Last Updated on September 21, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Samsung Galaxy S7 EdgeThe Developer Options menu is available for every Android operating system. Google keeps the menu hidden by default — and there is no exact explanation why they have chosen to do that.

We assume they do not want to inundate ordinary people with information overload when they just want a smartphone that works. There is also the chance they decided to give people who are interested in the technical side of operating systems something fun to do. Whatever the reason, the Developer Options menu has been hidden since Android 4.2 and is still a hidden menu that needs unlocking for many smartphones and tablets.

Here’s what you need to unlock the Developer Options menu that comes with your Android software and then enable the USB Debugging mode that is available from within that same Developer Options menu.

What can you do from the Developer Options menu?

Process Stats

Ever wondered what your devices RAM memory usage was? Those who are interested in technology a bit might already know RAM as the kind of memory that increases your device performance if you have a good deal of it under the hood. Once you start using a high percentage of your total allocated RAM, things start to slow down and your personal experience on your device will suffer. The Process stats show you how much RAM your device is using and is one of the main features of the Developer Options menu.

GPU rendering

One of the things that helps improve the design of our Android operating systems as time goes by is the extra graphical detail that goes into the work. It’s no fluke that everything starts looks easier on the eye with the latest versions of Android like Android Lollipop. The problem with graphics is that they take away from the performance. It’s usually not a huge deal as Android developers make everything work seamlessly for the most part. However, apps can have a mind of their own since they are largely cared for by their independent developers. The GPU rendering option inside the Developer Options menu can really help fix any sluggish apps.

USB Debugging Mode

The USB Debugging Mode is a mode you must put your devices in if you are going to flash files with the Odin flashing tool, or use ADB and issue adb commands. You won’t get far into customizing your device using a computer without the USB Debugging Mode enabled first.

How to Unlock the Developer Options Menu

  1. Turn on the smartphone, phablet or tablet of your choice.
  2. Tap on the Menu button.
  3. Tap on the Settings option.
  4. Tap on the About Device option.
  5. Tap where it shows you the Build Number (firmware) a minimum of 7 times.
  6. The Android operating systems will now let you know how many turns you have left to tap before the Developer Options menu is enabled.
    Continue tapping until it is complete.

How to Enable the USB Debugging Mode

  1. You should now find there is anew menu called Developer Options from your Settings — that’s what you just enabled.
  2. Tap on the Menu button.
  3. Tap on the Settings option.
  4. Tap on the Developer Options menu.
  5. Tap on the USB Debugging Mode and it will enable the mode.
  6. Navigate out of the Developer Options menu and it will remember your preferences.

In conclusion, that is how you unlock the Developer Options and enable the USB Debugging Mode for most Android devices. You should have no worries completing your guides.