How to enable developer options on any Android phone
Developer options are a hidden collection of Android settings designed for app developers, testers and advanced users. They can provide extra control over animation speed, USB connections, background processes, debugging and display behaviour.
The menu is available on almost every Android phone, including Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Motorola, Xiaomi, Redmi, Oppo, Realme and Nokia models. The exact location of the build number can vary because manufacturers customise the Settings app.
Enabling the menu is generally safe because it does not automatically change how the phone operates. However, some options can affect security, battery life or app stability, so it is sensible to change one setting at a time and record the original value.
This guide applies to phones used across Australia, whether you are setting up a device for commuting in Sydney, testing an app on a Melbourne train or troubleshooting a handset purchased through Telstra, Optus, Vodafone or a local electronics retailer.
Find the build number
Open the Settings app and scroll to About phone. On some Samsung devices, you may need to select Software information first. On Pixel and many Motorola models, the Build number appears directly inside the About phone screen. Xiaomi and Redmi phones may place it under Detailed info and specs, while Oppo and Realme devices often use Version.
Tap Build number seven times in quick succession. Android may ask for your screen lock PIN, password or pattern. After successful authentication, a message such as “You are now a developer” will appear. If the phone asks for the lock code after only a few taps, enter it and continue tapping until the confirmation appears.
The setting is usually available to the primary user account. On a work-managed phone, school device or handset controlled by an administrator, the option may be restricted. A child account can also have fewer available controls, so the menu may not behave exactly like it does on a privately owned device.
Open the developer options menu
Return to the main Settings screen and search for Developer options using the search field. This is often faster than browsing through the menus. On Samsung Galaxy phones, the menu is commonly found under Settings > Developer options, near the bottom of the main Settings list. Pixel phones generally place it under Settings > System > Developer options.
On some Android versions, the menu sits inside System, Additional settings, or System management. Manufacturer software changes regularly, so the search function is useful after a major update. If the result does not appear, close and reopen Settings, then confirm that the seven-tap activation was completed on the correct Build number entry.
At the top of the page, you will see a master switch. Leave it enabled if you want to use the available tools. Turning this master switch off hides or disables most developer functions, although Android may preserve selected values if you enable the menu again later.
Adjust animation and display behaviour
The safest options for everyday use are the animation controls. Window animation scale, Transition animation scale and Animator duration scale usually default to 1x. Setting them to 0.5x can make menus and app transitions feel faster without changing the phone’s processor performance. Selecting Animation off removes most visual effects, but the interface may feel abrupt.
The Show taps and Pointer location tools can help when recording tutorials or diagnosing an unresponsive touchscreen. If you are checking a used phone before buying it in Brisbane or Perth, you can combine these tools with a dead-pixel test to inspect the display more carefully.
Avoid changing options such as Background process limit, Force 4x MSAA and Don’t keep activities unless you have a specific testing purpose. They can increase battery drain, reload apps frequently or reduce gaming performance. When finished, return each value to its default setting rather than relying on memory.
Use USB debugging carefully
USB debugging allows a computer to send commands to the phone through the Android Debug Bridge, commonly called ADB. Developers use it to install test builds, collect logs and interact with a device from Windows, macOS or Linux. It can also help with certain troubleshooting procedures when the screen, launcher or file manager is malfunctioning.
To connect a computer, enable USB debugging and plug the phone in with a reliable data cable. Android should display an authorisation prompt showing the computer’s RSA key. Approve it only when you recognise the computer. The option to always allow the computer is convenient for a personal machine, but it should not be selected on a shared workplace or public computer.
Disable USB debugging after finishing your task, particularly before travelling through busy locations such as Central station in Sydney or Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. Avoid using unknown USB ports and untrusted cables for sensitive work. A USB data blocker or your own charger can reduce the risk of unwanted data access when charging away from home.
Explore wireless debugging and app testing
Recent Android versions may include Wireless debugging, which lets ADB connect over the same Wi-Fi network without a USB cable. Open the option, pair the phone with your computer using the displayed code and keep both devices on a private network. Public airport, hotel and café Wi-Fi is a poor choice because other devices may be connected to the same network.
Developer options also include Stay awake, Show refresh rate, Mobile data always active and settings for mock locations. These can be useful for app development, navigation testing and screen recording. Mock locations should be limited to legitimate testing because location data can affect rideshare apps, weather services, fitness records and other location-dependent features.
When evaluating an unfamiliar app or game, install it from a reputable source and review its permissions before granting access. If your testing involves gaming promotions or payment-related apps, keep personal banking credentials separate and use a spare device where practical. An online blackjack guide may discuss a game or tournament, but it should not be a reason to grant an untrusted app access to contacts, SMS messages or accessibility controls.
Disable the menu and restore safe defaults
You do not need to disable developer options after every use. Leaving the menu visible does not mean that all advanced functions are active. Still, switching off the master toggle is sensible if you are handing the phone to another person, sending it for repair or preparing it for sale.
Before disabling it, turn off USB debugging, Wireless debugging, mock locations and any setting that changes app behaviour. Review animation scales and background process settings as well. Some manufacturers reset developer settings when the main switch is turned off, while others retain them for the next time the menu is enabled.
Developer options do not grant root access and do not remove Android’s normal security protections. Rooting, installing an unofficial system image or unlocking the bootloader is a separate process with greater risks, including failed updates and possible data loss. In Australia, the Australian Consumer Law provides consumer guarantees for eligible products, but damage caused by unauthorised modifications can complicate a warranty or repair claim.
Use the menu as a controlled troubleshooting tool rather than a collection of switches to experiment with at random. Enable the specific feature you need, complete the task, then return the phone to its original configuration. Open Settings, search for Developer options and activate the tools that match your testing or repair goal while keeping USB access and personal data protected.
