Android is a great operating system that is developing at a very rapid pace. Now every second smartphone is running Android. However, do you know all its hidden features? Do you make full use of it? As for a smartphone like the Google Pixel 5, it, like the rest of the Android smartphones, offers many useful features. One of these features is the developer mode.
Developer mode on Android tablets and phones adds a set of special features to the device settings intended for developers but sometimes demanded by ordinary device users (for example, to enable USB debugging and subsequent data recovery, install custom recovers, record screen with ADB shell commands and other purposes).
Google created the Pixel line as its answer to flagships from other companies, both from Apple and from those who use Android. So, if you’re an owner of Google Pixel 5 and want to know how to access developer mode on your smartphone, here’s what you can do.
What does the developer mode mean on Android
Developer mode on Android is a special set of features that are inactive and hidden by default. Once activated, it gives access to a set of auxiliary settings and features. Among them: additional items for working with the hardware and software of the smartphone, tools for debugging, logging, reporting, device diagnostics, etc.
In most cases, the functions of the developer mode are of little interest to the average user, as they’re intended primarily for professionals: programmers, firmware developers, app developers, and service center technicians. However, sometimes they need to use the developer mode that arises from the average user. It’s impossible to do without turning to the functions hidden in this section when it’s necessary to enable USB debugging, enable bootloader unlocking or show touch screen taps (for example, to record screencasts).
The developer options may differ on different devices because some of the features may be modified by the firmware from a particular phone manufacturer. However, the bulk of the options is the same on all smartphones running the Android operating system.
How to access developer options on Google Pixel 5
If you want to access developer options on your Google Pixel 5, you have to follow these steps:
- First of all, go the main menu on your mobile device.
- After that, open the “Settings” app.
- Go to the “About phone” section and tap on it.
- Now tap on the build number until you become a developer.
- Then, navigate to the “System” section and select “Advanced”.
- Finally, choose the “Developer options” tab.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be able to access developer options on your Google Pixel 5.
What is USB debugging on an Android phone
Debugging is an option, often reserved for Android developers, that gives you access to the root folders of your Google Pixel 5. This corresponds to direct command lines for apps. Debugging gives you access to ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tools. For example, ADB allows you to create a bridge between your computer and your Android. You will be able to deactivate the Android command line or change the app. Be careful, manipulating debugging over USB is dangerous from a security point of view, but also for the proper functioning of your Android. And especially the manufacturers of your Google Pixel 5 will be able to void your warranty if your OS has been changed.
How to enable USB debugging on your Google Pixel 5
To be able to set up USB debugging on your Google Pixel 5, you need to access your Google Pixel 5 settings. Feel free to write down the build version number elsewhere. Simply because the day your phone is locked, you won’t be able to access the settings or even unlock your phone.
So, if you want to enable USB debugging on your Google Pixel 5, you have to follow these steps:
- Open the settings menu of your Google Pixel 5.
- Go to the “About phone” section and tap on it.
- After that, find the Android version number and tap on it 7 times in a row.
- Finally, go to developer options and enable USB debug mode.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be able to enable USB debugging on your Google Pixel 5.
