUI version"; on Huawei, "EMUI version".
- Reboot the device and try again.
Problem: "Developer options" doesn't appear after activation
Solution:
- Check if a toggle appears at the very bottom of the "About phone" menu (sometimes the toggle appears there without a separate menu item).
- On Android 12+, some manufacturers (Samsung) hide the menu under
Settings→Additional featuresorAccessibility. - If nothing works, perform a settings reset (⚠️ will only reset system settings, personal data remains).
Problem: "USB debugging" option is missing in "Developer options"
Solution:
- On Android 4.2–6.0, this option may be called "USB debugging".
- On Android 8.0+, it's always "USB debugging". If absent, you might have reached the connection limit (go to
Developer options→Revoke USB debugging authorizationsand re-allow). - Ensure your USB cable supports data transfer (not just charging).
Problem: Computer doesn't detect device after enabling USB debugging
Solution:
- On the device, when connected to the PC, select in sequence:
- "File Transfer" (MTP) or "PTP" (depending on firmware).
- Enable "USB debugging" in the developer menu.
- On the PC, install ADB drivers (for Windows) or use platform-tools from the official Android site.
- Accept the RSA key on the device (check "Always allow").
If the issue persists, check the cable, USB port, and reboot both devices.
FAQ
Q: Can I enable Developer Options without tapping "Build number"?
A: No, the standard method is exactly 7 taps. Alternative methods via ADB commands exist but require debugging already enabled or root access, which defeats the purpose.
Q: Will enabling Developer Options slow down my phone?
A: No, the menu itself doesn't affect performance. However, some features inside it (like "Background process limit" or "Animator scale 0.5x") can change system behavior. It's recommended to leave all options disabled except those you need.
Q: How do I know if Developer Options are already enabled?
A: Open Settings and scroll down. If you see "Developer options"—they're active. You can also check via ADB: adb shell settings get global development_settings_enabled will return 1 (enabled) or 0 (disabled).
Q: Why is there no "Build number" on Samsung?
A: On Samsung devices with One UI, the path is different:
Settings → About phone → Software information → Build number.
Tap that item 7 times.
Q: Can I completely hide the "Developer options" menu?
A: Yes, two ways:
- Turn off the toggle inside the menu—the item remains in settings but is inactive.
- Perform a settings reset (
Settings→System→Reset→Reset settings). This clears all enabled options but does not remove the menu item—it remains but disabled. To remove the item entirely requires an ADB command (needs root).