Android is one of the most widely used mobile operating systems globally. It offers a plethora of features and customization options for its users. Android Developer Options is one of the most powerful tools that offer an extensive list of advanced settings for developers and power users. With these options, you can tweak your Android device to optimize its performance and enhance the overall user experience.

How to Access Developer Options in Android

Accessing Developer Options on an Android device is a simple process. However, the process may vary slightly depending on the Android version and device manufacturer. Here are the general steps to access Developer Options on most Android devices:

• Open the Settings app on your Android device.
• Scroll down to the bottom of the settings menu and tap on “About phone” or “About device.”
• Look for the “Build number” or “Software information” option and tap on it seven times in quick succession.
• You should see a message indicating that you have enabled Developer Options.

• Go back to the main settings menu and look for the “Developer options” or “Developer settings” option.
• Tap on it to access the Developer Options menu.

That’s it! You can now explore and tweak various settings to optimize your device’s performance and customize your user experience. Remember to be careful while making changes to these settings, as some of them can affect your device’s stability and performance.

The 10 Best Android Developer Options Worth Tweaking

In this article, we will explore the 10 best Android Developer Options worth tweaking that can take your device’s performance to the next level.

1. Stay Awake

The “Stay Awake” option is a feature available in the Developer Options menu on Android devices. It allows you to prevent your device from going to sleep while it is charging. When enabled, your device’s screen will remain on even if it is not being used, as long as it is connected to a power source.

The “Stay Awake” option can be helpful in situations where you want to use your device as a media player or when you need to keep your device awake for an extended period, such as during software updates. However, it is important to note that keeping your device’s screen on for an extended period can drain its battery faster.

To enable the “Stay Awake” option, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone/device.”
3. Look for “Build number” or “Software information” and tap on it several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer options.”
5. Scroll down and find the “Stay awake” option.
6. Tap the toggle switch next to it to turn it on.

Once you have enabled the “Stay Awake” option, your device’s screen will stay on as long as it is charging. To turn it off, simply toggle the switch back to the off position in the Developer Options menu.

2. OEM Unlocking

The “OEM unlocking” option is a feature available in the Developer Options menu on Android devices that allows you to unlock the bootloader of your device. The bootloader is a program that runs when you turn on your device and initializes the Android operating system. By default, the bootloader is locked, which prevents you from installing custom ROMs or modifying the system files on your device.

Enabling the “OEM unlocking” option is a necessary step if you want to unlock the bootloader on your device. However, it’s important to note that unlocking the bootloader can void your device’s warranty and may cause security issues, so proceed with caution.

To enable the “OEM unlocking” option, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone/device.”
3. Look for “Build number” or “Software information” and tap on it several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer options.”
5. Scroll down and find the “OEM unlocking” option.
6. Tap the toggle switch next to it to turn it on.

Once you have enabled the “OEM unlocking” option, you can proceed with unlocking the bootloader on your device. The specific process for unlocking the bootloader varies depending on the device manufacturer and model, so be sure to research the steps for your specific device before proceeding.

3. Running Services

The “Running services” option is a feature available in the Developer Options menu on Android devices that allows you to view and manage the background services running on your device. These services are the programs that run in the background to keep your device running smoothly and perform tasks like receiving push notifications or syncing data with cloud services.

By monitoring the running services, you can identify which apps are using the most resources and potentially causing performance issues or draining your device’s battery. You can also use this feature to stop or disable services that you don’t need or want running in the background.

To access the “Running services” option, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone/device.”
3. Look for “Build number” or “Software information” and tap on it several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer options.”
5. Scroll down and find the “Running services” option.
6. Tap on it to access the list of services running on your device.

From here, you can view the list of running services, including the name of the app or service, its description, and the amount of memory and CPU usage. You can also stop a service by tapping on it and selecting “Stop” or “Force stop.” However, it’s important to note that stopping a service may cause the app or feature associated with it to stop working properly, so use this feature with caution.

Overall, the “Running services” option can be a useful tool for optimizing the performance and battery life of your Android device by identifying and stopping unnecessary background services.

4. USB Debugging

The “USB debugging” option is a feature available in the Developer Options menu on Android devices that allows you to connect your device to a computer and debug apps and software using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool.

When enabled, the USB debugging feature allows your device to communicate with a computer through a USB cable while also giving the computer access to advanced debugging tools for your device. This is particularly useful for developers who want to test and debug their apps on a physical device, as well as for advanced users who want to modify their device’s system files or install custom ROMs.

To enable the “USB debugging” option, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone/device.”
3. Look for “Build number” or “Software information” and tap on it several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer options.”
5. Scroll down and find the “USB debugging” option.
6. Tap the toggle switch next to it to turn it on.

Once you have enabled USB debugging, you can connect your device to a computer using a USB cable and use the ADB tool to perform advanced debugging and development tasks. However, it’s important to note that enabling USB debugging also exposes your device to potential security risks, so make sure to only enable it when necessary and with trusted devices.

5. Feature Flags

Feature flags, also known as feature toggles, are a development technique that allows developers to toggle the availability of a feature or functionality on or off, without the need for a code change or deployment.

Using feature flags can provide many benefits to the development process, including:

1. Controlled release: Developers can gradually roll out a new feature to a subset of users or groups, allowing them to test and gather feedback before releasing it to the wider audience.
2. Risk mitigation: Developers can quickly disable a feature if issues or bugs are detected, rather than needing to roll back the entire deployment.
3. Customization: Developers can customize features for specific users or groups based on their needs or preferences, rather than having a one-size-fits-all approach.
4. Continuous deployment: Feature flags can be used to deploy features in small increments, reducing the risk of a large-scale deployment failure.

Feature flags can be implemented using various techniques, such as conditional statements in the code, configuration files, or third-party services. Once a feature flag is implemented, developers can toggle the flag on or off using a dashboard or command line interface, without the need for a code change or deployment.

However, it’s important to note that feature flags can add complexity to the codebase and should be used judiciously. Too many feature flags can lead to confusion and technical debt, and managing them can become a burden. Developers should consider the trade-offs and carefully design their feature flag strategy to ensure that it provides the intended benefits without introducing unnecessary complexity.

6. Force Peak Refresh Rate

“Force Peak Refresh Rate” is a feature available in the Developer Options menu on some Android devices that allows you to force your device’s display to run at its maximum refresh rate.

The refresh rate is the number of times per second that a display updates the image on the screen. Most Android devices have a default refresh rate of 60Hz, which means the screen updates 60 times per second. However, some newer devices have higher refresh rates, such as 90Hz or 120Hz, which can provide a smoother and more responsive user experience.

Enabling “Force Peak Refresh Rate” in the Developer Options menu can force your device to run at its maximum refresh rate all the time, even when the screen is not displaying content that requires it. This can provide a more consistent experience across all apps and interfaces, but it may also drain your device’s battery faster than using the default refresh rate.

To enable “Force Peak Refresh Rate,” follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone/device.”
3. Look for “Build number” or “Software information” and tap on it several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer options.”
5. Scroll down and find the “Force Peak Refresh Rate” option.
6. Tap the toggle switch next to it to turn it on.

Once you have enabled “Force Peak Refresh Rate,” your device’s display will run at its maximum refresh rate all the time, regardless of the content being displayed. To disable this feature, simply toggle the switch off in the Developer Options menu.

It’s important to note that not all Android devices have the “Force Peak Refresh Rate” option in the Developer Options menu, and the available refresh rates may vary between devices. Additionally, using a higher refresh rate can also increase the demand on your device’s CPU and GPU, which may affect performance and battery life.

7. Mobile Data Always Active

“Mobile Data Always Active” is a feature available in the Developer Options menu on some Android devices that allows you to keep your device’s mobile data connection active at all times, even when the device is in sleep mode or the screen is turned off.

By default, when your device is in sleep mode or the screen is turned off, Android may automatically turn off the mobile data connection to conserve battery life. However, enabling “Mobile Data Always Active” can prevent this from happening, ensuring that your device remains connected to the internet at all times.

To enable “Mobile Data Always Active,” follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone/device.”
3. Look for “Build number” or “Software information” and tap on it several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer options.”
5. Scroll down and find the “Mobile Data Always Active” option.
6. Tap the toggle switch next to it to turn it on.

Once you have enabled “Mobile Data Always Active,” your device’s mobile data connection will remain active at all times, even when the device is in sleep mode or the screen is turned off. This can be useful if you need to receive notifications or messages in real-time, or if you need to maintain a constant internet connection for other reasons.

However, it’s important to note that keeping the mobile data connection active at all times can also drain your device’s battery faster than normal. Additionally, enabling this feature may also increase your data usage, as your device will be constantly connected to the internet. Therefore, it’s recommended to use this feature judiciously and with consideration for your device’s battery life and data usage.

8. Default USB Configuration

The “Default USB Configuration” setting is available in the Developer Options menu on Android devices, and it allows you to set the default USB behavior when you connect your device to a computer or other USB device.

When you connect your Android device to a computer or USB device, a notification usually pops up on the screen asking you to select the desired USB mode. This can be used to select from various options such as charging only, file transfer (MTP), USB tethering, MIDI, and more.

With the “Default USB Configuration” setting, you can select the default USB mode that will be automatically selected when you connect your device to a computer or USB device. This can save you time by eliminating the need to manually select a mode every time you connect your device.

To set the default USB configuration, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone/device.”
3. Look for “Build number” or “Software information” and tap on it several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer options.”
5. Scroll down and find the “Default USB Configuration” option.
6. Tap on it to see the available options, such as “Charging only”, “File transfer (MTP)”, “USB tethering”, and others.
7. Tap on the desired option to select it as the default USB mode.

Once you have set the default USB configuration, your device will automatically use that mode when you connect it to a computer or USB device. If you want to use a different mode, you can always manually select it from the notification that appears when you connect the device.

It’s worth noting that the available USB modes and their names may vary depending on the Android device and the version of the operating system that it’s running. Additionally, some USB modes may require additional drivers or software to be installed on the connected computer or USB device.

9. Disable Absolute Volume

“Disable Absolute Volume” is a feature available in the Developer Options menu on some Android devices that can help improve the audio experience when using Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

By default, Android uses a feature called “Absolute Volume” to synchronize the volume levels between your Android device and Bluetooth headphones or speakers. This means that when you adjust the volume on your Android device, it also adjusts the volume level on the Bluetooth device. While this can be convenient, it can also result in reduced audio quality due to compression and other factors.

Enabling “Disable Absolute Volume” allows you to bypass the Absolute Volume feature and adjust the volume levels on your Android device and Bluetooth device independently. This can help improve the audio quality and avoid issues such as distorted or low-quality sound.

To enable “Disable Absolute Volume,” follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone/device.”
3. Look for “Build number” or “Software information” and tap on it several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer options.”
5. Scroll down and find the “Disable Absolute Volume” option.
6. Tap the toggle switch next to it to turn it on.

Once you have enabled “Disable Absolute Volume,” you can adjust the volume levels on your Android device and Bluetooth device independently. However, keep in mind that some Bluetooth devices may not be compatible with this feature, and it may cause issues such as reduced battery life or connectivity problems.

It’s also worth noting that the “Disable Absolute Volume” feature may not be available on all Android devices or versions of the operating system. Additionally, some users may prefer to use the Absolute Volume feature for convenience, so it’s recommended to try both options and see which one works best for your needs.

10. Show Taps and Pointer Location

“Show taps and pointer location” is a developer option available on Android devices that displays a visual overlay on the screen to show the location of your taps and the position of your finger on the screen. This can be useful for developers and advanced users who want to analyze the touch input and behavior of their apps or the operating system.

To enable “Show taps and pointer location,” follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone/device.”
3. Look for “Build number” or “Software information” and tap on it several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer options.”
5. Scroll down and find the “Show taps” option.
6. Tap the toggle switch next to it to turn it on.

Once you have enabled “Show taps,” a visual overlay will appear on the screen whenever you touch it, indicating the location of your taps and the position of your finger. This can help you see how your app or the operating system is responding to touch input and identify any issues or areas for improvement.

In addition to “Show taps,” you can also enable the “Pointer location” option, which displays the coordinates of your finger on the screen. This can be useful for developers who need to measure and analyze the exact position of touch input or screen elements.

To enable “Pointer location,” follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “System” or “About phone/device.”
3. Look for “Build number” or “Software information” and tap on it several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer options.”
5. Scroll down and find the “Pointer location” option.
6. Tap the toggle switch next to it to turn it on.

Once you have enabled “Pointer location,” a small text box will appear on the screen displaying the X and Y coordinates of your finger. You can use this information to measure the position of touch input or screen elements, or to debug issues related to touch input.

It’s worth noting that enabling “Show taps and pointer location” can impact the performance and battery life of your device, as it requires additional processing and graphical rendering. Therefore, it’s recommended to use these features only when needed and to disable them when you’re done.

Conclusion:

Android Developer Options is a powerful tool that can help you optimize your device’s performance and enhance your overall user experience. By tweaking these options, you can customize your device to suit your specific needs and preferences. However, be careful while making changes to these settings, as they can affect your device’s stability and performance. We hope this article has given you insights into the best Android Developer Options worth tweaking.