How to enable Developer options on Android

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Developer options is a hidden menu with settings for testing apps. Ordinary users sometimes need it for USB debugging, for faster animations or to follow a repair guide. Most of its switches should be left alone.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Open Settings and tap About phone

   It is at the bottom of the Settings list.

   Done

2. Find Build number

   On a Pixel it is at the bottom of About phone. On a Samsung phone tap Software information first.

   Done

3. Tap Build number seven times

   After a few taps a countdown appears. Enter your PIN if the phone asks. At the end you see You are now a developer!

   Done

4. Go back and open Developer options

   Go back to the previous screen. Developer options is a new entry near the bottom. On recent Pixel versions it is under Settings, System.

   Done

5. Change only what you came for

   For example USB debugging, which lets a computer with Android's developer tools talk to the phone over a cable.

   Done

Good to know

To switch everything off again, use the main switch at the top of the Developer options page.

Leave USB debugging off when you do not need it. With it on, a computer that the phone has trusted can read and change data on the phone.

Some banking apps refuse to run while Developer options is on. Switch it off if an app complains.

In short: Settings, About phone, tap Build number seven times. The menu appears under System.