Xiaomi and Redmi phones running MIUI or HyperOS have extra hoops compared to stock Android: developer options are buried, OEM unlock requires a separate Mi account approval, and the Windows USB driver ships separately from the phone software. This guide covers all three pieces so you end up with a fully working ADB connection.
On stock Android the path is Settings > About Phone > tap Build Number seven times. MIUI and HyperOS reorganize these menus in ways that trip up users who have done this on other phones before.
On MIUI 12 and 13, go to Settings > About Phone > MIUI Version and tap the MIUI version field seven times rapidly. You will see a countdown toast: "3 more taps to become a developer," then a confirmation. Developer options appear under Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options.
On MIUI 14 and HyperOS, Xiaomi moved the trigger. Go to Settings > My Device > Detailed Info and Specs, then tap OS Version (which shows "HyperOS 1.x" or "MIUI 14.x") seven times. Developer options for HyperOS appear under Settings > Special Features > Developer Options on some regional builds, or under Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options on others. If you cannot find it, use the search bar inside Settings and type "developer."
Once Developer Options is unlocked, scroll down and enable USB Debugging. On MIUI you will also see USB Debugging (Security Settings) — enable that too. Without it, certain ADB commands that touch installed packages or system settings are silently blocked even though the connection appears authorized.
If your goal is only ADB (not bootloader unlock), you can skip this section. But if you ever need fastboot oem unlock, Xiaomi's process is significantly more involved than other brands.
Xiaomi requires you to apply for unlock permission through the Mi Unlock tool, which ties the unlock request to a specific Mi account and device IMEI. The account must have been active for a minimum period (typically 7 days for accounts in good standing, 30 days for newer accounts, and up to 168 hours of total active phone use for some regional variants). The Mi Unlock tool is a Windows application available from the unlock.update.miui.com URL listed in Xiaomi's official unlock instructions — search for "Xiaomi bootloader unlock" on the official mi.com support pages to find the current download link.
In Developer Options, enable OEM Unlocking and also bind your Mi account by enabling Mi Unlock Status if that toggle appears. Log in with your Mi account on the device and ensure it has a stable internet connection before proceeding.
Xiaomi ships its USB driver inside the Mi PC Suite (also called Xiaomi PC Suite) installer and as a standalone driver package. The standalone package is the cleaner option if you do not need the full suite.
To find it: visit the official Xiaomi support site (mi.com/global/service/support) and search for "USB driver" or navigate to your device's support page. The download is typically a ZIP file containing MiUsbDriver_v2.x.x.zip or similar. Inside you will find an INF file and accompanying SYS files.
Installation procedure on Windows 10 and 11:
After installation, the device should appear under Android Device or Xiaomi Mobile Device in Device Manager without a warning triangle. Disconnect and reconnect the cable, then open a terminal and run adb devices. Tap Allow on the authorization popup on the phone, then run adb devices once more to confirm the device is listed as device (not unauthorized).
ADB shows "unauthorized" even after tapping Allow: MIUI has been known to display the authorization dialog, accept the tap, but not persist the key. Go to Developer Options and tap Revoke USB Debugging Authorizations, disconnect the cable, reconnect, and authorize again. Also ensure USB Debugging (Security Settings) is enabled if visible.
Device not recognized at all on Windows 11: Windows 11 has stricter driver signature policies than Windows 10. If the Mi USB Driver package is old, its signature may be rejected. Use the Google USB Driver from the Android SDK instead, which is maintained and signed by Google. It covers ADB mode for MIUI devices. Install it via Android Studio SDK Manager: Tools > SDK Manager > SDK Tools tab > Google USB Driver.
adb devices shows the phone as "offline": This often happens when the ADB daemon on the phone crashed. Try:
adb kill-server
adb start-server
adb devicesIf the phone remains offline, toggle USB Debugging off and on in Developer Options without disconnecting the cable, then run adb devices again.
MIUI blocking adb shell pm commands: MIUI's security hardening blocks package management commands from ADB on non-debug (retail) builds unless USB Debugging (Security Settings) is enabled. This is separate from the main USB Debugging toggle. Enabling both usually resolves the issue without requiring any additional permissions.
Once the connection is up, these commands let you verify that ADB has the access level you need:
adb shell getprop ro.miui.ui.version.nameThis returns the MIUI or HyperOS version string, confirming the shell is connected and responsive. To check whether security settings ADB is active:
adb shell pm list packages -3This lists user-installed packages. If it returns a long list without errors, security-level ADB is working. If it returns nothing or an error about permissions, go back and enable USB Debugging (Security Settings).
For wireless ADB on Android 11 and above, see the separate guide on ADB wireless debugging — Xiaomi phones support it, though MIUI sometimes delays the pairing QR code by a few seconds while the daemon starts.