Quick take:

1. Enable Developer options: Settings → About phone → [tap “Build number” 7 times] → enter PIN.

2. Open Developer options: Settings → System → Developer options (path may vary by brand).

3. Turn on USB debugging: Developer options → USB debugging → OK.

4. When done, revoke authorizations and turn it off again for security.

What these settings do (in plain English)

• Developer options unlock advanced tools for testing and debugging (animation scales, bug reports, logs, etc.).

• USB debugging lets your computer talk to the phone using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) for tasks like installing debug builds, capturing logs, and running commands.

Security note: Keep USB debugging OFF by default. Turn it ON only when needed and OFF afterward. Anyone with physical access to your unlocked phone and a trusted computer could issue ADB commands.

Steps — Stock Android / Google Pixel

1) Turn on Developer options

1. Open Settings → About phone.

2. Scroll to Build number and tap it 7 times.

3. Enter your PIN/Pattern if prompted. You’ll see “You are now a developer!”.

2) Find the Developer options menu

• Go to Settings → System → Developer options. (On some devices it appears directly under Settings.)

3) Enable USB debugging

1. In Developer options, scroll to USB debugging.

2. Toggle On → confirm with OK.

3. Connect your phone to the computer via USB.

4. On first connection, confirm the RSA fingerprint prompt (Allow USB debugging?) and optionally check Always allow from this computer.

4) (Optional) Wireless debugging (Android 11+)

• Developer options → Wireless debugging → Pair device with pairing code → follow on-screen instructions. Handy when you don’t want to use a cable.

Brand-specific paths

Samsung (One UI)

• Enable: Settings → About phone → Software information → tap “Build number” 7 times → enter PIN.

• Open menu: Settings → Developer options.

• USB debugging: Developer options → USB debugging → On → OK.

Xiaomi / HyperOS (MIUI)

• Enable: Settings → About phone → tap “MIUI version/HyperOS version” 7 times → enter PIN.

• Open menu: Settings → Additional settings (or System) → Developer options.

• USB debugging: Toggle USB debugging → OK.

Best practices (read this before you forget)

• Limit trust: Only approve the RSA fingerprint for computers you control.

• Revoke old computers: Developer options → Revoke USB debugging authorizations.

• Turn it off: Disable USB debugging and even Developer options when finished (toggle at the top).

• Do not confuse with OEM unlocking:

  • USB debugging = ADB access for development.

  • OEM unlocking = allows bootloader unlocking; can wipe data, affect device integrity/warranty depending on OEM. Don’t enable it unless you know exactly why.

Troubleshooting

• No “Build number” where expected?

  • On Samsung it’s under Software information; on Xiaomi tap MIUI/HyperOS version. Some carriers/OEM skins move things slightly.

• Developer options missing after enabling?

  • Look in Settings → System (stock) or search “Developer options” in Settings.

• USB debugging greyed out or toggles revert

  • The device may be work-managed (MDM/EMM) or under Family Link. Admin/parental controls can block it.

• Computer doesn’t detect the phone

  • Use a data-capable USB cable and a direct port.

  • On the phone, set USB preference → File Transfer (MTP).

  • Install ADB platform-tools on your computer and, on Windows, the proper USB driver (OEM or Google USB Driver).

  • If the RSA dialog never appears, run adb kill-server && adb start-server on the computer and reconnect.

• Wireless debugging can’t pair

  • Ensure phone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network; turn off VPN on the phone if pairing fails.

FAQs

Is USB debugging safe to leave on?
Not recommended. It increases risk if someone gets physical access to your unlocked phone. Enable only when needed and turn it off afterward.

Will enabling Developer options void my warranty?
Generally no. But unlocking the bootloader (OEM unlocking) is different and may affect warranty or device features depending on your OEM/carrier.

How do I fully “clean up” after finishing?
In Developer options: Revoke USB debugging authorizations, toggle USB debugging Off, and toggle Developer options Off.