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Enabling Developer Options & USB Debugging

Before NearMirror can connect to your Android device, USB Debugging must be turned on. This setting lives inside Developer Options, which is hidden by default on all Android devices.

This page walks you through enabling both, with instructions for every major manufacturer.

Step 1 — Unlock Developer Options​

Developer Options is unlocked by tapping the Build number entry in Settings a specific number of times.

Stock Android (Google Pixel)​

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap About phone
  3. Tap Build number seven times
  4. Enter your PIN or password if prompted
  5. You will see the message "You are now a developer!"

Developer Options now appears under Settings → System → Developer options.

Samsung (One UI)​

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap About phone
  3. Tap Software information
  4. Tap Build number seven times
  5. Enter your PIN or pattern if prompted

Developer Options now appears under Settings → Developer options (directly under Settings, not under System).

Xiaomi / MIUI / HyperOS​

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap About phone
  3. Tap MIUI version (or HyperOS version) seven times
  4. Enter your password if prompted

Developer Options now appears under Settings → Additional settings → Developer options.

caution

Xiaomi devices also have a USB Debugging (Security settings) toggle in Developer Options that must be enabled separately from the standard USB Debugging switch. Enable both.

OnePlus / OxygenOS​

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap About device
  3. Tap Version information
  4. Tap Build number seven times

Developer Options now appears under Settings → System → Developer options.

Oppo / ColorOS / Realme​

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap About phone
  3. Tap Version (or Build number depending on version)
  4. Tap it seven times

Developer Options now appears under Settings → Additional settings → Developer options.

Huawei / EMUI​

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap About phone
  3. Tap Build number seven times

Developer Options now appears under Settings → System & updates → Developer options.

note

On some Huawei devices running EMUI 5 and earlier, the path is Settings → About phone → Build number.

Motorola​

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap About phone
  3. Tap Build number seven times

Developer Options now appears under Settings → System → Developer options.

Step 2 — Enable USB Debugging​

Once Developer Options is unlocked:

  1. Open Settings → Developer options (use the path for your device from above)
  2. Scroll down to find USB Debugging
  3. Toggle it on
  4. Tap OK on the confirmation dialog
tip

If you ever reset Developer Options or do a factory reset, you will need to repeat both steps above.

Step 3 — Authorise your computer​

The first time you connect your device to a computer with USB Debugging enabled, Android shows a prompt:

Allow USB debugging? The computer's RSA key fingerprint is: …

Tap Allow. Check Always allow from this computer to skip this prompt in future.

If you don't see this prompt, try unlocking your device screen before plugging in the cable.

Troubleshooting​

Device doesn't appear in NearMirror after connecting​

  • Make sure USB Debugging is enabled (re-check the toggle in Developer Options)
  • Try a different USB cable — many cables are charge-only and do not carry data
  • Try a different USB port on your computer
  • Unlock your device screen and look for the Allow USB debugging? prompt
  • On Windows, you may need to install the USB driver for your device — check your manufacturer's website

Device shows as "unauthorized"​

This means your computer has not been approved. On the device, go to Settings → Developer options → Revoke USB debugging authorizations, then reconnect and tap Allow on the new prompt.

Device appears and disappears repeatedly​

This is usually a faulty cable or a USB hub causing power fluctuations. Connect directly to a USB port on your computer and try a different cable.

USB Debugging toggle is greyed out​

This can happen if your device is managed by an organisation (work/school device). Contact your IT administrator, as they may need to allow it through their device management policy.