How to Enable and Disable Developer Options on Android
You've decided to root your device and install a custom ROM or want to download an app from a computer. Before you can intervene with ADB commands on Android to install some software for the device, you need to activate the developer option.
The developer option on Android devices is hidden by default to avoid changes that may affect the system. The article below will guide you on how to enable Developer Mode on Android, illustrated on a Samsung Galaxy S9, and how to turn off this option if no longer needed. The options in Developer Mode will be very helpful for the device, you will have additional useful options for the device such as fixing USB bugs, using ADB, changing DPI to suit better, etc.
1. Enable the developer option
Step 1: Press the Settings icon on the main interface of the device. In the Settings interface, scroll down and press About Phone. Then press on Software information. On Xiaomi's MIUI phones, you will find MIUI Version or Build Number, and tap on it repeatedly until the notification Developer Options have been enabled.
Step 2: In the new interface press on the Build Number 7 times consecutively. After the 2nd touch, a small notification box appears with the line You are now X steps away from being a developer with a countdown with each subsequent touch.
When the notification Developer mode has been turned on appears, it's done. Some devices may require entering a PIN.
Device manufacturers and tablet (OEMs) do not place this option in the same location, though it is performed by the same operation. Below are the paths to find Build Number on devices:
- Popular Android phones: Settings > About Phone > Build Number
- LG G3: Settings > About phone > Software Information > Build Number
- HTC One (M8): Settings > About > Software information > More > Build Number
- Xiaomi: Settings > About phone > Build Number or MIUI Version. After activation, you go to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options to open it.
After 7 taps, the developer option will be unlocked and available for use. When returning to the Settings interface on the device, the Developer options will appear at the bottom of the list. If clicked, the user will see many options to tweak deeper into the system.
2. Remove the developer option
Removing the developer option can be done but not with all Android devices. The only way to do this is to restore all settings to factory defaults.
Go to Settings > Apps >Settings> Clear Data. A window will pop up asking for your confirmation, press OK.
This method can be applied to many Android phones and tablets.
Enabling Developer Mode on Android will help technicians, or those knowledgeable about technology, to customize more. However, this mode should not be activated if you do not know how to use it, otherwise, it will significantly affect the system.
