How to Enable Hidden Developer Options in Android 14/15 (Step-by-Step 2025 Guide)
Developer Options in Android 14/15 unlock many powerful tools such as USB debugging, animation scaling, advanced Bluetooth settings, OEM unlocking, background process limits, and hidden performance features. These options are normally hidden by default, but enabling them is very easy. In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn how to enable Developer Options on any Android 14 or Android 15 device safely, along with the benefits, risks, and best settings to use for improved performance and customization.
Table of Contents
- What Are Developer Options?
- Why Enable Developer Options?
- How to Enable Developer Options in Android 14/15
- Best Developer Options Settings to Use
- Risks of Enabling Developer Options
- How to Disable Developer Options
- Final Thoughts
What Are Developer Options?
Developer Options are a set of advanced settings built into Android that give users access to deeper system controls. These features are mainly designed for developers, but everyday users also use them to improve performance, enable USB debugging, tweak animations, test apps, unlock bootloaders, and customize system behavior.
Because these settings can affect system stability, Android 14/15 keeps them hidden by default to avoid accidental changes.
Why Should You Enable Developer Options?
Here are some benefits of enabling Developer Options on Android 14 or Android 15:
- Enable USB Debugging for app development or using ADB commands.
- Reduce animation scale to make your phone feel faster.
- Force peak refresh rate for smoother display performance.
- Enable OEM Unlocking for bootloader unlocking (advanced users).
- Improve Bluetooth audio quality with custom codecs.
- Limit background processes to increase battery backup.
- Test apps and features like mock locations or GPU rendering.
These features give you full control over your Android device’s performance and behavior.
How to Enable Developer Options in Android 14/15
Follow these steps carefully to unlock Developer Options on any Android 14 or Android 15 smartphone (Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Pixel, Vivo, Oppo, etc.).
Step 1: Open Settings
Unlock your phone and open the Settings app from the app drawer or notification panel.
Step 2: Go to About Phone
Scroll down and tap on About Phone. The location may vary slightly depending on brand, but it is usually at the bottom of the Settings list.
Step 3: Find Build Number or Software Version
Inside About Phone, locate:
- Build Number (Pixel, OnePlus, Realme, Xiaomi)
- Software Version (Samsung)
Step 4: Tap Build Number 7 Times
Tap the Build Number or Software Version seven times continuously. You will be asked to enter your lock screen PIN or password.
After verification, you will see a message:
“You are now a developer!”
Step 5: Developer Options Are Now Enabled
Go back to Settings. Now scroll down to find the new menu:
Settings → System → Developer Options
In Samsung devices:
Settings → Developer Options (visible directly under Settings)
Best Developer Options Settings You Should Use
1. USB Debugging
Allows PC connection for ADB commands, app testing, and file transfer.
2. Animation Scale (Speed Up Your Phone)
Go to:
Window animation scale Transition animation scale Animator duration scale
Set all to 0.5x or Off for a faster feel.
3. Force Peak Refresh Rate
Makes the display always run at its highest Hz (90Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz).
4. Bluetooth Audio Codec
Change SBC to AAC, aptX, or LDAC for better sound quality.
5. Background Process Limit
Reduce apps running in the background to save battery life.
6. USB Configuration
Set default mode to: File Transfer / MTP
7. OEM Unlocking
Required if you want to unlock the bootloader (advanced users only).
8. Show Refresh Rate
Useful for testing screen performance and gaming stability.
Risks of Enabling Developer Options
Even though Developer Options are safe when used correctly, some settings can cause problems.
- Changing OEM unlocking may void warranty.
- Modifying animation scale excessively may cause UI glitches.
- Forcing peak refresh rate may reduce battery life.
- ADB commands can modify system files if misused.
If you do not understand a setting, do not change it.
How to Disable Developer Options
If you no longer need Developer Options, you can hide them again.
Method 1: Toggle It Off
Go to Settings → System → Developer Options and switch the toggle button OFF.
Method 2: Clear Settings Data (Resets All Settings)
Go to:
Settings → Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear Data
This will remove Developer Options but also reset other system preferences.
Final Thoughts
Enabling Developer Options in Android 14/15 unlocks powerful features that help you improve performance, test apps, customize animations, and access advanced tools like USB debugging and OEM unlocking. Whether you're a developer, power user, gamer, or regular Android user, these settings offer better control over your device.
Just follow the steps carefully, avoid experimental options, and your Android smartphone will become faster, more customizable, and more efficient in 2025.