Developer options provide tools and settings, helping developers profile and debug app performance. They are generally very helpful but it is usually hidden by default in most Android devices. Note that these tools might not be the advantage of the average user and thus should be used by those familiar with app development. Developer options are highly beneficial for app developers and advanced users alike, as they help with USB debugging, mock locations, force GPU rendering, app development, performance optimization, and show GPU view updates.
They are generally considered safe to use as long as the users are responsible for the features. Along with several benefits, there are certain potential risks associated with it. They include security vulnerabilities, warranty voiding, and accidental misconfigurations. Several Developer options are available depending on the version of the Andriod that the device is running. This article shall explain more about how to get Developer options on Android phones. So, keep reading.
Different Developer options available for Android phones
The different types of Developer options available on Android include:
- USB Debugging: This Developer option allows the device to communicate with a computer through USB, which is used for app debugging, file transfers, and more. It makes it easy to connect the phone to a computer.
- Show Touches: When you touch it, Show Touches displays visual feedback on the screen.
- Pointer Location: It helps show the exact coordinates of the screen taps.
- Mock Locations: Mock Locations simulate the phone’s GPS location to test location-based apps.
- Stay Awake: It helps keep the screen on while charging, which is useful for testing.
- Background Process Limit: Background Process Limit can control how many apps can run in the background.
- Drawing Stats on Screen: This option can visualize the performance of the device’s CPU and GPU.
- Animation Scales: Animation scales, including Window, transition, and Animator Duration can help adjust the speed of system animations.
- Force 4xMSAA: It enhances the graphics quality by enabling multi-sample anti-aliasing.
- OEM Unlocking: This option allows the bootloader to unlock custom ROMs.
How to get Developer options on Android phones?
Enabling Developer options on Android phones (Android 10 and later) is easy and you can do the following steps:
- Firstly, open the Settings.
- Click ‘About phone’ or ‘About device’.
- Select the ‘Build number’ or ‘Software information’.
- Then, select the Build number seven times.
- A message will appear once you are close to enabling the mode.
- Lastly, enter your pattern, password, or PIN to enable the menu, if you have a lock screen set.
- The Developer options menu will appear in the Settings menu.
This Developer option on Android can configure system behaviors that help one profile and debug the app performance. For example, one can capture a bug report, enable debugging over USB, flash window surfaces when they update, enable visual feedback for taps, and use the GPU for 2D graphics rendering.
The Developer options are available by default on Android 4.1 and lower and on Android 4.2 and higher, one must enable this screen. One should be aware that in some devices, the Developer options screen might be named or located differently. To enable Developer options, one must find the Build number option in the settings. However, the location of the build number can vary according to the device.
- Google Pixel- go to Settings, then About phone, and you will find the Build number.
- OnePlus 5T and later- Open Settings, then you find About phone, and you will get the Build number.
- Samsung Galaxy S8 and later- Go to Settings, then About phone, and click on Software information where you will find the Build number.
- HTC U11 and later- Open Settings and then About phone. There you will find Software info, where you can get the Build number.
- LG G6 and later- Head to Settings and then About Phone where you can find Software info which has the Build number.
To enable Developer options for Android 9 (Pie) and earlier, go to the settings and scroll down to select ‘About phone’. Then, tap ‘Build number’ seven times and you will see a message saying ‘You are now a developer’. As for the last step, go to Settings again and scroll down to select the Developer options. An alternative method to enable Developer options is to search for ‘Developer options’ in Settings and if not found check ‘About phone’ or ‘System’.
After enabling the Developer options you can expect new Settings and options to appear. Also, USB debugging will be enabled, OEM unlocking (if available), advanced reboot options, Mock location, and other testing tools will be available. Some important things to remember while using Developer options are that do it at your own risk and be cautious while using advanced settings. Some features may void your warranty, so look out for that. Also, disable Developer options when not needed. If you face issues like the Developer options disappearing, re-enable them. Other things to consider include checking device documentation for specific instructions and contacting manufacturer support for assistance.
Also Read: How To Use Your Android Phone As A Webcam In Windows 11?
Conclusion
Developer options provide several benefits, such as improved performance, customization, development tools, real-time monitoring, rooting and custom ROMs, and gaming performance monitoring. The features of Developer options like USB debugging can help test and debug applications and make them more efficient. Enabling Developer options gives one access to advanced options that let them personalize the desktop environment or modify system behaviors.
Even though they are very beneficial, especially for app developers and advanced users, average users, or those unfamiliar with app development should not use them as there are risks associated with it. Some of the risks include security vulnerabilities, warranty voiding, and accidental misconfigurations. Each version of the Andriod has its Developer options. To enable them on Android phones open Settings and click ‘About phone’ or ‘About device’. Then, Tap on the ‘Build number’ or ‘Software information’ and click the Build number seven times. A message will appear once you are close to enabling the mode and then the Developer options menu will appear in the Settings menu.
On Android 4.1 and lower, the Developer options will be available by default, and on Android 4.2 and higher, one must enable them. Once you enable the Developer options, you will be able to notice new settings, USB debugging, OEM unlocking (if available), advanced reboot options, testing tools, and much more. The main benefit of Developer options is that they allow USB debugging, making it easier to connect the phone to the computer and transfer files. Its other features include Show Touches, Pointer Location, Mock Location, Stay Awake, Background Process Limit, Animation scales, Drawing Stats on Screen, Force 4xMSAA, and OEM Unlocking.
