Android Developer Options is a hidden settings menu intended mainly for app testing and debugging. It also contains a few useful controls for everyday users, but some options can affect security, battery life, app behaviour or device startup. This guide explains how to open the menu, which settings are useful, and which ones are best left unchanged. Menu names and available controls vary by Android version and manufacturer, so use the instructions that match your phone.
The exact location and available controls can differ between Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola and other Android phones. On many devices, start in Settings and search for “Build number” or “Developer options” rather than relying on a menu path from another model. If your priority is protecting your phone, also review our guide to Android security settings. For everyday controls outside the developer menu, see how to customize Android Quick Settings.
Use Android Developer Options only for a clear purpose, such as testing an app, checking a connection or adjusting a specific interface behaviour. The available Android Developer Options controls can differ by phone brand and software version, so confirm each setting on your own device before changing it.
Before you begin: what Developer Options can and cannot do
Opening Developer Options does not root your phone or automatically unlock its bootloader. Simply revealing the menu is different from changing advanced settings. However, not every setting is harmless, and behaviour can vary by device. Do not change an option unless you understand its purpose, and note its original value so you can restore it.
Google’s official Android Developer Options documentation explains the controls available to developers. Your manufacturer may add, rename or move settings.
How to enable Developer Options
- Open Settings and go to About phone (the path may be Settings → System → About phone).
- Find Build number. On some phones it is under Software information.
- Tap Build number seven times. Enter your screen lock PIN or password if prompted.
- Look for the confirmation message that developer mode has been enabled.
- Return to Settings. Developer options usually appears under System, Additional settings or near the bottom of the main Settings list.
If the menu does not appear, search Settings for “Developer options”. Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Pixel and other manufacturers use different menu layouts.
Useful settings you can consider
1. Reduce animation scales to 0.5x
Find Window animation scale, Transition animation scale and Animator duration scale. Changing each from 1x to 0.5x makes supported animations finish sooner, which can make navigation feel more responsive. It does not increase processor speed or improve the phone’s actual computing performance. If you dislike the effect, restore each value to 1x.
2. Stay awake while charging
This option keeps the screen on while the device is connected to power, which can help when using a phone as a desk display or following instructions. It can increase power use and cause the display to remain visible longer than intended. Turn it off when you no longer need it.
3. Show taps for screen recordings
Show taps displays a visual indicator where you touch the screen. It can make a tutorial recording easier to follow. It does not improve touch sensitivity. Switch it off after recording if you do not want the indicators on screen.
4. Review Running services — observe, do not randomly stop
Where available, Running services shows information about active services and memory use. It is a diagnostic view, not a list of apps that should all be closed. Android manages memory and background work automatically. Do not stop unfamiliar system processes just to free RAM; doing so can interrupt features or cause instability.
5. Check Bluetooth audio codec only when troubleshooting
Developer Options may show Bluetooth audio codec controls while a compatible audio device is connected. Android and the headphones negotiate a codec supported by both devices. Manually selecting an unsupported or unstable option may have no effect or may cause audio dropouts. If sound becomes unreliable, return to the default selection or disconnect and reconnect the device.
Settings most people should leave at their defaults
6. Background process limit
For normal use, leave this at Standard limit. Restricting background processes can make apps reload more often and may interfere with multitasking, media playback or notifications. “No background processes” is intended for testing, not as a routine speed improvement.
7. USB debugging
USB debugging allows Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tools on a computer to communicate with the phone. It is useful for development and advanced troubleshooting, but most people do not need it. When a computer connects for the first time, Android normally displays an RSA fingerprint authorisation prompt; approve only a computer you trust. Do not accept prompts from an unknown computer, and turn USB debugging off when you have finished. See Google’s ADB documentation for details.
8. Mock location app
This setting lets a selected app provide simulated location data for testing. It is mainly useful to developers. Do not enable it because an unknown website or app promises rewards or account benefits. Simulated location may violate the rules of some services and can cause location-dependent apps to behave incorrectly.
9. Force GPU rendering, Disable HW overlays and Force 4x MSAA
These are specialised graphics and testing controls, not universal gaming boosters. Their effects depend on Android version, hardware and the app being used. Forcing extra graphics work can increase power consumption or reduce performance. Leave them at their defaults unless you are testing a specific app and understand how to reverse the change.
10. OEM unlocking
OEM unlocking controls whether the bootloader may be unlocked; it does not itself make the phone faster. Bootloader unlocking is an advanced operation and commonly involves a data wipe. The exact process, eligibility, security consequences and warranty implications depend on the manufacturer, carrier and region. Do not enable it casually, and back up important data before undertaking any bootloader procedure. Read your device maker’s instructions first. Google’s Android documentation on bootloader locking and unlocking explains the platform-level concepts.
What to do if a setting causes a problem
- Return to the exact setting you changed and restore its previous value.
- If you are unsure what changed, switch off individual options you recently enabled and restart the phone if needed.
- On many Android devices, switching off the main Developer options control disables most developer settings. Do not assume this resets every setting on every manufacturer build; check the device’s own guidance.
- If the phone will not start normally or you changed bootloader settings, consult the manufacturer’s support instructions rather than trying random recovery steps.
Keep a note or screenshot of the original values before experimenting. Avoid changing several settings at once; changing one at a time makes troubleshooting much easier.
Frequently asked questions
Does enabling Developer Options void my warranty?
Simply revealing the menu does not root the phone or automatically void its warranty. Warranty and support consequences depend on the device maker and the specific actions taken, especially bootloader unlocking or unofficial software modifications.
Does changing animation scale make my phone faster?
It makes animations shorter, so the interface can feel quicker. It does not make the processor faster or improve benchmark performance.
Should USB debugging stay enabled?
No. Keep it off unless you are actively using ADB or another trusted development tool. Approve computer authorisation prompts only when you recognise and trust the computer.
What is the safest background process limit?
For everyday use, keep the Standard limit. Restricting background apps can disrupt normal multitasking and app behaviour.
Can Developer Options improve gaming performance?
There is no universal gaming-performance switch in this menu. Graphics options can have different effects on different devices and may increase power use. Use the game’s own graphics settings and keep the phone cool instead.
Will turning Developer Options off reset everything?
On many devices, switching off the main control disables most developer options, but exact reset behaviour varies. If you changed a specific setting, restore it manually rather than relying on the master switch.
Why can’t I find Build number?
Manufacturers place it in different locations, often under About phone → Software information. Search Settings for “Build number” if you cannot find it.
Is OEM unlocking the same as USB debugging?
No. USB debugging enables ADB communication with an authorised computer. OEM unlocking permits the bootloader-unlock process on supported devices. They serve different purposes and have different risks.
Final advice
For most users, the only change worth trying is reducing animation scales to 0.5x. Stay Awake and Show taps are useful for specific tasks. Leave debugging, background-process, graphics and bootloader controls at their defaults unless you have a clear technical reason to change them. Android settings differ across devices, so verify the menu and risks against your manufacturer’s documentation.
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